Pardon my borrowing from the name of the autobiography of C.S. Lewis. Was it not Picasso who said, “good artists copy; great artists steal?” In early 2023, I began reading about the Independent Sacramental Movement and Independent Catholicism. Originally, I was a skeptic. I saw issues with many jurisdictions but few laity, a lot of playing church in costume, numerous ordinations with no real need, a lack of training, and much more.
Last year, I began reaching out to several jurisdictions to better understand who they are. Some jurisdictions wrote back immediately, and others never responded. It was obvious that some jurisdictions were quite happy with the status quo and not seeking clergy. Other jurisdictions were quite welcoming but had little substance.
Last year, I began conversing with a bishop and things just seemed right. We connected on both a theological and human level. The jurisdiction has a similar outlook with openness to other people but a theological conservatism that an Ecumenical Council should resolve issues such as ordination of women to the Episcopacy and Presbyterate. The jurisdiction recognizes the importance of being open to the modern world but maintaining apostolic traditions. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet many of the clergy in the jurisdiction which gave me a better understanding about who the jurisdiction is. I submitted my application for incardination which I pray is successful. Please pray for me throughout the process.
A couple of things surprised me about this whole process. First, the amount of joy I have which I never had as a diocesan priest. Here I am volunteering my time, and it does not feel like a job. It is more of a privilege rather than a duty. The second thing that surprises me is the effect a few people can make. I had the opportunity to engage in theological conversations that can shape the rituals. Rather than simply being given from above, it fascinated me seeing the process of discussing and revising texts. People have different interpretations and come from different traditions, and each has something to contribute. This leads to a richer theology, and I can say that I had a hand in the texts that are used.
Finally, spending time with clergy who came from different jurisdictions but are members of this jurisdiction brought a lot of healing to me. Many times, when clergy leave the jurisdiction they were ordained in, it is a hopeless situation. There are feelings of loss, hurt, anger and so much more. Some former clergy cannot get over this loss. The clergy I had the opportunity to meet were wounded by their former communities but allowed those wounds to be open to the wounds of others and each other.
My skepticism of Independent Catholicism changed as I have met more and more people in the movement. Are there many unhealthy jurisdictions and people involved in the Independent Sacramental Movement? Absolutely! Knowing a community cannot be done by reading a website. It is about getting to know the people in the jurisdiction and seeing if there is true communion. I hope each person finds a community where they can encounter God’s love and experience God’s peace which transcends any peace we might experience elsewhere. Please pray for me as I keep you in my prayers.
Peace,
Ben
Many prayers for your journey. Please pray also for me.