Read all of our wedding reviews on our
Our Lady of Mercy Pastoral Center
Storefront at
Print out and complete the forms (keep the credential form) listed below and email or
bring the forms with you prior to our first meeting.Thanks. -- Fr. Frank
bring the forms with you prior to our first meeting.Thanks. -- Fr. Frank
Wedding Pricing Information Flyer
Print and complete this form and bring with you to the meeting.
|
Below is a copy of my credentials.
|
VARIOUS VENUES & WEDDINGS |
|
WEDDING VOW RENEWALS
in person OR over the Internet via SKYPE, ZOOM or other platforms depending on the couple's request.
This happy young couple wanted to have a 10 year Renewal of Vows Celebration with family members in their "bubble" during this COVID time. It was held as a SKYPE or ZOOM RENEWAL.
I originally married them10 years ago in a Church. This celebration was held on their property in the out-of-doors. Planned by the couple. |
The platform in the middle picture is where the laptop was placed for the viewing of the ceremony by the couple and family
|
IF YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HAVING A VOW RENEWAL CEREMONY, CONTACT ME BY EMAIL. [email protected]
Recent Venues Destination Weddings
When looking for that unique Catholic wedding venue held indoors or outdoors – you've found a Catholic Priest who will officiate your ceremony!
Whether you chose to hold your ceremony in a reception hall, local park, beach or the comforts of your home, Father Frank J. O’Connell will help to create a stress free ceremony of your dreams! |
*Pictured above are two destination wedding sites in Hot Springs AR -- ANTHONY CHAPEL & MOCHA MUSEUM
I If you are interested in having me officiate your wedding, click on and DOWNLOAD the three .PDF files ABOVE the photos of couples. Fill out
the INTAKE form and email to me. We can then set up a personal interview.
HERE IS THE LINK to my Marriage Video on YOU TUBE:
COPY AND PASTE TO YOUR BROWSER or CLICK on the link below to view:
https://youtu.be/1s0RJKp_1Zc
Marriage
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Weddings
1. We do not regularly attend a Parish in the area, and we cannot find a Priest
who will marry us. Being married in the church means a lot to us. What can we do?
There are several options that are open to you. Most Roman Catholic parishes will require
that you have at least some connection to them before they allow you to marry there. If you
are open to doing so, seek out a parish where you feel comfortable, meet with the priest and
explain that you would like to join the parish and that you have plans to marry. If you now
live in another area and are active in a parish there, ask your local priest to connect you
to a parish near where you want to marry. If you still have parents or relatives living in this area
who belong to a parish, ask them to speak to their priest about your request.
All Catholics who approach a priest for any sacrament, or help of any kind should be welcomed
and listened to with kindness. If you do not feel that you are being welcomed or treated kindly
by your local priest or parish, I assure you that I will treat you with kindness and acceptance –
nonjudgmental.
2. One of us is (or both of us are) divorced and we do not wish to use the
annulment process. Our priest has told us that we cannot be married in the Church.
Can you help us?
Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, other Catholic Churches (such as the Episcopal Church,
Eastern Orthodox Churches, and Independent Catholic Churches) teach that “second marriages”
may be blessed. I believe that the sacred bond that is established by God in the Sacrament
of Marriage is a living bond, capable of growth and maturity, requiring the care and sustenance
of both parties to the marriage. Humanity has been redeemed in Christ Jesus, and the chance
for New Life given to all.
Unfortunately, for many reasons--some good and some not so good--marriages sometimes fail.
If God sends love into your life after a failed marriage - I believe that new love is a sign of hope,
and gives you a new chance to journey through life with your beloved.
I welcome divorced people who want to marry again as children of God, because you deserve
another chance to enter into a loving and lifelong union. I will gladly bless your second marriage
in the name of the Church, which is the People of God.
3. Do either or both of us have to be Catholic?
IMPORTANT NOTE: Neither party has to be of any particular religious persuasion, or even be an active member
of a church. My main interest is in serving those who: appreciate the spiritual dimension of their
relationship, and want to celebrate their wedding as a sacred and dignified ceremony.
4. We are living together, and the parish priest said that we could not be married
in the Church unless we move apart for at least six months. Will you marry us if we
continue to live together?
Today many couples cohabitate, that is, live together before marriage. They do so for a number
of valid reasons, for example to save money on housing. The institutional Church prohibits
cohabitation, as well as sex before marriage. Most dioceses and parishes require couples to
move apart and avoid sexual contact for at least six months prior to their scheduled wedding.
This can be a terrible burden on the couple, and from a moral perspective, push a couple into
lying about living apart and their sexual abstinence, or sneaking around as if their love is
something to be ashamed of. Although there is a biblical value to waiting until after marriage
to begin to live together and share sexual intimacy, your conscience is always your supreme guide.
A well-informed conscience has always been the Church’s standard for weighing personal moral issues.
I do not consider your living arrangements to be a stumbling block to celebrating your wedding,
nor will I ever demand that you move apart before officiating at your marriage ceremony.
We will certainly discuss in our meetings all that you have learned about one another, and about
living as a couple under the same roof--as a part of our pre-marital sessions. However, the
conversation will be focused exclusively upon those insights and experiences that you have
had, so that we can look ahead to the effect that marriage might have upon your already
established home-life.
5. If you witness our marriage will the Church recognize our marriage? And will it be
legal in the eyes of the state?
I am an ordained Independent Catholic priest in The American Catholic Church in the United States
(not affiliated with Rome). I am a legally designated “minister of religion” in every state in
the nation, and therefore I am able to legally officiate at your wedding ceremony even for
“destination weddings” to other states.
The International Council of Community Churches and all other Christian denominations
will recognize your marriage as valid and licit (i.e., legal). Since I am no longer
ministering as an ordained Deacon within the institutional and juridical Church of Rome,
I lack jurisdiction from the Vatican to witness marriages on its behalf.
Your wedding will be a ceremony in the Catholic tradition, according the rites of the Catholic Faith,
officiated by a Catholic Priest, and performed in accordance with state law. It will be recognized
as legal by the state in which you were married. It will be recognized by the Catholic Church,
understood here as the “People of God.” If you wish, you may seek canonical approval
from the institutional Roman Catholic Church through a process called “convalidation.”
Simply, a “renewal” of your vows with the blessing of the Church within a parish church building.
The Church of Rome requires that its members follow the "form" of marriage as established
by Canon Law. Couples I marry are not following the form established by Canon Law, so
the Roman Catholic Church considers these marriages to be illicit, and will not recognize
them as sacramental according to its Church law.
6. We want to be married in an outdoor ceremony but our priest will only officiate
if it takes place in a service inside the church building.
Will you perform an outdoor ceremony?
Yes, I will be more than happy to perform your ceremony at a park, reception hall, home, or other
appropriate setting, inside or outside (this is also contrary to the Roman Catholic form of
marriage set out in Canon Law). We can discuss the setting that you have in
mind during our first meeting.
7. Will you perform ecumenical, interfaith, or non-denominational marriages?
Yes, as long as you ask God’s blessing on your marriage, I will be happy, and privileged,
to help you. I can celebrate with rabbis and ministers of other Christian denominations
and non-Christian religions.
8. How long does the typical ceremony last?
The typical ceremony runs 30-60 minutes depending on how you choose to personalize it.
This is your ceremony, and you may create it as you wish. My role is to assist you with
ideas and concrete suggestions, as well as inform you of the “elements of the vows
and celebration” required by civil law so at maintain the validity of your marriage.
There is plenty of room for readings—Biblical and non-Biblical—music, and symbolic acts,
such as the lighting of a unity candle, sand ceremony, presentation of roses to parents.
You may choose to have your marriage celebrated within the context of a Mass.
I encourage you to have a Mass, though, not just a ceremony. In addition, you may include
people who are special to you in roles such as a reading, music, or giving a blessing or
a reflection during the ceremony.
9. Who is responsible for obtaining the marriage license?
The couple is solely responsible. Please (email a copy) of the license to me at least 3 weeks prior
to the wedding and bring the ORIGINAL to the rehearsal or on the wedding day. It is my responsibility
to complete the marriage license documentation and to obtain appropriate signatures
I will then return the signed documents to the municipality in which the ceremony is
performed by "certified mail".
10. What is your "stipend" to officiate at our wedding ceremony and what
services does this include?
My fees are up front and transparent at $500 to perform marriage ceremonies. A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required to schedule and book your date and is due at the time of the initial consultation.
*Ceremony including Rehearsal --- $500 this includes the $200 deposit during consultation.
(Usually this basic fee is all that is charged for a local wedding)
Rehearsal with additional travel for outside normal travel coverage area -- additional costs are applied.
*This stipend or honorarium is inclusive of: pre-marital services, preparation of your ceremony,
officiating, and processing the marriage license. These services may vary based on the
needs and desires of the couple. Some couples like to meet often, others need to plan
with me from remote locations and meet infrequently. It's up to you how often we get together.
On average, though, we will meet three times before the wedding, not including a rehearsal.
DESTINATION WEDDINGS
In the case of a “destination wedding” there may be times when we cannot meet,
so we can make those arrangements should they arise at our initial planning meeting.
As far as “destination weddings” expenses will be incurred and we can talk about
these as well at our initial meeting (either on the phone, video chat, email, or in person as the case may be).
NOTE: Some officiants provide a "cookie-cutter" ceremony. I spend a significant amount of time
with you prior to the celebration of the wedding to get to know you both. We can then
work together to craft a ceremony that reflects your unique relationship and beliefs.
I will use our time together to support and counsel you both as you enter your married life.
This is not a “test” to see if you are suited to one another. All that we will share will be
for your benefit as a couple. So this is an opportunity for the two of you to sit down in a
safe place and talk about the foundations of a life-long friendship and marriage.
I will also provide you with a “workbook of resources”, (i.e., Scripture readings, etc)
for designing your ceremony.
11. What is "stipend"?
The stipend is merely intended to compensate for the time that I spend away from my
family, and to defray from the expenses I incur in planning, preparing and celebrating
your wedding ceremony. Sacraments cannot be sold or bought. Marriage, like all of the
sacraments, is a free gift of grace established by Christ for the salvation and
holiness of those who receive them. Jesus alone paid the price through His Suffering,
Death and Resurrection. Nothing can ever truly compensate for the cost of ministry,
other than the blessings it bestows on the couples I work with.
I want to make this very clear; this is not a fee for services rendered. This may sound
like a fine point, but this is very important. Above all else, this is the ministry that
Christ gave to me at my ordination, and so it is not, nor will it ever be a business.
12. What if this is more than I can afford?
Since this is a ministry, and we are discussing the celebration of a sacrament, no couple
should ever feel that they cannot call me simply because of the cost. If the offering listed
above is beyond your means please let me know, we’ll work something out.
I will never turn you away because you cannot afford the 'customary' offering, we can work through it together.
What is most important to me is that you have God’s blessing at your wedding,
and that you feel His love in your hearts and in your marriage.
13. When do we pay you?
Unless we agree to another arrangement, please make a non-refundable deposit of $200.
when you reserve your date on my calendar. This is important, since couples have,
from time to time, disappeared after meeting with me once or twice and I have turned
others away while reserving the date for them. The balance is due one month before your wedding.
14. What about Rehearsals?
At times, wedding venues have professionals to choreograph your rehearsal
yet I want to be present to answer any questions or concerns (especially if the
ceremony is in the context of a Mass). I am willing and available to consult with
these professionals, and to speak with them by phone at any time before day
of the rehearsal. (As far as “destination weddings”, I will of course be present
at the location to walk you both and the wedding party through the ceremony at the rehearsal).
15. I can assist married couples seeking to have their marriage vows “renewed”
in the Catholic Faith tradition.
16. Where’s Christ in all of this?
According to the Gospel of John, the very first miracle that Jesus performed was at a
wedding feast in Cana. In changing water into wine, He protected a newly married couple
from being embarrassed because they had run out of wine for their guests. In addition,
Jesus frequently ate and drank with anyone and everyone, especially those whom others
considered to be outcasts – tax collectors, sinners, and lepers. Jesus always reached
out to those whom others rejected or ignored, to bring them the Good News that no one
Is beyond the love and the mercy of God. Of course, this placed Jesus at odds with the
religious leadership of his day, and the institution that supported them. Jesus did not
place value on the opinions of these religious critics, but sought out those whom God
has called to His heavenly banquet.
Catholicism is larger than the institution that has evolved around it. Catholicism is more
than its corporate structure. It's more than the bishops – though we ought to respect them.
It is more than the Pope, though he has claim on our loving attention. It is more than
the Vatican. Popes, bishops, and priests may be the ones with legal title to the buildings,
but they are just people. They can be woefully mistaken, or even malfeasant, as just a glance
at recent headlines reminds us.
"We are the Church -- you and I – we are the People of God. The Church is the Spirit of Christ
within our hearts that has formed the community of believers who support and nurture
one another through prayer, the sacraments, and charitable words and deeds. We seek to
promote the growth of all people in holiness of life. It is our journey together – and on that
journey each one of us has the right to feel welcomed at the Lord’s Table, where we recognize
Him in the breaking of bread."- ACCUS
Each person has a right to receive God’s blessing in great moments of happiness and
sadness – at our weddings and at the loss of our loved ones, the birth of new life, in our
own sickness, and at the hour of death. Everyone has the right to receive help on the
journey from those called to be helpers and guides in the way of the Gospel. Isn't that
what the priesthood is all about, being a wise and helpful guide on the journey of the soul to God?
When the hierarchy loses its way – as it has from time to time throughout history – it is incumbent
on the rest of us to claim our rights and assume our responsibility as members of the
Body of Christ. If you are alienated from the institutional church, you need not be
alienated from your Catholicism.
The ACCUS.US Church – welcomes you just as you are.
It welcomes you in your second marriages, and it welcomes you if you are burdened down with
some unspeakable guilt or shame.
It welcomes you in His name, the one who has never ceased loving you – not even during
the times when you felt farthest from Him.
REFERENCES UPON REQUEST: I hold Licenses in OH, IN, KY, AK
Our Lady of Mercy Pastoral Center
Peace of the Lord Jesus be with you+
Fr. Frank J. O’Connell, Pastor
the INTAKE form and email to me. We can then set up a personal interview.
HERE IS THE LINK to my Marriage Video on YOU TUBE:
COPY AND PASTE TO YOUR BROWSER or CLICK on the link below to view:
https://youtu.be/1s0RJKp_1Zc
Marriage
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Weddings
1. We do not regularly attend a Parish in the area, and we cannot find a Priest
who will marry us. Being married in the church means a lot to us. What can we do?
There are several options that are open to you. Most Roman Catholic parishes will require
that you have at least some connection to them before they allow you to marry there. If you
are open to doing so, seek out a parish where you feel comfortable, meet with the priest and
explain that you would like to join the parish and that you have plans to marry. If you now
live in another area and are active in a parish there, ask your local priest to connect you
to a parish near where you want to marry. If you still have parents or relatives living in this area
who belong to a parish, ask them to speak to their priest about your request.
All Catholics who approach a priest for any sacrament, or help of any kind should be welcomed
and listened to with kindness. If you do not feel that you are being welcomed or treated kindly
by your local priest or parish, I assure you that I will treat you with kindness and acceptance –
nonjudgmental.
2. One of us is (or both of us are) divorced and we do not wish to use the
annulment process. Our priest has told us that we cannot be married in the Church.
Can you help us?
Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, other Catholic Churches (such as the Episcopal Church,
Eastern Orthodox Churches, and Independent Catholic Churches) teach that “second marriages”
may be blessed. I believe that the sacred bond that is established by God in the Sacrament
of Marriage is a living bond, capable of growth and maturity, requiring the care and sustenance
of both parties to the marriage. Humanity has been redeemed in Christ Jesus, and the chance
for New Life given to all.
Unfortunately, for many reasons--some good and some not so good--marriages sometimes fail.
If God sends love into your life after a failed marriage - I believe that new love is a sign of hope,
and gives you a new chance to journey through life with your beloved.
I welcome divorced people who want to marry again as children of God, because you deserve
another chance to enter into a loving and lifelong union. I will gladly bless your second marriage
in the name of the Church, which is the People of God.
3. Do either or both of us have to be Catholic?
IMPORTANT NOTE: Neither party has to be of any particular religious persuasion, or even be an active member
of a church. My main interest is in serving those who: appreciate the spiritual dimension of their
relationship, and want to celebrate their wedding as a sacred and dignified ceremony.
4. We are living together, and the parish priest said that we could not be married
in the Church unless we move apart for at least six months. Will you marry us if we
continue to live together?
Today many couples cohabitate, that is, live together before marriage. They do so for a number
of valid reasons, for example to save money on housing. The institutional Church prohibits
cohabitation, as well as sex before marriage. Most dioceses and parishes require couples to
move apart and avoid sexual contact for at least six months prior to their scheduled wedding.
This can be a terrible burden on the couple, and from a moral perspective, push a couple into
lying about living apart and their sexual abstinence, or sneaking around as if their love is
something to be ashamed of. Although there is a biblical value to waiting until after marriage
to begin to live together and share sexual intimacy, your conscience is always your supreme guide.
A well-informed conscience has always been the Church’s standard for weighing personal moral issues.
I do not consider your living arrangements to be a stumbling block to celebrating your wedding,
nor will I ever demand that you move apart before officiating at your marriage ceremony.
We will certainly discuss in our meetings all that you have learned about one another, and about
living as a couple under the same roof--as a part of our pre-marital sessions. However, the
conversation will be focused exclusively upon those insights and experiences that you have
had, so that we can look ahead to the effect that marriage might have upon your already
established home-life.
5. If you witness our marriage will the Church recognize our marriage? And will it be
legal in the eyes of the state?
I am an ordained Independent Catholic priest in The American Catholic Church in the United States
(not affiliated with Rome). I am a legally designated “minister of religion” in every state in
the nation, and therefore I am able to legally officiate at your wedding ceremony even for
“destination weddings” to other states.
The International Council of Community Churches and all other Christian denominations
will recognize your marriage as valid and licit (i.e., legal). Since I am no longer
ministering as an ordained Deacon within the institutional and juridical Church of Rome,
I lack jurisdiction from the Vatican to witness marriages on its behalf.
Your wedding will be a ceremony in the Catholic tradition, according the rites of the Catholic Faith,
officiated by a Catholic Priest, and performed in accordance with state law. It will be recognized
as legal by the state in which you were married. It will be recognized by the Catholic Church,
understood here as the “People of God.” If you wish, you may seek canonical approval
from the institutional Roman Catholic Church through a process called “convalidation.”
Simply, a “renewal” of your vows with the blessing of the Church within a parish church building.
The Church of Rome requires that its members follow the "form" of marriage as established
by Canon Law. Couples I marry are not following the form established by Canon Law, so
the Roman Catholic Church considers these marriages to be illicit, and will not recognize
them as sacramental according to its Church law.
6. We want to be married in an outdoor ceremony but our priest will only officiate
if it takes place in a service inside the church building.
Will you perform an outdoor ceremony?
Yes, I will be more than happy to perform your ceremony at a park, reception hall, home, or other
appropriate setting, inside or outside (this is also contrary to the Roman Catholic form of
marriage set out in Canon Law). We can discuss the setting that you have in
mind during our first meeting.
7. Will you perform ecumenical, interfaith, or non-denominational marriages?
Yes, as long as you ask God’s blessing on your marriage, I will be happy, and privileged,
to help you. I can celebrate with rabbis and ministers of other Christian denominations
and non-Christian religions.
8. How long does the typical ceremony last?
The typical ceremony runs 30-60 minutes depending on how you choose to personalize it.
This is your ceremony, and you may create it as you wish. My role is to assist you with
ideas and concrete suggestions, as well as inform you of the “elements of the vows
and celebration” required by civil law so at maintain the validity of your marriage.
There is plenty of room for readings—Biblical and non-Biblical—music, and symbolic acts,
such as the lighting of a unity candle, sand ceremony, presentation of roses to parents.
You may choose to have your marriage celebrated within the context of a Mass.
I encourage you to have a Mass, though, not just a ceremony. In addition, you may include
people who are special to you in roles such as a reading, music, or giving a blessing or
a reflection during the ceremony.
9. Who is responsible for obtaining the marriage license?
The couple is solely responsible. Please (email a copy) of the license to me at least 3 weeks prior
to the wedding and bring the ORIGINAL to the rehearsal or on the wedding day. It is my responsibility
to complete the marriage license documentation and to obtain appropriate signatures
I will then return the signed documents to the municipality in which the ceremony is
performed by "certified mail".
10. What is your "stipend" to officiate at our wedding ceremony and what
services does this include?
My fees are up front and transparent at $500 to perform marriage ceremonies. A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required to schedule and book your date and is due at the time of the initial consultation.
*Ceremony including Rehearsal --- $500 this includes the $200 deposit during consultation.
(Usually this basic fee is all that is charged for a local wedding)
Rehearsal with additional travel for outside normal travel coverage area -- additional costs are applied.
*This stipend or honorarium is inclusive of: pre-marital services, preparation of your ceremony,
officiating, and processing the marriage license. These services may vary based on the
needs and desires of the couple. Some couples like to meet often, others need to plan
with me from remote locations and meet infrequently. It's up to you how often we get together.
On average, though, we will meet three times before the wedding, not including a rehearsal.
DESTINATION WEDDINGS
In the case of a “destination wedding” there may be times when we cannot meet,
so we can make those arrangements should they arise at our initial planning meeting.
As far as “destination weddings” expenses will be incurred and we can talk about
these as well at our initial meeting (either on the phone, video chat, email, or in person as the case may be).
NOTE: Some officiants provide a "cookie-cutter" ceremony. I spend a significant amount of time
with you prior to the celebration of the wedding to get to know you both. We can then
work together to craft a ceremony that reflects your unique relationship and beliefs.
I will use our time together to support and counsel you both as you enter your married life.
This is not a “test” to see if you are suited to one another. All that we will share will be
for your benefit as a couple. So this is an opportunity for the two of you to sit down in a
safe place and talk about the foundations of a life-long friendship and marriage.
I will also provide you with a “workbook of resources”, (i.e., Scripture readings, etc)
for designing your ceremony.
11. What is "stipend"?
The stipend is merely intended to compensate for the time that I spend away from my
family, and to defray from the expenses I incur in planning, preparing and celebrating
your wedding ceremony. Sacraments cannot be sold or bought. Marriage, like all of the
sacraments, is a free gift of grace established by Christ for the salvation and
holiness of those who receive them. Jesus alone paid the price through His Suffering,
Death and Resurrection. Nothing can ever truly compensate for the cost of ministry,
other than the blessings it bestows on the couples I work with.
I want to make this very clear; this is not a fee for services rendered. This may sound
like a fine point, but this is very important. Above all else, this is the ministry that
Christ gave to me at my ordination, and so it is not, nor will it ever be a business.
12. What if this is more than I can afford?
Since this is a ministry, and we are discussing the celebration of a sacrament, no couple
should ever feel that they cannot call me simply because of the cost. If the offering listed
above is beyond your means please let me know, we’ll work something out.
I will never turn you away because you cannot afford the 'customary' offering, we can work through it together.
What is most important to me is that you have God’s blessing at your wedding,
and that you feel His love in your hearts and in your marriage.
13. When do we pay you?
Unless we agree to another arrangement, please make a non-refundable deposit of $200.
when you reserve your date on my calendar. This is important, since couples have,
from time to time, disappeared after meeting with me once or twice and I have turned
others away while reserving the date for them. The balance is due one month before your wedding.
14. What about Rehearsals?
At times, wedding venues have professionals to choreograph your rehearsal
yet I want to be present to answer any questions or concerns (especially if the
ceremony is in the context of a Mass). I am willing and available to consult with
these professionals, and to speak with them by phone at any time before day
of the rehearsal. (As far as “destination weddings”, I will of course be present
at the location to walk you both and the wedding party through the ceremony at the rehearsal).
15. I can assist married couples seeking to have their marriage vows “renewed”
in the Catholic Faith tradition.
16. Where’s Christ in all of this?
According to the Gospel of John, the very first miracle that Jesus performed was at a
wedding feast in Cana. In changing water into wine, He protected a newly married couple
from being embarrassed because they had run out of wine for their guests. In addition,
Jesus frequently ate and drank with anyone and everyone, especially those whom others
considered to be outcasts – tax collectors, sinners, and lepers. Jesus always reached
out to those whom others rejected or ignored, to bring them the Good News that no one
Is beyond the love and the mercy of God. Of course, this placed Jesus at odds with the
religious leadership of his day, and the institution that supported them. Jesus did not
place value on the opinions of these religious critics, but sought out those whom God
has called to His heavenly banquet.
Catholicism is larger than the institution that has evolved around it. Catholicism is more
than its corporate structure. It's more than the bishops – though we ought to respect them.
It is more than the Pope, though he has claim on our loving attention. It is more than
the Vatican. Popes, bishops, and priests may be the ones with legal title to the buildings,
but they are just people. They can be woefully mistaken, or even malfeasant, as just a glance
at recent headlines reminds us.
"We are the Church -- you and I – we are the People of God. The Church is the Spirit of Christ
within our hearts that has formed the community of believers who support and nurture
one another through prayer, the sacraments, and charitable words and deeds. We seek to
promote the growth of all people in holiness of life. It is our journey together – and on that
journey each one of us has the right to feel welcomed at the Lord’s Table, where we recognize
Him in the breaking of bread."- ACCUS
Each person has a right to receive God’s blessing in great moments of happiness and
sadness – at our weddings and at the loss of our loved ones, the birth of new life, in our
own sickness, and at the hour of death. Everyone has the right to receive help on the
journey from those called to be helpers and guides in the way of the Gospel. Isn't that
what the priesthood is all about, being a wise and helpful guide on the journey of the soul to God?
When the hierarchy loses its way – as it has from time to time throughout history – it is incumbent
on the rest of us to claim our rights and assume our responsibility as members of the
Body of Christ. If you are alienated from the institutional church, you need not be
alienated from your Catholicism.
The ACCUS.US Church – welcomes you just as you are.
It welcomes you in your second marriages, and it welcomes you if you are burdened down with
some unspeakable guilt or shame.
It welcomes you in His name, the one who has never ceased loving you – not even during
the times when you felt farthest from Him.
REFERENCES UPON REQUEST: I hold Licenses in OH, IN, KY, AK
Our Lady of Mercy Pastoral Center
Peace of the Lord Jesus be with you+
Fr. Frank J. O’Connell, Pastor