Please note that the word church in our context refers to the Non-for-Profit Corporation of Eric Michel Ministries International, a New Life Catholic Franciscan Ministry.

The Patriarchate of The New Life Catholic Ministries bears solemn witness to the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, grounded in the undivided faith of the primitive church and continuing in obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We are Catholic, faithful to the universal Church and the Apostolic Tradition, without submission to the pope, but working together as missionaries of the good news.

Christ is the center and head of our Church. We proclaim Jesus Christ as the sole foundation of our faith and the unifying source of our ecclesial identity.

The New Life Catholic Franciscan Ministry OFS
The official name of the order is in Latin: Ordo Franciscanus Sæcularis (OFS).
The Secular Franciscan Order is the common English translation

Our MISSION
To follow Jesus Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis while remaining in our state of life as Clergy and lay people.

001. About our Vows

New Life Catholic Franciscans Ministry

We are a joyful family of Christ-followers, walking together in the footsteps of Saints Francis, Anthony, and Clare. Rooted in the Franciscan tradition and the Christian Catholic Independent faith, we open our hearts to everyone, no matter your age, background, abilities, or where life has taken you.

Our community is different from traditional orders. There are no walls or cloisters here. You don’t have to leave your home, your family, or your work to live the Franciscan way. We believe the love of Christ can be shared right where you are, every day, in ordinary life.

Our Rule of Life is inspired by the very first Franciscan rule, dating to 1221. Like Saint Francis, we seek to follow Jesus through simplicity, humility, and loving service. Our three guiding vows: prayer, poverty, and humility, shape our journey together.
If you’re seeking a spiritual home filled with compassion, acceptance, and Franciscan joy, you belong here. Come and share in our walk of faith as we strive to be instruments of peace and love in the world.

002. The text at the beginning of the opening prayer of the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer)

Each Mass, we pray like this:

Therefore, most gracious Father, we humbly beg of Thee and entreat Thee through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord. Hold acceptable and bless ✠ these gifts, these ✠ offerings, these ✠ holy and unspotted oblations which, in the first place, we offer Thee for Thy Holy Catholic Church. Grant her peace and protection, unity and guidance throughout the world, together with Thy servant Leo XIV, our Pope, and our Franciscan founder, the Most Reverend Brother Eric Michel of the Abbey of the Province of the Three Marys and the Order of Franciscan Ecumenical; and all Orthodox believers who cherish the Catholic and Apostolic Faith.

Remember, O Lord, Thy servants and handmaids, the Most Reverend Brother Eric Michel, our Archbishop and his spouse, the Emeritus Right Reverend Marie Arnold, president of the House of Bishops and all here present. Their faith and devotion are known to Thee. On whose behalf we offer to Thee, or who themselves offer Thee this sacrifice of praise for themselves, families and friends, for the good of their souls, for their hope of salvation and deliverance from all harm, and who offer their homage to Thee, eternal, living and true God.

Including the French version:

À chaque messe, on prie ainsi :

C’est pourquoi, Père très miséricordieux, nous vous supplions humblement par Jésus-Christ, votre Fils, notre Seigneur. Agréez et bénissez ces dons, ces offrandes, ces oblations saintes et sans tache que nous vous offrons en premier lieu pour votre Sainte Église catholique. Accordez-lui paix et protection, unité et guide dans le monde entier, ainsi qu’à votre serviteur Léon XIV, notre pape, et à notre fondateur franciscain, Monseigneur Éric Michel, de l’Abbaye de la Province des Trois Maries et de l’Ordre franciscain œcuménique ; et à tous les fidèles orthodoxes qui chérissent la foi catholique et apostolique.

Souvenez-vous, Seigneur, de vos serviteurs et servantes, Monseigneur Éric Michel, notre archevêque, et de son épouse, Monseigneur Marie Arnold, présidente de la Chambre des évêques, ainsi que de tous les fidèles ici présents. Leur foi et leur dévotion vous sont connues. Au nom desquels nous T’offrons, ou qui T’offrent eux-mêmes ce sacrifice de louange pour eux-mêmes, leurs familles et leurs amis, pour le bien de leurs âmes, pour leur espérance de salut et de délivrance de tout mal, et qui T’offrent leur hommage, Dieu éternel, vivant et vrai.

Peace and Goodness!

003. Where do you offer your service, and who can be a member?

In Canada, we are Officine mainly for the people of Eastern Canada, but everybody is welcome.

004. Are you really a Catholic Church?

We are not Roman Catholic or Orthodox Catholic; we are Independent Catholics and Clerics devoted to the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching authority.

Also, we are not a church but a ministry

Ministry, in Christianity, is the office held by persons set apart by ecclesiastical authority as ministers, called to special vocational service of general recognition. The type of ministry varies in the different churches. That which developed in the early church and is retained by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Old Catholic, Anglican, and some Protestant churches is episcopal (see episcopacy) and is based on the three orders, or offices, of bishop, priest, and deacon.

005. What is a Church?
A church refers to a physical building and the community of believers within it. It serves as a place for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Here are some key functions of a church: Churches provide a space for communal worship, where congregants come together to pray, sing, and participate in the sacraments such as baptism and communion. A church fosters a sense of belonging among its members, offering support through small groups, social events, and outreach activities. Churches often provide educational programs, such as Bible studies and Sunday school, to help members grow in their faith and understanding of scripture. Many churches engage in outreach programs, serving their local communities and participating in missions to spread their beliefs beyond their immediate surroundings.

006. What is a Ministry?
A ministry is a specific service or function. Ministries can focus on various aspects of church life and operate independently or under the church’s umbrella. Here are some key functions of ministries:

Ministries often have a specific mission, such as chaplaincy, church association, or prayer ministries, to serve particular groups within the broader community. Our ministries provide opportunities for members to grow spiritually through specialized programs, events, and mentorship.

• The ministries are dedicated to spreading the Franciscan faith beyond the church walls and to organizing events and initiatives to reach non-believers (TOFI)
• The FoRCES Chaplain Ministry focuses on supporting those in need through counselling, food drives, or other forms of assistance (TOFE).

Understanding the distinction between a church and a ministry can enhance your appreciation of the roles each plays in the life of a faith community. God says, “Make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20). It encompasses various activities and roles, from preaching and teaching to acts of service and charity. Ministry is understood as expressing one’s spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7), in which believers are called to serve God and others in ways that reflect Christ’s love and compassion.

We are ministries independent of the church; the ministries are not “a church” but are to the church.

On the other hand, we do worship in a church, in our own home chapel named the Three Marys: Our Lady of High Grace, Mary of Magala and Mary Salome, or at the location of the faithful, such as in a field.

We are a Canadian Non-for-Profit Organisation (NGO) founded by the Archbishop, the Most Reverend Eric Gagnon (QC), and Bishop, the Right Reverend Marie Arnold (NS), in 2014. Our Ministries are under Jesus through the Holy Mary. We at Eric Michel Ministries International are part of the family of Franciscans under the name the Third Order of Franciscans of the Eucharist (OFS).

The EMMI Secular Franciscan Order is a community of Catholic men and women of any of the Rites in communion with Rome. Our Mission Statement: “Our mission is to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of our holy father, Saint Francis of Assisi and the beautiful example of our beloved Saint Clare of Assisi and Saint Antony of Padua,

The instruments that the Tertiary uses to achieve this objective are:

An intense spiritual life, accentuated by the Rule, which is based on the virtues of prayer, humility, and charity. He is committed to building a sober and moderate lifestyle. The apostolate is exercised in the places of the daily life of which the Tertiary is an active member, alone or with a fraternity (of the 3rd Order), in full harmony with the other ecclesial groups. The Tertiary will care for the poor, the sick, the elderly, and the marginalized. He will strive to achieve an integral Christian development of all those whom it reaches in humility and fraternal charity.

The Chaplains serve people of all religions and none, humanist, atheist, spiritual-but-not-religious, etc. We are Christian Catholics from Eric Michel Ministries International, practicing Catholic Rituals. All people are children of God: Natives, Caucasians, Blacks, Asians (Non-racism discrimination), LGBTQIA+, Strait Men and Women (No matter your sexual orientation and no gender discrimination), Teens, Children (no age discrimination), Rich, Poor ( No wage discrimination), Handicapper disability or illness (No Discrimination by physical appearance) of any language (No Linguistic & Cultural Discrimination [We speak only English & French], Genius & idiots (No discrimination by literality).

EMMI is an autocephalous ministry (literally, “self-headed”), meaning a church whose bishop is independent and does not report to any higher human authority, yet usually remains in communion with other affiliated churches. The Holy Synod (Symposium) is the ministry’s highest authority and formulates the rules and regulations regarding church organization, faith, and service order. The principle of summoning a synod or council of ecclesiastical persons to discuss some grave question affecting the Church goes back to the beginning of the Church’s history. Since the day when the Apostles met at Jerusalem to settle whether Gentile converts were to keep the Old Law (Acts 15:6–29), it had been the custom to call together such gatherings as occasion required. Bishops summoned synods of their clergy, metropolitans and patriarchs summoned their suffragans, and then, since 325, there was a succession of those most extraordinary synods, representing the whole Catholic world, known as general councils.

We have one freely chosen and beloved Our Lady of High Grace. We live our lives consecrated to Our Lady in obedience, poverty, and charity. EMMI Third Orders comprise laymen and women formally associated with a religious order; we do not live in a community. Canon Law defines Third Orders as “associations whose members, while living a secular life, strive after Christian perfection by observing a papally approved rule, under the direction and spirit of a religious order” (Canon 702). Although members, sometimes called tertiaries, are not bound by public vows, they are full members of a religious family.

This movement of the Third Order presents itself today to all who intend to realize itself through a Christian life consistent with the requirements of its baptism and, in the specific fidelity, the Tertiary constructs a spirituality that expresses the primacy of God through greater dedication to prayer.

007. Eric Michel Ministries International is a dispersed ecumenical Christian Community; you may be male or female, married, partnered or single, clergy or lay, with no discrimination in membership to all over 16, with your children.

008. The Archbishop is also the head of the Chaplaincy as Commander. In 2023, the Metropolitan of Cameroon was inaugurated by the Fraternité des Missionnaires de Jésus le Bon Pasteur (Fraternity of the Missionaries of Jesus the Good Shepherd) Catholic Church

009. Where did our Archbishop come from?

The church of Our Lady of Grace Hull (Gatineau), Quebec. This is why the Archbishop chose his religious name Michel de Notre-Dame.

010. What is the Title of Eric Michel?

The complete title of Eric Michel is: Most Reverend Eric M. Gagnon, Archbishop, President Bishop, Metropolitan Archbishop of Cameroon, Member of the Militia Immaculata and the Third Order of Saint Francis, Chaplaincy Commander and Founder of New Life Catholic Franciscan Ministry & Eric Michel Ministries International.

011. What is theology based on?

All our Theology and our Philosophy are based on two passages of the Bible: 1 John 1:1-5; in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This one was at the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and apart from him, not one thing came into being that has come into being. In him was life, and life was the light of humanity. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. And the second on Ephesian 4: 4-6, one body and one Spirit (just as also you were called with one hope of your calling), one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. In one word, CHRIST.

012. What is your TENET?

1. The Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:15-16)
2. In one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son & Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3: 16,17; Mark 12:29)
3. In the virgin birth, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 7:14; Romans 8:34; Acts 1:10-11)
4. In the forgiveness of sin through Jesus (Isaiah 55:7; Romans 4:23-25; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19)
5. In water, baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-5)
6. In divine healing (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:13, 14)
7. In the power of the Holy Spirit to help us live a holy life (Hebrews 12:14; Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 15:8-9)
8. In the second coming of Jesus Christ (Acts 24:15; Matthew 24:30,31; Revelation 20:11-15)

013. And Mary?

Mary was a first-century Jewish woman of Nazareth, the wife of Joseph and the mother of Jesus. She is an important figure in Christianity, venerated under various titles, such as Virgin and Queen, many of which are mentioned in the Litany of Loreto. The Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, and Lutheran churches believe that Mary, as the mother of Jesus, is the Mother of God. The Church of the East historically regarded her as Christotokos, a term still used in the liturgy of the Assyrian Church of the East. Other Protestant views on Mary vary, with some holding that she has a lesser status. She has the highest position in Islam among all women and is mentioned numerous times in the Quran, including in a chapter named after her. She is also revered in the Baháʼí Faith and the Druze Faith.

The synoptic Gospels name Mary as the mother of Jesus. The gospels of Matthew and Luke describe Mary as a virgin who was chosen by God to conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit. After giving birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, she raised him in the city of Nazareth in Galilee, and was in Jerusalem at his crucifixion and with the apostles after his ascension. Although her later life is not accounted in the Bible, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and some Protestant traditions believe that her body was raised into heaven at the end of her earthly life, which is known in Western Christianity as the Assumption of Mary and in Eastern Christianity as the Dormition of the Mother of God.

Mary has been venerated since early Christianity and is often considered the holiest and greatest saint. There is a certain diversity in the Mariology and devotional practices of major Christian traditions. The Catholic Church holds distinctive Marian dogmas, namely her Immaculate Conception and her bodily Assumption into heaven. Many Protestants hold less exalted views of Mary’s role, often based on a perceived lack of biblical support for many traditional Christian dogmas pertaining to her.

The multiple forms of Marian devotion include various prayers and hymns, the celebration of several Marian feast days in the liturgy, the veneration of images and relics, the construction of churches dedicated to her, and pilgrimages to Marian shrines. Many Marian apparitions and miracles attributed to her intercession have been reported by believers over the centuries. She has been a traditional subject in the arts, notably in Byzantine, medieval, and Renaissance art.

Marian devotions are external pious practices directed to Mary, the mother of Jesus, by members of certain Christian traditions. They are performed in Catholicism, High Church Lutheranism, Anglo-Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy, but generally rejected in other Christian denominations.

Such devotional prayers or may be accompanied by specific requests for Mary’s intercession with God. There is significant diversity of form and structure in Marian devotions practiced by different groups of Christians. Orthodox Marian devotions are well-defined and closely linked to liturgy, while Roman Catholic practices are wide-ranging; they include multi-day prayers such as novenas, the celebration of canonical coronations granted by the Pope, the veneration of icons in Eastern Christianity, and pious acts which do not involve vocal prayers, such as the wearing of scapulars or maintaining a Mary garden.

Marian devotions are important to the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox traditions, as well as some Anglicans and Lutherans, but most Protestants do not accept them because they believe such devotions are not widely promoted in the Bible. They believe this devotion may distract attention from Christ.[5] According to practitioners, devotion to the Virgin Mary does not amount to worship, which is reserved for God. Both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions view Mary as subordinate to Christ, but uniquely so, in that she is seen as above all other creatures. In 787 the Second Council of Nicaea affirmed a three-level hierarchy of latria, hyperdulia, and dulia that applies to God, the Virgin Mary, and then to the other saints.

The emphasis placed on Mary and Marian devotions changed over the history of Anglicanism. In the 16th century, following the independence of the Church of England from Rome, a movement away from Marian themes took place; by 1552, mentions of Mary had been reduced to only two or three times a day in the Book of Common Prayer, but the Marian feasts of the Annunciation and the Purification had been retained. However, in the 17th century, there was a gradual return to Marianism, and by 1662, there were five Marian feasts.

British devotion to the Virgin Mary has often been expressed in poetry, Marian hymns, and Carols, e.g., in the 17th-century poems of John Donne and George Herbert, or in the 18th-century works of Thomas Ken, such as Saint Mary the Virgin.

Anglican devotion for the Virgin Mary was revived during the 19th-century Oxford Movement of Anglo-Catholicism and by the activities of prominent figures such as John Henry Newman. British theologians, such as Father Frederick Faber (who composed several hymns to Mary), took an enthusiastic approach to promoting Marian devotions towards the end of the 19th century.

In the liturgical renewal of the 20th century, Mary gained new prominence, and in most Anglican prayer books, she is mentioned by name in the Eucharistic prayers. The gradual increase in Marian devotions among Anglicans has also been manifested within the higher levels of the clergy in the Anglican Communion. Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams (who made a 2008 pilgrimage to Our Lady of Lourdes) wrote a book on praying with the icons of the Virgin Mary.

Anglican devotions to Mary include the Anglican Rosary (similar to the Catholic rosary), votive candles, and pilgrimages to Walsingham and Lourdes. Some Anglicans, especially Anglo-Catholics, also pray the rosary itself. For centuries, Our Lady of Walsingham has been a centrepiece in Anglican devotions to the Virgin Mary and her feast is celebrated on October 15, as well as a Catholic feast on September 24. Also common in Anglican cathedrals, Anglo-Catholic parishes, and certain Anglican shrines are chapels or side altars dedicated to the Virgin Mary called Lady chapels.

Discussions between Roman Catholics and Anglicans within frameworks such as the Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission, and the 2005 publication of the (non-binding) joint statement Mary: Grace and Hope in Christ, have begun a movement towards closer agreement on Mary and Marian devotions between Catholics and Anglicans.

(Wikipedia)

014. Jesus

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature (Colossians 1:15)
The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. Ephesians 1:22-23

015 Why do you say that you are a Ministry, but in your name, you say Ministries?

Because it is nicer to use the name “Ministries”, in practice, it should be Eric Michel Ministry and Sub-Ministries International, and a deep answer from Google Gemini Search: This structural and linguistic mismatch is incredibly common, and it can feel like a contradiction. While your legal, organizational, or theological reality is a singular collective entity (a ministry), common language almost always pluralizes it to “Ministries” when tied to a specific name. This linguistic habit arises from the way people naturally categorize organizations and from how the English language handles names.

Conventions of Branding and Naming People mimic the naming conventions they see most often in the world. In both faith-based and nonprofit spaces, the plural form has historically been used to signify growth, reach, and capability. Single “Ministry”: Often connotes a single person’s specific calling, a local church department, or a highly specialized operation (e.g., “Prison Ministry”). Plural “Ministries”: Instantly communicates to a casual listener that there is an established team running several operations under one banner. Even though you are structurally a singular entity with sub-departments, the common language shifts to “Ministries” because human communication naturally prioritizes describing what you do (the many actions) over how you are legally structured (the single container).

The “Umbrella” vs. “Branches” Perspective. In common conversation, people do not see an organization by its strict legal blueprint. Instead, they interact with its outward-facing actions. The Internal Reality: You see a unified trunk (the Ministry) branching out into distinct, internal departments (sub-ministries).The Public Perception: The public sees the individual branches first (e.g., youth outreach, community food programs, media production, or counselling). Because they interact with these separate, specialized functions, they view the organization as a collection of multiple service efforts. Pluralizing the name to “Ministries” acknowledges all these distinct activities.

Linguistic Association with “Services” In everyday English, “ministry” is an abstract concept that describes the general act of serving others. When an organization uses the word in its official title, the public treats the word as a synonym for “services” or “programs.”A phrase like “Welcome to [Name] Ministry” can sound abstract, as if referring to a general concept.A phrase like “Welcome to [Name] Ministries” signals a concrete, multifaceted organization that provides a variety of distinct services.

016. Do you have to be a member of the church or ministry to join the Facebook group?
NO, but you must have read about or have a basic understanding of Christianity and be open to our Catholic beliefs.

017. How is the ministry financed?

The ministry accepts voluntary donations and has no other means of financing itself; no tithes are paid, but it cannot issue a receipt for tax purposes because it is not registered as a charity with the government. Note that in 12 years of existence, we never received a cent. Eric and Marie, our Bishops, totally finance the ministry.

018. Regarding Roman Catholic priests and sexual abuse?

We are faced with regrettable acts, and we sympathize with the victims, but this is not our concern; it falls under civil law

019. The ministry accepts transgender people, and this has nothing to do with spirituality but rather with psychiatry or psychology. If doctors approve the change, by what right can the church oppose it?

The EMMI accepts homosexuals and bisexuals; it is a psychological state that the church has no right to condemn; it is not within its purview. Again, this belongs to the laws and customs of societies.

20. Question: from Nkunzimana Fabien, I tried to log in, but when I insert the password, it is not accepted.

Answer: You never log in, so you have no password. At the beginning, when your account was created, an email was sent to you with a link, but you can disregard it and just reset it

21. What are your areas (Sectors in French for Quebec Government) of activity?

EMMI is based on the Quebec Sector of Economic Activity as follows:

1st Sector of Activity

• Economic Activity Code 9811 Religious Organizations
• Economic Activity Code 8411 International Organizations and Other Extraterritorial Organizations

2nd Sector of Activity

• Economic Activity Code 8691 Associations and Organizations for the Promotion of Health Care and Public Safety
• Economic Activity Code 8699 Other Associations and Organizations in the Fields of Health and Social Services

22. Does the ministry accept women as members and their ordination?

Yes, we do so to all qualified persons without discrimination, subject to availability and a clean criminal record. We do have a woman founder.

23. About euthanasia?

The ministry cannot condemn a request to die because it is a matter between the individual and God.

24. About spanking?

The ministry, being non-violent, does not recognize this method for reducing harm, but defers to the civil code regarding those who use it.

25. What kind of membership do you have?

All explained on this page.

26. Do you have a prayer group?

EMMI Prayer Warriors

The EMMI Prayer Warriors on Facebook is a public place for your prayers

Daily Prayers are made 3 times a day in groups and/or non-stop by our members

Our “Prayer Warriors” will intercede in your name to our Lord.

Would you like us to pray for you? Your prayer needs for all of us to pray for you

As Christians, we should spread the Gospel to everyone using our group https://www.facebook.com/groups/mfsecmesfc

Please post in English or French only

027 What is TOFE and TOFI, and the members of the Third Order of the Franciscan of the Eucharist are Consecrated to Blessed Mother Mary, why having another order to Holy Mary?ll members of the Third Order of the Franciscan of the Eucharist are Consecrated to Blessed Mother Mary

Eric Michel Ministries International as three Lay Order of friars

• Third Order of the Franciscan of the Eucharist (TOFE)
• Third Order of Franciscans of Immaculate (TOFI)
• Third Order of Saint Benedict (TOSB)

We are a “hybrid” of Franciscan and Benedictine traditions, combining the contemplative, stable, and communal life of the Benedictines with the active, poor, and mendicant (begging/travelling) spirit of the Franciscans. We combined the spirituality of modern “new monasticism,” which focuses on a deeper integration of prayer and social action.

On first instance, EMMI opens its membership to Christians of different denominations, including Catholics, Evangelicals, Lutherans, Moravians, Anglicans, Eric Michel Episcopal Methodists Non-Conforming, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Pentecostal Ministry (2017), Catholic Charismatic Ministry (2025), Presbyterians, and Reformed Christians.

Our Ecumenical Order of Franciscans (TOFE and TOFI) under our ministry Interdenominational Assembly of Churches association (2017), groups of men and women devoted to following the examples of Francis of Assisi and Clare of Assisi and their understanding of the Christian gospel: sharing a love for creation and for those who have been marginalized via our chaplaincy ministry.

In the second instance, from 2022 to 2025, we worked under a charter from the American base Order of Franciscans of Ecumenism, which became, in 2024, the Order of Franciscans of the Eucharist, a Roman Catholic and Orthodox Catholic corporation.

The third instance: Our teaching of the Universal Christ, as presented by Ilia Delio, a Franciscan sister from Washington, D.C., focuses on a Catholicism centred on the Omega Point (Christ), in which denominations are melted into One Universal Catholic Apostolic entity.

The Third Order of the Franciscans of the Eucharist (TOFE) aims, as the name says, at the Eucharist.

They are the Chaplains who operate the FoRCES.

The Third Order of Franciscans of Immaculate (TOFFI), now Third Order Franciscans of the Immaculate CL250629, was created a little after our Archbishop Eric Michel was consecrated on November 11, 2023.

The Blue Mantle: A Story of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate

All members of the Third Order of the Franciscan of the Immaculate are Consecrated to Blessed Mother Mary

Our spirituality emphasizes:

1. A personal and communal relationship with Christ through Mary.
2. Brothers and priests live as equals, sharing prayer, work, and mission.
3. Mission: Working in solidarity with the poor and promoting social justice and a green environment.
4. We aim to spread devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary and undertake a variety of apostolic works.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, also known as the Virgin of Carmel, is a Roman Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary, venerated as the patroness of the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance and the Discalced Carmelites.

The first Carmelites were hermits living on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land during the late 12th and early to mid-13th century. They built a chapel amid their hermitages, which they dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, whom they conceived of in chivalric terms as the “Lady of the place.”

Since the 15th century, popular devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel has centred on the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, also known as the Brown Scapular. Traditionally, Mary is said to have given the Scapular to the Carmelite Simon Stock (1165–1265). The liturgical feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated on 16 July.

The name of Mount Carmel comes from Karm-El (Hebrew for garden or vine of God). Mount Carmel is located in Israel, situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Valley of Jezreel. It appears in Isaiah 35:2 as a beautiful place. The prophet Elias lived around Carmelo. The Carmelites consider the Blessed Virgin Mary a perfect model of the interior life of prayer and contemplation to which Carmelites aspire, as well as a model of virtue, being the person closest to Jesus Christ in life. She is seen as the one who most surely points Christians to Christ. As she says to the servants at the wedding at Cana, “Do whatever he [Jesus] tells you.” Carmelites look to the Virgin Mary as their spiritual mother. The Stella Maris Monastery (Star of the Sea) on Mount Carmel, named after a traditional title of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is considered the spiritual headquarters of the order.

The 1996 doctrinal statement approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments states that:

Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is bound to the history and spiritual values of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel and is expressed through the Scapular. Thus, whoever receives the Scapular becomes a member of the order and pledges themselves to live according to its spirituality, guided by the characteristics of their state in life.

The EMMI Franciscan Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception (most commonly known as simply Blue Scapular) is a Marian habit or garment. This devotional scapular traces its roots to Venerable Ursula Benincasa, who founded the Roman Catholic religious order of the Theatine Nuns.. It is both a sign and a pledge. A sign of belonging to Mary; a pledge of her motherly protection, not only in this life but after death. As a sign, it is a conventional sign signifying three elements strictly joined: first, belonging to a religious family particularly devoted to Mary, especially dear to Mary, the Carmelite order; second, consecration to Mary, devotion to and trust in her Immaculate Heart; third, an urge to become like Mary by imitating her virtues, above all her humility, chastity, and spirit of prayer.

And they are responsible for the Footsteps of Jesus Seminary, the Bible Academy (FoJS/BA), and the Canadian Harvestime Bible Academy, in charge of implementing the Team Impact Curriculum in our teaching. Founded in 2015 by the Archbishop Eric Michel.

028 The Bible

The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the authentic record of God’s revelation of Himself

029 The Creeds

Ecumenical creeds: the Nicene Creed, the Apostles’ Creed, the Athanasian Creed. These creeds are also known as the catholic or universal creeds.

.030 Sacraments

We have seven: The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, Penance, and Unction of the Sick.

031 The Book of Common Prayer

We mainly use the Missal of the Roman Catholic Church; the Book of Common Prayer is permitted, as are all rituals from the American Old Catholic Church.