🌿 The Paradox We Face

One of the most perplexing realities of the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM) is the abundance of jurisdictions that exist largely on paper — many with bishops, websites, and impressive titles — yet few, if any, functioning parishes or communities.

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This would not be a concern if those jurisdictions were primarily dedicated to active ministries: hospital or military chaplaincy, evangelization, or outreach to the marginalized. In such cases, the “jurisdiction” operates as a network for specialized mission — small in number, but faithful in service.

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The difficulty arises when jurisdictions attempt to replicate the parochial model of the Roman Catholic or Anglican churches without the people, resources, or infrastructure to sustain it. Too often, we announce “parishes” that are little more than aspirations. The result can be disillusionment, fragmentation, and the quiet erosion of credibility among those who might otherwise take the ISM seriously.

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🕊️ The Exceptions That Inspire

Thankfully, there are bright lights among us.

• Holy Family Catholic Church in Austin, Texas, a vibrant Inclusive Catholic community that has developed stable leadership and real congregational life.

• The St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic Church in St. Louis, with its deep roots, visible parish identity, and cultural continuity.

• The Rabboni Catholic Community in Kentucky, whose witness to hospitality and lived spirituality continues to grow organically.

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These communities embody what the ISM can be: local, sacramental, and sustainable. Yet, paradoxically, many such parishes remain independent of ISM jurisdictions because — in their view — the jurisdiction offers nothing of substance in return: no support, training, pastoral care, or administrative structure that adds value to the life of their community.

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✝️ Why This Matters

When a jurisdiction becomes little more than a letterhead, it ceases to serve its purpose. A bishop’s role is not merely to maintain a line of apostolic succession, but to nurture living communities, form clergy, and advance mission.

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Without formation programs, pastoral oversight, or missional collaboration, jurisdictions risk becoming ecclesial echo chambers — valid perhaps in orders, but sterile in life. The faithful deserve better, and so does the Gospel we claim to serve.

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🔥What Jurisdictions Must Do Differently

To become fruitful, our jurisdictions must shift from preservation to purpose.

1. Re-center on Mission, Not Maintenance
   Every jurisdiction should be able to answer clearly: What unique mission has God given us?
   If that mission is hospital chaplaincy, fine. If it’s evangelization, formation, or advocacy, fine. But “parish replication” without a plan for sustainability is no mission at all.

2. Invest in Clergy Formation and Pastoral Care
   The best jurisdictions are those that train, mentor, and care for their clergy. Formation cannot end at ordination. Jurisdictions should offer ongoing education, retreats, and opportunities for spiritual direction.

3. Provide Tangible Support to Communities
   Offer liturgical materials, catechetical resources, and administrative help. A parish should want to belong because affiliation provides real value — not just episcopal oversight.

4. Foster Collaboration Rather Than Competition
   The ISM must overcome its tendency toward isolation. Jurisdictions should cooperate regionally for shared worship, service projects, or clergy gatherings. The Spirit does not honor walls built from pride or insecurity.

5. Develop Financial and Organizational Transparency
   Build trust by practicing accountability. Publish budgets, articulate goals, and model responsible stewardship.

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🌾 How We Might Attract Others

The ISM’s witness could appeal not only to disaffected Catholics or Anglicans but even to independent and non-denominational communities — if we demonstrate integrity, unity, and competence.

Many small Protestant congregations long for a deeper sacramental life but fear losing autonomy. The ISM could become a bridge if we:

• Offer credible sacramental formation and mentorship without imposing bureaucracy.

• Emphasize shared mission and prayer, not politics or titles.

• Provide resources that genuinely help communities thrive: preaching aids, spiritual direction, catechesis, and fellowship.

If our jurisdictions became known not for our fragmentation, but for our generosity, discipline, and hospitality, we would find partners in unexpected places.

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✨ A Way Forward

The Independent Sacramental Movement stands at a crossroads. We can continue to multiply jurisdictions while shrinking in influence, or we can build something enduring — a movement grounded in service, humility, and authenticity.

Perhaps the time has come for us to stop asking, “How many bishops do we have?” and start asking, “How many people are we truly serving?”

“By their fruits you shall know them.” (Matthew 7:16)
May our fruits be communities that live the Gospel, serve the poor, and reveal the beauty of the sacraments to a world still hungry for grace.