Located in Minneapolis, MN, this Oratory is coordinated by Jack Holman, aka Dom Fidelis, an Episcopal priest.
Although retired, he has not slowed his pace nor his love of the church. He serves as a supply priest for the local Episcopal diocese and as chaplain in a retirement center. He has been active in ecumenical relations for many years. He is an expert on Old Catholicism in the Americas and has studied the development of these communities extensively.
The Minnesota Oratory is particularly devoted to the Devotio Moderna. This is a practice of daily devotional readings (usually from the Daily Lectionary or Breviary) which was begun by the Common Life communities in and around Utrecht (the Netherlands) in the high middle ages. These communites, upon which the Old Catholic Oratory of the Common Life is patterned, were founded by Gerte Groote and later produced some well known historical persons: Thomas a Kempis and, later, Martin Luther, for example. In fact, modern educational methods are based upon those developed and used by the Brethren of the Common Life. For further details read our history page: Old Catholic history.
Jack is particularly pained by the plight of the Episcopal church in her struggles towards Jerusalem and is welcoming of the GLBT community.
The Minnesota Oratory has a daily Eucharist (Mass) to which all are welcome. Please contact Jack at the email address below for details.
As is true of all real Old Catholic organizations, the Oratory of the Common Life is affirming, inclusive and welcoming. For information about the Oratory in Minnesota contact Jack at: jack.fidelis@gmail.com.
Although not required to be a member of the Oratory, some people may be interested in Holy Orders. If that is your desire please read our: formation and vocation page.
The Old Catholics, then, as you have read, are centered between the Anglican, Lutheran and Roman communities. Each of these have been greatly influenced by the Old Catholics both directly and indirectly. People from any of those communities will feel right at home in the Minnesota Oratory.
Additionally, Jack has recently affiliated as a fellow traveller with the Old Catholic Church-Provence of the USA, while maintaining his other affiliations. Ask him about it.
Main Web Page: Old Catholic Oratory of the Common Life
Alabama: Old Catholic Oratory of the Common Life - Alabama
Mississippi: Old Catholic Oratory of the Common Life - Mississippi
