The Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPoc

A Return of Service in the Independent Movement

January 13, 2019January 13, 2019 The Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPocLeave a Comment

“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

January 13, 2019January 13, 2019 The Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPocLeave a Comment

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

July 1, 2018June 30, 2018 The Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPocLeave a Comment

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?

April 3, 2018April 3, 2018 The Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPocLeave a Comment

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

January 1, 2018January 1, 2018 The Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPocLeave a Comment

**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

October 1, 2017October 2, 2017 The Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPocLeave a Comment

“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

July 1, 2017July 7, 2017 The Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPocLeave a Comment

“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 […]

Old Teachings, New Beginnings

April 2, 2017April 2, 2017 The Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPocLeave a Comment

One day, while waiting in the front office for a client to come in, I was outed as being a pastor. She said there was something in my voice that affirmed for her that I either was in the past or am in the present someone who preaches. I smiled back and made a statement […]

Spiritual Abuse

January 2, 2017January 21, 2017 The Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPocLeave a Comment

It isn’t so easy to spot physical and emotional abuse, though we’d like to believe we are astute enough to see the signs and symptoms. There might be bruises or some form of acting out. Perhaps a broken bone or emotional upheaval. After some investigation, we can deduce that something has happened to an individual […]

Relentless Optimism

October 1, 2016September 27, 2016 The Rev. Father Kenneth Nelan, OPocLeave a Comment

Think for a moment on those things that have changed our lives. Take your time. I’ll still be here when you’re done. Did you think of the soft smile of a child cradled in their mother’s arms? Maybe it was some other joyous occasion – a wedding, anniversary, or birthday celebration for a dear loved […]