Dear Friends,
Seemingly quiet, yet a lot
has been happening on the background. Especially the Slovenian branch of the Young Rite
has been very active, under the name Svobodna Katoliška Cerkev (literally: Free Catholic
Church). Weekly masses are being held in the Sophia Centre in Celje and regular masses are
being held in Ljubljana, with plans in the making for regular masses at two other places
in Slovenia. This is next to the private masses held by several of the priests in their
homes on a regular basis.
Bishop Domen's Consecration
As mentioned earlier this year, the bishops of the Young Rite have decided to consecrate
Right Reverend Domen Kočevar to the Episcopacy. An event like this requires much
preparation. A date has been set: The consecration is to take place on Whitsunday 2012 (27th
of May, 2012). We will keep you informed as and when more details are available.
South Africa
Our South African priest Jannie van Alphen-Hofkamp has decided to continue independently.
We wish her all the best in continuing the work of Christ in the way that she deems best.
Belgium
From Belgium we hear that our priest Marc Croux hopes to pick up his work more intensively
after having had a difficult time dealing with the sudden death of his mother, now almost
a year ago. Your prayers for him are welcome.
Future of the Young Rite
For a while some of the bishops have been exchanging thoughts on the future of the Young
Rite. Certain ideas which are specific to the Young Rite have been found to work very
well. Several challenges remain.
A new year is an appropriate time to present a proposal for
adjustment:
On a very basic level the Young Rite is more a tradition than
an organisation. This distinction needs to become even more clear. The Young Rite is to
become an umbrella under which communities (or churches, or organisations) are able to
operate autonomously.
At the same time we wish to provide a home for individuals
who are not specifically connected to a community, church or organisation.
The combining element is the landmarks. All connected
individuals, churches, communities and organisations subscribe to these basic principles
which define the tradition of the Young Rite.
The Young Rite does need some form of leadership. For this
purpose, a Council of Three will be established, consisting of three bishops. All
decisions regarding the Young Rite will be made by unanimous agreement between these three
bishops. As the Svobodna Katoliška Cerkev being the most active Young Rite community and
those who are providing its resources, their three bishops will form the first Council of
Three.
The landmarks will need to be adjusted accordingly.
Any comments and suggestions are welcome. We welcome all your
ideas and wish that the Christ Light is born within your heart this Christmas and that the
New Year may bring you every abundance, both materially as well as spiritually. |
