There is an old adage, never ask a question if you aren’t ready to hear the answer. I thought I was ready, but the answer has stuck with me now for a very long time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m okay with the answer – it was good information and I really did need to…
All posts by The Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPoc
About The Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPoc
“…And the Greatest is Love.”
It is generally understood that there are seven (7) sacraments in the Catholic Church: Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. But what if I told you in truth there is only one sacrament and it is the cornerstone for all the others? Would you feel threatened? Perhaps you’d feel…
A snapshot of homelessness…
.: Part 1 – Prelude :. The sun is up early today. Muffled conversations fill the air around me and the scent of breakfast cooking in the distance fills my nose making my mouth water in sweet anticipation. Slowly, and great effort, my eyes open to familiar surroundings. Good, nothing changed during the night. Earlier…
A Return of Service in the Independent Movement
“I hear your call, but I walk with trepidation. Both the seen and unseen are strong motivators for a want of change towards a healthier expression of our faith – and yet… I, for one, have doubt. I am the Thomas needing to place my hands in the wounds, which sometimes causes me great distress.…
Changing you, Changing me
When I was asked to write on the topic of how to change or fix the independent catholic movement, I jumped at that the opportunity to write on many things I’ve experienced over the past 17 years; but each one carried with it a certain level of pain or animosity and I began to wonder…
Binding the Servant
The subject which many practitioners, and even many so called religious leaders tend to tip-toe around, but never come to terms with the actual meaning of, is boundaries. On a map they are clear-cut and well defined, but as an ethical principle boundaries are often overlooked, or at best interpreted incorrectly. The word boundaries define…
Emerging into what?
Sisters and Brothers, “My soul sings the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God our Savior.” The Canticle of Mary – The Magnificat, Gospel of Luke (1:46-55) It is through our Blessed+ Redeemer and Creator that I sing with joy in all that life offers each and everyone one of us, and…
Beginnings can come from Endings
**Warning, there may be some graphic language used in this piece. This article is modified from an upcoming book by Fr. Nelan that deals with growing through adversity. The language used conveys a particular style of writing and emotion. My father was born on the 22nd of December in 1930 and was every bit the…
No Room at the Inn
“What’s brought you here?” I asked. “They said I could find help here,” the voice responded brusquely. I prodded further, “How long?” “Seven, no – wait – eight years now I’ve been here.” “Why didn’t you go back?” I asked without thinking. As that last question barely left my lips, I could see a tear…
A Return to the Eucharist A very personal story of transformation and growth
“Godhead here in hiding, whom I do adore, Masked by these bare shadows, shape and nothing more, See, Lord, at thy service low lies here a heart Lost, all lost in wonder at the God thou art. “Seeing, touching, tasting are in thee deceived; How says trusty hearing? that shall be believed. What God’s Son…