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Aiding in the Reconciliation to Mother Church of Our Separated Brethren The Society’s Mission Statement The mission of the St. Thomas More Society is to establish a Pastoral Provision Personal Parish of the Anglican Use in the Diocese of Scranton so to better facilitate the conversion to Catholicism of our separated brethren coming from the Anglican tradition. We intend also to aid in the establishment of other Roman Catholic Anglican Use Parishes where the need or opportunity may arise in order to help Anglicans elsewhere come home to Mother Church. The Church’s Generosity “The Pastoral Provision is a generous arrangement made by the Holy See in 1980 for those who were formerly priests and laymen in the Episcopal Church and who now wish to enter into full communion in the Catholic Church while retaining some elements of their Anglican heritage and customs. Notably, this allows for the possibility of former Episcopal priests (including those who are married) being ordained to the Catholic priesthood, and for the continuance of an “Anglican style” Sacred Liturgy (approved by the Holy See) in The Book of Divine Worship” (adapted from, “An Important Message to Visitors and Newcomers at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin”, Arlington, Texas). To Become a Member The founding members of the St. Thomas More Society are former members of the Episcopal Church USA. All former Anglicans and Episcopalians who desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church can become members of the Society, as may former Anglicans who were reconciled to the Church prior to the Society’s establishment. The Sacramental Ministry of the Society is offered by the Society’s Chaplain, Fr. Eric Bergman, a Catholic priest incardinated in the Diocese of Scranton who was ordained through the Pastoral Provision of Pope John Paul II. The ministry of the Society is assisted by a council, appointed by the Chaplain. Contact Fr. Bergman if you are interested in Society membership, Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, or Marriage. To Contribute to our Ministry Contributions to the St. Thomas More Society advance our purpose, increase awareness of the Pastoral Provision of Pope John Paul II, and meet the temporal needs of Fr. Bergman, his wife Kristina, and their four children, Clara, Eric, Julia and Joan. All donations are tax deductible. Make checks payable to “The St. Thomas More Society” and send to: Mr. G. Gerald McGreevy, Treasurer |
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