Franciscan Marianist & Teilhardist

We are a Franciscan Marianist & Teilhardist Organization that operates different ministries. Ministers and Brothers serve as chaplains in prisons, hospitals, the military, police and fire departments. Friars serving as chaplains do not live in a friary but meet regularly to pray, eat and celebrate the Eucharist. Under the Order of Franciscans of the Eucharist’s charter membership, each charter member will operate independently, maintaining their current system of disciplines and teachings. We accept the authority of the Order of Franciscans of the Eucharist over all matters of Faith and Practices. Ministers serve in sacramental ministry in addition to the many other ways a brother may, such as in religious education, teaching, administration, service to the poor, the arts, worship, counselling, and more. All friars bring their gifts and join the team of friars and lay ministers, serving for the good of the Church of Christ. We are part of the Province of Saint Mary Theotokos, North American Continent Charters. Eric Michel Ministries International Charter of Third Order of Franciscans of the Eucharist (Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada).

Eric Michel Ministries International, Missionary of Saints Francis and Clare and Mary Immaculate.

A New Life Eucharistic Community in the Anglican-Roman Catholic Tradition 2024.

While EMMI recognizes its own freedom and that of others to use different worship styles from different traditions, it nevertheless adopts, as the basis of its liturgical activity, the liturgy of the Catholic-Anglican Church

We aim to preserve the spirit of the Anglican-Catholic liturgy while making it more relevant in today’s world.

1978 Eric Michel enter in Seminary
Seminarist ordained in 1985
Deacon ordained in 1986
Ordained Minister Dec 7th, 1988
On Saturday, January 15, 2010, the Feast of the Chair of Saint Sofia of Eric Michel Ministries International (formerly Eric Michel Ministry and Chaplaincy) and St. Paul the First Hermit (also known as St. Paul of Thebes). The Board of Directors and the House of Bishops convened a meeting for the appointment and approval of the Office of Archbishop to The Most Reverend Eric M. Gagnon, as the Presiding Bishop of the Order of Eric Michel Ministries International. His appointment was approved by the EMMI Corporate Board of Directors (Elders) and Council Members (House of Bishops), and he was installed on Friday, May 6th, 2010.
As of November 30th, 2011, The Most Reverend Eric M. Gagnon was ordained Chaplain
2012 Chaplain of the International Federation of Christian Chaplains
2014 Chaplaincy Commander of the EMMI
Since July 14, 2014, he has been the archbishop-president of Eric Michel Ministries International (formerly Eric Michel Ministry & Chaplaincy). In 2020, he is the archbishop, Franciscan abbot-prior, and founder of the Order of Eric Michel Ministries International, Abbey of the Immanuel Communion of Love, The Chapel of Saint Francis of the Three Marys, and the Cathedral Priory of Thomas-Judas. He is the Archbishop and Commander of the Chaplaincy, Director of Footsteps of Jesus Seminary and Bible Academy, Canadian Harvestime Bible Academy, Archbishop of the Interdenominational Assembly of Churches Association Ministry, the Social Media Ministry, Co-Founder of New Hope Ministry and Mission (Baptist).
Eric Michel is a Marianist & Teilhardist.
2020 Member of the dispersed ecumenical Franciscan (OFS)
2022 Member of the Sanctification of Families Union of Saint Francis of Assisi (S.F.U.)
2022 EMMI as a Chart Member of the Order of the Franciscans of the Eucharist (OFE)
2022 Voluntary Chaplain of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains
2024 He is an Affiliate of the Confraternity of Penitents (CFP)
2024 Affiliate Chaplain of the Canadian Practical Chaplain Association
2024 Archbishop Member of the International Conference of Catholic and Autocephalous Bishops (I.C.C.A.B.)
The Most Reverend Eric M. Gagnon has been appointed Metropolitan Archbishop to lead the Metropolis of Cameroon on July 7, in the year of the Lord 2024.
August 1st, 2025 Announcement of full communion with The Apostolic Old Catholic Mission of Bulgaria. The Apostolic Old Catholic Mission operates independently while receiving sacramental care from Archbishop Svetoslav of the Bulgarian Old Catholic Church (BOCC), a legally registered religious institution based in Sofia (UIC 177269719).

We are Catholics who practice the Anglican (Episcopal)

rituals from the Book of Common Prayer.

Autocephaly is the status of a hierarchical Christian ministry in which the head bishop, in our case the Archbishop, does not report to any higher-ranking authority. The term is primarily used in the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches and in Anglican Churches.

ERIC MICHEL MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

Secular Franciscans Order Chaplaincy

The Secular Franciscan Order, or Ordo Franciscanus Sæcularis (OFS), is an official Order within the Catholic Church. St. Francis of Assisi established it in 1221 for laymen and women wanting to follow his way of life. Unlike religious brothers and sisters, those in secular orders do not remove themselves from the world but remain in it. Secular Franciscans meet each month in local fraternities to pray, study, worship and encourage one another in applying the distinctive Gospel spirit of St. Francis to daily life. Like Francis, we joyfully and actively take part in Christ’s mission to bring the good news of salvation to the world.

895170-5 Incorporated on 2014-07-14

You have received God’s calling. We are here to help with your ordination, training and ministerial needs. It’s a blessing opportunity. EMMI is God’s work let us know if there a way that we can help you!

We entered the ministry in 1978, as a small research group in Hull, Quebec. With the Lord’s help we have honed that ministry to a better use of his spiritual gifts and through the years we became New Life Catholic Ministry, and we understand very well of this calling.

Eric Michel Ministries International is a Community Chaplaincy composed of people who worship Christ and seek to spread His word in our country and around the world. We believe in the Bible, and we strive to live out our faith together. Our chaplaincy reflects a diverse gathering of people from all stages of life and spiritual development. We are not committed to just one race, age group, or demographic; we want to reach every person with the Gospel. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus lived and died to give us life forever.

In this way, we fundamentally address the problems people encounter, rather than simply addressing the symptoms they are currently experiencing.

In Christianity, an archbishop, via Latin archiepiscopus, is a bishop of higher rank or office; the title is borne by the leader of the denomination. Like popes, patriarchs, metropolitans, cardinal bishops, diocesan bishops, and suffragan bishops, archbishops are in the highest of the three traditional orders of bishops, priests (also called presbyters), and deacons. The archbishop is elected as chief pastor to the episcopal see in which the title of archbishop is attached. He is the chief ecumenical officer of the church, the leader and caretaker for the bishops of the synods, the chair of the Church General Assembly Symposium, and the person responsible for preparing agendas for the assembly, the Church Council and its executive committee, the House of Bishops, and the House of Elders. The Archbishop of the EMMI is elected for life, is charged with initiating policy, developing strategy and overseeing the administration of the entire church. The archbishop also serves as a figurehead and speaks on behalf of the entire church.

EMMI’s Archbishop, Eric Gagnon, was elected in 2011. The archbishop is also the head of the Chaplaincy as Commander.

Eric Michel is a Christian Catholic, born in Hull, Quebec; Father and Grandfather; French; living with my spouse, Marie, from Nova Scotia. The founder and Director of Eric Michel Ministries has a fundamental Christian faith that is open to incorporating diverse concepts into our daily religious practice, which is why we are New Life Catholic Ministry. We base our faith on One God in Trinity. We combined belief systems that incorporate Jesus, the Apostles and the founding Fathers. We aim our Conscious Evolution toward the Omega Point through the Cosmic Christ. Ordained since Dec 7, 1988, he provides spiritual services, weddings, etc. Our main tool is our Chaplaincy.

Ora et labora

The phrases “pray and work” (or “pray and labor”; Latin: ora et labora) and to work is to pray (laborare est orare) refer to the monastic practice of working and praying, generally associated with its use in the Rule of Saint Benedict that we adopted in a small part as well as the Rule of Saint Francis.

All members must fully comply with the OFS Rules, including the Articles and Statutes, and maintain peace with all.

Being consecrated to Our Lady and praying a daily Marian Consecration prayer of their choice.

Our Mission

We, the Eric Michel Ministries International New Life Catholic Franciscan Chaplaincy, envision ourselves as evangelizing Christian Communities whose mission is to respond to the integral needs of members and to integrate ourselves into the local and universal Church.

The mission of the EMMI OFS Community Chaplaincy is to build community through a range of services.

Ongoing Programs:

First Responder Chaplain Emergency Support
Prayer Chaplain, Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary, Cenacle
Road Warriors and Travellers, Motorcycle Club Chaplain
Media Missionary Chaplain
Hospital and Hospice Chaplain
Animal Ministry (Pet Chaplain)
Correctional Chaplain
Interfaith Chaplain
ONG Not-for-Profit Organization Chaplain

Goals Objectives

To respond to the material, psycho-social, cultural and spiritual needs of the members of all levels.
To develop lay ministers who are relevant today (Lay Ministries).
To develop other community programs & services.
Support people in finding meaning in life, crisis, suffering, and loss, and in clarifying their relationship to the Divine.
Provide compassionate, respectful spiritual care to people of all faiths and those of no faith.
Assist people in celebrating and ritualizing life’s cycles, including weddings and memorials.
Active participants in the world community of Christian clergy.

Functions of the chaplain, as permitted by the archbishop in accordance with the Code of Canon Law and granted by the Metropolitan Archbishop of America to the community, are as follows:

Administer baptism
-Celebrate reconciliation
-Administer confirmation to adults being prepared for marriage
Preach the word of God
Assisting at Marriages and imparting the Nuptial Blessing
-Conduct funerals
-Celebrate Worship in a cemetery and on occasion in a private home
Conduct processions and give solemn blessings and consecrations
Celebrate the most solemn celebration of the Eucharist on Sundays and holy days of obligation

Ordination & Credentialing Qualifications

Ordination is the process that we, as Christian chaplaincy and ministerial fellowship, use to recognize called and fully equipped ministers. However, not everyone comes to us fully equipped and therefore does not qualify for Ordination status. In these cases, we commission licensed ministers based on their equipment and experience levels. Commissioned, licensed, and ordained designations are recognized as clergy status and provide ministers with the legal protection needed to function.

Ranks

Commander Commanding the chaplaincy and remote locations, The Metropolitan Archbishop, the Most Reverend Eric M. Gagnon
Chief Chaplain, the Right Reverend Marie Y. Arnold
Deputy Chief
Master Commanding a ministry. The applicant must be an ordained minister and have at least 7 years of experience in their existing field of ministry. The Master Chaplain is often deployed in the field, working with victims, survivors, team members, and others.
Senior Commanding personnel. The applicant must be an ordained minister and have at least 5 years of experience in their existing field of ministry.
Junior or Registered: Performing chaplain duty, must be a legally ordained minister with at least 3 years of experience in your existing field of ministry.
Chaplaincy Student
Master Assistant Lay Member supervises 3 Senior Assistants (Minimum 357 members): Brother Cesar Abdias Melgarejo Gargate wants to work in Canada (Refused to work for us from Peru).
Senior Assistant Lay Member supervises 7 Junior Assistants (Automatic promotion to Master at 30 Members +1)
Junior Assistant Lay Member supervises 15 members’ assistants and followers (Automatic promotion to Senior at 15 Members +1) Emeya Mafuta
Assistant Lay Member
Honorary members of the Elder Comity

NB: Lay Chaplain cannot exceed a rank higher than Senior Chaplain

ALL Chaplains must be certified by a valid, recognized institution that provides in-person classes.

The Roles of the Chaplain and the Chaplain Assistant

Chaplaincy is a resource for religious organizations, schools, and community and civic groups to use in their community programs. Chaplain is a program based on “duty to God” and designed to enhance:

A personal value system

Leadership skills

Citizenship responsibilities

Career awareness

Personal fitness

The Basic Opportunity

In this capacity, you, as the chaplain, have an opportunity to be a friend to the Community and leaders and to contribute to their spiritual welfare and growth. As the chaplain, you, by virtue of your position and personality, can encourage people in their work and other aspects of their lives.

The Job Description

Provide spiritual counselling services as needed or upon request.

Provide Outreach Opportunities

Ask the responsible person to report to you any accidents, illnesses, or other problems involving members. You should become aware of situations where a pastoral call would be appropriate and beneficial. Responsible people who are in regular contact with their members are often the first to know about situations that may require pastoral attention. If a member misses several meetings, it may indicate a problem. Ask if the names of absentees are shared with you. As a chaplain, you have the opportunity to visit and identify the source of the problem; you should discuss it with the appropriate individual or committee.

Engaging Volunteers in Ministry

Opportunities to serve Eric Michel Ministries International. Please note: These are volunteer positions.

If you know someone who would be great in one of these roles, encourage them to consider it. You can nominate someone you know or offer to serve yourself.

Members serving in committees, task groups, and as representatives of Eric Michel Ministries International come from all walks of life, all parts of the country, all professions and varying theologies. They are united in their dedication and passion to strengthen and enrich the chaplaincy. They have felt a calling to serve in this way, which others have affirmed. Each of us comes from and is shaped by a wide range of cultural contexts and identities, including our racial and ethnic background, geographic location, gender identity, sexual orientation, disabilities and abilities, vocation and economic reality.

Do You Have Skills and Gifts to Serve?

Is God Calling You to Share Your Gifts by Serving as a Volunteer?

Stewardship, we have a strong need for people’s time, talent and energy.

How Can You Get Involved?

Many lives are enriched through the work of volunteers. Many organizations, including the church, could not function without the talents, time and contributions of volunteers. With many hands, the load is lighter.

Committees

The congregation’s ongoing work is carried out by several volunteer committees and groups, each of which needs both sitting members and volunteers.

Worship Committee

Sanctuary Decoration

Volunteers are needed to help decorate the Sanctuary for special occasions, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other events. This included setting up and cleaning up after any events.

The sacrament of holy communion takes place throughout the year. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the serving trays on the morning of Communion Sundays. They are also needed to collect used glasses for disposal and to wash and dry communion trays after the service. This is a job most people don’t even think about, but it is a ministry essential to our Christian worship. Servers are also required to assist in the sharing of the elements of Holy Communion.

Trustees Committee

Stewardship Committee

Works to maintain the building and grounds. Volunteers are scheduled to shovel sidewalks in winter and to cut grass and maintain flowerbeds during the summer months.

Mission Outreach Committee

Choir Committee

Fellowship Committee

Following the service coffee hour is held. This is an important time to meet in a social setting with members of the congregation. This requires volunteers to prepare and set up.

Ushers and Greeters Committee

Do you enjoy meeting new people? You may want to consider serving as an usher or greeter. Our ushers and greeters provide a warm welcome and distribute bulletins to all who attend Sunday worship.

Minister in biblical studies, church history and/or Christian theology:

Demonstrated ability to interpret theological perspectives and provide insights as to how they affect the church.

Good relational skills.

Some Experience in ecumenical and interfaith contexts.

High degree of effective written and oral communication skills with the ability to articulate the vision and theology of the Eric Michel Ministries International with a predisposition to listen, hear and model openness to other ideas; Experience articulating complex issues, concisely and compassionately to diverse groups.

Serving on committees and task groups or as a representative of the Eric Michel Ministries International is an active participant in a pastoral charge or ministry of Eric Michel Ministries International. Must be passionately committed to the mission of Eric Michel Ministries International, willing to work for God, and possess skills and some experience in a particular area. Membership is required to serve on a committee as a representative of the Eric Michel Ministries International Staff.

To Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume to:

Human Resources

E-mail: ofs@ericmichelministries.org

The Academic Research in Christian Theology and Apologetics Teaching Methods (Research, Theology and Teaching Ministry (RTTM))

Footsteps of Jesus Seminary and Bible Academy
Canadian Harvestime Bible Academy

Eric Michel Ministries International, under Research, Theology and Teaching Ministry and New Hope Ministry and Missions, provides an online Christian Study for future ministers in the Christian Faith, specializing in fully accredited graduate programs in Theology. It is an online studies program or a small-classes program, and it attracts students around the world who want to serve as ministers in our EMMI family of Chaplains. If you are interested in learning about our traditions, we invite you to join us.

We offer a course of education leading to ordination as a Christian minister. We are a religious organization with the right to ordain ministers and thus qualify them to officiate at weddings, baptisms, funerals, Holy Communion, and Worship Ceremonies. Men and women who complete the course and meet all requirements, upon request, may be ordained in the context of a worship service with hand imposition before witnesses. We also train laypeople for ministry and those who want to learn more about our Christian faith through the Bible Academy.

Research, Theology and Teaching Ministry of Eric Michel Ministries International; Founded in 2015, our Seminary ” Footsteps of Jesus” for future ministers in the Christian Faith, specializing in fully accredited graduate programs in Theology. The Seminary is the next step in RTTM, launched in 1987, in which our team scrutinized the Bible on the Quest for Jesus. It is an online studies program or a small-classes program, and it attracts students around the world who want to serve as ministers in our EMMI family of Chaplains. If you are interested in learning about our traditions, we invite you to join us.

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