News - Independent Catholic Christian Church

Traditional Liturgy Apostolate

Rev. Chris Tessone and Michael Shirk have formed the Apostlate to discuss, explore, and pray ancient and traditional liturgical forms. It currently has a yahoo-group and conducts Vespers and Compline from the Monastic Diurnal by conference call on Monday nights.

March 2008

Heart of Jesus Healing Ministry

Rev. Fran Begonja and Rev. Tony Begonja have started the Heart of Jesus Healing Ministry. They have begun by offering a Healing Mass on the first Friday of the month. This ministry will grow as opportunities arise --healing is sorely needed in the modern world.

March 30, 2008

Chaplain to the Clergy

Rev. Fran Begonja has been appointed Chaplain to the Clergy of the Independent Catholic Christian Church by Bishop Timothy Cravens.

Marian Bellus Enrolls in Seminary

Marian Bellus has recently joined the Independent Catholic Christian Church and enrolled in the jurisdiction's Christ the Eternal High Priest Institute of Pastoral Studies. In her previous jurisdiction, Marian advanced as far as becoming a Reader and we look forward to supporting and celebrating with her as she continues her journey.

First Profession Made to
Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

John Bartholomew made his first profession to the Order and received his habit with great joy at the Order's annual retreat, August 26, 2007. This also marks the first profession by someone outside the Order's founders.

Three New Novices Enter the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

On Saturday August 25, 2007 at the Augustinian annual retreat, three new novices were welcomed to the Order. Lyngine Dominique-Marie, Christopher Ambrose, and Shari Marie.

Rev. Fran Begonja Incardinating with ICCC

The Independent Catholic Christian Church welcomes Rev. Fran Begonja. Rev. Fran has been a welcoming and gracious presence as a member of St. Mary of Grace Parish in Phildelphia. She was ordained by Bishop David C. Strong and has served as pastor of St. Henriette Delille Ministries and as associate pastor of St. Oscar Romero Ministries/Fullness of Life Community Church. Rev. Fran is a professed member of the International Order of St. Luke the Physician and of the Servants of St. Benedict the Moor, a Franciscan order. Her pastoral sensitivity and commitment to social justice are a welcome addition to our church.

Fr. Tony Begonja Incardinating with ICCC

Fr. Tony Begonja is being welcomed into the Independent Catholic Christian Church. Fr. Tony has been a member of St. Mary of Grace Parish in Philadelphia where his knowledge of old Catholic/Independent Catholic history and music have been assets. He was ordained by Bishop David Strong and has been pastor of the St. Oscar Romero Ministries/Fullness of life Community Church. Fr. Tony is also a professed member of the International Order of St. Luke the Physician. And his groundbreaking database and website (http://www.ind-movement.org) have been a great asset to the Independent Movement overall.

Kim Baptised at Easter Vigil

On April 7, 2007 St. Mary of Grace Parish in Philadelphia welcomed Kim into the Body of Christ and the Communion of Saints. At the Easter Vigil service, she received the sacrament of Baptism with the support of her sponsor, Lourdes. We are all happy to celebrate her new life in the Church with Kim, her partner Lourdes, and their family.

Michael Shirk Tonsured and Given Surplice as a Cleric

At the April 5, 2007 Maundy Thursday Mass at St. Mary of Grace Parish in Philadelphia, Bishop Timothy Cravens tonsured Michael Shirk and gave him the surplice in an ancient ceremony admitting him as a cleric -- the first liturgical step toward priesthood. The tonsure symbolizes entrance into the service of Christ and of laying aside the purely secular state, and the donning of the surplice represents putting on the obligations of ordained ministry.
Michael is reading for orders through the jurisdiction's
Christ the Eternal High Priest Institute of Pastoral Study

Carol Nickolai Receives Tonsure and Surplice and Becomes Cleric
At the February 18, 2007 Sunday celebration of the Eucharist at St. Mary of Grace parish in Media, PA, Bishop Timothy Cravens tonsured Carol Nickolai and gave her the surplice in an ancient ceremony admitting her as a cleric -- the first liturgical step in her journey toward the priesthood. The tonsure, a symbolic cutting of hair (only five strands in the shape of a cross were cut!) originally a sign of servitude, symbolizes entrance into the service of Christ and of laying aside the purely secular state. The donning of the surplice represents putting on the obligations of ordained ministry.
Carol has blessed our parish with her music. She is reading for orders through the jurisdiction's Christ the Eternal High Priest Institute of Pastoral Studies.

Fr. Chris Tessone begins Incardination with Independent Catholic Christian Church

Fr. Chris Tessone, Durham, N.C., is welcomed into the ICCC. He is the pastor of Our Lady of Peace Independent Catholic Church in Durham. He was ordained by Bishop John Plummer, a longtime friend of this jurisdiction. Fr. Chris has also been accepted as a postulant in the Order of the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In addition, he is author of the blog Even the Devil's Believe.