Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Catholics Being Drawn to the Anglican Use Liturgy

By Shane Schaetzel
12/15/2009

Catholic Online (http://www.catholic.org/)

In some ways the Springfield group is breaking new ground both for the Anglican Use and the new Apostolic Constitution.


(An 'Anglican Use' Liturgy being celebrated) The Liturgy, a part of the Roman Catholic Church, includes the celebrants and deacons 'facing east', a more formal use of the English, and a structure which involves an Anglican liturgical 'flavor', all with the official approval of Rome.

REPUBLIC, Missouri (Catholic Online) - When the Vatican recently announced the reception of Anglican communities into the Catholic Church it was a dream come true not only for Anglo-Catholics seeking their own pastoral provision, but also for many Roman Catholics with Anglican backgrounds.

Over the last thirty years there has been a quiet but steady trickle of Anglicans into the Roman Catholic Church. In the American province of the worldwide Anglican Communion, “The Episcopal Church,” it began with alterations to the Book of Common Prayer in 1979 and increased with the ordination of female clergy, along with the widespread acceptance of homosexuality.

Springfield Missouri is home to about four Episcopalian parishes and two continuing Anglican parishes. There was one small Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC) parish about ten years ago, but it was later disbanded and the chapel sold. That being said, there are currently no Anglican parishes within the city that are interested in entering the emerging Anglican Ordinariates within the Roman Catholic Church.

However, that does not mean Springfield is lacking individuals with Anglican backgrounds who have taken interest in accepting the pope's offer. That being the case, a few pioneering Christians are starting their own prayer group in Springfield, with the intent of eventually forming an Anglican Use parish under the pastoral care of the soon to be Anglican Use ordinary bishop. They've named their group simply “Anglican-Use Catholics of Springfield Missouri.”

They have made their presence known to the Anglican Use Society, and are seeking direction from officials within that organization. They have also made their presence known to the diocesan bishop of the "Anglican Church in America," the provincial affiliate of the TAC. Likewise, they have notified their local Roman Catholic diocesan bishop of their intent.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 2:51 PM