An
Invitation to all Inactive Priests
The
Church of John Needs Priests and Ministers
In the
beginning, Christianity consisted of three main churches, all united as one:
the Church of Peter, the Church of John and the Church of Paul. The Church of
Peter is the Roman Church. The Church of John consists of mystics, those
Christians dedicated to contemplative prayer and the use of the gifts of the
Holy Spirit. It is primarily dedicated to experiencing divine love within
oneself and in all of one’s relationships in the world. The Church of
Paul is the evangelistic church, which for the most part today is the
Protestant Church. Even though the churches have grown apart, each one is whole
and complete only when they are united as one. Today there is a quiet grassroots
movement in the Church of John that can unite the three again. Unlike the
Church of Peter and Paul, the Church of John is not an institution. Rather, it
is a “church” that dwells in the spirit and heart of each person.
With the
beginning of the charismatic renewal 40 years ago, the Church of John began to
leave the monasteries, the hermitages, the retreat centers, and the secret
association of the Knights Templar who dwelt in the mountains of Bosnia for
many years, in order to dwell in the homes of the average Christian. The
spirituality movements of the eastern and western religions, the James Twyman
and Neale D. Walsch’s movements, along with the large number of
apparitions of Mary have all drawn millions of ordinary Christians into living
a mystical life of love and prayer, the very life of the Church of John.
Many of
these new mystics have leaders to help them continue their growth, but many do
not. The tremendous need of those who do not can be filled by the inactive
priests of today. They are a large group that possesses a wealth of spiritual
resources. Their formation in Mystical and Ascetical Theology and prayer has
now the experience of the dark night of the senses and/or soul which has freed
them of many fears. With their experiences and leadership the faithful in the
Church of John will be able to avoid falling again into the problems of
Gnosticism and Quietism.
In their
name an invitation is extended to all the inactive clergy to continue following
the call in their hearts, and invite those who also wish to grow with them to
join together as a small community in this walk of experiencing the Love of our
Beloved Father, Son and Holy Spirit through contemplative prayer and the gifts
of the Holy Spirit.
These
small community groups can meet in their homes, spending quiet time together in
prayer, sharing their spiritual journey, Breaking Bread together with a simple
ceremony, followed by silent prayer, and concluding with the leader’s
blessing over each individual present. Afterwards, all can join in fellowship
around the table over a cup of coffee.
Since
love grows in and through the difficulties of relationships, we need each other
to help us on our way. Slowly, then, our growing in love will melt the present
need to fight and wage war within our relationships with ourselves and one
another as well as with the world.
La
Ermita – The Hermitage began in 1994 as such a community, and it has an
abundance of material for discussion that it will gladly share with a group,
helping them get started. This community has no formal membership, no dues nor
collections, no rules nor regulations. We are only Children of our God,
brothers and sisters, who want to become more aware of who we are and what
great love we already possess, because we are
the children of our Heavenly Father and Mother.
If you
are interested as a priest/minister to join in this wonderful ministry of the
Church of John, please share your desire with others, and let the Holy Spirit
lead you to start a group. If we can be of help, do not hesitate to email us at
La
Ermita. May the love of our
Beloved Father, Holy Spirit and Son continue to fill you and all of us so that
we can share it abundantly with others.
Love and
blessings in Sophia, the Holy Spirit,
Teo