Living crazy days

But I love it; no time for anything else.

The ministry now has five (5) websites

  1. Here, of course, is the Franciscans of the Eucharist (TOFE): https://franciscanseucharist.com
  2. Also, the Franciscans of the Immaculate (TOFI): https://franciscansimmaculate.org
  3. A little while ago, we started the African Bible Academy: https://bibleacademy.africa
  4. And recently, one that I have worked on since 1993, helping those who endure Mental Health Challenges, in-prison and out-of-prison individuals and those people with substance abuse, the Wholeness Chaplaincy at https://wholenesschaplaincy.org
  5. The last one is our new AFRICA website here: https:/ericmichelministries.com

If I am not with you, I am on one of these nine (9) places, when not with Marie...

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Countdown to the Beatification of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen


Fulton John Sheen (born Peter John Sheen; May 8, 1895 – December 9, 1979) was an American Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Rochester from 1966 to 1969. He was known for his preaching, especially on television and radio.

Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria in Illinois in 1919, Sheen quickly became a renowned theologian, earning the Cardinal Mercier Prize for International Philosophy in 1923. He later taught theology and philosophy at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He served as a parish priest before he was appointed an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of New York in 1951. He held this position until 1966, when he was made Bishop of Rochester. He resigned in 1969 as his 75th birthday approached and was made archbishop of the titular see of Newport (a diocese in Wales).

For 20 years as “Father Sheen”, later monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before he moved to television and presented Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen’s final presenting role was the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968), with a format very similar to the earlier Life Is Worth Living show. For that work, Sheen won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Starting in 2009, his shows were being rebroadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network’s Church Channel cable networks. His contribution to televised preaching resulted in Sheen often being called one of the first televangelists.

The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that he lived a life of “heroic virtue”, a major step towards beatification, and he is now referred to as venerable. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis approved a reputed miracle through Sheen’s intercession, clearing the way for his beatification. Sheen was scheduled to be beatified in Peoria on December 21, 2019, but this was postponed after Bishop Salvatore Matano of Rochester expressed concern that Sheen’s alleged assignment of a priest who had been the subject of a 1963 sexual misconduct case might be cited unfavourably in a forthcoming report from the New York Attorney General. The Diocese of Peoria countered that the priest had been assigned not by Sheen but by his successor, and that Sheen had been “exonerated” following thorough examination of the matter, having “never put children in harm’s way”. In March 2026, it was announced that his beatification would occur on September 24, 2026, in St. Louis, presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.


BOOK

“It is really not so important what we say to God; it is important what He says to us.”

– Venerable Fulton J. Sheen

Email from the Champion’s Shrine

Hi Br. Eric,

One thing I’d love to mention for any future promotions you choose to do for us on your blog is the spelling of Adele Brice’s name. Adele’s last name has been recorded in multiple ways throughout her life, such as Brise on her legal records and family’s gravestones, Brice on her gravestone and in Belgium, and Bryce in some early writings. While these variations can all refer to Adele, the Bishop of Green Bay and the National Shrine have selected “Brice” to be its official spelling, which is the name that appears on her gravestone.

Thanks much & God bless,

Our Lady of Champion, Pray for Us, 

Ashley Ebben

Communications Specialist

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion

4047 Chapel Drive

Champion, WI 54229

(O) 920.866.2571 ext. 110

www.championshrine.org


The problem with AI


This is my new Facebook cover  (https://www.facebook.com/jem.gagnon.3/). I have a note on our website, but it is not on Facebook, that says: Image Authenticity & Digital Enhancement Notice. Some images on this website are based on real photographs and have been respectfully enhanced using modern digital tools, including artificial intelligence.

In certain cases, backgrounds or lighting have been adjusted or recreated to reflect meaningful spiritual or liturgical settings. These enhancements are intended to better convey the mission, atmosphere, and devotional life of the ministry, while remaining faithful to the original subject.

No images are intended to mislead or present events that did not occur. Rather, they serve as visual representations of real persons, real vocations, and the spiritual identity of this apostolate.

We believe that truth is not diminished by beauty, and that sacred art, whether traditional or digitally assisted, can elevate the heart and mind toward God.

Today, AI enhance this picture:


The problem with AI (ChatGPT & Gemini) is that they have a mind of their own and change the image and video as well. Note the difference in my badge number: 119282 instead of 118282, and also the wallpaper of the cell (you saw that picture on Facebook) for our 12th anniversary in ministry, which was changed to “Congratulations to the Chaplain on the 25th Anniversary!” My anniversary, if it is, I’m three times that amount, and I’m only 15 years as chaplain.

No one pointed it out, but in my two videos, watch closely: my alb changes colour, and I speak perfect English, while in reality I have a huge French accent.



Here, that is OK; it changes titles and info to avoid copyright issues.

I’d like to hear your comments on this also

Brother Eric

Calling Inclusive Christian Leaders in South Africa: Join Us as an Elder-Founding Partner

Eric Michel Ministries International
222 Smit Street
Braamfontein
Johannesburg
2000
South Africa

Eric Michel Ministries International is expanding into South Africa, and we are seeking four mature, dedicated Elder-Founding Partners to help plant our sacramental, Independent Catholic movement in Johannesburg and beyond.

We are an autocephalous, inclusive movement grounded in the Catholic Tradition and affirming the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. We fully embrace the ordination of women, affirm the LGBTQ+ community, and welcome those who have experienced divorce or exclusion from mainstream liturgical churches due to gender, sexuality, race, or theology.

Role Overview

As an Elder-Founding Partner, you will serve as a fiduciary founding member and spiritual leader under the direction of the Archbishop, playing a central role in governing, shepherding, and growing the local congregation.

  • Position Status: Full-Time
  • Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Governance: Voluntary Association (Common-Law Constitution)
  • Reports To: The Archbishop

Key Requirements & Investment

  • Community Grounding: You must have a baseline of at least 20 supportive followers to ensure active engagement.
  • Documentation: Certified copy of South African ID (must be independent office-bearers not closely related to other founders).
  • Financial Contribution: Elders contribute to the operational startup capital. A full launch budget is estimated at R20,000 (divided into 5 equal shares of R3,992.66 / ~$346 CAD per partner). Note: Security deposits for leases/equipment are held separately in trust as collateral and do not count as capital contributions.
  • Spiritual Commitment: Active Christian walk, commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and demonstrated leadership skills in past congregational life.

Because a security deposit is a separate amount held in trust/escrow as performance collateral rather than a partner capital contribution, its exact cost depends entirely on the commercial terms you negotiate with landlords and equipment suppliers.

Typical Security Deposit Estimates in South Africa (ZAR)

  • Venue Rental Deposit: Landlords typically require 1 to 2 months’ rent upfront as a refundable deposit. For a modest community hall or venue in Johannesburg, the cost usually ranges from R2,000 to R10,000.
  • AV / Equipment Rental Deposit: Rental companies generally charge a flat, refundable damage deposit ranging from R1,000 to R3,000 (or a small percentage of the total equipment replacement value).
  • Estimated Total Range: Expect to hold approximately R3,000 to R13,000 in trust or escrow to cover venue and equipment security deposits.

Because this money serves as collateral for damages or a default, it remains the property of the ministry or its partners until it is returned at the end of the partnership contract, provided all contract terms are fulfilled.

Core Responsibilities

  • Pastoral & Shepherding: Oversee an assigned “flock” of members, offer spiritual support, visit the homebound with communion, and monitor congregational care.
  • Sacramental Leadership: Prepare communion meditations, offer prayers, preside at the communion table as congregation representative, and assist or lead services in the Pastor’s absence.
  • Governance & Education: Attend monthly Elders’ meetings, participate in retreats/workshops, lead Christian education classes, and counsel leadership on spiritual growth.

How to Apply

If you have been searching for an inclusive, sacramental home where you can serve the poorest of the poor and lead a vibrant community, we want to hear from you.\

📩 Contact Us: Reach out via direct message at emmi@ericmichelministries.org or at african.harvestime@gmail.com

About Africa


Africa is the world’s second-largest continent, covering over 30 million square kilometers with a population of nearly 1.4 billion people.

Geography and Size

Land Area: Covers about 20% of Earth’s total land area.Population: Possesses the youngest median age of any continent.

Population: Possesses the youngest median age of any continent.

Natural Wealth: Holds massive global reserves of natural resources, including major shares of the world’s gold, diamond, coltan, and cobalt reserves.History and Kingdoms

History and Kingdoms

Human Origins: Widely recognized as the cradle of humankind, with anatomically modern humans emerging on the continent over 200,000 years ago.

Ancient Empires: Home to advanced historical civilizations and powerful trading kingdoms prior to colonization, such as the Mali Empire, the Kingdom of Aksum, and Great Zimbabwe.

Major Environmental Initiatives

Great Green Wall: A sprawling African-led initiative aiming to restore 247 million acres of degraded land across the Sahel region by 2030 to combat desertification and create green jobs.

Cultural and Natural Significance

Cradle of Humankind: Fossil evidence shows that human development began in Africa, making it the deep ancestral home for all people.

Rich Diversity: The continent contains more than 2,000 distinct languages and vibrant traditions spanning from the Mediterranean coast to the Cape of Good Hope.

Global Connection: The phrase “Africa is home” is a powerful theme in the diaspora, music (such as the classic highlife track by Ghanaian musician Joe Mensah), and modern movements advocating for a borderless continent.

Did you know? Africa is home to over 2000 languages.

Fire Station Brownsburg – Chatham (and St André)

Caserne #1


Caserne #40


Brownsburg-Chatham transferred operations to the new consolidated fire station (Caserne no. 40 at 535/541 rue des Érables) around late 2025 or early 2026.

New Address: 535 rue des Érables, Brownsburg-Chatham, QC

Timeline: Construction began following the provincial funding announcement in mid-2024, with the new station active and hosting events (such as blood drives) by early 2026.

Facilities: Features an 8-door garage, decontamination areas, training spaces, and full-time staff quarters.

Notice the Number station #1 became station #40 and Saint André d’Argenteuil became station #60

In Saint-André-d’Argenteuil, the recent modernization of fire services involved transitioning from the old facility, Caserne 600 (formerly at 10, rue de la Mairie), to a brand-new $4.5-million central facility. With the grand opening of the new facility at 35 rue de la Gare, the station was officially renumbered and renamed Caserne 60.

The Transition: The municipality shut down the aging Caserne 600 and its annex to consolidate operations into a single state-of-the-art facility.

The New Caserne 60: Features 5 garage doors, specialized decontamination areas, and emergency training spaces designed to improve regional response times and meet Quebec’s updated risk-coverage standards.

Regional Context: This shift aligns with ongoing optimization studies across the Eastern MRC d’Argenteuil (including Lachute and Brownsburg-Chatham) to streamline regional mutual aid and strategic resources without reducing overall firefighter counts.

Fire protection in the region is managed independently by local municipalities (such as Lachute, Brownsburg-Chatham, and Saint-André-d’Argenteuil) under regional risk coverage plans rather than a single unified MRC fire department.

Recent Changes: Municipalities in the eastern part of the MRC have collaborated on strategic operational studies, facilitated by Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, to share resources, while individual stations retain their local identities and equipment.


Partnership Proposal – African Harvestime Bible Academy & MuCaBI



Partnership Proposal: Faith-Based Youth Leadership & Educational Advancement in Nigeria

Is it possible to form a partnership?

Open discussions day two

Between:
Nicodemus Samson Beska, Executive Director, Mulapnen Capacity Building Initiative (MCBI), Jos, Nigeria

And

Eric Michel Ministries International and the ministry African Harvestime Bible Academy (AHBA) Leadership Team, Johannesburg, South Africa.

To follow

  • Curriculum Localization
  • Resource Allocation
  • Accountability and Governance

Paul and Barnabas / Silas / Timothy: Paul travelled and planted churches with co-workers. Paul explicitly calls Titus his “partner and co-worker” (2 Corinthians 8:23).

In the Bible, partnership means people working together with shared goals, mutual support, and a common mission under God. The main Greek word used is koinonia, which translates to fellowship, sharing, or joint participation. Rather than a basic business contract, biblical partnership is a relational bond rooted in faith and love.

The Core Four C’s Framework

  • Calling: Knowing and doing what God has uniquely purposed and assigned you to do.
  • Character: Living with moral integrity, personal holiness, and a lifestyle that is above reproach.
  • Competence: Effectively managing the practical, spiritual, and relational skills required for ministry.
  • Capacity / Confidence: Having the emotional resilience, spiritual maturity, and capacity to handle pressure and lead people well