Convergent Streams – Page 2 – The premier ISM magazine

A Small Parish Rejuvenated

January 1, 2018January 1, 2018 The Rev. Father Andrew SmithLeave a Comment

On thinking about new beginnings, the historian in me came out and I was immediately drawn to the story of my own parish. In 2009, I began formation in the United Independent Catholic Church. I was appointed lay administrator for our ministry, SS Cyril and Methodius UICC was created. We began celebrating with simple prayer […]

Respect Life-It Starts With You and Me

January 1, 2018January 1, 2018 Michele MakiLeave a Comment

Several weeks ago (in mid-October) the hashtag: #MeToo was posted by actress Alyssa Milano, inviting anyone who had been sexually assaulted or harassed to post this hashtag in their Twitter or Facebook accounts. Within just a few hours it was trending and within 48 hours #MeToo had blown up social media and was the lead-in […]

The Forgotten Church

January 1, 2018February 16, 2018 The Rev. Father Bryan Wolf, OPocLeave a Comment

Off the beaten path in Lukova, north central Czech Republic, barely stands Saint Georges Church. Built in 1352, this church had been abandoned since the roof collapsed during a 1968 funeral mass. Some townspeople considered this a bad omen, but most of the townspeople however sought to keep the church from being demolished. It played […]

From the Editor

January 1, 2018 The Right Rev. Gregory W. Godsey, OSFocLeave a Comment

When I put forth the idea for this edition of Convergent Streams I could not have imagined the great articles it would inspire. New beginnings seem to be a topic that many people have been considering for a while now. Some of the articles are a bit deep. They will make you think. They may […]

Living our lives as open books

October 1, 2017October 2, 2017 Rev. Father Timothy WarrenLeave a Comment

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2) I was once told by a priest that clergy should not share too much of their personal life with the congregation. In his opinion, clergy needed to keep a professional distance from parishioners […]

A Commentary on Prayer

October 1, 2017October 2, 2017 The Rev. Father Andrew SmithLeave a Comment

‘We set forth our petitions before God, not in order to make known to Him our needs and desires, but rather so that we ourselves may realize that in these things it is necessary to turn to God for help.’ – St. Thomas Aquinas I am really bothered by all of the “prayers” that are […]

From the Editor

October 1, 2017October 2, 2017 The Right Rev. Gregory W. Godsey, OSFocLeave a Comment

As I write this, Hurricane Irma is ravaging the whole states of Florida, Georgia and parts of South Carolina. The devastation caused by this powerful storm will be monumental. Sadly, there is another hurricane right behind Irma that will add insult to injury to those areas hardest hit. While this is going on, I am […]

When Jesus Goes Apocalyptic

October 1, 2017October 2, 2017 Rev. Father Rick RomeroLeave a Comment

“To believe is very dull. To doubt is intensely engrossing. To be on the alert is to live, to be lulled into security is to die.” -Oscar Wilde INTRODUCTION: OBSESSED WITH THE FUTURE The first part of the Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Advent describes apocalyptic events and signs in the heavens and […]

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 […]

The Needed Message of Advent

October 1, 2017October 2, 2017 Rev. Father John ConnorsLeave a Comment

Liturgy is a repetitive cycle not just in terms of seasons, but in the day to day or week to week themes. If you are a regular church goer you may have noticed it because the Church centers her prayers/readings on the life of Jesus Christ, Who always had an underlying if not clear eschatological […]