Shepherd's Heart Ministries
Of Christ's Catholic Church

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. To the Faithful in Jesus Christ throughout the world, Peace and Apostolic Benediction.

Be it known by the tenor of these presents that in the year of our Lord two thousand and ten, in the fifth year of our Episcopate, on the eighteenth day of July, the Feast of Saint Camillus of Lellis, we, The Right Reverend Brian Ernest Brown OSH, Abbot-Bishop of the Diocese of the Shepherd’s Heart of Christ’s Catholic Church, in the due exercise of our sacred commission and pursuant to the powers vested in us by virtue of our Apostolic Succession, during a Pontifical Celebration of the Holy Eucharist did impose our hands upon Bruce Patrick Richard Davison, OSH ordaining him to the sacred and holy Order of Deacons in Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church to be a servant to the people of God and to care for the poor, the needy, the oppressed, and to preach the Gospel.

He is commended to take his place as a servant of Christ’s flock in assuming the office of Deacon in Christ’s Catholic Church. The said rite took place at the Cathedral of the Shepherd’s Heart in the city of Branson Missouri according to the rites of the Diocese of the Shepherd‘s Heart of Christ‘s Catholic Church.

On this special day, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I would like to announce the launch of a new ministry for Shepherd’s Heart Ministries and Christ’s Catholic Church, “Celebrate Love.” This new ministry is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the love that it holds for all people including the LGBTQIAPP (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, questioning, intersexual, asexual, pansexual, polyamorous).

In a world where love is in short supply and often hard to find we should celebrate it when it blooms and support it when it grows, regardless of the form or expression between consenting adults. These forms and expressions of love include a myriad of what have often been called “alternative lifestyles” but in fact are simply varied expressions of love blooming within our lives.

Some of these varied expressions of love include relationships of people who may be (LGBTQIAPP) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, questioning, intersexual, asexual, pansexual, and polyamorous. All too often the mainline institutional churches have abandoned these groups of people because their relationships were perceived outside of what is “Biblically acceptable” a distinction determined by the more conservative and limited interpretation of scripture by these same exclusionary churches. All too often the mainline institutional churches have fixated upon the act of sex instead of the relationship of love. The church has had a long a unhealthy fascination with human sexuality only to condemn it at every turn. It’s far past the time that the church get out of our sex lives and get into our love lives.

Sexuality is a God given gift and should be celebrated, respected, and enjoyed accordingly. It is time for the church to renounce its obsession on the physical act of sex between consenting adults and instead reaffirm human sexuality in all of its beauty and diversity by promoting healthy sexual relationships between consenting adults. Chastity and not sex needs to be the focus of the church and its clergy.

Chastity is an affirmation of the Resurrection of the body, and therefore leads us into responsible, nurturing physical relationships founded on Love. Chastity is love which comes from the body, the mind, and the spirit in harmony, without compulsion, possessiveness, or selfishness. It is love, sex, and physicalness made obedient to God. Chastity should not be confused with celibacy as is sometimes the case.

Chastity is a part of our calling and life-style, but is also a gift of grace. It uniquely frees the hearts of men and women so they can become more fervent in love for God and all humanity. It is the confirmation of our responsibility for the whole world. It is the most perfect manifestation of the love between Christ and his Bride. Through chastity we are freed to find a truly loving relationship with ourselves, our families, friends, and spouses, the world we share, and God himself. Chastity is our taste of the Kingdom of God.

In short, the conversation in the churches of today should be on love and not on sex and to that end we celebrate love when it blooms and support it when it grows, regardless of the form or expression between consenting adults and for this reason we launch Celebrate Love.

It is the belief of this ministry that love is an outward and visible sign to the community of the invisible God living in our midst – the living God who bears fruit in the lives of people who love one another. They are an ever-present sign of His Love in the world. There is special grace and ministry within every committed relationship that God has joined together. While the fruit they bear is more than genetically linked offspring, though certainly the bearing of children is a blessing and also evidence of the shared love. Moreover, the harvest of their fruit should show a strengthened understanding of the sacrificial nature of love that we are all called to. It is in this relationship, one to another, that we begin to truly grasp God’s love for us, His commitment to us and our own call to “love one another as He has loved us.” It is through the diversity of loving relationships between consenting adults that we begin to see the diversity of God’s love for the whole of creation.

It is fitting that this ministry to the marginalized and abandoned, the LGBTQIAPP (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, questioning, intersexual, asexual, pansexual, polyamorous) of the church should launch on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On this day we are called to take a long look at the heart of Jesus and then to take a long look at our own hearts. In Christ we see a heart beating for the love of the entirety of creation, for all his children, regardless. In our own hearts do we see the same thing? Do we celebrate love in the world around us? Do we recognize it for what it is and for what it can become? Or in instances of “alternative relationships” do we fixate on the genetalia and the sex act instead of the heart and the love act?

Celebrate Love is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and also to the LGBTQIAPP (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, questioning, intersexual, asexual, pansexual, polyamorous) people of faith who have been abandoned, thrown away, marginalized, and or abused by the church and her ministers. We stand with open and welcoming arms to welcome you back home to the heart of Christ. Not all Christian churches are full of hate, intolerance, and judgementalness – we certainly are not. We welcome you, and not just some of you but every one of you!

Come, celebrate love with us and let us celebrate your love too!

Please visit www.celebrate-love.org for more information.

Pax et Amor,
+Brian E. Brown, OSH

Celebrate Love
Shepherd’s Heart Ministries
Christ’s Catholic Church: An Ecumenical Free Catholic Communion

This newest venue of St. Willibrord Press is dedicated to Bishop Karl Pruter of blessed memory and his patron saint, St. Willibrord.

Be watching as St. Willibrord Press online will be opening soon. We are excited about exploring this new platform for our small publishing house and hope you are as well.

Until St. Willibrord Press opens completely you may visit our bookstore on Ebay, Shepherd’s Heart Books and Gifts where we offer books on theology, Celtic Christianity, Old Catholicism, prayer, mysticism, church history, various liturgies, et cetera. We also carry vestments, altar items, incense, candles, music, icons, art, glass jewelry, lampwork, handblown glass art and much more!

Happy bidding and may God bless you + Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

The Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist
A Celtic Catholic Caiming Mass

Compiled and edited by The Rt. Rev. Brian E. Brown, OSH
According to the use of the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart Christ’s Catholic Church
An Ecumenical Free Catholic Communion in the Old Catholic Tradition

As authorized by the office of the Abbot General
Feast of Saint Samthann December 18, 2005

Imprimatur: Feast of Saint Samthann December 18, 2005
+The Right Reverend Brian Ernest Brown, OSH

Saint Willibrord Press
Hollister Missouri

The Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist

With the people standing an introit may be said or sung, a hymn may also be sung.

Leader:
+ In the Name of the Three: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Leader and people alternating:

Lord open our lips;
AND OUR MOUTH SHALL DECLARE YOUR PRAISE.
Lord open our eyes;
AND WE SHALL BEHOLD YOUR GLORY IN OTHERS.
Lord open our hearts;
AND WE SHALL DISCOVER YOUR LOVE IN LOVING OTHERS.
Lord open our lives;
AND ALL LIVING SHALL DECLARE YOUR PRESENCE.

Leader:
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

The Litany

Leader and people alternating:

I surrender it all to Jesus.
I SURRENDER IT ALL TO GOD’S WILL.
I surrender it all for the Kingdom of God.
I SURRENDER MY LIFE, MY ALL.

God to enfold me, God to surround me,
GOD IN MY SPEAKING, GOD IN MY THINKING,
God in my sleeping, God in my waking,
GOD IN MY WATCHING, GOD IN MY HOPING,
God in my life, God in my dreams,
GOD IN MY HEART, GOD IN MY SOUL.

Circle me O God,
KEEP HOPE WITHIN, DESPAIR WITHOUT.
Circle me O God,
KEEP PEACE WITHIN, KEEP TURMOIL OUT.
Circle me O God,
KEEP CALM WITHIN, KEEP STORMS WITHOUT.
Circle me O God,
KEEP STRENGTH WITHIN, KEEP WEAKNESS OUT.

Lord, have mercy. LORD, HAVE MERCY.
Christ, have mercy. CHRIST, HAVE MERCY.
Lord, have mercy. LORD, HAVE MERCY.

Christ, hear us.
CHRIST, HEAR US.
God, the Father of Heaven,
HAVE MERCY ON US.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
HAVE MERCY ON US.
God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful,
HAVE MERCY ON US.
Holy Trinity, One God,
HAVE MERCY ON US.

The saints whose names are preceded by an asterisk are always invoked. After each name in the litany the people respond, Pray for us.

*Holy Mary, PRAY FOR US.
*St. Michael,
*All Holy Angels and Archangels,
*St. John the Baptist,
*St. Joseph,
St. Peter,
St. Paul,
St. Andrew,
*St. John,
St. James,
St. Philip,
St. Bartholomew,
St. Thomas,
St. Matthew,
St. James,
St. Thaddeus,
St. Simon,
St. Mark,
St. Luke,
*St. Mary Magdalene,
St. Stephen,
St. Anthony,
*St. Martin,
*St. Joseph of Arimathea,
*St. Ninian,
St. David,
*St. Brendan,
*St. Columba,
St. Columbanus,
*St. Patrick,
St. Kieran,
*St. Kevin
St. Comgal,
St. Gall,
*St. Brigid,
*St. Dymphna,
St. Ita,
*St. Samthann,
*St. Melangell,
*St. Willibrord,
*St. Martin of Westwood,
*St. Karl Prüter,

Other names may be added. Leader and people alternating:

Be merciful,
DELIVER US, O LORD.
Be merciful,
SPARE US, O LORD.
Be merciful,
GRACIOUSLY HEAR US, O LORD.
From all evil,
DELIVER US, O LORD.
By your Cross,
DELIVER US, O LORD.
Son of God,
WE BESEECH YOU TO HEAR US.
Lamb of God,
HEAR US.
You who take away the sins of the world,
HAVE MERCY ON US.
O Christ,
HEAR US.

The Gloria in Excelsis

Then shall be said or sung when appointed:

All:
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST,
AND PEACE TO HIS PEOPLE ON EARTH.
LORD GOD, HEAVENLY KING,
ALMIGHTY GOD AND FATHER,
WE WORSHIP YOU, WE GIVE YOU THANKS,
WE PRAISE YOU FOR YOUR GLORY.
LORD JESUS CHRIST,
ONLY SON OF THE FATHER,
LORD GOD, LAMB OF GOD,
YOU TAKE AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD:
HAVE MERCY ON US.
YOU ARE SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF
THE FATHER, RECEIVE OUR PRAYER.
FOR YOU ALONE ARE THE HOLY ONE,
YOU ALONE ARE THE LORD,
YOU ALONE ARE THE MOST HIGH,
JESUS CHRIST, WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, +
IN THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER.
AMEN.

The Collect

Leader:
The Lord be with you.

People:
AND WITH YOUR SPIRIT.

Leader:
Let us pray.

The people may kneel while the collect for the day or some other prayer shall be said.

People:
AMEN.

The Readings

With the people seated one or two lessons, as appointed, are read, the reader first saying:

Reader:
A Reading from ____________________________________.

After the reading, the reader shall say:

Reader:
The Word of the Lord.

People:
THANKS BE TO GOD.

A Psalm or hymn may follow each reading.

All:
GLORY BE TO THE FATHER, W AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT. AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IS NOW, AND EVER SHALL BE: WORLD WITHOUT END. AMEN.

The Prayers of the People

The people may kneel. The prayers of the people are according to the form provided, some other form, or extemporaneous. Deacon and people alternating:

Litany from Psalm 28 Ad Te Domine

O Lord, we call to you; our Rock do not be deaf to our cries.
MY WORLD HAS BEEN SHAKEN TO ITS FOUNDATION AND I FEEL MY CRIES UNHEARD IN THE CHAOS.

For if you do not hear us, we will be like those who went down to the pit.
I NEED YOUR COMFORT AND SAVING PRESENCE. TEACH ME THAT I AM NOT ALONE.

Hear the voice of our prayers as we cry out to you for help.
YOU HEAR EVERY CRY OF YOUR CHILDREN AND FEEL THE DROP OF EVERY TEAR.

We lift up our hands to your most holy sanctuary.
YOU TAKE MY HAND AND HOLD ME. YOUR LOVE WILL NEVER LET ME GO.

Blessed is the Lord, who has heard the sound of our pleadings.
YOUR STRENGTH GIVES POWER TO MY VOICE. I AM FORGIVEN AND HEALED.

The Lord is our strength and our shield.
MY HEART TRUSTS IN YOU AND LIVES.

The Lord is the strength of his people.
YOU ARE MY SAVING REFUGE. GRANT ME PEACE.

Save your people, O Lord, and bless your inheritance.
BE MY SHEPHERD, AND CARRY EACH LOST SHEEP HOME.

With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying “Lamb of God, hear our prayer.”

For the peace from above, for the loving-kindness of God, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Catholic Church of God, for the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

For the Pope, the Patriarchs, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of Utrecht, for .N. our (Abbot, Bishop), and .N. our Pastor, for all Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and all other Clergy, let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all who sit in the seat of Caesar and Herod, let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

For this city, for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

For those who travel on land, on water, or in the air or through outer space, let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

For all those who need or ask for our prayers especially, .N., let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed, especially .N., let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

For the absolution and remission of our sins and offenses, let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Defend us, deliver us, and in thy compassion protect us, O Lord, by thy grace.
LAMB OF GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

In the communion of .N. and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.
TO THEE, O LORD OUR GOD.

Leader:
O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O Lover of Souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. AMEN.

The Censing of the Jerusalem Altar

The priest prepares the incense and censes the altar and people while saying:

Priest:
May this incense be + blessed by him in whose honor it is to be burned. AMEN.

As this incense rises before you O Lord, so let our prayers be set forth in your sight. Let your Holy Angels encompass your people and breathe forth upon them the spirit of your blessing. AMEN.

The Preparation of the Chalice

The chalice is now uncovered by the priest, who pours wine into it. The bread is placed on the paten The chalice is elevated while the following is said or sung:

Priest:
Let our prayers come like incense
before your sight, O Lord,

All:
THE LIFTING UP OF OUR HANDS,
LIKE AN EVENING SACRIFICE.

The priest blesses the water with the sign of the cross. Three drops of water are now poured into the chalice, and the priest says:

Priest:
I pray to you, O Father,
I believe in you, O Son,
I call upon you, O Holy Spirit.

Three drops of wine are poured into the chalice, and the priest says:

Priest:
May the Father restore us,
May the Son forgive us,
May the Holy Spirit be merciful.

Come, Almighty and Eternal God, the Sanctifier, and bless X this sacrifice prepared in your Holy Name. AMEN.

The Reading of the Gospel

With all standing, here may be said or sung a gradual psalm, hymn, or an anthem.

Deacon:
The Lord be with you.

People:
AND WITH YOUR SPIRIT.

Deacon:
+ The Holy Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to St. ___________.

People:
HOLY,HOLY,HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY,
WHO WAS, AND IS, AND IS TO COME.

The Deacon reads the Gospel, after which he says:

Deacon:
The Gospel of the Lord.

People:
BLESSING AND HONOR AND GLORY AND WISDOM
AND MIGHT BE TO GOD AND THE LAMB FOREVER.

The Sermon

All may be seated.

Preacher:
+ May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be always acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. AMEN.

The Nicene Creed

With all standing here follows when appointed:

All:
WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD,
THE FATHER ALMIGHTY,
MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH,
OF ALL THAT IS, SEEN AND UNSEEN.

WE BELIEVE IN ONE LORD, JESUS CHRIST,
THE ONLY SON OF GOD,
ETERNALLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER,
GOD FROM GOD, LIGHT FROM LIGHT,
TRUE GOD FROM TRUE GOD,
BEGOTTEN, NOT MADE,
OF ONE BEING WITH THE FATHER.
THROUGH HIM ALL THINGS WERE MADE.
FOR US AND FOR OUR SALVATION
HE CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN:

Here all may genuflect.

BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
HE BECAME INCARNATE FROM THE
VIRGIN MARY AND WAS MADE MAN.

FOR OUR SAKE HE WAS CRUCIFIED
UNDER PONTIUS PILATE;
HE SUFFERED DEATH AND WAS BURIED.
ON THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN

All stand.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SCRIPTURES.
HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN,
AND IS SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER.
HE WILL COME AGAIN IN GLORY TO JUDGE
THE LIVING AND THE DEAD.
AND HIS KINGDOM WILL HAVE NO END.

WE BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT,
THE LORD, THE GIVER OF LIFE,
WHO PROCEEDS FROM THE FATHER.
WITH THE FATHER AND THE SON HE IS
WORSHIPPED AND GLORIFIED.
HE HAS SPOKEN THROUGH THE PROPHETS.

WE BELIEVE IN ONE HOLY, CATHOLIC,
AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH,
WE ACKNOWLEDGE ONE BAPTISM
FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SIN,
WE LOOK FOR THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD +
AND THE LIFE OF THE WORLD TO COME.
AMEN.

Confession of Sin

The following form of confession is intended to instill the practice of reconciliation and not to supplant it. Every Christian should avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation often, by making a regular confession to a priest in a private setting.

Leader:
Dear brothers and sisters, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Sacred Mystery, let us call to mind our sins against God and our neighbor.

The people may kneel. Silence may be kept.

All:
GRACIOUS GOD, MY SINS ARE TOO HEAVY TO CARRY, TOO REAL TO HIDE, AND TOO DEEP TO UNDO.

FORGIVE WHAT MY LIPS TREMBLE TO NAME, WHAT MY HEART CAN NO LONGER BEAR, AND WHAT HAS BECOME FOR ME A CONSUMING FIRE OF JUDGMENT.

SET ME FREE FROM A PAST THAT I CANNOT CHANGE; OPEN TO ME A FUTURE IN WHICH I CAN BE CHANGED.

GRANT ME GRACE TO GROW MORE AND MORE IN YOUR LIKENESS AND IMAGE, THROUGH THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.

Priest:
May Almighty God have mercy on you, X forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in everlasting life. AMEN.

Leader and people alternating:

I praise the wounds and the Blood of the Lamb
THAT HEALS THE WEAKNESS OF MY BODY.
I praise the wounds and the Blood of the Lamb
THAT HEALS THE WEAKNESS OF MY SOUL.
I praise the wounds and the Blood of the Lamb
THAT HEALS THE WEAKNESS OF MY SPIRIT.
Praise be to the Blood of the Lamb
IN HIS FORGIVING POWER.
Praise be to the Blood of the Lamb
IN HIS RELEASING POWER.
Praise be to the Blood of the Lamb
IN HIS VICTORIOUS POWER.
Praise be to the Blood of the Lamb
IN HIS RENEWING POWER.
Praise be to the Blood of the Lamb
IN HIS PROTECTING POWER.
I praise the Blood of the Lamb
THAT MAKES ALL THINGS NEW.
ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!

The Peace

Leader:
My brothers and sisters, the peace and grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ be always with you.

People:
AND WITH YOUR SPIRIT.
A Litany of Peace or Saint Patrick’s Breastplate may be prayed here.

Leader:
Christ, Prince of Peace, Christ, King of Tenderness,
Bind us with a bond of peace that cannot be loosened.
Bind us with a bond of love that cannot be broken.

People:
AMEN.

Leader:
See that you are at peace amongst yourselves, my children, and love one another in Jesus Christ our Lord, just as he first loved us.

The ministers and people shall stand and greet each other with the sign of peace.

The Offertory

Leader:
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God.

The gifts to be offered to God are placed on the altar. As they are brought forward, a hymn may be sung. The people stand to sing.

The people may kneel. As he offers the bread, the priest says:

Priest:
Kindly receive us, O Lord, for we are humble in spirit and penitent of heart, and may the sacrifice we offer this day in the breaking of this bread be pleasing to you, our living and true God. AMEN.

As he offers the chalice, the priest says:

Priest:
We offer to you, O Lord, the chalice of salvation, imploring your mercy, that our offering may rise with a pleasing fragrance before your divine majesty for the salvation of ourselves and for that of the whole world. AMEN.

The priest may read the names of the departed, as follows:

Priest:
Beloved, bless the departed, (especially .N.) Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Priest:
We offer to you, Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, who suffered for us and rose from the dead on the third day, these offerings and sincere oblations for the souls of our loved ones, that their names may be written in the book of eternal life. Of your mercy, be pleased to rescue them, you who lives and reigns from age to age. AMEN.

Priest:
May all our gifts be pleasing to you which your people offer to you to the praise of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in commemoration of the Virgin Mary, and of your blessed apostles, martyrs, and confessors (especially .N. whom we remember today, and .N. our patron). With special intentions for .N. our (Abbot, Bishop), for our Priests and Deacons, for those dear to our hearts, for our families, for our friends, and for our penitents. Through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. AMEN.

The Censing of the Heavenly Altar

The water having already been blessed, the priest washes his hands while saying:

Priest:
I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord,
That I may go in procession round your altar,
Singing aloud a song of thanksgiving
And recounting all your wonderful deeds.
Lord, I love the house in which you dwell
And the place where your glory abides.
Do not sweep me away with sinners,
Nor my life with those who thirst for blood,
Whose hands are full of evil plots,
And their right hand full of bribes.
As for me, I will live with integrity;
Redeem me, O Lord, and have pity on me.
My foot stands on level ground;
In the full assembly I will bless the Lord.

The priest blesses the incense and censing the altar shall say:

Priest:
May this incense be + blessed by him in whose honor it is to be burned. AMEN.

May the angels of Heaven protect us this day and circle us with the fragrance of peace. May Christ our Lord and loving friend protect us this day and circle us with affection and love. May the Spirit of truth who dwells in our heart protect us this day and circle us and fill us with joy. AMEN.

The Sursum Corda and Sanctus

Then shall follow all standing with the leader and people alternating:

The Lord be with you.
AND WITH YOUR SPIRIT.

Lift up your hearts.
WE LIFT THEM UP TO THE LORD.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
IT IS RIGHT TO GIVE HIM THANKS AND PRAISE.

God of all power, Ruler of the Universe, you are worthy of glory and praise.
GLORY TO YOU FOR EVER AND EVER.

At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home.
BY YOUR WILL THEY WERE CREATED AND HAVE THEIR BEING.

From the primal elements you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill. You made us the rulers of creation. But we turned against you, and betrayed your trust; and we turned against one another.
HAVE MERCY, LORD, FOR WE ARE SINNERS IN YOUR SIGHT.

Again and again, you called us to return. Through prophets and sages you revealed your righteous Law. And in the fullness of time you sent your only Son, born of a maiden, to fulfill your Law, to open for us the way of freedom and peace.
BY HIS BLOOD, HE RECONCILED US. BY HIS WOUNDS, WE ARE HEALED.

And therefore we praise you, joining with the heavenly chorus, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with all those in every generation who have looked to you in hope, to proclaim with them your glory, in their unending hymn:

All:
HOLY,HOLY,HOLY,LORD,
GOD OF POWER AND MIGHT,
HEAVEN AND EARTH
ARE FULL OF YOUR GLORY
HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST.
W BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES
IN THE NAME OF THE LORD
HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST.

The Canon

The people shall kneel.

Priest:
Truly holy are you, truly blessed are you, truly loving are you, and truly wondrous are you, God our heavenly Father.

Here shall follow a proper memorial.

Priest:
Therefore, most merciful Father, we humbly beg and entreat you through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, to accept and bless these + gifts, these + offerings, these + holy and spotless sacrifices, which we offer to you for your holy Catholic Church, that you would be pleased to keep her in peace, preserve her in unity, and govern her throughout the world; especially for those who keep the apostolic faith in this place, with .N. our (Abbot, Bishop).

Where indicated, the names of the living may be read.

Priest:
Remember also, O Lord, (your servants .N. and .N. and) all here present, whose faith, devotion, and love are known to you, for whom we offer this sacrifice of praise, on their behalf, and on behalf of all who are theirs, for the redemption of their souls, the integrity of those in authority over them, the purity of all pastors, the chastity of virgins, the courage of the lonely; for fair weather; for the abundance of the earth, the return of peace and the end of turmoil, the safety of the people and the return of captives; for the hopes of those here present, the memory of the martyrs, the remission of our sins, the correction of our errors, and the gentle repose of the dead; for bishops, priests, and all in ecclesiastical orders; for all rulers, especially .N. our president; for safety in our journey; for our lost brothers and sisters; for our faithful brothers and sisters; for our brothers and sisters whom from the dimness of the world you, O Lord, have lovingly summoned; that divine goodness may receive them in the eternal peace of the heavenly light; for our brothers and sisters who are afflicted with various sorrows, that divine goodness may lovingly care for them; and for the hope of protection and salvation for all who here pay their vows to you, the eternal, living, and true God.

In the unity of holy fellowship…

Here the priest may say the proper communicants.

…and venerating the memory first of all of the Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ, along with blessed Joseph, his foster father, and also blessed John the Baptist, the blessed Apostles Andrew, Peter, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddeus, and Simon; the blessed Paul, Mark, Luke, Mary Magdalene, Joseph of Arimathea, Stephen, Anthony, Martin, Ninian, David, Brendan, Patrick, Columba, Columbanus, Kieran, Kevin, Comgal, Gall, Brigid, Dymphna, Ita, Samthann, Melangell, Willibrord, Martin of Westwood, Karl Prüter and of all your saints, through whose merits and prayers, grant that we may ever be strengthened in all things by the help of your protection; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

We therefore beg you to accept, O Lord, this offering of our worship and that of your whole household, which we offer in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in memory of your martyrs in this Church, which your servants built to the honor of your Name. We beseech you, O Lord, to deliver us and all people from the worship of idols and turn us to you, the true God.

Almighty Father, regulate the days of our lives that they may be spent in your peace; spare us from eternal damnation and help us to be numbered in the fold with your flock; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Here the priest may bow three times, while striking his breast, and saying each time:

Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on me!
Jesus, Bearer of my sins, have mercy on me!
Jesus, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on me!

All:
CHRIST BE WITH US, CHRIST BE IN US, CHRIST BEHIND US, CHRIST BEFORE US, CHRIST BESIDE US, CHRIST TO WIN US, CHRIST TO COMFORT AND RESTORE US. CHRIST BENEATH US, CHRIST ABOVE US, CHRIST IN QUIET, CHRIST IN DANGER, CHRIST IN HEARTS OF ALL WHO LOVE US, CHRIST IN MOUTH OF FRIEND AND STRANGER.

Priest:
And so dear Father, we who have been redeemed by your Christ, and made a new people through your Holy Spirit in the waters of baptism, now bring before you these gifts. We summon you O God, most merciful Father, to bless +, consecrate +, and approve +, this offering, making it reasonable and acceptable. We summon the Holy Spirit radiating like light, shining all around us and upon us + and upon this offering, so that it may become for us the forgiving and healing Body + and Blood + of Jesus, child born in a stable, High King of heaven made flesh ever to dwell among us.

Who on the night he was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

The priest elevates the host, kneels, and makes the sign of the cross.

After supper, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

The priest elevates the chalice, kneels, and makes the sign of the cross.

Remembering now his work of redemption, and offering to you this sacrifice of thanksgiving:

All:
WE CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION,
AS WE AWAIT THE DAY OF HIS COMING.

Here the priest may bow three times, while striking his breast, and saying each time:

Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on me!
Jesus, Bearer of my sins, have mercy on me!
Jesus, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on me!

Priest:
We your servants, O Lord, and with us your holy people, calling to mind the blessed passion of the same Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, and also his resurrection from the grave and glorious ascension into heaven, offer to your supreme majesty, of the gifts bestowed upon us, a pure +, holy +, and perfect + sacrifice, the holy + Bread of eternal life, and the + Chalice of everlasting salvation.

Be pleased to look upon these offerings with a gracious and kindly countenance, and accept them as it pleased you to accept the offering of your just servant Abel, and the sacrifice of our father Abraham, and that which your great high priest Melchizedek offered to you, a holy sacrifice and a spotless victim.

Humbly we implore you, Almighty God, bid these offerings be carried by the hands of your holy angels to your Altar on high, before your divine majesty, so that those of us who, by sharing in the sacrifice at this Altar, shall receive the sacred + Body and + Blood of your Son, and may be filled W with every grace and heavenly blessing. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Remember, O Lord, the names of those who have gone before us + in the sign of faith and rest in the sleep of peace.

Remember, also, all the holy and venerable priests throughout the world who offer for the whole assembly of the Catholic Church a spiritual sacrifice to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, that they may, with the ranks of the venerable patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, and all the saints, graciously intercede for us to the Lord our God.

All:
TO US ALSO YOUR SINFUL SERVANTS, WHO TRUST IN YOUR BOUNDLESS MERCY, GRACIOUSLY GRANT FELLOWSHIP AND A PLACE WITH YOUR HOLY APOSTLES AND MARTYRS AND ALL YOUR SAINTS. INTO THEIR COMPANY WE BEG YOU ADMIT US, NOT WEIGHING OUR UNWORTHINESS, BUT FREELY GRANTING US FORGIVENESS. THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. AMEN.

Priest:
It is ever through Jesus Christ your Son that all good gifts, created by you, Almighty Father, are by you sanctified +, endowed with life +, blessed +, and bestowed upon us.

Priest:
Lord God of our Fathers: God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us. Deliver us from the presumption of coming to this Table for solace only, and not for strength; for pardon only, and not for renewal. Let the grace of this Holy Communion make us one body, one spirit in Christ, that we may worthily serve the world in his name.

People:
RISEN LORD, BE KNOWN TO US IN THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD.

Here the priest elevates the host over the chalice.

Priest:
Accept these prayers and praises, Father, through Jesus Christ our great High Priest, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, your Church gives honor, glory, and worship, from generation to generation. AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer

Leader:
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:

All:
OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN,
HALLOWED BE THY NAME,
THY KINGDOM COME,
THY WILL BE DONE,
ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD,
AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES,
AS WE FORGIVE THOSE
WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US.
AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION
BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM,
AND THE POWER, AND THE GLORY
FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN.

The Breaking of the Bread

The priest breaks the bread, and says the following:

Priest:
Alleluia, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us!

People:
THEREFORE LET US KEEP THE FEAST, ALLELUIA!

During Lent or with presanctified elements, the following is used:

Leader:
The cup of blessing which we bless,
is it not a sharing in the Blood of Christ?
The bread which we break,
is it not a sharing in the Body of Christ?

People:
BECAUSE THERE IS ONE BREAD,
WE WHO ARE MANY ARE ONE BODY,
FOR WE ALL PARTAKE OF THE ONE BREAD.

Here the priest shall reverently place a particle of the host into the chalice, saying:

Priest:
May the mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be for us a sign of salvation unto everlasting life. AMEN.

The Adoration

One of the following adoration prayers is offered, the leader and people alternating:

Behold the Lamb of God,
ALLELUIA!
Behold him who takes away the sins of the world.
ALLELUIA!
My peace I give to you,
ALLELUIA!
My own peace I leave with you.
ALLELUIA!
The King of Heaven comes in peace,
ALLELUIA!
Full of the fragrance of life.
ALLELUIA!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
ALLELUIA!
Sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.
ALLELUIA!
They knew the Lord,
ALLELUIA!
In the breaking of the Bread.
ALLELUIA!

Anima Christi

Soul of my Savior, sanctify my breast;
ALLELUIA!
Body of Christ, be thou my saving guest;
ALLELUIA!
Blood of my Savior, bathe me in thy tide,
ALLELUIA!
Wash me with water flowing from thy side.
ALLELUIA!
Strength and protection may thy passion be;
ALLELUIA!
O blessed Jesus, hear and answer me;
ALLELUIA!
Deep in thy wounds, Lord, hide and shelter me;
ALLELUIA!
So shall I never, never part from thee.
ALLELUIA!
Guard and defend me from the foe malign;
ALLELUIA!
In death’s dread moments make me only thine;
ALLELUIA!
Call me and bid me come to thee on high,
ALLELUIA!
Where I may praise thee with thy saints for aye.
ALLELUIA!

Priest:
Come, eat My Bread.

People:
AND DRINK THE WINE
I HAVE MINGLED FOR YOU.

Priest:
He who eats My Body and drinks My Blood

People:
REMAINS IN ME, AND I IN HIM.

Leader:
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, in your tender mercy send us the Spirit of the Lamb. +

People:
JESUS, LAMB OF GOD: HAVE MERCY ON US. JESUS, BEARER OF OUR SINS: HAVE MERCY ON US. JESUS, REDEEMER OF THE WORLD, GIVE US YOUR PEACE.

Leader:
Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his table.

All:
LORD, I AM NOT WORTHY TO RECEIVE YOU, BUT ONLY SAY THE WORD AND I SHALL BE HEALED.

The Communion

Hymns may be sung before and after communion. The ministers and the people receive the sacrament in both kinds.

Deacon:
All are invited to receive our Lord in the Eucharist. You have received general absolution. All your sins have been forgiven. No matter how you have lived your life, no matter what you have done before, the Lord accepts you just the way you are. Come to the table he has prepared for you.

The bread and chalice are given to the people with these words:

The Body of Christ broken for you. AMEN.
The Blood of Christ shed for you. AMEN.

If the Christian names of the communicants are known to the minister, they may be used.

Postcommunion

Leader:
The Lord be with you.

People:
AND WITH YOUR SPIRIT.

Leader:
Let us pray.

The people may kneel. A proper thanksgiving may be used if one is appointed for the day, or else the following:

Leader:
We believe, O Lord, that in this breaking of your Body and pouring out of your Blood, that we become a redeemed people. We confess that by our sharing of this Sacrament we are strengthened to endure in hope, until we lay hold and enjoy its true fruits in your heavenly kingdom. AMEN.

All:
MY BELOVED LORD JESUS CHRIST, MOST SWEET AND MOST KIND, WHO EVEN NOW, OF YOUR OWN GREAT GOODNESS, HAS ENTERED INTO THIS POOR AND HUMBLE ABODE, ADORN IT AND ENRICH IT WITH YOUR TREASURES, THAT IT MAY BE MADE WORTHY OF YOUR INDWELLING. TAKE UP YOUR REST HERE WITHIN ME, THAT MY HEART MAY FIND ITS REST IN YOU ALONE.

LET IT NOT SATISFY YOU, O LORD, TO HAVE GIVEN ME YOUR SACRED BODY AND BLOOD; BUT BE PLEASED TO GIVE ME ALSO THE TREASURES OF GRACE WHICH YOU BRING WITH YOU; FOR IT WILL PROFIT ME LITTLE TO EAT THE BREAD OF ETERNAL LIFE AND DRINK OF THE CHALICE OF EVERLASTING SALVATION, IF I REMAIN UNFILLED BY YOUR GRACE.

BE SO KIND TO GRANT ME, O LORD, A HEART COMPLETELY TRANSFORMED BY YOU INTO LOVE; GIVE ME A LIFE THAT SHALL BE ALL YOURS AND A QUIET DEATH THAT SHALL BE THE BEGINNING OF ETERNAL LIFE.

THAT IS WHAT I LOOK FOR, PRAY FOR, AND HOPE FOR FROM YOU, MY ETERNAL GOD, BY VIRTUE OF THIS MOST BLESSED AND HOLY SACRAMENT. IT IS IN YOUR SWEET AND PRECIOUS NAME I PRAY. AMEN.

The Final Blessing and Dismissal

Then the Abbot or Bishop if present, shall bless the people.

Priest:
May the Father of Life pour out his grace upon you, + AMEN.
May the Son of God be Lord in all your ways, + AMEN.
May the Holy Spirit comfort you and make you strong, + AMEN.

And may the blessing of God: + the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you and abide with you this day and may you be held forever in the hollow of his hand. AMEN.

Then the Deacon, or the appointed person, shall dismiss the people with the following:

Deacon:
Go out into the world in peace;
have courage; hold on to what is good;
return no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak; help the suffering;
honor everyone; love and serve God;
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

People:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!

Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” -2 Corinthians 5:11-21

It is with great joy and anticipation that we announce that there has been a change in our communion, not one of substance but perhaps one of clarity.

Honoring the relationship the Ecumenical Free Catholic Communion and Abbot-Bishop Brian E. Brown shared with Archbishop Karl Pruter, the long serving Presiding Archbishop of Christ Catholic Church, now of blessed memory, and in a strong acknowledgement of our very real continuance of his ministry, vision, and legacy, the Ecumenical Synod has unanimously agreed to alter the name of the Ecumenical Free Catholic Communion to be that of Christ’s Catholic Church.

While altering the name of the communion the Ecumenical Synod wishes to affirm that it has not altered its vision, commitment, or core ministry and will continue to be the ecumenical free catholic communion it was called to be by God. We do this in celebration of our shared heritage and in the honor of the memory, ministry, vision, and legacy of one of the great bishops of the Old Catholic Movement in North America, Archbishop Karl Pruter.

A written account of the evolution and history of Christ’s Catholic Church will be available soon on the main website under the heading “Our History.” May God bless you and may God bless Christ’s Catholic Church now and always!

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” -Isaiah 43:18-19

We’ve reopened our Ebay store, Shepherd’s Heart Books and Gifts. For years now Shepherd’s Heart Books and Gifts has been a supplier of books new, used, and antique, as well as all things catholica. It’s also offered a venue for us to sell books we publish ourselves through St. Willibrord Press. As time goes by we’ll add more selections but we’ve reopened with a great selection from Bp. Karl Pruter as well as a couple from our small press. Enjoy, bid high and visit often! You never know what you may find!

http://stores.ebay.com/Shepherds-Heart-Books-and-Gifts?refid=store

We’ve embarked upon a new ministry in a largely undiscovered mission field, in a land on the fringes of society, and unexplored by many other Christian ministries. You can’t get here by plane, train, automobile, nor boat. This is a land so exotic and primitive that you can lose yourself and in the losing of yourself, quite possibly discover a whole new you.

We’re building churches, creating community, offering counsel, creating safe spaces, preaching the word, building schools, offering prayer, and reaching out in fellowship. Our ministry is reaching new heights and probing new depths of human spirituality and is being sought after more and more.

Where in the world is this new mission field you ask? Well, not in this world, but in a virtual world called Second Life (SL).

From Wikipedia:

Second Life (SL) is a virtual world developed by Linden Lab that launched on June 23, 2003 and is accessible via the Internet. A free client program called the Second Life Viewer[1] enables its users, called Residents, to interact with each other through avatars. Residents can explore, meet other residents, socialize, participate in individual and group activities, and create and trade virtual property and services with one another, or travel throughout the world (which residents refer to as “the grid”). Second Life is for people aged 18 and over, while Teen Second Life is for people aged 13 to 17.

Built into the software is a three-dimensional modeling tool based around simple geometric shapes that allows a resident to build virtual objects. This can be used in combination with the Linden Scripting Language which can be used to add functionality to objects. More complex three-dimensional sculpted prims (colloquially known as sculpties), textures for clothing or other objects, and animations and gestures can be created using external software. The Second Life Terms of Service ensure that users retain copyright for any content they create, and the server and client provide simple digital rights management functions.

I became a member of Second Life some years ago when it first began. I had heard a report on National Public Radio (NPR) about this new virtual world created by Linden Labs and was intrigued. I joined but in the early days it was rough going. The technology and programming just didn’t work well together or at least my old computer didn’t work well with the new platform and its resource demands. Just this last fall I head a new report about Second Life again on NPR and decided to revisit the place. I found a whole new world.

Always thinking about the Gospel Message and how to spread the Good News I immediately started thinking about a Second Life missions field and began doing research and learning everything I could. I visited many church structures in SL and even sat in on a couple of prayer services and daily offices. I was hooked and started making plans for Shepherd’s Heart “Second Ministry.”

In SL you create a virtual avatar that represents you and your personality. Needless to say I created that of a monk: Abbot DeSantis. I look like a monk, gesture like a monk, do the work of a monk, and in SL live like a monk. In this new world you can be anything you want to be and look like anything you want to look like. In my heart of hearts I am a Celtic catholic monk in the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart and so that’s who I chose to be in SL.

We’re still in the preliminary stages but we have some virtual land and have built a “mother house,” a beautiful chapel, and some Celtic monk’s cells. We also have a “Garden of the Stations” where we have stations of the cross set up for people to pray at. We have offered compline a few times and are working on a steady schedule of service times, including but not limited to Sunday worship service.

This is a whole new world for us and we’re just beginning to explore it and find our way around it. Won’t you visit the “Second Ministry” of Shepherd’s Heart and join us in the quest? When you arrive simply do a search for “Shepherd’s Heart Abbey” and teleport in. If you will befriend me I can help you if I’m in world. My avatar name, as already mentioned, is Abbot DeSantis. We also currently have three different groups in SL, the Ecumenical Free Catholic Communion, the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart, and one just dedicated to Christian ministry in Second Life called Second Ministry. I invite you to join the groups as you like.

See you in Second Life!

Abbot-Bishop Brian E. Brown, OSH in Real Life
“Abbot DeSantis” in Second Life

“Even the definition of mysticism is audacious and exciting. Mysticism is a disciplined way of life that seeks to bring man into union with God. Meister Ekhart, a 14th century mystic, phrased it eloquently when he said that God became man in order that man might become God.” And thus begins Bp. Karl Pruter’s exploration of mysticism. In this show Ab. Brian Brown and Fr. Robert Christopher will be sharing the air with Bp. Karl Pruter, of blessed memory. We will be listening to and discussing a four part lecture series Bp. Pruter put together on mysticism just prior to his death November 18, 2007. As always, call-ins are welcomed! (347) 633-9741

The show airs every Wednesday evening at 10 pm Central Time and our topics usually vary. Our four part lecture series on Mysticism with Bp. Karl Pruter will be begin on Wednesday night February 24 and continue on the evenings of March 3, 10, & 17.

Please visit our webpage on BlogTalkRadio for more information:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/radiofreecatholic

Thank you for listening!

St. Brigid of Kildare, Abbess & Virgin
(Bride, Bridget, Brigit, Ffraid)
—————————————————————
Born at Faughart (near Dundalk) or Uinmeras (near Kildare), Louth,
Ireland, c. 450; died at Kildare, Ireland, c. 525; feast of her
translation is June 10.

“We implore Thee, by the memory of Thy Cross’s hallowed and most bitter
anguish, make us fear Thee, make us love Thee, O Christ. Amen.”
–Prayer of Saint Brigid.

Saint Brigid was an original–and that’s what each of us are supposed to
be, an original creation of the Almighty Imagination.
Unfortunately, most of us get caught up in the desire to be accepted by
others. We conform to the norm, rather than opening up to the creative
power of God and blooming to render Him the sweet fragrance of our
unique lives. We miss the glory of giving God the gift of who we were
intended to be.

Brigid lacked that fault. She got things done. She had a welcome for
everyone in an effort to help them be originals, too. She was so
generous that she gave away the clothes from her back. She never shied
away from hard work or intense prayer. She would brush aside the
rules–even the rules of the Church–if it was necessary to bring out
the best in others. Perhaps for this reason, the saint who never left
Ireland, is venerated throughout the world as the prototype of all nuns.
She bridged the gap between Christian and pagan cultures.

Brigid saw the beauty and goodness of God in all His creation: cows made
her love God more, and so did wild ducks, which would come and light on
her shoulders and hands when she called to them. She enjoyed great
popularity both among her own followers and the villagers around; and
she had great authority, ruling a monastery of both monks and nuns.

Her chief virtue lay in her gentleness, in her compassion, and in her
happy and devoted nature which won the affection of all who knew her.
She was a great evangelist and joined hands gladly and gaily with all
the saints of that age in spreading the Gospel. So great was her
veneration throughout Europe that the Medieval knights, seeking a
womanly model of perfection, chose Brigid as the example. This theory
maintains that such was the image of Brigid as the feminine ideal that
the word “bride” passed into the English language. (This is unlikely,
however. The word probably derives from the Old German “bryd,” meaning
bride.)

Historical facts about Saint Brigid’s life are few because the numerous
accounts about it after her death (beginning in the 7th century) consist
mainly of miracles and anecdotes, some of which are deeply rooted in
pagan Irish folklore. Nevertheless, they give us a strong impression of
her character. She was probably born in the middle of the 5th century in
eastern Ireland. Some say her parents were of humble origin; others that
they were Dubhthach, an Irish chieftain of Leinster, and Brocca, a slave
at his court. All stories relate that they were both baptized by Saint
Patrick. Some say that Brigid became friends with Patrick, though it is
uncertain that she ever met him. Beautiful Brigid consecrated herself to
God at a young age. She was veiled as a nun by Saint Macaille at Croghan
and consecrated as Abbess by Bishop Saint Mel at Armagh.

The Book of Lismore bears this story:

Brigid and certain virgins along with her went to take the veil from
Bishop Mel in Telcha Mide. Blithe was he to see them. For humility
Brigid stayed so that she might be the last to whom a veil should be
given. A fiery pillar rose from her head to the roof ridge of the
church. Then said Bishop Mel: “Come, O holy Brigid, that a veil may be
sained on thy head before the other virgins.” It came to pass then,
through the grace of the Holy Spirit, that the
form of ordaining a bishop was read out over Brigid. Macaille said that
a bishop’s order should not be confirmed on a woman. Said Bishop Mel
“No power have I in this matter. That dignity hath been given by God
unto Brigid, beyond every (other) woman.” Wherefore the men of Ireland
from that time to this give episcopal honour to Brigid’s successor.

Most likely this story relates to the fact that Roman diocesan system
was unknown in Ireland. Monasteries formed the centre of Christian life
in the early Church of Ireland. Therefore, abbots and abbesses could
hold held some of the dignity and functions that a bishop would on the
Continent. Evidence of this can be seen also at synods and councils,
such as that of Whitby, which was convened by Saint Hilda. Women
sometimes ruled double monasteries; thus, governing both men and women.
Bridget, as a pre-eminent abbess, might have fulfilled some
semi-episcopal functions, such as preaching, hearing confessions
(without absolution), and leading the neighbouring Christians.

Beginning consecrated life as a anchorite of sorts, Brigid’s sanctity
drew many others. When she was about 18, she settled with seven other
like-minded girls near Croghan Hill in order to devote herself to God’s
service. About 468 she followed Saint Mel to Meath.

There is little reliable information about the convent she founded
around 470 at Kildare (originally Cill-Daire or ‘church of the oak’),
the first convent in Ireland, and the rule that was followed there. This
is one of the ways Brigid sanctified the pagan with the Christian: The
oak was sacred to the druids, and in the inner sanctuary of the Church
was a perpetual flame, another religious symbol of the druid faith, as
well as the Christian. Gerald of Wales (13th century) noted that the
fire was perpetually maintained by 20 nuns of her community. This
continued until 1220 when it was extinguished. Gerald noted that the
fire was surrounded by a circle of bushes, which no man was allowed to
enter.

It is generally thought to have been a double monastery, housing both
men and women–a common practice in the Celtic lands that was sometimes
taken by the Irish to the continent. It’s possible that she presided
over both communities. She did establish schools there for both men and
women. Another source says that she installed a bishop named Conlaeth
there, though the Vatican officially lists the See of Kildare as dating
from 519.

Cogitosus, a monk of Kildare in the eighth century, expounded the
metrical life of St. Brigid, and versified it in good Latin. This is
what is known as the “Second Life”, and is an excellent example of Irish
scholarship in the mid-eighth century. Perhaps the most interesting
feature of Cogitosus’s work is the description of the Cathedral of
Kildare in his day:

“Solo spatioso et in altum minaci proceritate
porruta ac decorata pictis tabulis, tria intrinsecus
habens oratoria ampla, et divisa parietibus tabulatis”.

The rood-screen was formed of wooden boards,
lavishly decorated, and with beautifully decorated
curtains.

Probably the famous Round Tower of Kildare dates from the sixth century.

The sixth Life of the saint printed by Colgan is attributed to Coelan,
an Irish monk of the eighth century, and it derives a peculiar
importance from the fact that it is prefaced by a foreword from the pen
of St. Donatus, also an Irish monk, who became Bishop of Fiesole in 824.
St. Donatus refers to previous lives by St. Ultan and St. Aileran.

Even as a child Brigid showed special love for the poor. When her mother
sent her to collect butter, the child gave it all away. Her generosity
in adult life was legendary: It was recorded that if she gave a drink of
water to a thirsty stranger, the liquid turned into milk; when she sent
a barrel of beer to one Christian community, it proved to satisfy 17
more. Many of the stories about her relate to the multiplication of
food, including one that she changed her bath-water into beer to satisfy
the thirst of an unexpected clergyman. Even her cows gave milk three
times the same day to provide milk for some visiting bishops.

Brigid saw that the needs of the body and the needs of the spirit
intertwined. Dedicated to improving the spiritual as well as the
material lives of those around her, Brigid made her monastery a
remarkable house of learning, including an art school. The illuminated
manuscripts originating there were praised, especially the Book of
Kildare, which was praised as one of the finest of all illuminated Irish
manuscripts before its disappearance three centuries ago.

Once she fell asleep during a sermon of Saint Patrick, but he
good-humouredly forgave her. She had dreamed, she told him, of the land
ploughed far and wide, and of white-clothed sowers sowing good seed.
Then came others clothed in black, who ploughed up the good seed and
sowed tares in its place. Patrick told her that such would happen; false
teachers would come to Ireland and uproot all their good work. This
saddened Brigid, but she redoubled her efforts, teaching people to pray
and to worship God, and telling them that the light on the altar was a
symbol of the shining of the Gospel in the heart of Ireland, and must
never be extinguished.

Brigid is called the ‘Mary of the Gael’ because her spirit of charity,
and the miracles attributed to her were usually enacted in response to a
call upon her pity or sense of justice. During an important synod of the
Irish church, one of the holy fathers, Bishop Ibor, announced that he
had dreamed that the Blessed Virgin Mary would appear among the
assembled Christians. When Brigid arrived the father cried, “There is
the holy maiden I saw in my dream.” Thus, the reason for her nickname.
Her prayers and miracles were said to exercise a powerful influence on
the growth of the early Irish Church, and she is much beloved in Ireland
to this day.

When dying at the age of 74, St. Brigid was attended by St. Ninnidh, who
was ever afterwards known as “Ninnidh of the Clean Hand” because he had
his right hand encased with a metal covering to prevent its ever being
defiled, after being he medium of administering the viaticum to
Ireland’s Patroness.

She was interred at the right of the high altar of Kildare Cathedral,
and a costly tomb was erected over her. In after years her shrine was an
object of veneration for pilgrims, especially on her feast day, 1
February, as Cogitosus related. About the year 878, owing to the
Scandinavian raids, the relics of St. Brigid were taken to Downpatrick,
where they were interred in the tomb of St. Patrick and St. Columba.

A tunic reputed to have been hers, given by Gunhilda, sister of King
Harold II, survives at Saint Donatian’s in Bruges, Belgium. A relic of
her shoe, made of silver and brass set with jewels, is at the National
Museum of Dublin. In 1283, three knights took the head of Brigid with
them on a journey to the Holy Land. They died in Lumier (near Lisbon),
Portugal, where the church now enshrines her head in a special chapel.

In England, there are 19 ancient church dedications to her. The most
important of which is the oldest church in London–St. Bride’s in Fleet
Street–and Bridewell or Saint Bride’s Well. In Scotland, East and West
Kilbride bear her name. Saint Brigid’s Church at Douglas recalls that
she is the patroness of the great Douglas family. Several places in
Wales are named Llansantaffraid, which means “St. Bride’s Church.” The
Irish Bishop Saint Donato of Fiesole (Italy) built a Saint Brigid’s
Church in Piacenza, where the Peace of Constance was ratified in 1185.

The best-known custom connected with Brigid is the plaiting of reed
crosses for her feast day. This tradition dates to the story that she
was plaiting rush crosses while nursing a dying pagan chieftain. He
asked her about this and her explanation led to his being baptized.

Traditional Irish blessings invoke her. “Brid agus Muire dhuit, Brigid
and Mary be with you” os a common Irish greeting, and in Wales people
say, “Sanffried suynade ni undeith, St. Brigid bless us on our journey.”
A blessing over cattle in the Scottish
isles goes: “The protection of God and Colmkille encompass your going
and coming, and about you be the milkmaid of the smooth white palms,
Brigid of the clustering, golden brown hair”

(Attwater, Benedictines, Bentley, Delaney, Encyclopaedia, Farmer, Gill,
Groome, Montague, O’Briain, Sellner, White).

She is usually portrayed in art with a cow lying at her feet, or holding
a cross and casting out the devil (White). Her emblem is a lighted lamp
or candle (not to be confused with Saint Genevieve, who is not an
abbess). At times she may be shown (1) with a flame over her; (2) geese
or cow near her; (3) near a barn; (4) letting wax from a taper fall upon
her arm; or (5) restoring a man’s hand (Roeder).

Brigid is the patron saint of Ireland, poets, dairymaids, blacksmiths,
healers (White), cattle, fugitives, Irish nuns, midwives, and new-born
babies (Roeder). She is still venerated highly in Alsace, Flanders, and
Portugal (Montague), as well as Ireland and Chester, England (Farmer).

# For other Lives of St. Brigid:

“Saint Brigid: The Mary of the Gael”:

http://www.cin.org/saints/bridget.html

“A Gift of Hospitality – Saint Brigid, Abbess of Kildare”:

http://www.roca.org/OA/107/107e.htm

Icons of St. Brigid:

http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/celt-saints/lst

http://www.comeandseeicons.com/b/cap11.htm

http://www.holycross-hermitage.com/pages/Icons/icon_photo_album.htm

Many icons of the Saint on one page

http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Brigid.htm##1

Troparion of St Brigid of Kildare tone 1
O holy Brigid, thou didst become sublime through thy humility,/ and
didst fly on the wings of thy longing for God./ When thou didst arrive
in the Eternal City and appear before thy Divine Spouse, wearing the
crown of virginity,/ thou didst keep thy promise to remember those who
have recourse to thee./ Thou dost shower grace upon the world, and
dost multiply miracles./ Intercede with Christ our God that He may
save our souls.

Kontakion of St Brigid tone 4
The holy virgin Brigid full of divine wisdom,/ went with joy along the
way of evangelical childhood,/ and with the grace of God/ attained in
this way the summit of virtue./ Wherefore she now bestows blessings
upon those who come to her with faith./ O holy Virgin intercede with
Christ our God/ that He may have mercy on our souls.

http://users.netmatters.co.uk/davidbryant/C/TropKon/Feb.htm

Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
Having learned of things divine by the words of Patrick, thou hast
proclaimed in the West the good tidings of Christ. Wherefore, we
venerate thee, O Brigid, and entreat thee to intercede with God that
our souls be saved.

Kontakion in the Third Tone
At the Church of the Oak, thou didst establish thy sacred monasteries
for those that took up the Tree of life, even the Precious Cross, upon
their shoulders. And by thy grace-filled life and love of learning,
thou didst bear fruit a hundredfold and didst thereby nourish the
faithful. O righteous Mother Brigid, intercede with Christ, the True
Vine, that He save our souls.

http://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints/1957

With Music

Both of the troparia are also available with music

Tone 1

http://tinyurl.com/d9ngrk

Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone

Western notation

http://www.stanthonysmonastery.org/music/Menaion/Finale%202003%20-%20%5B5501c%5D.pdf

Byzantine notation

http://www.stanthonysmonastery.org/music/Menaion/b5501c.pdf

We would like to announce the new broadcast of Radio Free Catholic on Blogtalk Radio.

Pull up a chair, sit down, lean back, relax, and listen. Join us for discussions on the autocephalous sacramental movement and what it means to be a free catholic. Engage your mind with lively discussions in theology. Feed your soul with times of prayer. Celebrate your spiritual side through an exploration of mysticism. Lighten your heart with good conversation and find a friend here at Radio Free Catholic! Radio Free Catholic is an outreach ministry of the Ecumenical Free Catholic Communion. We are a communion of individual Christians from the autocephalous sacramental movement, sometimes referred to as Old Catholics or Independent Catholics. We have come together with at least one unifying motive, a love for Christ, His Church, and the Sacraments. Good listening!

Fr. Robert-Christopher of the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart will co-host the show with Abbot-Bishop Brian Brown. Our first new show will broadcast Monday night (01/25/2010) at 10 pm central time. Here are the particulars:

Radio Free Catholic on Blogtalk Radio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/radiofreecatholic

The topic is: Unity – Myth or Possibility?

“In this show Abbot Brian Brown and Fr. Robert Christopher will be interviewing various members of the Ecumenical Free Catholic Communion and autocephalous sacramental community at large, asking the question that continues to haunt the movement as a whole and the EFCC directly, is unity a dreamy myth or an illusive possibility?”

The time is 10pm central time and the call in number is (347) 633-9741

Every one is invited to call in, listen in, and or participate as you wish. There will be a chat room available at the website above for those who are shy about calling in. We hope to have a good show and if not, at least we’ll have a lot of fun doing it!