About Us

Welcome

Thank you for visiting IndependentSacramental.org.
This site exists as a ministry of education, formation, and connection within the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM)—a diverse family of Independent Catholic, Old Catholic, and Orthodox expressions that continue the sacramental life of the Church in new and accessible forms.

Our purpose is simple: to provide credible theological and pastoral resources, encourage collaboration, and help clergy and laity grow in faith and service.

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My Journey

My name is Fr. Benjamin, and my love for the Church and her sacraments runs deep.
From a young age, I was drawn to the beauty of the Mass—the mystery, reverence, and sense of divine presence that filled my heart with wonder. That love eventually led me to seminary and ordination as a Roman Catholic priest, a vocation I embraced with joy and gratitude.

 

Over time, however, I faced painful experiences of institutional dysfunction and personal exhaustion. I stepped away from active ministry, unsure if I would ever serve again. Around that time, a dear friend—a canonical Orthodox priest—invited me to join his jurisdiction. His kindness touched me deeply, and his bishop would have received me with open arms. Yet I knew I could not. I was still hurting, and I honestly wanted nothing more to do with ministry.

 

I began working a full-time secular job, keeping my faith but holding the Church at a distance. I loved God deeply but had little energy left for ecclesial life. Then something unexpected happened.

A few former parishioners reached out when their loved ones were hospitalized. These were devout Roman Catholics—people of sincere faith—whose own parish priests had not visited them. I went simply to pray, making it clear that I no longer had faculties and could not celebrate the sacraments. Still, it broke my heart that they were not receiving the sacraments from the Church they loved so dearly.

It was in those quiet, heartbreaking hospital rooms that I began to sense a new calling—not born of anger, but of compassion and frustration that God’s people were being left without the gifts of God.

 

As I read more about the Old Catholic and Independent Sacramental Movements, I discovered a vision of ministry that was both ancient and accessible, pastoral and deeply human. I began reaching out to different jurisdictions until I met Bishop Rob Lyons. His humility, wisdom, and pastoral warmth immediately resonated with me. Through prayer and discernment, I knew I had found my home.

The rest, as they say, is history.

 

I entered the Independent Sacramental Movement not as a protest against Rome or any other church, but as a humble response to a real pastoral need—to ensure that God’s people are not denied the Word and Sacraments that sustain their lives.

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Why This Matters

The ISM, at its best, exists to make the sacraments of Christ available to those who have been overlooked, excluded, or forgotten. It is not perfect—no church is—but it strives to embody compassion and presence.

I often recall my early years of priestly ministry: parishioners would share stories of priests who never visited the sick, who were absent in moments of suffering and need. I do not share this in judgment, but as a reminder that God’s people deserve better.

Every person deserves to experience the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, in the forgiveness of sins, and in the companionship of the Church. The ISM seeks to meet those needs with sincerity and love.

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Our Vision

• To strengthen and connect the Independent Sacramental Movement through credible theological and pastoral resources.

• To offer formation and education for clergy, laity, and seekers.

• To promote unity in diversity—fostering dialogue, cooperation, and shared mission among jurisdictions and communities.

• To renew the Church’s ancient calling to serve the forgotten and bring grace where it is most needed.

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Who We Serve

This site is for:

• Clergy and bishops in the ISM seeking resources and formation materials.

• Lay Christians exploring Independent Catholic or Old Catholic spirituality.

• Inquirers and students discerning vocation or researching the ISM.

• Jurisdictions and communities seeking collaboration, catechesis, or outreach support.

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Our Hope

We believe that the Independent Sacramental Movement is a “treasure in earthen vessels.”
It is imperfect, diverse, and sometimes messy—but through it, God continues to work wonders.
IndependentSacramental.org exists to encourage, educate, and connect those who share that same calling: to make Christ known and loved through sacramental life, pastoral care, and authentic community.