External Communications - The North American Old Catholic Church

Church to CVS: Unlock the Condoms!

Church joins the call for CVS to unlock condom displays in their stores

May 22, 2009 – Washington, DC [ICNS] The North American Old Catholic Church joins the call for CVS/Caremark to end the practice of locking up condoms in their stores that are located in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.

“The practice of making someone ask for condoms stigmatizes condoms and those who use them, making it less likely that the consumer will purchase them.” said Mother Meredith Moise, vicar for Black and Latino Catholics for the church. “To make it more difficult for black men and women to obtain protection is a dangerous practice.” she concluded.

The statistics demonstrate the urgent need for easy access to condoms: Annually, 3 million teenagers acquire an STD and 750 thousand teenage girls become pregnant. It is believed that 46% of black gay and bisexual men are infected with HIV, and the general HIV infection rate is highest amongst black men who engage in sex with other men. HIV/AIDS is the number one killer of young black women, and the infection rate is four times higher in Hispanic women, and fifteen times higher in black women than it is in white women.

Access to condoms is crucial to stemming the tide of HIV infections and death from AIDS in the United States.

We urge CVS/Caremark to follow the examples of other pharmacy chains. CVS’s closest competitor, Walgreens, has a policy in place that prohibits locking up condoms in their stores.

Download this Press Release as a PDF here.

Church Issues Guidelines on Swine Flu

Download this Press Release as a PDF by clicking here.

April 28, 2009 – Washington, DC [ICNS] The North American Old Catholic Church issued guidelines today to all parishes and ministers with regards to the Swine Flu outbreak.

These guidelines restrict several actions that occur in Catholic worship that may transmit the Swine Flu virus from one parishioner to another.

Until the Centers for Disease Control ends the health emergency declaration with regards to the Swine Flu, the following changes to the worship experience have been instituted:

• Physically exchanging the sign of peace by shaking hands, hugging, or other bodily contact is prohibited;
• Passing the communion chalice when non-alcoholic wine is utilized is prohibited;
• The practice of ‘intinction’- dipping the communion bread into the communion wine before consumption is prohibited;
• Passing the chalice when 12% by volume alcohol wine will continue to be permitted, however the communicant will not be allowed to hold the chalice as is sometimes the practice. The chalice will need to be held by the minister;

Clergy are also instructed to be sure to thoroughly wash chalices with warm soap and water between each use.

In a memo to the church, Archbishop Michael Seneco stated: “While these rules may seem excessive, and over cautious- the public perception of the Swine Flu issue is one of great concern and panic. These changes should continue to instill confidence in our parishioners for the duration of this public health emergency.” Seneco is the presiding bishop of the church.

A copy of the memo can be downloaded by clicking here Church Memo on Swine Flu

Reaching out to Micronesians

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Church working with Micronesian Government to protect the rights of Micronesian Nationals living in the US

April 23, 2009 – Washington, DC [ICNS] The North American Old Catholic Church today announced reaching a working agreement and memorandum of cooperation with the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia. Talks were held at the Micronesian Embassy with His Excellency, Yosiwo P. George, the Ambassador to the United States from the Federated States of Micronesia.

The North American Old Catholic Church, through its parishes and ministries in the Dallas, Texas, Central and Gold Coast regions of Florida will work to educate businesses and Micronesians on their rights under the Compact of Free Association that exists between the US and the FSM, by producing materials Micronesian nationals can take with them when they apply for jobs explaining their rights.

“Under the compact, Micronesian nationals are allowed to work and live legally in the US without applying for traditional permission (green cards, resident alien and worker permits) from the US Department of Homeland Security.. Unfortunately, many FSM nationals find it difficult to obtain legal employment in this post-911 era, as most Americans are unaware of the rights of FSM nationals under the Compact of Free Association.” said Archbishop Michael Seneco in a prepared statement: “It is our hope that we can assist FSM nationals in their employment quest, and at the same time, educate business owners on this valuable pool of ready workers.” he concluded.

The Compact of Free Association, originally negotiated in 1969, and most recently ratified with amendments in June of 2004, gives FSM nationals the right to work in the US and to serve in our military. In exchange, the US provides military security for Micronesia, and gives the US a firm foothold in the South Pacific, which is strategic in our nation’s war on terrorism.

The church will also begin to work with the FSM government to monitor reported abuses in the recruitment and treatment that some FSM Nationals have reported when being employed on the US Mainland, specifically in agribusiness and poultry production.

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US Code Reference: The Compact of Free Association - US Public Law 108-188, December 17, 2003 House Joint Resolution 63

Church to offer Health Care Benefits

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Full heath care and dental plan to launch June 1, 2009

March 6, 2009 – Washington, DC [ICNS] The North American Old Catholic Church, in its continued efforts to support its current clergy and attract new clergy and seminarians will offer comprehensive health care benefits to its clergy, seminarians, and lay staff beginning June 1, 2009.

“By making the decision to offer this benefit, The Congregation of Bishops of the church demonstrated today its continued commitment to supporting our clergy efforts to remain engaged in ministry, free from distractions.” said Matthew Velic, Moderator of the Curia of the National Church.

The Congregation of Bishops is the supreme authority in the North American Old Catholic Church.

In a statement to clergy, Archbishop Michael Seneco, presiding bishop commented: “The ability of our particular church to offer health insurance to our clergy and staff is a major step forward in our continued, consistent growth and expansion. We believe that offering a full compliment of benefits, which includes health care, will aid us in our vocations and recruitment efforts, which is crucial to bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to new people in new and innovative ways.”

The health care plan, operated by Blue Cross Blue Shield will cover doctor and dental visits, hospitalization and drug costs. Coverage includes coverage for chronic and pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, asthma, HIV/AIDS.

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Fostering a continued, strong commitment to catholic tradition, and the search for contemporary meaning, the North American Old Catholic Church is part of the worldwide,
universal church of Jesus Christ.

You may also request a press kit by emailing pressroom@naoldcatholic.com

Four Men Ordained Deacons

New Catholic Deacons embrace Christ’s call to service.

February 6, 2009 – Washington, DC [ICNS] The North American Old Catholic Church, part of the universal, worldwide church of Jesus Christ, announced today the ordination of four men as Catholic Deacons.

Ordained on Saturday, February 14th in New Haven Connecticut were:
Tim Johnson of Amherst, NH - Tim will serve as public safety chaplain to the Amherst police and fire departments. Tim is married to his wife Cassie Johnson, and works as a public safety dispatcher for the City of Amherst, NH.

Jakob Thibault of Providence, RI – Jakob will begin to minister through presence and counseling to the gay community in Providence. Jakob is married to his husband Jamie Thibault, and is completing his Juris Doctor degree at the Southern NE School of Law;

William Christ of Baltimore, MD – Bill will be assigned as a parish deacon at Saint Michael the Archangel parish in Baltimore, MD. Bill is married to his husband, the Rev. Joe Steward. Bill owns BC Graphics, an architectural design firm in Baltimore, and is a published fiction writer.

Duff Eakes of Hampton, VA – Duff will continue studies and work in the special projects office of the national church. Duff is engaged to Russell Johnson, and works as a mental health professional.

The ordination was held in New Haven, CT at Dwight Hall Chapel, on the campus of Yale University on Saturday, February 14, 2009. Archbishop Michael Seneco was the ordaining prelate.

Church Expands National Staff

Top level staff to work on growth, expansion and stability

January 7, 2009 – Washington, DC [ICNS]- The North American Old Catholic Church, in its continued efforts to reach the un-churched and those marginalized by other church bodies, announced today a dramatic expansion of their national office staff.

“The strategic staff additions we are announcing today demonstrate the churches commitment to effective growth and enhanced ministry in 2009.” said Matt Velic. Velic serves at the Moderator of the Curia - the ecclesiastical equivalent to a corporate chief operating officer. “The posts recently filled demonstrate how our Congregation of Bishops continues to drive the vision and execution of the churches mission, which remains focused on reaching those who need to hear Christ’s message most urgently.”

Positions announced today:

Gregg P. Nall as Director of Public and Corporate Relations- Mr. Nall will craft a standard message and work to raise the profile and public awareness of the church and her ministries;

Nic Benson as Director of Development- Mr. Benson will work closely with the bishops of the church to develop a capitol campaign as well as general financial stability, focusing on the cultivating short and long term financial resources;

Alison Hawkins as National Director of College Outreach- Miss Hawkins is developing a model outreach program to bring the church to college campuses, with the first program to be launched during the spring 2009 semester in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

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Fostering a continued, strong commitment to catholic tradition, and the search for contemporary meaning, the North American Old Catholic Church is part of the worldwide, universal church of Jesus Christ.

For more information about the church, and to review or download our press kit, visit http://newsroom.naoldcatholic.com and click on *PRESS KIT*

You may also request a press kit by emailing pressroom@naoldcatholic.com

Church Launches The Gabriel

A quarterly Journal focusing on Independent Sacramental Spirituality

Washington, DC [January 6, 2009] – The Gabriel- A Journal of Independent Sacramental Spirituality was released today through the Old Catholic Publishing Group, the publishing house of the North American Old Catholic Church.

The Gabriel is a journal that will be a published quarterly releasing theme based editions in January, April, July and October of each year. Each edition will contain four to five in depth pieces revolving around the chosen theme.

According to the publisher, Archbishop Michael Seneco, “The goal of The Gabriel is to bring forth the best and brightest in the Old and Independent Catholic Churches, giving them an avenue to inspire, educate and provoke both thought and action.”

The premiere edition, which looks at the subjects of Prayer and Conversion, is available for free download at http://gabriel.ocpublishing.org Subsequent editions will be available in print and online through subscription.

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Fostering a continued, strong commitment to catholic tradition, and the search for contemporary meaning, the North American Old Catholic Church is part of the worldwide, universal church of Jesus Christ.

For more information about the church, and to review or download our press kit, visit http://newsroom.naoldcatholic.com and click on *PRESS KIT*
You may also request a press kit by emailing pressroom@naoldcatholic.com

Church agrees “Read to your kids!”

Obama urges parents to read to their kids in interview.

Washington, DC [December 11, 2008] Today, the clergy of the North American Old Catholic Church joined President-Elect Barrack Obama on calling for parents to “read to their kids.”

When being interviewed by Tom Brokaw on Sunday, December 7, 2008 on the NBC news program “Meet the Press” President-Elect Barrack Obama said, “We want to talk to parents about reading to their kids.”

The late Charlotte Mason, a foundational stone in the improvement of children’s education and a brilliant educator once said, “The destiny of a child is ruled by its parents. This is particularly true when it comes to a child literacy development. After all, reading is at the heart of all learning, and children who can’t read well, can’t learn well.”

“I remember as a child, my parents and grandparents reading to me, especially at this time of year, and I am confident that is where I first became fond of reading.” Archbishop Michael Seneco, presiding bishop of the church commented. “To this day, I read constantly. There is a pile of books next to my desk waiting their turn.”

We encourage all parents to begin reading to their children now. What a better time of year than now to give the gift of reading and storytelling to your children.

“Start with ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.’” The archbishop concluded.

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Fostering a continued, strong commitment to catholic tradition, and the search for contemporary meaning, the North American Old Catholic Church is part of the worldwide, universal church of Jesus Christ. For more information about the church, and to review or download our press kit, visit http://newsroom.naoldcatholic.com and click on *PRESS KIT* You may also request a press kit by emailing pressroom@naoldcatholic.com

Mexican Government needs to protect Migrants

press release on mexican migrants protection 070308

Catholic Priest threatened with arson for being outspoken on poor treatment of migrants

Washington, DC [July 3, 2008]- Today at the request of Amnesty International, Archbishop Michael Seneco, presiding bishop of the North American Old Catholic Church, dispatched a letter to Mexican authorities urging them to protect the life and safety of migrants within their borders.

Archbishop Seneco: “Whether someone is in a country, legally or not, they should be guaranteed protection from persecution, threats, and attacks. The dignity of human life requires we treat each and every human being with respect and dignity.”

Recently in Ixtepec, Oaxaca, a Roman Catholic priest, Father Alejandro Solalinde Guerra’s life and safety was threatened. Father Solalinde runs the local migrants’ shelter in Ixtpec, and is well a well known critic of the government’s treatment of migrants. He was threatened after a six year old child was sexually assaulted by a migrant. The migrant, who was not at any time a resident of Father Solalinde’s shelter, was arrested by the local authorities.

An angry mob of fifty locals, fourteen local police officers, and even the Mayor of Ixtepec, descended on the shelter and threatened to set it on fire if he did not close within forty eight hours.

The Archbishop continued, “This is just one example of the rampant abuse of migrants and undocumented people in Mexico. In March of this year, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Migrants toured Mexico, and wrote of scathing abuse of migrants, including extortion, beatings, and mass repatriations. It has to stop.”

Download PDF of letter to Mexican Authorities here

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Fostering a continued, strong commitment to catholic tradition, and the search for contemporary meaning, the North American Old Catholic Church is part of the worldwide, universal church of Jesus Christ. For more information about the church, and to review or download our press kit, visit http://newsroom.naoldcatholic.com and click on *PRESS KIT* You may also request a press kit by emailing pressroom@naoldcatholic.com

Two new Orthodox parishes to open in Baltimore

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Parishes to bring ancient liturgy experience to southeast Baltimore

Baltimore, MD [June 25, 2008] Today, the North American Old Catholic Church announced the opening of two Orthodox Catholic parishes in the southeast section of Baltimore, with a specific mission to reach out to younger unchurched, and to older, traditional Catholics. Both churches are staffed by the clerics at Holy Cross Monastery.

“There seems to be a rather strange disconnect between many modern churches and the needs of the people in our society.” commented Father Daniel Garguillio, abbot of the monastery. “Many churches, in an attempt to modernize and supposedly attract more young people to their congregation, replace time honored ancient liturgical worship, replacing it with flashy ‘events’ that look more like American Idol than the prayer and worship of God.”

Father continued, “In society, we see many young people are going to “Goth” night clubs, wearing medievalist attire, and even listening to Gregorian Chant CDs! It is obvious that the ancient music, dress, and the mysticism that it represents still reaches into the hearts and minds of the young, as well as the young at heart. There is a need, an aching, for prayer in the ancient tradition which many of today’s churches are increasingly ignoring. By offering our worship through the ancient liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, we hope to fulfill that longing.”

The parishes are:

Beginning on Sunday, June 29, 2008, Saint Andrew the First Called Orthodox Church will offer Mass in the chapel at Saint Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7834 Eastern Avenue. Liturgy will be offered every Sunday at 3:00 PM.

Beginning on Saturday, July 5, 2008, Most Holy Theotokos Orthodox Church will offer Mass and services to the residents at and surrounding neighborhood of FutureCare NorthPoint Nursing Home, 1046 Old North Point Road. Liturgy will be offered every Saturday at 10:30 AM.

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Media Advisory: reporters and television crews are welcome to attend either parish’s opening liturgy.

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Fostering a continued, strong commitment to catholic tradition, and the search for contemporary meaning, the North American Old Catholic Church is part of the worldwide, universal church of Jesus Christ. For more information about the church, and to review or download our press kit, visit http://newsroom.naoldcatholic.com and click on *PRESS KIT* You may also request a press kit by emailing pressroom@naoldcatholic.com