Referring to:

New Website Posted on 2026-06-26 by Archbishop
https://franciscanseucharist.com/new-website/

Google Nightmare

I thought that was a good move, creating a site on sites.google.com through Google Workplace. I fought for two weeks to have the domain name thirdorderfranciscans.org attached to it, but I gave up from June 24 until July 3, ten days trying to make it work, even with Google Workplace Support. I should remember that I went through that nightmare when Google decided to stop selling domain names. So, to solve this, short and sweet: I transfered the pages to www.mesfc.com. So for now on the site MESFC is split in three:

• The Fellowship
• A short French version of this site
• And the International for the Interdenominational Assembly of Churches Association Ministry (IAoC)

Have a blessed day!

A new website keeps me busy, and I do not have time for my other tasks, especially when I spend a lot of time struggling with computer software that blocks my information. I have website names I used in the past that are not due for renewal yet. When the renewal date comes, I often ignore it, and if I do not pay, everything is cancelled.

I needed a website for our new Group, EMMI-IAoC Ministries (FACEBOOK), as well as for Google Groups & Classroom. I previously hosted my websites on site.google.com after being ripped off by Yahoo hosting, and today I switched to WordPress for our sites.

So the domain (website name) thirdorderfranciscans.org is still mine and hasn’t expired yet, so I would like to use it with my new site, which is at https://sites.google.com/franciscanseucharist.ca/emminter for now. I entered all the info to get that name tag on the website, but it keeps showing an error that it’s already in use elsewhere. It says it can take 48 hours to 7 days to work properly.

The new site for the Interdenominational Assembly of Churches Association Ministry is mainly for our Catholic partners, but we are open to any Christian churches or para-churches. If you are a bishop, priest, or community leader faithfully serving in Latin America, Africa, or Asia, are you passionate about building strong, self-sustaining local churches even with limited resources?
We understand your commitment. Many of you lead vibrant faith communities, sometimes in the most challenging environments, without institutional funding and with little outside support. Your resilience inspires us.
That’s why we’re launching a brand new, FREE Facebook group dedicated to real solutions for real leaders: The Community Fellowship Resilience & Capacity Building Program.
What You’ll Get:
✅ Simple administrative toolkits (for finances, ledgers, records)
✅ Community asset mapping (micro-cooperatives, gardens, skill-sharing)
✅ Weekly leadership frameworks (youth mentoring, outreach)
✅ Global network of independent leaders to share ideas and encouragement
What We Don’t Offer:
🚫 No financial grants or building funds
🚫 No immigration assistance
🚫 No false promises—just practical support and tools
Our mission is to help you build a truly independent, thriving church using organization, strategy, and partnership, not temporary handouts. All guides and modules are designed for low-data use right here on Facebook.
Ready to build something lasting with us?

The site has only eleven (11) pages, but I have so many documents from 2017 to now that I need to sort them and post the ones that are still valid for 2026 and after. It is included in the Google Workspace package, so I use it, and one day we will just have to type www.thirdorderfranciscans.org to get on it.

God Bless

Peace and all good!

Every person needs to request a prayer for many reasons. Here on this site, you can pray, pray for others, and make prayer requests. Prayer is not only for Christians; it is part of all religions. You can’t imagine how powerful it is.

• The Rosary
• The Cenacle

According to our class at the Footsteps of Jesus Seminary and Bible Academy, we teach that consecrating the communion hosts must be done during a mandatory Mass.

Holy Dishes and Eucharist

It is absolutely mandatory. In the Catholic Church, communion hosts cannot be consecrated outside of a Mass.  

According to Catholic theology and Canon Law (specifically Canon 927), it is strictly forbidden to consecrate the bread or the wine outside of the full Eucharistic celebration. The Church views the sacrifice of the Mass as one complete, inseparable act of worship.  

Here is exactly why the rules are so strict, along with how the Church handles the logistics:

1. The Divine Rule of Both Species
A priest cannot simply say the words of consecration over a basket of bread on its own. For a consecration to be valid, both the bread (Host) and the wine (Chalice) must be consecrated together during the same Mass.  

This layout mirrors the Last Supper and represents Christ’s sacrifice. Consecrating one without the other, or doing it outside of Mass, is considered a very grave violation of Church law.  

2. What About Communion Services?
You might sometimes attend a “Communion Service” at a parish or hospital where there is no Mass, yet people still receive Holy Communion.

In those scenarios, no consecration is happening. The hosts being distributed were already consecrated at a previous Mass and kept safely inside the church’s tabernacle (the locked box near the altar) specifically for later use.

3. What Happens If a Priest Runs Out of Hosts?
If a priest is celebrating Mass and realizes mid-way through distributing Communion that he doesn’t have enough hosts for everyone, he still cannot stop and quickly consecrate more on the spot. He has to either:

Break the remaining consecrated hosts into smaller pieces so everyone gets a sliver.

Bring out extra pre-consecrated hosts from the tabernacle.

If the tabernacle is completely empty and he runs out, those who didn’t receive can make a “Spiritual Communion” instead. The priest must wait until his next scheduled Mass to consecrate a new supply.

A Note on Who Can Consecrate: Only a validly ordained priest or bishop has the faculty to consecrate the Eucharist. Deacons, lay extraordinary ministers, and regular individuals cannot consecrate hosts under any circumstances.

While communion hosts are tightly bound to the action of the Mass, the rules for the altar and holy dishes (the chalice and paten) are a bit different because they are objects, not bread and wine turning into the Body and Blood of Christ.

The Church uses different vocabulary and separate rituals for them.

1. The Altar: It Is “Dedicated,” Not Consecrated

Under modern Catholic Church law, a permanent church altar is Dedicated (though historically people used the word consecrated).

• Must it happen during a Mass? Yes. The “Order of the Dedication of an Altar” is an incredibly beautiful, solemn ceremony that must take place during a Mass.
• The Ritual: During this specific Mass, the bishop rubs holy Chrism oil directly onto the bare stone or wood of the altar structure, burns incense on top of it, dresses it in white linens, and lights candles. Only after these specific steps are finished does the Mass continue into the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
• Who can do it? Only a Bishop can dedicate a permanent altar (though in rare emergencies, he can give a priest special permission).

Note: If a parish uses a “movable” altar (one not bolted to the floor), it doesn’t receive a full dedication; it simply receives a formal blessing, which a priest can confer outside of Mass. In our case at the Chapel, the Altar is on wheels.

2. The Holy Dishes: They Are “Blessed”

The sacred vessels—specifically the chalice (the cup) and the paten (the small plate that holds the priest’s large host) receive a formal blessing before they can be used.

• Must it happen during a Mass? No. Unlike the hosts or a fixed altar, a chalice and paten can be blessed outside of a Mass.
• The Ritual: There is a specific rite in the Church’s liturgical books called the “Blessing of a Chalice and Paten.” It involves special prayers and anointing the inside of the cup with holy oil, but it can be done on a random Tuesday afternoon in a quiet church if necessary.
• Who can do it? Traditionally, this was reserved for a bishop, but modern church rules allow the parish priest (or the church rector) to bless these vessels.

Summary of the Rules

• See Communion in both kinds
• Holy Dishes
• Eucharist

Holy Rosary

Holy Rosary brings a fully interactive, step-by-step Rosary prayer guide to Mary

See on the virtual rosary exactly where you are

Use the prayer wall for your intentions

PRAY THE MYSTERIES

The Rosary: Come and Pray with us page

Holy Dishes used at the Manse’s Chapel

Catholic holy dishes (sacred vessels) are specialized containers used during Holy Mass to hold the Eucharist, which represents the Body and Blood of Christ. Key vessels include the Chalice (for wine), Paten (plate for hosts), and Ciborium (bowl for hosts). They are typically made of or lined with precious metals like gold to signify their sacred purpose.

Essential Sacred Vessels (Mass Items)

• Chalice: The cup holding the wine that becomes the Blood of Christ. 3 & 9
• Paten: A small, round metal plate designed to hold the large altar host. 6
• Ciborium: A bowl-like vessel with a lid, used to hold the hosts that become the Body of Christ for communion. 2 & 9
• Pyx: A small container used for transporting the Eucharist to the sick. 7
• Cruets: The small vessels holding the water and wine used during Mass. 4
• Lavabo Bowl: The dish used for the priest to wash his hands during the Lavabo

Commonly Used Materials

• Gold-plated Brass: Often preferred for durability and tradition.
• Silver/Gold Plating: Frequently used on copper or brass bases.
• Glass

Sacramental

Sacramental bread, also called Communion bread, Communion wafer, Sacred host, Eucharistic bread, the Lamb or simply the host (Latin: hostia, lit. ’sacrificial victim’), is the bread used in the Christian ritual of the Eucharist and the body of Christ. Along with sacramental wine, it is one of two elements of the Eucharist. The bread may be either leavened or unleavened, depending on tradition.

Catholic theology generally teaches that at the Words of Institution, the substance of the bread is changed into the Body of Christ, a process known as transubstantiation. Conversely, Eastern Christian theology generally views the epiclesis as the point at which the change occurs.

A host is a portion of bread used for Holy Communion in many Christian churches. In Western Christianity, the host is often thin, round, unleavened hosts.

Catholic unleavened hosts of differing sizes
In the Roman Rite, unleavened bread is used as in the Jewish Passover or Feast of Unleavened Bread. The Code of Canon Law requires that hosts be made only from wheat flour and water, and be freshly made so that there is no danger of spoiling.

Hosts are often run by nuns to support their religious communities. However, in New Zealand, the St Vincent de Paul Society employs individuals with intellectual disabilities to bake, cut out, and sort bread, thereby providing paid employment to those who would not otherwise have that option.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal §321 recommends that “the eucharistic bread be made in such a way that the priest at Mass with a congregation is able in practice to break it into parts for distribution to at least some of the faithful. The action of the fraction (breaking of bread), which gave its name to the Eucharist in apostolic times, will bring out more clearly the force and importance of the sign of unity of all in the one bread, and of the sign of charity by the fact that the one bread is distributed among the brothers and sisters.”

A monstrance is a sacred vessel used in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions to display the consecrated Eucharistic host during Eucharistic adoration. Derived from the Latin word monstrare (“to show”), it consists of several key parts.

The parts of a monstrance, from top to bottom, include:

• The Cross / Crown: The very top is usually surmounted by a cross, symbolizing Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
• The Sunburst (or Glory): The central housing, usually designed to look like radiating rays of the sun or a star, symbolizing the divine light of Christ.
• The Luna (or Lunette): A small, crescent-shaped clip or a circular glass-sided container that directly holds and secures the Host in an upright position. The Luna sits right behind the monstrance’s glass center. The Glass Case: The circular, transparent window (often a glass cylinder) in the center of the sunburst that allows the Host to be visible for public veneration.
• The Node: An ornamental knob located in the middle of the stem that allows a priest or deacon to safely grip and hold the vessel.The Stem: The long middle section that elevates the sunburst above the base. (not existing on our monstrance)
• The Base (or Foot): The wide, often ornate foundation that stabilizes the heavy

Also see humeral veil

In the Catholic tradition, at the moment of consecration, the elements (called “gifts” for liturgical purposes) are transformed (literally transubstantiated) into the body and blood of Christ. Catholic doctrine holds that the elements are not only spiritually transformed, but are (substantially) transformed into the body and blood of Christ. Although the elements retain the appearance, or accidents, of bread and wine, they become the body and blood of Christ. The presence of Jesus Christ, God, in the Eucharist is known as the doctrine of the Corporal Presence within the Roman Catholic Magisterium. The Corporeal Presence is believed to be real (in Latin: realiter) and of the whole (totaliter) Christ, in Body, Soul and Spirit. The name “Corporeal Presence” concerns the Corporal reserved to the chalice, paten and the ciborium during the Holy Mass.

Monstrances are usually elaborate in design; the priest carries most of them. Others may be much larger fixed constructions, typically for displaying the host in a special side chapel, often called the “Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament”. For portable designs, the preferred form is a sunburst on a stand, usually topped by a cross.

On May 28th, I posted Today at the Manse: New Frames, but the wall itself was not finished. Today, a week later, I completed it.

Preambule

On March 3rd and 4th, 2012, I attended training at the Pastoral Professional Training Academy to become a pastor-celebrant for weddings. During lunch, as we walked to a restaurant, I spoke with the founder and director, Reverend Michel Beaumier, about chaplaincy. He asked me, “Why don’t you have your own?”

Our Story

On May 11th, Reverend Marie Arnold left Halifax County by train to join me in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. Since there is no train to Trois-Rivières, she arrived the next day by bus from Montreal. From that moment, we began building both our love story and our ministry; the two have always gone hand in hand.

Before Marie arrived, I had already begun laying the foundation for what would become Eric Michel Ministry and Chaplaincy. It took us two years to develop the organization, culminating in the corporation’s registration on May 14, 2014. It was then renamed Eric Michel Ministries International and expanded to include five members in the USA.

Marie and I shared a common goal: to share our love and the love of Christ by helping others through the Chaplaincy. The ministry has grown beyond a simple chaplaincy, especially after the creation of an interdenominational partnership at our Synod in June 2017, in response to a request from rural churches of other Christian denominations. Our aim is to equip small churches with tools to spread the word of our Lord Jesus. EMMI’s mission includes international and domestic missions, theological education, advocacy for religious liberty, the production of literature for pastors and church workers, and the infrastructure necessary to support these cooperative efforts. Specifically, the association was established “to provide a general organization for Christians in Canada and to promote Christian missions at home and abroad, as well as other objectives such as Christian education, charitable initiatives, and social services that advance the Kingdom of God.” The Interdenominational Assembly of Churches Organization is a voluntary association of self-governing churches that partners with Eric Michel Ministries International and is committed to Christian reconciliation and unity. This partnership includes the African United Methodist Church of Malawi, represented by Rev. Xaviour Sebastian Chikwatu; the Pentecostal Church of Andhra Pradesh in India, represented by Pastor Philip Kumar; and the Evangelical Christian Church in Uganda, represented by Pastor David Kisaame.

Unfortunately, Eric Michel Ministries International does not provide financial support to individuals, other organizations, or political parties, as it is not part of our mandate. We also do not preach, give sermons, or travel to other countries; instead, we have partners who represent us in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Cameroon, Congo, India, Nepal, the USA, and Canada.

The Right Reverend Marie Yvonne held several important roles:
1. The Co-Founder of the Chaplaincy of Eric Michel Ministries International and New Hope Ministry and Missions
2. President of the House of Bishops and Chief Chaplain
3. Co-Founder of the Interdenominational Assembly of Churches (Churches and Para-Churches association)

Today, the Emeritus Right Reverend Marie has been ill and bedridden for 19 months.

Archbishop, President Bishop Elected
Metropolitan Archbishop of Cameroon
Chaplaincy Commander.
Religious Name: Michel de Notre-Dame
Also known as JEM GAGNON
Founder and Exec Director of Eric Michel Ministries International
Abbott of the EMMI Third Order of Franciscans of the Eucharist
Abbot of the EMMI Third Order of Franciscans of the Most Holy Rosary
Abbott of the EMMI Third Order Benedictins
Peace and All Good

• Act of Catholic Ecclesial Alignment
• Apostolic Mission and Juridiction Charter
• Coat of Arms
• Decree Establishing the Official Seal and Instruments of Authority
• Decree of Primatial and Episcopal Authority
• Decretum de Statu Eclclesiastico, Primatu et Auctoritate
• FONDATION
• Founder and Servant in Christ
• Founder’s Chronicle
• Let it be known that
• Brother Eric Michel Roman Catholic Ecclesial Affiliations 

Beliefs EMMI NEW LIFE CATHOLIC MINISTRY

 ✠ **Beliefs about Church Leadership and Authority**  

We respect the Pope as an influential leader and teacher within the Church, though we recognize that our beliefs and personal perspectives on faith and morality may sometimes differ from his. The Pope holds significant authority in matters of doctrine and spiritual guidance, but individual conscience also plays a vital role in our faith journey.

 ✠ **Beliefs about Birth Control**  

We view decisions about birth control as personal and private, best made by couples based on their own informed consciences. We do not consider the use of artificial contraception, even within marriage, to be inherently sinful.

 ✠ **Beliefs about Divorce**  

While we acknowledge that divorce can be deeply painful, we do not see it as an unforgivable offence. We support the full inclusion of divorced individuals in the life and sacraments of the Church, and we believe the Church should recognize the reality of divorce among its members.

 ✠ **Beliefs about Lay Participation**  

We believe that lay members should have a voice in the Church’s governance and that clergy ought to be accountable to the wider community. Though bishops have significant responsibilities, laypeople should also participate in the Church’s administrative decisions.

 ✠ **Beliefs about the Priesthood**  

We support the idea that priests should have the option to marry if they choose. We also do not believe that celibacy should be a mandatory requirement for ordination.

 ✠ **Beliefs about Other Christian Churches**  

We view non-Catholic Christian communities as sincere expressions of faith with their own rich traditions. We do not believe these communities are defective or that their members are spiritually endangered because of their differences from the Catholic Church.

**Beliefs about Holy Communion** We believe that Holy Communion during Mass should be open to all Christians who approach with sincere faith, regardless of denominational affiliation or beliefs about papal infallibility. We do not support restricting access to Communion only to Catholics or those who fully accept the Pope’s authority.

 ✠ **Beliefs about Sexuality**  

We affirm that sexual intimacy ideally belongs within marriage, but we do not believe that committed, mature adults in loving relationships are automatically guilty of sin if their relationship exists outside of marriage. We also do not accept that all premarital sex is necessarily a grave or mortal sin.

 ✠ **Beliefs about LGBTQ Individuals**  

We recognize gay and lesbian people as valuable members of the faith community and reject the idea that their sexual orientation is “disordered.” Regardless of our personal understanding, we uphold their dignity and worth.

The Orders of EMMI are dispersed, ecumenical Catholic (Roman, Orthodox, Anglican) communities, similar to the older Third Order model, under which most members live their everyday lives in the world. You may be male or female, married, partnered or single, clergy or lay. There is no discrimination of any sort, except for the requirement of being at least 18 years of age.

Its purpose is to provide a canonical structure for those who wish to follow a Franciscan or Benedictine lifestyle without requiring them to travel great distances to become members. Everything can be done at a local level by one’s own pastor or another delegated person. We do not live with other members.

The life style is founded on a common rule at the heart of which is the promise to live in the spirit of poverty chastity and obedience and to strive for and seek to foster and uphold Peace, Justice, Ecology, absence of discrimination, care for those less privileged, loyalty to one’s own denomination or expression of Christianity, simplicity of living, personal conversion, prayerfulness, devotion and discipleship to the Incarnate Christ, Minority, Community, love peace and joy. Such is the promise of the Order. Members must formulate a personal interpretation of the common Rule that is harmonious with and fitting to their Christian tradition and life situation.

The Rule provides a structured daily routine. Many elements are based on the legacy of earlier Franciscan or Benedictine communities, which were Roman Catholic or Anglican/Episcopalian. We are ecumenical Catholics, and there is ample scope to adapt practices to the specific needs of individuals by substituting those that are in harmony with their Faith. Membership costs nothing, though you have to pay for your own necessities. These may include books, a cross, and an approved habit.

We do not use the Inquiry and Candidacy novitiate; instead, you make temporary vows for a set period, which are renewed annually. This is a time to integrate into the community and prepare for a more permanent commitment. Permanent Vows: After the period of temporary vows, you can make your permanent vows, which are a lifetime commitment to live the gospel life according to the Order’s Rule. The Orders of EMMI consist of diverse ecumenical Catholic communities, including Roman, Orthodox, and Anglican members, resembling the traditional Third Order model. Members lead their everyday lives in the world and can be male or female, single, married, or partnered, and include both clergy and laypeople. The only requirement for membership is that individuals must be at least 18 years old.

The primary purpose of the Orders is to offer a structured framework for those wishing to embrace a Franciscan or Benedictine way of life without the necessity of travelling long distances for membership. All activities can be conducted locally with the support of one’s pastor or another appointed representative. Living arrangements do not require members to live together.

The lifestyle is built upon a common rule that emphasizes a commitment to the virtues of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Members are encouraged to promote and embody Peace, Justice, Ecological stewardship, non-discrimination, support for those less advantaged, loyalty to their own Christian denomination, simplicity, personal growth in Faith, devotion, and discipleship to Christ. Each member is expected to interpret the common Rule in a way that aligns harmoniously with their individual Christian tradition and life circumstances.

The Rule provides a structured daily routine, drawing on earlier Franciscan and Benedictine communities that were predominantly Roman Catholic or Anglican/Episcopalian. As ecumenical Catholics, we promote adaptability to fit individuals’ specific needs while ensuring adherence to their Faith. Membership is without cost, although individuals are responsible for their own necessities, such as books, a cross, or an approved habit.

Our community does not follow the traditional phases of Inquiry, Candidacy, or Novitiate. Instead, members make temporary vows for a designated period, which may be renewed annually. This time is meant for integration into the community and preparation for a more enduring commitment. After fulfilling the temporary vows, members can take permanent vows, which signify a lifelong dedication to living according to the Order’s Rule.

The vows essential to the Order of EMMI were recently published on our website, outlining the commitments all friars must undertake. The process leading to permanent vows spans 18 months to 2 years, followed by at least 3 years of temporary vows before taking final vows. This journey involves several stages, allowing members to fully adapt to the Order’s way of life.

Is this an official Order? Yes, it operates under the protection of an autocephalous Chaplaincy Ministry within the historic apostolic succession.

Once individuals are fully informed of the Order’s obligations, they are formally invested with the Habit. They may choose new names in honour of Saints or other significant aspects of their Faith. The Metropolitan Archbishop is known within the community as Brother Michel of Notre Dame or Brother Michel. During the clothing ceremony, novices receive the EMMI habit, which signifies their commitment, including the Tau or a Cross, along with a suitable version of the Greater Habit as per their chosen Order.

The Rule and Constitution of the Orders of EMMI serve as foundational documents that guide our community’s life and mission. The Rule outlines the collective Christian life we strive to embody, while the Constitution delineates our communal fellowship. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of our identity and the principles through which we engage with the Catholic tradition. For any inquiries or further information, please feel free to reach out to us.

The seven vows were published on our website yesterday, and all friars need to take them. The time it takes to make permanent vows in our Third Order timeline involves a minimum of 18 months and up to two years, followed by temporary vows for at least three years before making final vows. The overall process is lengthy, involving multiple stages of formation.

The time it takes to make permanent vows in our Third Order timeline involves a minimum of 18 months and up to two years, followed by temporary vows for at least three years before making final vows. The overall process is long, involving multiple stages of adaptation to our Third Order way.

Is it an official Order?

It is established under the protection of an autocephalous Chaplaincy Ministry in the historic apostolic succession.

After being fully advised concerning the duties of the Order, they are clothed, i.e., invested with the Habit, and may ask to be given new names by which they are to be known in the Order (selected in honour of the Saints or some mystery of the Faith). The Metropolitan Archbishop is called Brother Michel of Notre Dame or Brother Michel in the community. At clothing, the novice will be invested in the EMMI habit, which is the Tau or a Cross, and be invested in a preferred variation of the Greater Habit according to the Order of choice.

The Rule and Constitution of the Orders of EMMI serve as the guiding documents for our community’s life and mission. The Rule outlines how we, as brothers and sisters, strive to live out the Christian life, and the Constitution guides how we, as a community, will live out our fellowship with one another. These documents will provide a very detailed look at who we are and how we live out the Catholic tradition. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Prayer
Prayer serves as a powerful means of connecting with the Divine. Through sincere prayer, individuals can invite and express the attributes of Mercy, which is essential for personal spiritual growth and for fostering a compassionate world. It serves as a channel for reflection, gratitude, and opening the heart, allowing one to manifest divine qualities in daily life. By dedicating time to prayer, we can deepen our relationship with the Divine and encourage an environment of love and understanding among others.

Mercy
The act of loving and propagating Divine Mercy involves recognizing and embodying the compassion and forgiveness that the Divine offers. It calls on individuals to extend this Mercy to others, fostering an environment of kindness and understanding. This Mercy entails actively seeking to heal and support those who are suffering, marginalized, or in need, reminding us that, by embracing Mercy, we can help transform the world into a more loving and harmonious place.

Adoration
Adoration focuses on the reverent appreciation of the Eucharistic Body of Christ, especially through the contemplation of the Blessed Sacrament. This act of worship encourages believers to pause in stillness and reflect on the sacrament’s significance in their faith. It invites a deep connection and communion with God, allowing individuals to experience profound peace and love. In moments of adoration, one can find clarity and strength, enriching their spiritual life and relationship with God.

Humility
Humility is the quality of being meek and recognizing one’s position in relation to others and to the Divine. It involves placing others’ needs before one’s own and recognizing that true strength lies in selflessness rather than pride. By cultivating humility, individuals become more receptive to learning and growing, embracing the idea of being ‘nothing’ in the pursuit of being filled with the ‘All’—the essence of the Divine. This mindset encourages a deep sense of community, fostering compassion and collaboration.

Unconditional Service
Unconditional service is the commitment to being available and responsive to others’ needs without expectation or personal gain. It involves recognizing the opportunities the universe offers for learning and growth through acts of giving. This selfless approach allows individuals to discover their purpose and express their love through action. By engaging in service, one experiences fulfillment and connection, realizing that one’s contributions are integral to the greater Work of God. The soul flourishes in service, finding meaning and joy in selflessness.

Obedience
Obedience is the act of surrendering one’s personal will to align with the Will of God. It is an essential aspect of spiritual life that requires humility, trust, and recognition of a higher purpose. By adhering to the Law of Hierarchy, individuals embrace the guidance and wisdom that come from recognizing a divine order in life. This willingness to submit to a higher authority nurtures spiritual growth and cohesion within a community or friary, while disobedience can lead to discord and spiritual suffering. Recognizing obedience as a central pillar reinforces commitment to a life dedicated to divine service and harmony.
To be meek in the way of acting and always to place others first.
To be nothing in order to be filled with the All.

The most important statement for the Old Catholic Church is the Declaration of Utrecht, issued in 1889. 

This document serves as the foundational charter of Old Catholic doctrine and polity, clearly stating their position against certain Roman Catholic dogmas that they view as innovations contrary to the ancient faith of the Church. 

Key points from the Declaration of Utrecht include:

• Adherence to the ancient Catholic faith: Old Catholics accept the ecumenical creeds (Apostles’ and Nicene) and the dogmatic decisions of the first seven ecumenical councils of the undivided Church.
• Rejection of Papal Infallibility and Universal Jurisdiction: The Declaration explicitly repudiates the First Vatican Council’s (1870) decrees concerning the Pope’s infallibility and his supreme, universal authority over all churches.
• Affirmation of the Vincentian Canon: The statement upholds the principle laid down by St. Vincent of Lérins: “We hold that which has been believed everywhere, always, and of all men; for that is truly and properly Catholic” (Id teneamus, quod ubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus creditum est; hoc est etenim vere proprieque catholicum).
• Episcopal-Synodal Governance: Authority resides in the collective body of bishops (collegiality), with significant participation of both clergy and laity in local synods, rather than a single central figure.
• Focus on Christian Unity: The Declaration expresses hope and commitment to the reunion of all Christian confessions, based on the shared faith of the ancient Church. 

The Declaration of Utrecht is fundamental because it defines the Old Catholic identity, which seeks to preserve the core Catholic tradition while rejecting later additions to dogma and the centralization of hierarchical structures. 

Saturday June 6th

To all our volunteers, don’t forget our rehearsal for the special Celebration of Corpus Christi next Saturday at 09:00. Many churches celebrated today, on June 4th, but our celebration and worship falls on the 7th according to our Liturgical calendar.

Basic Eligibility Requirements