Changes in Downriver Catholic Churches

Very soon, there will be some major changes in the organization of our community's Catholic churches.

Mergers and closings often leave some of the faithful with nowhere to go.

Roman Catholics, like other religious folks, develop a close relationship with the clergy and buildings of their parish.  When those change, it is sometimes difficult to manage.

Too many Catholics opt out of the church altogether, while others may join Christian denominations which are close to the Catholic liturgy, like the Episcopalians or Lutherans.  In households where members participate in more than one denomination, the Catholic person may choose to join the church of other non-Catholic family members.

The purpose of this blog is to let disconnected Roman Catholics know that there may be another option for you to consider.

Independent Catholicism is an expression of Roman Catholicism which follows closely the Spirit, theology, and philosophy of the church's Second Ecumenical Vatican Council (Vatican II).

As you may recall, this council was convened by Pope John XXIII in 1962 and was closed by Pope Paul VI in 1965.  About 2,500 bishops from around the world, along with hundreds of other clergy and laypersons, participated in this historic event.  The results of their efforts were 16 documents which stated the infallible teachings of the Roman Catholic Church in the modern world.

Those of us who lived during those turbulent years know that the changes brought about by Vatican II caused great joy among some members of the church and great sadness among others.  Many were inspired by the changes; some were so shocked by them that they opted to leave the church.

With the election of Pope John Paul II in 1978 and continuing with the election of Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, many of the changes of Vatican II have been turned back.  As in the '60s, some Catholics are delighted, others are not.

If you feel that the rollback of some of the Vatican II changes are not compatible with your Catholic faith, give our community a try.  We are Blessed John XXIII Community meeting at Glenwood, 2301 Ford Avenue in Wyandotte, for Sunday Mass at 6:15pm.  We are progressive in the Vatican II sense which means we are open to all persons of faith and good will.

Check out our web sites:  www.johnxxiiicommunity.org  and  www.sjxxiiichurch.org

or email us:  johnxxiiicommunity@gmail.com

or give me a call:  734-250-4052.

Continued blessings,

Fr. Jerry Brohl, COSF