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The Church, ecumenism, and politics on the frontier

From EuropeanVoice: Between the pope and the patriarch by Vitali Silitski

The public-relations plan pursued by Alyaksandr Lukashenka will make Belarus’s exclusion from the EU’s Eastern Partnership seem minor.

The launch of the Eastern Partnership in Prague on Thursday (7 May) will lack one of the characters who played a principal role in the run-up to the summit: Alyaksandr Lukashenka, the president of Belarus. His absence will please many EU foreign ministers. But nor will Lukashenka mind greatly.

Lukashenka is not used to harsh words being delivered to his face and he would probably have found too few Western leaders willing to shake hands with him for him to be able to turn the visit into a propaganda triumph.

But there is a second reason why Lukashenka will not mind greatly: he has already achieved a public-relations coup, by meeting Pope Benedict and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Lukashenka’s visit to western Europe over the past 12 years have been restricted to skiing holidays and medical treatment in Austria, so the visit to Rome was a breakthrough.

It may also prove to be a breakthrough for him in domestic politics. Lukashenka’s audience with the pope went down very well with Belarus’s two million Catholics, among whom, according to independent opinion polls, opposition to Lukashenka is three times greater than it is among the country’s Orthodox majority and nearly twice as great as it is among Protestants. In other words, Lukashenka may have managed to disarm the largest bloc of opposition to him in Belarusian society.

…

But to view Lukashenka’s success in Rome as merely compensation for the Prague snub would be wrong. When he met the pope, Lukashenka had a far more ambitious agenda in sight: he was pursuing an opportunity to be the man to arrange a meeting between the pope and the Russian patriarch, and thereby to mend the 1,000-year-old schism between Eastern and Western Christianity.

This might sound implausible. For much of his presidency, for political and geopolitical reasons, Lukashenka has acted as a buttress for Russian Orthodoxy. He suppressed the development of the Greek Catholic (Uniate) Church from its stronghold in Ukraine, suppressed attempts to build Belarus’s own orthodox church independent from Moscow and adopted a repressive law on religion that discriminated against Protestant denominations. His championing of Orthodoxy was symbolised in 2001, when he played host to the patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church at exactly the same time that Pope John Paul II was paying a visit to Ukraine.

But Lukashenka has quietly pursued a policy of building up political capital through ecumenism since at least 2002 —“ a year in which he explicitly declared that he would like to bring the Catholic and Orthodox churches together.

…

But the real opportunity to pursue the strategy of ecumenism came this February when Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk became head of the Russian Orthodox Church, replacing the traditionalist Aleksey II. Kirill is no traditionalist: he is polished yet outspoken, open to ecumenism, and PR-minded. Kirill previously served as head of the Russian Orthodox Church’s foreign-relations department. He has already met Pope Benedict, when he was a metropolitan. For many, the question now is not whether, as patriarch, he will meet Benedict, but when.Lukashenka’s entourage has rushed to explore that possibility.

In the months before Lukashenka’s visit to Rome, Lukashenka met the Catholic archbishop of Belarus and paid a surprise visit to Patriarch Kirill. Viewed in the context of Lukashenka’s strategy, it now seems clear that he was trying to secure Kirill’s (and Kremlin’s) his consent for a visit to Rome and to discuss the possibility of a meeting between Kirill and Benedict —“ and, since his return from Rome, Lukashenka has mused publicly about the pope and the patriarch meeting.

If Lukashenka manages to persuade Russia to accept a visit by Pope Benedict to Belarus —“ an offer to which the Vatican gave a measured response —“ Lukashenka would prove himself to be a master of political brinkmanship, for the Russian Orthodox Church considers Belarus to be its ‘canonical territory’. But if he manages to bring Kirill to Belarus when the pope is there, he would secure a place in a history as one of the men who ended the schism between eastern and western Christianity. That could guarantee his legitimacy for years to come, both in domestic politics and in relations with Russia.

…

Lukashenka’s strategy of ecumenism gives another twist to a simple fact: Lukashenka is uniquely placed to play games between the West and the East. It is nearly impossible to isolate him. Lukashenka will find his way to Europe, be it via Rome, Prague or via some other route. That is the third reason why Lukashenka will not mind not being in Prague too much.

Nonetheless, Lukashenka would, of course, like to have as many roads to Europe as possible. By blocking off the route that leads through Prague, both the Belarusian opposition and its Western supporters have therefore lost a real opportunity to force Lukashenka into a serious dialogue on human rights, to set conditions and to extract real political concessions.

Pope Benedict may now have an opportunity to make such demands of Lukashenka. Europe should strive to ensure that the pope, if he visits Minsk, speaks out about democracy and human rights as passionately as his predecessor did. Given that Lukashenka believes that now is the time to play the ecumenism card, Europe should start working on convincing Benedict immediately.

PNCC, Poland - Polish - Polonia, , ,

Polish heritage in the Pittsburgh area

From The Valley Independent: Polish community celebrates centennial of former church

Sto lot (100 years) was celebrated by persons of Polish descent in Monessen on Sunday.

The former St. Hyacinth Catholic Church was founded in 1909 by people who emigrated from Poland, and Sacred Heart of Jesus Polish National Church had its beginning in 1929.

The observance, held in St. Vincent de Paul Jozwiak Hall, featured many ties to their Polish heritage, including the food, entertainment and homage to Our Lady of Czestochowa.

The Rev. Dennis Bogusz, a former pastor of St. Hyacinth Church before it was merged into Epiphany of Our Lord Church, along with other Monessen parishes, was keynote speaker.

“I enjoyed my time at St. Hyacinth,” the priest said.

He reminded the audience that May 3 is a significant day in Poland – marking Polish Constitution Day, signed in 1791.

“This is a very important day for Poles,” he said, “as we also honor Mary, Queen of Poland.”

Dan Zyglowicz, Greater Monessen Heritage Museum board chairman, was master of ceremonies.

He credited Dorothy Jozwiak with the successful Monessen Polish heritage exhibit at the museum. It may be viewed until June 1, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jozwiak spoke of the history of Our Lady of Czestochowa as a tribute was presented at her icon.

Led by Dolores Yonek, four children – Mary Grace Steffy, Stephen Palli, Gianna Gaul and Sarah Palli – placed flowers in front of the icon.

Dorothy Janol and Irene Babinski lit candles at the shrine as Jozwiak paid tribute to: Polish immigrants, founders of the churches and schools, clergy and religious, parish and civic organizations, fraternal groups, business establishments, veterans, and people buried in St. Hyacinth Cemetery…

Christian Witness, Media

Pascha – a restoration

Thomas Smith, who Twitters here, points to an interview with Armenian author, poet, theologian, and gardener Vigen Guroian from American Public Radio’s Speaking of the Faith.

The interview with Mr. Guroian, entitled Restoring the Senses, explores Easter as “a call to our senses.” Mr. Guroian discusses “his Eastern Orthodox sensibility that is at once more mystical and more earthy than the Christianity dominant in Western culture….”

Other features include a beautiful picture of the Pascha liturgy of the Armenian Orthodox Church from the Church of St. Hripsime in Echmiadzin, Armenia, a selection of hymns and chants on the SOF Playlist, and a series of short videos on life in the Orthodox faith at the time of Pascha: Easter in Sarajevo; Cyclical Time on Mount Athos; and Images of Eastern Orthodoxy — iconography and church architecture with Russian chanting.

Christian Witness, PNCC, ,

Prayer vigil for Blue Star families

From the Stratford Star: Prayer vigil April 26 for Blue Star Families

1bluestar

The Blue Star Mothers and Families of Stratford Inc. will hold its fourth annual prayer vigil service honoring the men and women of the U.S. military Sunday, April 26, at 4 at St. Joseph’s of Stratford National Catholic Church, 1300 Stratford Road.

The theme for the vigil is —Wake Up the Pride,— and will include patriotic songs and religious hymns, interfaith prayers, a candlelight ceremony, and brief addresses by state and local officials.

The ceremony is open to the public.

Mothers and fathers, spouses and children of local military personnel will be recognized during the prayer vigil in the church, then will be received at a coffee and cake fellowship in the parish hall.

The Blue Star Mothers and Families of Stratford was founded in 2003 by mothers who had children serving overseas as a support group for the families of servicemen and servicewomen. It is not affiliated with the Blue Star Mothers of America.

Among its activities, the Blue Star Mothers and Families of Stratford Inc. collects goods to send to soldiers overseas. The organization also maintains an honor board on the green of the Stratford Town Hall that bears the names of those who are currently serving from the town and some nearby communities.

This is the third time this annual vigil has taken place at St. Joseph’s of Stratford National Catholic Church. Several mothers from the parish are active in the Blue Star Mothers and Families of Stratford.

More information may be obtained from Kathy M. Sullivan at (203) 377-0676.

Current Events,

Upcoming in the Albany, NY area

From the North Colonie Ministerial Association:

The Martin Luther King, Jr. And Coretta Scott King Lecture Series will present a lecture given by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson on “(African) American Leadership in the 21st Century: King, Obama and the American Dream” to be held on Tuesday, April 7, at 7:00 p.m. at the Alumni Recreation Center at Siena College, 515 Loudon Rd., Loudonville, NY.

The book Tortured for Christ by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand on Christian persecution in Romania during the Cold War is available for purchase by contacting the Redemption Church of Christ in Watervliet, NY at 518-272-6679.

Perspective, PNCC,

Bishop Kmiec provides a teaching moment

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It has come to my attention that some of the members of the former parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Brant, New York, are considering purchasing the parish property and re-opening as a parish of the Polish National Catholic Church. As Bishop of Buffalo and in my capacity as the Roman Catholic co-chairman of the dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church in the United States and the Polish National Catholic Church, I have a special interest in this case.

The relationship between our churches has improved enormously since the dialogue was established in 1984. A century of hostility has gradually given way to greater understanding of one another, and an experience of a deeper fellowship based on the mutual recognition of our sacraments, including the Eucharist and the ordained ministry in the Apostolic Succession. This understanding even means that in certain circumstances it is possible for the faithful of our churches to receive some of the sacraments in the other church. In May 2006 our dialogue issued a “Joint Statement on Unity” that reviewed the progress in our relations, and stated explicitly that the goal of our ongoing engagement is the re-establishment of full communion.

However, despite such progress, our churches remain divided, and there are still significant differences that must be overcome. In particular, it should be emphasized that the Polish National Catholic Church is not in communion with the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, and so is not a part of the Roman Catholic Church. Thus, the Roman Catholics in Brant or others in the area who are considering this move should be aware of the gravity of their decision.

The Code of Canon Law is clear about the penalties attached to those who leave the Roman Catholic Church. According to canon 751, “Schism is the withdrawal of submission to the Supreme Pontiff or from communion with the members of the Church subject to him.” Canon 1364 provides that such a schismatic who deliberately and freely chooses to leave the Roman Catholic Church incurs an excommunication latae sententiae, meaning that excommunication takes effect immediately even if it is not formally declared. It should be pointed out that this applies to Catholics who join any other church; it is not directed against the Polish National Catholic Church as such.

For these reasons I call upon the Roman Catholics of the former parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to consider very carefully the implications of any decision to join the Polish National Catholic Church. Excommunication is a very serious matter indeed, and would mean that they would no longer be able to participate in the sacramental life of the Roman Catholic Church, not even to the extent allowed occasionally to members of the Polish National Catholic Church who are not former Roman Catholics.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my fervent hope that the former parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish will remain within the Roman Catholic Church, and that our dialogue with the Polish National Catholic Church will progress to the goal of the reestablishment of full communion. On that happy day, our differences will have been definitively resolved.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. Edward U. Kmiec
Bishop of Buffalo

Rather than reacting against this letter, I would like to point out that everything Bishop Kmiec says is correct within the Roman Catholic Church’s understanding of these matters. For those who claim allegiance to the Roman Church he is spot on in his citing the Roman Catholic Church’s understanding of communion (i.e., the PNCC is not in communion with the Bishop of Rome — the sole sign of unity within the Roman Church). He correctly cites the Latin Church’s Code of Canon Law, and all the penalties that will be imposed on those who break its law.

Since all this is true one must examine the term the bishop uses for those who chose to leave the Roman Church: It is a grave decision. Indeed it is, but not the gravest decision.

I’ve been through this journey and I can speak from first hand experience. In coming to the PNCC I was asked to accept certain things, and to reject others. Can those of you who may be considering such a move do the same? Can you accept this grave (essentially important) decision?

To enter the PNCC you have to accept an understanding of man’s destiny and his relationship to the Holy Church. The PNCC describes these in the Eleven Great Principles and the Confession of Faith (see especially points 6, 7, and 8I BELIEVE in the need of uniting all followers of Christ’s religion into the one body of God’s Church, and that the Church of Christ, Apostolic and Universal, is the representation of this Divine community of mankind, which the Savior proclaimed for the realization of which all noble minded peoples labored, are still laboring and for which the soul of man yearns, desiring truth, light, love, justice and consolation in God.

I BELIEVE that the Church of Christ is the true teacher of both individual man as well as of all human society, that it is a steward of Divine Graces, a guide and a light in man’s temporal pilgrimage to God and salvation; in so far as the followers and members of this Church, both lay and clerical, are united with the Divine Founder through faith and life proceeding from this faith.

I BELIEVE that every true Christian should take an active and vital part in the spiritual life of the Church, through the hearing of the Word of God, through the receiving of the Holy Sacraments, through fulfilling the laws and regulations established by Christ and His Apostles, as defined and given to us by the Church.). In short, man’s destiny is unity with God, His creator, and to join with others who hold common cause to that end. The manner in which we join together, the way that leads to life in Christ, is defined by our way of life, our teaching, our adherence to Holy Scripture and the Councils of the unified Church. The Polish National Catholic Church stands as the earthly representation the Divine community of mankind. Our Church’s life reflects the community our Lord and Savior desired, the community He proclaimed, the community He established wherein all noble minded peoples may come to labor. The Polish National Catholic Church is the earthly representative of the community man desires — the community of the Kingdom of God. We are a community of truth, light, love, justice and consolation in God.

Man’s destiny — union with God — is not achieved through a series of laws, rules, and regulations laid down by far off, disconnected prelates, in tomes of man-made laws. Our destiny is written in our hearts. Our destiny calls us to seek the Lord while He may be found, to call to Him while He is near. That call is brought to fulfillment in the Holy Church, which teaches the truth and which respects his intellect, his drive, and his determination to work and struggle for the truth. It is the truth we find when we live in the manner our Lord lived and if we follow the teachings He left to us.

In entering the PNCC you must accept that excommunication, along with words such as schism, are nothing more than a bludgeon, attacking man’s freedom. The PNCC does not excommunicate. Rather we accept all who come to us seeking Jesus Christ. If one should choose to join with us, in our way of life, adhering to the Church’s teaching and joining in our journey to the Lord, then they are welcome. If they decide to leave, to find Christ elsewhere, via some other path, we bear them no ill will. We all seek our Lord and Savior, and are united to that end. We simply wish them well. As recent events illustrate, excommunication does nothing to purge man of sin, but rather is a means to discipline an organization’s membership; disciplining in a manner used against unruly children – the “time out.”

In entering the PNCC you must reject the notion that our Lord and Savior set one apostle above all others by creating a special and distinct office and charism. The Roman Church refers to this office as the papacy and the alleged charism is called papal infallibility. Can any reasonable person accept this notion? Rather, one must accept that our Lord and Savior granted a special charism to all of His apostles, with authority to guide, teach, and preside over the Church in His name. That charism is held by all bishops in a line of succession back to the Apostles and is passed on by the laying on of hands. The charism of infallibility is held by the Holy Church, in Council, something that hasn’t happened for nearly 1,000 years. We accept that the Church has created various offices, established for its good order, and for maintaing a solid organizational structure. Churches in Apostolic succession have various names for these man-made offices, Archbishop, Cardinal, Catholicos, Metropolitan, Patriarch, Prime Bishop, Pope. Whomever the man holding the office, all of them are bishops with the same authority to guide, teach, and preside over the local community. They, along with every bishop in their respective Churches, are in union with each other, as long as they hold to, teach, and preach the truth as defined by the Church. This is why we share far more than what divides us. In many ways we hold a common Catholic understanding on many issues whether Orthodox, Roman, Oriental, or Polish National.

The decision you face is grave. This is more than man made rules and man-made offices. It is a decision for freedom. You must be prepared to do more than pray slightly differently, to re-number the sacraments, to reject the fillioque, or to sing Tyle Lat, you must be prepared to accept a way of life. Our way of life leads to eternal life in God. Our way of life is freedom, it is joyous, it is hard work, and it is a struggle, but in the end we will be victorious. This is our testimony, this is my testimony.

The gravest decision you will make is the decision to freely follow Christ, to be regenerated in Him, and to follow Him without fear. Once you make this decision you will be challenged and changed in new ways. Can you set aside a fear of man-made laws, and the criticism of prelates, who can do nothing to throw you into Gehenna? Can you discard the label of schism as a shibboleth? What will lay heaviest upon you as you stand before our Lord and Savior, your adherence to the sayings of men or your way of life?

Read, and re-read the bishop’s letter. What do you see, what do you hear? How do you perceive its witness and its teaching? This is a teaching moment and says more than the words themselves.

Christian Witness, Media, Perspective, PNCC, , , ,

The best of the best

Two things I wanted to mention.

Everyone Prays at Holy Etchmiadzin

During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity our local ecumenical group held its meeting at St. Peter’s Armenian Apostolic Church. Fr. Bedros was the gracious host as always, providing for our needs, both spiritual and material.

Those who read my posts rather regularly might note that I have a great deal of love and admiration for St. Peter’s and its people and pastors (past and present — currently Fr. Bedros, and previously Fr. Stepanos, and Fr. Garen). The parish staff at St. Peter’s generously support our little ecumenical organization by looking after mailing lists and other administrative duties. In addition to all that – they always prepare a wonderful meal.

Fr. Bedros was good enough to provide for a viewing of Everyone Prays at Holy Etchmiadzin. The production was slated for viewing on ABC affiliates across the country. Unfortunately, our local ABC affiliate, WTEN, declined to air the film noting that they ‘don’t do religious programming,’ or words to that affect. The Capital Region lost because of that attitude.

I highly recommend the firm. It has a distinctly ecumenical overtone, and shows the Church as one with its faithful and its communities. One of the most moving parts was the descrioption of the Holy Muron and the visit of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, to the United States. Imagine the Bishop of Rome visiting New Orleans, rolling up his cassock sleeves, and painting homes being built by Habitat for Humanity and you’ll get the picture. The film is available from St. Vartan’s Bookstore for only $20.

The Hours on your iPhone or iPod Touch

As you may have noted, I link to the Universalis site which provides the Liturgy of the Hours. I was pleased to learn that Universalis has published Universalis on the iPhone. The application is rather expensive, but well worth it (as opposed to buying the four volume set of the Hours) and it is reasonable in terms of the convenience the application provides.

It should be noted that a few of the readings for the Office of Readings are still missing, and the application is currently being updated so as to include all the antiphons. The updates are free. The other nice thing about Universalis is that you do not need 3G or Wi-Fi to access any of it, it sits right on your iPhone or iPod Touch.

Universalis for the iPhone and iPod Touch (available at the iTunes store) has enhanced my ability to pray the hours wherever I may happen to be. It is convenient, easy to use, and works seamlessly with the accelerometer. If you have an iPhoe or iPod Touch I highly recommend this app.

Perspective, PNCC,

Reviving closed Roman Catholic parishes for use by the PNCC

From the Buffalo News: Polish Catholic Church may buy sites: Considers buildings closed by diocese

More than a century ago, Catholic communities of Polish-Americans around the country, including Buffalo, broke with the Roman Catholic Church in disputes over property and lay governance.

Now, two recently closed Roman Catholic churches are being considered for use as worship sites by the Polish National Catholic Church, a denomination established in 1897 as a result of the split.

Some of the vacant churches’ former parishioners —” many of whom objected to the closings —” are expected to be among those in the pews again.

The Polish National Catholic Church’s Buffalo Pittsburgh Diocese has expressed interest in purchasing Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Brant and Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Woodlawn.

The Polish National Catholic Church would establish a new parish at the Brant church, which closed last July.

Holy Trinity Polish National Catholic Church in Lackawanna wants to move permanently into the Woodlawn church, which the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo shut down last March.

Holy Trinity has been leasing the space for Sunday worship since mid- August, when a lightning strike sparked a fire, resulting in extensive water damage to its church on Pulaski Place.

—We’re hoping to buy it,— the Rev. Gary J. Spencer, Holy Trinity pastor, said of the Woodlawn site.

The parish was grateful that the Rev. John Kasprzak, pastor of Queen of Angels Roman Catholic Church in Lackawanna, offered the use of the Woodlawn facility, Spencer said.

—It was truly a blessing from God. We didn’t miss one Sunday,— he said.

…

[John Chiavetta] predicted a Polish National Catholic church, which has a liturgy and customs almost identical to those of Roman Catholicism, in the Brant building would attract many former Our Lady of Mount Carmel members.

—They’re the closest thing to the Roman Catholic Church. Yes, you’re asking people to change their religion, but it’s a very minor change,— Chiavetta said. —The biggest thing is the parish would own the church. No diocese would ever close it.—

In the Polish National Catholic Church, as in most Protestant denominations, parishes decide for themselves whether they should close.

Bishop Thaddeus Peplowski of the Buffalo Pittsburgh Diocese said the Brant site could work.

—We do have people who live in that area,— he said. —And there are some Roman Catholics interested in joining with us. . . . It seems there’s enough interest there. In other cities, in other states, we’ve purchased Roman Catholic church buildings.—

Spencer said Holy Trinity would not actively seek to recruit former Our Lady of Grace parishioners.

—It would be a blessing if a lot of people in that neighborhood did check us out,— he said. —But I wouldn’t want to undermine the Roman Catholic Diocese in any way because of what they’ve done for us,— Spencer said.

Kevin A. Keenan, spokesman for the Buffalo Catholic Diocese, said the Polish National Catholic Church has inquired about the churches but has yet to meet with the diocese or make an offer.

Despite its name, the Polish National Catholic Church no longer encompasses only people of Polish heritage…

ACTS – the newsletter of the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese notes:

So far, the negotiations for the closed church property have not been going too well, and that is the cause for the uncertainty.

However, Father Gary Spencer and the parishioners of Holy Trinity are optimistic, and have been praying that the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Buffalo and Holy Trinity Parish will soon come to terms on the purchase of the property.

The property consists of a church, rectory, two garages, a social hall, and two classrooms.

Everyone seems to feel right at home at Our Lady of Grace church, and getting in to church for some of the more senior seniors has been much easier as there are about 10 less steps to climb to access the nave.

Father Gary welcomes, and would be very grateful for, any support afforded to Holy Trinity by their sisters and brothers in the Buffalo —“ Pittsburgh Dioceses, but he especially asks for your prayers that Holy Trinity succeed in purchasing Our Lady of Grace church, and that the move results in substantial growth in their parish.

This seems to contradict Mr. Keenan’s statement.

Bishop Peplowski has worked hard at encouraging positive relations within Buffalo’s Polish-American community and between the PNCC and Buffalo’s Roman Catholic Diocese. I think that the Roman Diocese’s generosity, in allowing our parish the use of this building, is commendable and is ecumenically positive. Buffalo’s Roman diocese has a plethora of closed parishes and lots of land and buildings that need to be put to good use. Roman Catholic Canon law would not restrict the sale of the building to the PNCC (Canons 1222 para. 2, and in general 383 and 392). This is outlined nicely in a document prepared by the R.C. Archdiocese of Boston. Of course any reason could be cited for disallowing the PNCC purchase (price, the faith of Roman Catholics, etc.). As Fr. Gary asks, let us pray that the sale of the parish buildings succeeds and that the parish is blessed with a new and more accessible home.

In Bishop Peplowski’s ACTS article he notes:

We are now in the process of talking with groups that are interested in organizing new parishes. There has been increased interest in the Polish National Catholic Church by non members, and one person expressed her interest with the following comment: —The PNCC is a Catholic Church that is so American in its polity and government – the ideal Church that many of us are looking for.— This concept has been the hallmark of our structure as the Catholic Church from its very inception. There are Christians who are having difficulty understanding in their own churches questions that concern the ownership and policy regulating local parishes’ buildings and assets. They are discovering in the PNCC that these questions are clearly answered in the Constitution of the Church. Hopefully by our next issue of ACTS, we will have more information about the groups that are now developing into mission parishes.

With all of the problems concerning our economy, national security and the rise of secularism in our country, it is refreshing to hear that many people are still turning to the Church for guidance and inspiration. Even though we have a shortage of priests, we cannot turn away those who are seeking to renew their faith in Jesus Christ through affiliation with the Polish National Catholic Church. Yes, the harvest is great, even though the workers are scarce; we need to continue in our missionary zeal of evangelizing the Gospel as proclaimed by our Church. Growth comes through faith in Jesus Christ, trusting in His Will, and leaving all other things to fall into place as He inspires us to find the solutions to these problems.

It is a blessing when the faithful find a home, and when their need for a parish home can be met easily. May our Lord and Savior protect and encourage all those who seek His light.

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