My Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ,

This weekend marks the close of Shrovetide, the traditional period of preparation that leads into Lent on Ash Wednesday. While largely absent from many modern calendars, Shrovetide played an important role in the historic Western tradition. It served as a time to take stock of one’s life before entering the more demanding disciplines of Lent.

As I was reflecting on this transition, an unexpected experience gave the season a very concrete image. One of our dogs was sprayed—indirectly and seemingly mildly—by a skunk. At first, it didn’t seem like much. By morning, however, the odor had spread through the bedroom and into the sheets. What appeared insignificant had quietly permeated everything.

Sin works much the same way.  The dog was drawn in by curiosity, barking at what caught its attention, and ended up marked by something foul. Sin often attracts us in small, seemingly manageable ways. Yet its effects do not remain contained. It clings, stains, and spreads into places we did not intend.

Lent exists because God knows this about us.  The season of Lent is not about punishment or earning God’s favor. It is about restoration. Just as our dog needed to be washed so the smell would lose its power, we need renewal so that the effects of sin no longer define us. Lent calls us back to our baptism—not as a past memory, but as a living reality.

Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we open ourselves to transformation. These practices are not ends in themselves. They form us into people who bear lasting fruit and whose lives witness to God’s Kingdom rather than the spirit of the age.

This weekend we also released a short video on the liturgical year, using the modern Roman Catholic calendar as a familiar reference point. The purpose is simple: to help us rediscover how the Church teaches us to sanctify time and allow it to shape our lives.

As we prepare to enter Lent, may we honestly confront what clings to us, repent of our sins, and seek God’s Kingdom above all things.
Peace,
Rev. Ben

My Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ,

This weekend we observe Shrovetide II, traditionally known as Sexagesima, a season that invites us to begin turning our hearts toward Lent even before its formal arrival. Shrovetide is not yet a time of full penitential rigor, but rather a gentle and honest preparation—a moment to take stock of our lives, our habits, and our loves. Historically, this season reminded Christians that repentance is not sudden or superficial; it requires time, intention, and grace. Sexagesima calls us to begin loosening our grip on distractions and comforts so that our hearts may become receptive soil for the transforming work God desires to do in us during Lent.

In this weekend’s readings, we hear St. Paul speak candidly about his struggles, weaknesses, and sufferings (2 Corinthians 11:19–12:9). Paul does not present the Christian life as a path of ease or constant victory, but as one marked by adversity, humility, and reliance on God’s grace. His famous confession--“when I am weak, then I am strong”—reminds us that the Christian journey has always involved carrying burdens, enduring trials, and trusting God precisely when our own strength fails. As we prepare our bodies, minds, and hearts for the penitential discipline of Lent, Paul’s witness reassures us that our weaknesses are not obstacles to holiness, but places where Christ’s power is made visible.
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We also invite you to watch our newly released video, which explores the possibility of Eucharistic communion between Roman Catholics and the Orthodox Churches from an Old Catholic perspective. The video emphasizes that true unity does not mean uniformity or absorption, but reconciled communion rooted in charity, patience, and repentance. Drawing on the shared inheritance of the first millennium—common creeds, councils, sacraments, apostolic ministry, and a serious commitment to holiness—it acknowledges both the deep common ground and the real theological and pastoral work that remains. The reflection concludes with hope: that genuine unity can only be given by the Holy Spirit, through a change of heart, shared mission, and a renewed commitment to living as the one Body of Christ in the world.

Peace,
​Rev. Ben

Dear friends in Christ,
I want to begin this week’s column with a word of humble apology. Last weekend, while celebrating the liturgy, I mistakenly celebrated the wrong liturgy. The Sunday should have been the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, and I regret this oversight. Thank you for your patience and grace, and for walking together as a community that understands both the beauty and the humanity of ministry.

Compounding this, my wife and I have been battling the flu through part of the past two weeks. We would be grateful for your prayers that sickness may subside in our household. I also ask you to join me in praying for all who are suffering from illness and infirmity, especially those who are hospitalized or homebound and have no one to tend to their needs. May Christ the Healer draw near to them in compassion, presence, and peace.

New Video Released: What Is Old Catholicism?
This weekend, we released a new video offering an introduction to Old Catholicism and its claim to continuity with the ancient Christian Church. The video is structured as a five-part lecture, exploring biblical foundations, the witness of the Church Fathers, the role of canons and councils, the historical development of the Old Catholic movement, and the sacramental life of the Church along with common objections.

The presentation emphasizes that the Church is a living, visible community entrusted with the deposit of faith, grounded in Sacred Scripture and expressed through apostolic ministry, conciliar governance, and sacramental life. Drawing on figures such as Irenaeus, Cyprian of Carthage, and Vincent of Lérins, the video highlights the early Church’s understanding of apostolic succession, episcopal collegiality, and catholicity defined not by juridical centralization, but by fidelity to what has been believed “everywhere, always, and by all.”

The lecture also traces the Old Catholic story from the Church of Utrecht in the eighteenth century through the crisis following the First Vatican Council, culminating in the formation of the Union of Utrecht in 1889. Finally, it addresses common objections—such as accusations of Protestantism or claims that communion with the Pope is required for catholicity—by pointing back to the ancient Church’s criteria: apostolic faith, sacramental life, ordained ministry, and conciliar order.

I hope this video serves both as an introduction for newcomers and a source of clarity and encouragement for those already familiar with the Old Catholic tradition.

Entering a New Season: Shrovetide / Septuagesima
This weekend, we enter a new liturgical season known as Shrovetide, traditionally beginning with Septuagesima Sunday. Though largely unfamiliar today, this season has deep roots in the Western Church.

Septuagesima marks a pre-Lenten period of preparation, historically lasting three weeks (Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima) leading up to Ash Wednesday. During this time, the Church begins to shift in tone: the Alleluia is set aside, readings emphasize humanity’s need for grace, and the faithful are invited to begin examining their lives in anticipation of Lent’s call to repentance and renewal.

Rather than plunging abruptly into penitence, Shrovetide offers a gentler threshold—a spiritual slowing down that allows us to prepare our hearts for the disciplines of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. It reminds us that conversion is not a moment, but a journey, and that God’s grace meets us even before we take the first deliberate step.

As we enter this season, may we do so thoughtfully, honestly, and with hope—trusting that the same Christ who was transfigured in glory also walks patiently with us in our weakness and longing.

With gratitude for your prayers and your companionship on the way,
In Christ,
Rev. Ben

My Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ,
As winter weather moves across much of the country this weekend, we hold in prayer all who are traveling, asking God to grant them safety, patience, and protection on the road. We also remember those who face these storms without stable shelter, electricity, or heat, as well as all who are impacted by power outages, dangerous conditions, and uncertainty. May God’s presence be especially close to the vulnerable, the weary, and those offering care and assistance.

This weekend we also shared a new video as part of our ongoing commitment to weekly liturgies and faith-formation resources. In this reflection, I explore the challenge of reconstructing ancient Christianity, drawing on Jeff Cavins’ My Life on the Rock. Cavins’ journey reminds us that dissatisfaction with the Church is often experiential rather than doctrinal, rooted in a longing for deeper spiritual engagement. His time in independent ministry revealed how difficult it is to “build the Church from scratch” without historical continuity, ultimately leading him to a renewed appreciation for liturgy, incarnation, and the Church as a living, historical community guided by the Holy Spirit. The video also raises honest questions about reform, continuity, and historical breaks—questions that resonate deeply within Old Catholic and broader Christian conversations. Next week’s video will build on this reflection by addressing several continuity concerns raised here, and I look forward to continuing that conversation with you.

As always, please know that you are welcome to reach out if you would like your intentions remembered during the liturgy. Additionally, if you or someone you know is in the Saint Charles, Saint Peters, or Weldon Spring area and would benefit from a pastoral visit or the sacraments—especially Anointing of the Sick or the Eucharist—please do not hesitate to contact me.
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May God bless you, watch over you, and keep you safe during this time of inclement weather. May peace dwell in your homes and may hope remain strong even amid the storm.
Peace,
​Rev. Ben

My Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ,

In this week’s Gospel, Mary and Joseph lose track of Jesus and search for him with great anxiety, only to find him in the Temple—listening, questioning, and deeply engaged in his Father’s work. This familiar story reminds us that even faithful people can experience moments of uncertainty and confusion. Sometimes Jesus is not where we expect him to be. Yet the Gospel reassures us that God is often found in places of prayer, honest questioning, and patient searching. Growth in faith does not always come with immediate understanding, but through trust, reflection, and continued fidelity.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve been encouraged by the number of people who have reached out asking about in-person worship. While our community remains small and dispersed, I would love to offer opportunities for shared prayer and liturgy. One beautiful possibility is celebrating the liturgy in people’s homes. If you know of a common room in a community center, assisted living facility, or apartment complex where a small group could gather, I would be more than happy to explore celebrating liturgy with you and others. Worship, like the Gospel itself, often begins simply—where people are willing to open their doors and hearts.
Many people are also carrying a deep sense of uncertainty and fear as we continue to experience profound divisions in our country. Some live with anxiety simply because they “look illegal,” despite having legal status. As Christians, we must be clear and unwavering on one essential truth: human dignity is not negotiable. While there may be legitimate disagreement about how immigration policy is shaped or implemented, there can be no question about the inherent worth of every human person, created in the image and likeness of God. The Gospel always calls us to resist fear, reject dehumanization, and choose compassion.
This week also saw the release of a new video, Renewal Pains in the Orthodox Church – Part 2, reflecting on Father Stefano’s book Renewal Pains in the Orthodox Church. The video explores the need for a living, experiential faith shaped by the active indwelling of the Holy Spirit, especially through the sacraments of initiation. It challenges a “static” understanding of faith and invites believers to expect transformation, spiritual gifts, and ongoing renewal. Drawing from the Eastern Christian tradition, the reflection emphasizes that baptism and chrismation are not magical moments but beginnings—calling us daily to live as people truly “born of God,” filled to the brim with the Spirit, and sent to let our light shine.
Like Mary, who treasured these things in her heart, may we remain attentive to what God is doing in our midst—quietly, patiently, and often in unexpected places. May we continue to search, to gather, and to trust that Christ is present, even when the path ahead is not yet fully clear.
Peace,
​Rev. Ben

Epiphany: Light in a Time of Darkness
This weekend, our Church celebrates the Feast of Epiphany — the visit of the Magi to the Christ child. These “wise men from the East” traveled great distances in uncertainty, guided only by a star and fueled by faith. They brought their best gifts — gold, frankincense, and myrrh — offering them in worship of the newborn King.

Their journey reminds us that life is full of risk. They took risks carrying precious treasure through unfamiliar lands, uncertain of what they would find. And yet their eyes were fixed on the light that drew them onward.

In our own time, we see risks and treasures of a very different sort.

Across our nation and the world, events are unfolding that weigh heavily on our hearts. In recent days an ICE agent in Minneapolis fatally shot a 37-year-old mother, Renee Nicole Good. Her death has sparked outrage, protest, and deep debate over the use of force and the dignity of every human life.

At the same time, international conflict involving Venezuela has dominated headlines, with U.S. military forces conducting operations that have cost lives and left both nations and families in turmoil. These developments have prompted serious questions about war, peace, sovereignty, and the stewardship of power on the global stage.

It can feel like we are living in a time of fear, division, and conflicting narratives, where each side claims righteousness and each person wonders what is true and just.

In the midst of this, the Feast of Epiphany calls us back to the simple, profound truth of who we follow:

• We follow Jesus Christ, who entered this world not as a conqueror, but as a vulnerable child,
• We follow a Savior who was executed by the state as a criminal, though innocent of all wrongdoing,
• We follow the One who taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.

Our culture often promises safety by asserting power — safety that too often undermines the dignity and rights of others. But the Lord calls us to a safer security: the security of love, mercy, and justice rooted in God Himself.

Each of us will stand before God and render an account of our stewardship — how we have used the gifts entrusted to us: our lives, our voices, our influence, our compassion. The Magi brought their best to Christ; will we?
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Let us examine our hearts and ask:

• Are we bringing our best — our gifts — to God?
• Or are we using them to tear down, judge, or harm others?

In the face of uncertainty, let us fix our eyes on the true light that appeared in Bethlehem — the light no darkness can overcome. May we, like the wise men, offer what we have with humility and courage, guided not by fear, but by faith in Christ the Lord.
Peace,
​Rev. Ben

My Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ,
The Christmas season is quickly passing by. In just a few short weeks, the Church carries us from Mary’s yes to God, through the conception and birth of Jesus, the visit of the magi, and then forward to his growth in wisdom and his public ministry. Both in our lives and in the Gospel story, time seems to move quickly.
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Over the New Year, I found myself reflecting on this while talking with my wife as I watched a video of railroad locomotives nearing retirement—engines I still remember being introduced as “new.” Moments like that remind me how swiftly time passes, and how precious each season truly is. May we use the time given to us well, living as visible signs of the Kingdom that is already among us and still coming into fullness.

This week, we also released a new video reflecting on the theme of theological arrogance—a call to humility, openness, and trust in the God who is always greater than our certainties. At St. Oscar Romero Ministries, we reflect honestly on the danger of theological arrogance—the belief that any one person, church, or institution can possess the “fullness of truth.” Drawing from my own past formation within Roman Catholicism, I acknowledge that I once held this conviction myself, and I now repent of it as a deeply human attempt to claim what belongs to God alone. Only God holds the fullness of truth. While some theological expressions may be wiser, deeper, or closer to divine reality than others, no denomination can rightfully claim absolute possession of God’s truth without diminishing the mystery of the divine. Theology, at its best, is not about control or certainty, but about reverent exploration of a reality that always exceeds our language, creeds, and councils.

This reflection calls Christians to humility and spiritual maturity. When we believe we already possess everything there is to know, we close ourselves off from growth and from the surprising ways God continues to act in the world. Too often, Christians limit God’s grace by denying its presence in other traditions—whether by dismissing another community’s sacraments or judging their faith as deficient. From an Old Catholic perspective, we remain wary of such absolutes, embracing open communion and trusting that all Christians draw from the same divine source. Rather than policing boundaries or passing judgment, we are called to deeper introspection, greater charity, and stronger faith in God’s ability to work through diverse people, traditions, and communities. True discipleship is not about defending our superiority, but about becoming more faithful servants of a God who is always greater than our understanding.

Thank you, as always, for your prayers, encouragement, and continued support of this ministry. I pray that as more people join us weekly for our online liturgy, we may one day gather more frequently to pray together in person.
Peace,
Rev. Ben

My sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ,
Merry Christmas! During the Octave of Christmas, we recall the central mystery of our faith: the Incarnation. The God who created the heavens and the earth has entered our history and time, taken our human frailty upon himself, and renewed us from within. The mystery of the newborn Christ is profound, for in Jesus Christ divine and human natures are united—perfectly, fully, and without division. He has assumed our humanity so that we might share in his divine life.

Our ministry exists to proclaim this Good News: in the Incarnation, God has reconciled us—and all creation—to himself. If you are in Saint Charles County, Missouri, and would like to receive the sacraments (the holy mysteries), please reach out. We are here to share the joy and grace of the Incarnation with you.
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This week, we released a video. “Christmas and Orthodoxy: Return to the Essential” which reflects on Christmas through an Orthodox Christian lens, inviting viewers to set aside secondary arguments and return to the heart of the faith. Drawing on the Church Fathers and Orthodox hymnody, the video centers on the mystery of the Incarnation—God’s humility in taking flesh from the Virgin Mary—as the “greater exchange” by which humanity is renewed  Above all, the video emphasizes Christianity as God’s initiative: the bridge between God and humanity has already been built in Christ, and Orthodox ascetic practices (prayer, fasting, and almsgiving) are seen as cooperation with the divine life at work within us. The message concludes by calling all Christians to unite around Christmas’ essential truths—Trinity, Incarnation, and the saving work that leads toward Easter—celebrating Christ’s birth as light entering the world to make all things new.
Peace,
Rev. Ben

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
As we enter the joy of Christmas, I want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. This holy season draws us again into the heart of the Gospel: the mystery of the Incarnation—that the eternal Word of God did not remain distant, but took flesh and dwelt among us. God comes to us not as an idea, but as a living Person; not merely as a lesson, but as a gift. In Jesus Christ, the Creator steps into creation, embracing our humanity so that humanity might be lifted into the life of God.

At Saint Oscar Romero Ministries, we pray that Christmas will be for you not only a beautiful memory or a cherished tradition, but a renewed encounter with Emmanuel—God-with-us—who enters our real lives: our burdens, our hopes, our questions, our griefs, and our longing for holiness. May the peace of Christ be close to you and your loved ones.

Weekly Eucharistic Liturgy Streaming—and Sacraments In Person
Our ministry exists to sustain God’s people with the life-giving message of Jesus Christ, especially those who may feel disconnected or unable to participate in a local congregation.

As part of that mission, we are streaming the Eucharistic liturgy weekly, so that prayer and worship remain accessible beyond the limits of geography, mobility, or circumstance. If you are looking for a place to pray, to listen to the Word of God, and to keep the rhythm of Christian worship, you are warmly invited to join us online.

And if you would like to receive the Sacraments in person—especially the Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation (Confession), or Anointing of the Sick—please reach out. Saint Oscar Romero Ministries provides pastoral and sacramental care, including Baptism, Confirmation/Chrismation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, and Marriage. To request sacramental care: you can use the contact form on our website.

Two Newly Self-Published Books
This season also brings two new resources that I hope will serve both seekers and fellow Christians who want to go deeper.

1) Make Disciples, Not Followers: A Biblical Guide to Christian Online Witness
Many of us spend a significant part of our lives online—yet it is easy to confuse “visibility” with “witness,” and “followers” with true disciples. This book is a practical and biblical guide for Christians who want to live faithfully in digital spaces: speaking with charity, resisting outrage, telling the truth without cruelty, and using online tools for genuine evangelization, encouragement, and formation. The goal is simple: not to build a platform, but to help people draw nearer to Christ.
Make Disciples, Not Followers: A Biblical Guide to Christian Online Witness: Stern, Rev Benjamin J: 9798261898337: Amazon.com: Books

2) Faith Without Permission: The Story and Spirit of the Independent Sacramental Movement
This book introduces readers to the story, spirituality, and pastoral reality of the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM). It explores why sacramental life continues to flourish outside familiar institutional boundaries, how communities like these understand apostolic succession and sacramental grace, and what draws many people toward a “smaller” but deeply sacramental expression of Christian life. It is written both to explain and to invite: to describe a living stream of Catholic and apostolic faith that many have never encountered, even as they have been searching for it.
Faith Without Permission: The Story and Spirit of the Independent Sacramental Movement: Stern, Benjamin J: 9781608628919: Amazon.com: Books

New Video This Week
A new video was released this week: “Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism: Two More Books and Thoughts.” Both traditions are held in high esteem while recognizing real theological differences. We affirms the historical depth and sacramental life present in both communions, then highlights several key areas of disagreement: questions around Petrine primacy and the scope of papal authority, the addition of the filioque clause to the Creed, and concerns within Eastern Orthodoxy about the close interweaving of church, state, and cultural expressions that may not translate universally. We also reflect on two books—one recounting a Franciscan friar’s conversion to Orthodoxy and critique of papal formulations, and another outlining differences between the traditions with an emphasis on grace as a gift for all and a holistic, communal vision of salvation. The speaker concludes with a hopeful, prayerful tone: rejecting the claim that only one communion is the “true church,” he expresses love for both traditions and recognizes God’s work in Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Old Catholicism, longing for a future “union of love and sharing.”

A Christmas Invitation
If you are reading this and feeling weary, alone, unsure, or simply hungry for a deeper connection to the life of prayer and sacramental grace: please know you are not an interruption—you are exactly why this ministry exists. Saint Oscar Romero Ministries is here as a community of refuge, grounded in the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

May Christ, born of Mary, bless you richly this Christmas—and draw you ever more deeply into His peace.
Merry Christmas,
Rev. Ben

My Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ,
As we enter the Third Sunday of Advent, the Church invites us to deepen our preparation for the celebration of the mystery of the Incarnation—the astonishing truth that God has taken flesh and dwelt among us.

In the Western Christian tradition, Advent is often understood as a season of interior preparation: a time of repentance, attentiveness, and joyful expectation as we ready our hearts to receive Christ anew. In many Oriental Christian traditions, such as the Maronite Church, this same season unfolds as a series of announcements—a proclamation of how God's plan is unfolding in the lives of Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and John the Forerunner. Together, these perspectives remind us that Advent is both preparation and revelation: we prepare our hearts even as we stand in awe of God’s initiative and action.

We continue to record and share our liturgies weekly, making them available for prayer and reflection beyond Sunday worship. We are also pleased to share that a new video has been released this week.

The video reflects on the spiritual witness of Mount Athos, drawing from Mount Athos: The Highest Place on Earth. This video reflects on Eastern Christian spirituality, especially monastic life as a living sign of the Church’s holiness. Themes include the call to transcend self-centeredness, the quiet power of kindness and humility, hidden sanctity, and the mystery of encountering the holy God who both attracts and humbles us. Ultimately, the reflection points toward the godlikeness of humanity, revealed most fully in the Incarnation—God becoming human so that humanity might be drawn into divine life.
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As we move closer to Christmas, may this season help us prepare not only to celebrate Christ’s birth, but to recognize how God continues to take flesh in lives marked by love, humility, and hope.

Peace,
​Rev. Ben