The Old Catholic Church is the specific historical movement that rejected the 1870 First Vatican Council’s decrees on papal infallibility. In contrast, “Independent Catholic” is a broad, umbrella term encompassing any Catholic-tradition church, including Old Catholics, that operates entirely outside the authority of the Roman Catholic Church.

The relationship between the two terms can be broken down into their origins, core governance, and theology.

Core Differences

• The Movement: Old Catholics are a specific denomination founded in Europe (such as the Union of Utrecht). Independent Catholicism is a vast, loose global movement of thousands of different unaffiliated jurisdictions, microchurches, and individual priests

• Historical Timeline: The Old Catholic Church emerged in 1870, specifically in response to the dogma of Papal Infallibility. Independent Catholic churches can originate from this 1870 split, or they could be much more recent breakaways protesting Vatican II (e.g., conservative traditionalists) or progressive groups protesting modern Vatican policies.

Key Characteristics

Progressive since 2012

“Rest for peace, knowing your memory will forever be a blessing.”

Montreal shooting victim Michel Mizrahi is remembered as a devoted father and friend, and the coroner has also confirmed the identity of the other person who was killed: 34-year-old Montreal police (SPVM) officer Mohamed Lamine Benredouane.
Alleged Montreal shooter has been identified as 25-year-old Seth Scott Hatfield from Lethbridge, Alta.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

Why are you sometimes seen with epaulets showing bars or rank, and other times just a cross?

I am the founder and leader of our chaplaincy ministry. Our ranks progress similarly to firefighter ranks, from registered chaplain, senior chaplain, master chaplain, lieutenant chaplain, captain chaplain, deputy chief chaplain, chief chaplain and commander chaplain (cmdr). As the commander, I wear epaulets with five bars to show my rank. However, when I want to emphasize my role as a chaplain rather than my rank, I wear epaulets featuring a cross instead of bars.

The rank of a chaplain in a paramilitary uniform does wear ranks, but most of the time, my rank is “chaplain” period. We work like a friary where all members are brothers (or sisters), even the abbot. Now, depending on who I meet during the day or the task I am called to handle in a given situation, I need to use the weight of my position to support my statements, and then the bars apply.

PS: Yes, we do have assistants with the ranks of corporal, sergeant and master sergeant.

Note: the ranks have value only within our chaplain ministry (EMMI) and no meaning in other organizations such as the IFCC or the NACC.

Peace and lots of Good

In the Catholic tradition, communion under both kinds refers to receiving the Eucharist under both the consecrated host (the Body of Christ) and the consecrated wine (the Blood of Christ). [La communion sous les deux espèces est la réception, dans l’Église catholique romaine, de l’Eucharistie sous les deux « espèces » (c’est-à-dire le pain et le vin consacrés)].

Communion under both kinds consists of receiving both kinds (the consecrated bread and wine) of the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church. Christian denominations that adhere to the doctrine of communion under both kinds consider a Eucharist that does not include both bread and wine to be invalid, while others believe that the presence of bread and wine is preferable but not essential. In some traditions, the second element may be grape juice rather than wine.

Regarding the Eucharist as a sacrifice, communion under both kinds is an integral part of the integrity and essence of the rite and cannot be omitted without violating Christ’s precept: “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). This is implicitly mentioned by the Council of Trent (Sessions XXI, c. 1; XXII, c. 1), and the Second Vatican Council emphasized that “the dogmatic principles established by the Council of Trent remain intact.” The General Instruction of the Roman Missal specifies that the people “should share the cup when permitted. Communion is then a clearer sign of participation in the sacrifice being celebrated.”

In the early Church, communion was generally administered and received under both kinds. Paul mentions this practice in the First Epistle to the Corinthians (11:28). However, there also existed in the early Church the custom of receiving communion under only one kind in certain cases: for example, when the faithful took home a portion of the Eucharist after Sunday services and received communion during the week, or when the Eucharist was brought to the sick.

In the 20th century, Catholic liturgical reformers began to advocate for a return to communion under both kinds, drawing on Church practice before the 13th century. The issue sparked lively debate at the Second Vatican Council, culminating in a compromise. The following text was ultimately published by the bishops: “Communion under both kinds may be granted, when the bishops deem it appropriate, not only to clerics and religious, but also to the laity, in cases determined by the Apostolic See, for example, to the newly ordained at the Mass of their ordination, to the newly professed at the Mass of their religious profession, and to the newly baptized at the Mass following their baptism.” The regular use of communion under both kinds requires the bishop’s permission, but in many countries, bishops have granted general authorization to administer Holy Communion in this way. In the United States, Notre-Dame’s study of Catholic parish life showed that in 1989, slightly less than half of the parishes surveyed offered the chalice to their faithful.

Text from French Wikipedia translated by Google.

Original Time 00:02:55
Time Now: 00:01:46:26

This Video was held by YouTube, Copyright infringement

YouTube

Hi Eric Michel Ministries International,

The following claim on video Fête-Dieu / Corpus Christi @ the Manse’s Chapel has been disputed:

Video title: Fête-Dieu / Corpus Christi @ the Manse’s Chapel
Copyrighted content: Romanticismo
Claimed by: iMusician Digital AG

Reason for dispute: All non-original content is in the public domain

Fête-Dieu / Corpus Christi @ the Manse’s Chapel “PRAYER WALL”
2026/06/07

Eric Michel Ministries International
Gregorian chant, cathedral ambient, medieval church, sacred choir. Written by St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. This chant, “SING, my tongue,” is royalty-free and was used in this video.

It came from Pixabay, royalty-free music downloads
What are you allowed to do with Content?
Subject to the Prohibited Uses (see below), the Content License allows users to:

✓ Use Content for free
✓ Use Content without having to attribute the author (although giving credit is always appreciated by our community!)
✓ Modify or adapt Content into new works

My video does not infringe on anyone’s copyright.
I understand that the claimant will be able to review my video and my rationale.
I understand that filing fraudulent disputes may result in the termination of my YouTube channel.

Authorized signature: Eric Gagnon

YouTube

Hi Eric Michel Ministries International,

Good news! After reviewing your dispute, iMusician Digital AG has decided to release their copyright claim on your YouTube video.

Video title: Fête-Dieu / Corpus Christi @ the Manse’s Chapel

Thanks,
The YouTube team

Written by St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, this hymn is considered the most beautiful of Aquinas’ hymns and one of the great seven hymns of the Church. The rhythm of the Pange Lingua is said to have come down from a marching song of Caesar’s Legions: “Ecce, Caesar nunc triumphat qui subegit Gallias.” Besides the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, this hymn is also used on Holy Thursday. The last two stanzas make up the Tantum Ergo (Down in Adoration Falling) that is used at the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

SING, my tongue, the Savior’s glory,
of His flesh the mystery sing;
of the Blood, all price exceeding,
shed by our immortal King,
destined, for the world’s redemption,
from a noble womb to spring.
Of a pure and spotless Virgin
born for us on earth below,
He, as Man, with man conversing,
stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;
then He closed in solemn order
wondrously His life of woe.
On the night of that Last Supper,
seated with His chosen band,
He the Pascal victim eating,
first fulfills the Law’s command;
then as Food to His Apostles
gives Himself with His own hand.
Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature
by His word to Flesh He turns;
wine into His Blood He changes;-
what though sense no change discerns?
Only be the heart in earnest,
faith her lesson quickly learns.
Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail;
Lo! o’er ancient forms departing,
newer rites of grace prevail;
faith for all defects supplying,
where the feeble sense fail.
To the everlasting Father,
and the Son who reigns on high,
with the Holy Ghost proceeding
forth from Each eternally,
be salvation, honor, blessing,
might and endless majesty.
Amen. Alleluia.

Tantum Ergo is the last two stanzas from the Eucharistic Hymn (Pange Lingua) composed by St. Thomas Aquinas and is used at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The response and the prayer at the end are a later addition used at Benediction. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite it, and a plenary indulgence is granted to those who recite it on Holy Thursday or Corpus Christi.

DOWN in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail,
Lo! oe’r ancient forms departing
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith for all defects supplying,
Where the feeble senses fail.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son Who reigns on high
With the Holy Spirit proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honor blessing,
Might and endless majesty.
Amen
V. Thou hast given them bread from heaven (P.T. Alleluia).
R. Having within it all sweetness (P.T. Alleluia).
Let us pray: O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament left us a memorial of Thy Passion: grant, we implore Thee, that we may so venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, as always to be conscious of the fruit of Thy Redemption. Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever.
R. Amen.

The contents are copyrighted by Michael W. Martin, 1998-2026, all rights reserved. Copying is restricted to the “fair use” rules for copyrighted materials; namely, the material on my site may be used for non-profit personal & scholarly purposes. (Indeed, it is even encouraged!). Reproduction, either in part or in whole, of the texts outside the rules of “fair use” is prohibited without the expressed permission of the author.

Eric Michel Ministries International
Gregorian chant, cathedral ambient, medieval church, sacred choir. Written by St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. This chant, “SING, my tongue,” is royalty-free and was used in this video.

🌍 Calling Independent Catholic Leaders & Grassroots Ministries: Join Our Global Community Fellowship Resilience Group! 🌍

Are you 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 the wealth of 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?

1️⃣ Join our Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/emmi.iaocm/
2️⃣ Send a DM with your name, church, country, and one challenge you want to solve this month.

Let’s strengthen our ministries together and create a new future for independent Catholic leadership in the Global South.

In solidarity,
Brother Eric

“Ministry Partnership & Certification Program”
Phase 1: Digital Ministry Audit (Discovery)
Phase 2: Administrative Foundations (Church Toolkit)
Phase 3: Self-Sustainability & Community Development
Phase 4: Spiritual & Educational Support
Earn your Certificate of Completion!

To the bishops, priests, and community leaders serving faithfully in Latin America, Africa, and Asia: We see your dedication. We know that many of you are shepherdesses and shepherds leading your flocks in humble settings, worshipping in aluminum sheds, navigating limited internet access, and operating entirely independently of mainstream institutional funding.

Many ministries reach out to Western organizations asking for financial aid.

While the material needs are very real, we believe the greatest, most lasting gift we can share is not a temporary handout, but structural strength and long-term self-sustainability.

We are launching a completely free Parish Resilience & Capacity Building Program conducted entirely through Facebook.

What We Are Offering:

We will act as your remote administrative anchor. Through text-based guides and low-data modules right here on Facebook, we will collaborate with you to develop:

Administrative Toolkits: Simple systems for financial transparency, local church ledgers, and sacramental record-keeping.

Community Asset Mapping: Strategies to turn your church into a hub for local micro-cooperatives, community gardens, and skill-sharing to break the cycle of poverty.

Leadership Frameworks: Weekly planning guides for youth mentorship and local outreach.

Global Fellowship: A network connecting you with other independent leaders around the world to share solutions.

🚫 What This Program Is NOT:
We do not provide financial grants, wire transfers, or funding for physical building materials.
We do not provide visas or immigration assistance.
Our wealth is not in money; our wealth is in organization, strategy, and administrative tools.
We want to give you these tools so you can build a strong, independent, and smoothly running church that thrives on its own local resilience

📩 How to Apply:

If you are a church leader ready to roll up your sleeves and structurally transform your parish, we want to work with you.

Join our dedicated Facebook Group here: www.facebook.com/groups/emmi.iaocm/

Send us a Direct Message (DM) on this page with:

Your name and your church’s name.

Your city and country.

One main administrative challenge you want to solve this month.

Let’s build something stable together. 🕊️

Brother Eric

The Immaculate Heart of Mary (Latin: Cor Immaculatum Mariae) is a Catholic devotion which refers to the view of the interior life of Mary, her joys and sorrows, her virtues and hidden perfections, and, above all, her virginal love for God the Father, her maternal love for her son Jesus Christ, and her motherly and compassionate love for all mankind. Traditionally, the Immaculate Heart is depicted pierced with seven swords or wounds, in homage to the seven dolours of Mary and roses, usually red or white, wrapped around the heart.

The veneration of the Heart of Mary, on June 13, 2026, is analogous to the veneration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, on June 12, 2026. There are, however, differences in this analogy, as devotion to the heart of Jesus is especially directed to the “divine heart,” which is overflowing with love for humanity. In the devotion to Mary, however, the attraction is the love of her heart for Jesus and for God. Catholic church teaching states that Mary’s role as mother of humanity and veneration paid to her in this capacity “in no way obscures or diminishes the unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power”.

The second difference is the nature of the devotion itself: in the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Catholic venerates in a sense of love responding to love; in the devotion to the Heart of Mary, study and imitation hold as important a place as love. The aim of the devotion is to unite humankind to God through Mary’s heart, and this process involves the ideas of consecration and reparation.

The mysteries of the Rosary at Pray the Cenacle and Pray the Rosary with me https://franciscanseucharist.com/prayer-cenacle/ and https://franciscanseucharist.com/7497-2/

The Manse serves as both a residence and a spiritual center for the ministry, with a private chapel that seats approximately 5 people. The Manse Chapel was first created as a prayer corner for the Revd. Mary and I. As our volunteer staff grew, we expanded the chapel to occupy the entire living room. We added an Altar to what was once just a Shrine, then a prayer corner and a Chromebook for Zoom meetings. The chapel seats five comfortably but can hold up to twelve, not counting me.

The Manse Praying Wall

My Opinion Video Podcast

At the Manse, I pray the Rosary every day, only one decade; you can do the same on your own computer. You can follow the mystery on your own or ask the Rosary Rose to remember your mystery. Once you know, come to the prayer wall and pray your mystery. You can also post your prayer request on the wall.

Come and pray with us

Our Lay individuals associated with the Benedictine tradition are known as Oblates of St. Benedict rather than a traditional “third order”. As laypeople or diocesan priests, oblates affiliated with Eric Michel Ministries International to live out the values of the Rule of St. Benedict in their daily secular lives are at a dead point since the excommunication of one of our ex-members, who was named Abbot of the group, due to the vigilance of Bishop DrJulius Ochungo, whom he pointed out to us. As our Franciscan brothers, the Oblats do not live in community but incorporate Benedictine values (prayer, work, lectio divina, hospitality) into their families, workplaces, and local communities. So, is anyone to take over the task of leading our group?

Episcopal Ordination Consecration of the Very Reverend Ashley R Deutschmann 24 May 2026

✠ THE ROSARY ROSE

Features

• Easy Rose Management: Create roses with custom names, years, and starting months
• Participant Tracking: Add participants with contact information
• Monthly Calendars: Display beautiful prayer calendars
• Filtering: Filter roses by name or year
• Responsive Design: Works perfectly on mobile, tablet, and desktop
• Email Notifications: email reminders
• Multilingual: Fully translated into English and Polish