The Charismatic Catholic

John Michael Talbot is considered one of the main leaders of the early Charismatic Catholic movement, an author, and a world renowned Catholic Musician. He also founded The Brothers and Sisters of Charity in 1980 - a Catholic-ish community of celibate brothers and sisters, singles who can marry, and families that live as a monastic and domestic spiritual family in separate cloisters at the Little Portion Hermitage in Berryville, AR. He is also the host of a television program, All Things Are Possible, which is in its 2nd Season on The Church Channel. 

Since its birth in 1967, The Catholic Charismatic Renewal has been a part of at least 100 million peoples' lives in over 238 countries. The Pentecost, otherwise known as baptism of the Holy Spirit, is the foundation of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Many Archdioceses have Charismatic Liaisons and Renewal Centers designated by their Archbishops. The NM Santa Fe Archdiocese has a Charismatic Center at 1412 5th St. NW in Albuquerque with a monthly healing mass and various events.  

I attended the John Michael Talbot Retreat for Oblates and Friends at Pecos Benedictine Monastery.  

An Oblate is a lay individual who has taken an oath to dedicate him or herself to the Monastery by sharing in the monastic life while living in the secular world. This includes visits, retreats, daily prayers, as well as volunteering at the monastery and contributing in other ways. They play an important role as a means of support and extended community for a Monastery. Oblates are standard to most Monastic Communities, both Catholic and Protestant. 

The retreat I attended was 2 full days with 2 half days. It was a diverse group of participants from all over the United States, mostly Catholic but a few protestants. John Michael was the only speaker during the retreat. He combined charismatic preaching with soulful singing of Christian music. During the music, he would often have the group rise up and joyfully sing along in the praise of God. 

John Michael talked about the Joy of the Gospel. He said the joy of The Lord is unlocked when you forgive. Lack of Forgiveness binds up a person or community and they can drown in bitterness. He encouraged us to let go of your worldly concerns and give them to God. He talked about Practice and how it is learning to see Christ in everyone, bringing the divine into the ordinary. He talked about the process of people surrendering their life to God and compared it to the hulling of wheat. He said when God cuts us down, he will do more with us than we could ever do on our own. He spent much of the time explaining the Liturgy, Monastic Life, Oblates, and other Catholic Theology - it was very interesting to hear and learn. He emphasized vibrancy in all of your practices and to breathe life into the Liturgy because, Jesus will always show up in the Eucharist.  

"Theology without a personal relationship with Jesus is Vanity" - JMT

These were just a few of the insightful things he shared with us. It was a completely amazing experience. I recommend to anyone, regardless of their denominational affiliation, to go and hear John Michael Talbot speak. 

All things are possible for the one who has faith. ~ Mark 9:23

THANK YOU John Michael Talbot for sharing such a great and amazing experience with us! 

Metropolitan Community Church God's love is ALL Inclusive

Metropolitan Community Church, is a worldwide denomination with almost 300 congregations in 22 countries. It was founded in 1968 by the Rev. Elder Troy Perry as a Christian church that promotes the inclusive & unconditional teachings of Jesus Christ by offering worship specifically welcoming to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community (LGBT). Of course all are welcome to worship at a MCC church and Ministerial positions are attainable by both men and women. Many Christian churches are LGBT friendly - Episcopal, First Congregational UCC, Unity - this, however, is the only denomination with a ministry specifically focused toward the LGBT community. 

Statement of Beliefs

“Christianity is the revelation of God in Jesus Christ and is the religion set forth in the scriptures. Jesus Christ is foretold in the Old Testament, presented in the New Testament, and proclaimed by the Christian Church in every age and in every land.”

I visited the 10:30 am Sunday service of the Metropolitan Community Church of Albuquerque 

Each one of us is loved Equally by God 

The service began with several group hymns. Since June is LGBT pride month, they highlighted a champion to the civil rights movement, Mandy Carter. The congregation greeted each other after the initial announcements and songs. The sermon was short but sweet. Reverend Judith Maynard spoke of the gospel of hospitality. She encouraged the congregation to share the blessings that they enjoy in life to those less fortunate, without judgement. She spoke of the Gift of Radical Hospitality and how it frees us to give the love of God to others and creates a God space where we can learn from one another. 

 The person who welcomes you welcomes me, and the person who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ~ Matthew 10:40

The Reverend blessed the foster children of one of the families. 

Their communion was open and very unique and personal. Leaders in the church, including Reverend Judy, went to the front of the church with the sacraments. People received the sacrament as individuals or groups, your preference. After receiving the sacrament, the individual or couple were prayed over by the Reverend or church member.  

It was obvious that they are a very close community. Reverend Judy offered a closing prayer and sent the congregation forth with these words:

I hope you leave this place with your spirits uplifted and your hearts filled with love.

I really appreciated the fact that MCC stepped up in the 1960's to fulfill the spiritual needs of those who may not have felt welcomed elsewhere. Since Jesus' love for this world and his believers is without bounds, I also felt very saddened by the notion that this denomination arose due to possible outcast or alienation from other Christian denominations.

THANK YOU Metropolitan Community Church for reminding me of the unconditionality of God's love. 

Blue Mass

Red Mass has been a tradition with the Catholic Church since the thirteenth century. The tradition honors St. Thomas More, the patron Saint of the legal profession. It was named Red Mass because,  "lawyers and judges would proceed into a church clothed in red garments, signifying the fire of the Holy Spirit's guidance to all who pursue justice."

Red Masses are still a tradition in most large cities, but there has not been one in New Mexico for years. In 2010, NM Judicial Advisory Opinion No. 10-09 deemed Red Mass a religious activity and prohibited a judge from using his official position to promote such an event.

Blue Mass came about in the same fashion as Red Mass but to pray for members of a different profession - Police Officers. The first Blue Mass was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Washington DC in 1934. It has since been expanded to honor all First Responders ~ Police Officers, Firefighters, Military, Correction... 

Blue Mass was adopted as a tradition by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe many years ago. This year, I attended their Seventh Annual Blue Mass at St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque. 



11:50 The law enforcement animals were blessed 
12:00 Catholic Mass in the gymnasium

The service started with a memorial video of all the fallen warriors from New Mexico over the last few decades. It was sad to see so many military and police personnel who have died in the line of duty. 

Archbishop Michael Sheehan presided over the services.

LORD BLESS THE PEACEKEEPERS

The main mass was Catholic and included the Liturgy and Communion. Archbishop Sheenan praised the first responders for risking their lives for others and prayed for the safety and protection of those who protect our community from harm. He advised those in careers in public service, to fulfill the Parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37. 

The bishop blessed coins that were later given out to attendees. Those that weren't Catholic could receive a blessing in lieu of Communion.  After Communion, Chaplains from the different disciplines gave their unique blessings. A member of the Navajo Code Talking Assoc. recited the Marine Corps Hymn in Navajo which was a touching thing to watch. The service concluded with taps and Amazing Grace. 

It was quite an impressive event - Very touching to have a tradition to Bless our Public Safety personnel and to show them support in such a meaningful way.

THANK YOU to everyone who makes this wonderful event happen every year. 

Rockin' it at Sagebrush

At the recommendation of a friend, I visited Sagebrush Community Church for their 3:45 pm Christmas Eve Service. Sagebrush is considered a megachurch and with almost 8,000 reported weekly attendees, is one of the largest in the Southern Baptist Convention. There are 6 locations for the church in the Albuquerque area alone with the main campus holding 5 worship services every weekend. 

Their mission is:

"We exist to know Christ and to make Christ known."

They have many basic core values that are all biblically based, one of the values that distinguishes them from many of their counterparts is they, "believe that the church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure."

Upon arriving, there were people directing parking, shuttles from the parking lot to the church, numerous friendly greeters, and even ushers to assist you in finding seats. 

The building is a modern facility with a very impressive set up. They have kiosks for everything - to sign in your child for Sunday school, to register as a visitor, and even to pay a tithe. The sanctuary is an auditorium that can seat 1,200 people.  It is a multi-dimensional service. They showed a few humorous, yet spiritually meaningful videos. An extensive live band with amazing singers rocked the House and led the congregation in song. The energy in the place was very positive yet laid back. They work diligently at being inviting and receptive to as many as possible. 

Pastor Todd Cook gave the sermon. He started off with an anecdotal, humorous story that showed a very real side to himself. His sermon brought forth the following:

❦ God's plan and perspective for your life is bigger than your plan and perspective for your life. 
❦ God's plan for your life will be harder than your plan for life.
❦ God's plan is to use you in fulfilling his purpose on this earth.

He illustrated this lesson with the story of Mary & Joseph and the birth of Christ. He spoke of the difficulties both Mary and Joseph had accepting the truth of Mary's pregnancy; and the ridicule and social alienation it caused them and their families to follow God's will. 

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
                                             ~ Matthew 1:23  ✞

He related the story to how difficult your path will be at times when you too are wholly and unquestionably dedicated to God's will. He stated most Christians have, "Just enough Jesus to save them, but not enough to change them." He encouraged the congregation to further their dedication in order to fully benefit from the change that will come from a life dedicated to Christ's message and path. 

Rev. Cook has a very personal ministerial method. He speaks with conviction, compassion, and a touch of humour. His genuine and humble manner undoubtedly help people relate to him and his teachings and must be a big reason for the phenomenal success of the church and their mission. 

Thank You Sagebrush Community Church for sharing with me your Energetic Worship of God.

MERRY CHRISTMAS