Presiding Bishop

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As the days grow shorter and the season begins to change around us, we are reminded once again that change is woven into the very fabric of creation.

The leaves turn from green to gold and crimson. The warmth of summer gives way to the coolness of autumn. The earth begins its season of rest, preparing quietly for the new life that will eventually come.

There is something deeply spiritual in this rhythm. The Church, too, experiences seasons.

There are seasons of growth and seasons of waiting; seasons of celebration and seasons of difficulty; seasons when the road ahead seems wonderfully clear and others when we must walk forward simply trusting that Christ is beside us.

The Progressive Catholic Church is entering such a season of change. Change can sometimes make us uncomfortable. We naturally become attached to familiar ways, familiar structures and familiar people. Yet throughout Scripture, God repeatedly calls His people beyond what is familiar and into something new. Abraham was called to leave what he knew.

The disciples were called to leave their nets.

The early Church was called to cross boundaries and discover that the Gospel was far greater than they had imagined and the Church in every generation has been called to listen again for the voice of the Holy Spirit.

We are no different.

As we move forward together, there may be changes in the life, ministry and organisation of our Church. Some may be visible; others may happen quietly. But change should never be undertaken merely for the sake of change. It must always serve the mission entrusted to us by Jesus Christ.

That mission remains unchanged:

To proclaim the Gospel.
To celebrate the Sacraments.
To welcome those who have felt excluded.
To stand alongside the forgotten and the marginalised.
To offer hope to the weary.
And above all, to reveal the love of Christ to the world.

Our Progressive Catholic identity calls us to be a Church rooted deeply in the ancient Catholic faith while remaining open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in our own time. Tradition gives us roots.

Faith gives us strength and the Holy Spirit gives us the courage to grow.

Autumn teaches us another important lesson: sometimes we must allow certain things to fall away so that new life can eventually emerge.

A tree does not cease to be alive when it loses its leaves. Beneath the surface, life continues. Roots deepen. Strength is renewed. Preparation is taking place for a spring that cannot yet be seen.

Perhaps there are moments in the life of the Church when God asks the same of us.

We must never be afraid to ask what still serves the Gospel, what needs renewing, and where Christ may be calling us next.

Whatever changes the coming months may bring, one thing must remain at the heart of our Church: Jesus Christ.

Not titles.

Not buildings.

Not structures.

Not personalities.

Christ.

If we keep our eyes fixed upon Him, then we need not fear the changing seasons. So I ask every member of the Progressive Catholic Church bishops, priests, deacons, religious and laity to enter this new season prayerfully. Pray for one another. Speak kindly to one another. Listen before judging. Encourage rather than discourage and remember that despite our differences, we belong to one family gathered around one table and united through one Lord.

There is much for which we can be thankful, and there is much still to come.

As autumn settles around us and creation begins its quiet transformation, may we allow God to work within us as well.

May He renew our Church.

May He strengthen our clergy and people.

May He heal what needs healing.

May He give us wisdom where decisions must be made and may He give us the courage to step faithfully into whatever new season He places before us.

The leaves may change.

The seasons may change.

The Church may change.

But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Let us therefore walk forward together not with fear, but with faith; not clinging anxiously to what has been, but trusting confidently in what God may yet bring forth.

May Almighty God bless the Progressive Catholic Church and every person who calls it home and may Christ, our Good Shepherd, lead us faithfully through every season.

With my prayers and blessings from the Progressive Catholic Church f to each and every one of you, † PBJ Joseph Ciccone