TAUS to discuss formation of an Ordinariate Mission Parish in Toronto

The June meeting of the Toronto Anglican Use Sodality (TAUS) will choose a name to submit to Msgr. Steenson with an application to form a Mission Parish (technically a quasi-parish) in Toronto.

A few practical points:

1.  AN ORDINARIATE MISSION PARISH FOR TORONTO

Twenty-four members are required to form an Ordinariate mission parish. 

2.  WHO CAN BE A MEMBER?

A)  If you are an Anglican (Episcopalian), a former Anglican, or are married to or in the family of an Anglican or former Anglican you can be a member of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter.

B)  If you are a non-Catholic of any denomination or none and wish to be received into the Catholic Church through the Ordinariate you can belong to the Ordinariate. 

C)  Basically, only those who have been both baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church and have no familial connection to an Anglican cannot, formally, be a member of the Personal Ordinariate but, of course, any Catholic can attend Ordinariate Masses, fulfill their Sunday obligation and partake of the sacraments (Penance, etc.) through the ministry of an Ordinariate priest or chaplain. [Subsequent to this posting, Pope Francis has extended the mandate of Ordinariates to reach out to baptized but unchatechized and unconfirmed Catholics who seek full communion through an Ordinariate community.]

3.  DO I HAVE TO STOP ATTENDING MY LOCAL PARISH AND ATTEND THE ORDINARIATE MASS EVERY SUNDAY?

You can continue to attend any Catholic Church and come to Ordinariate Masses when possible. Once a member of the Ordinariate though, you cannot hold an official position in another parish e.g. Parish Council. 

4.  DO I HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF TORONTO?

Any Canadian who meets the criteria in # 2 above can affiliate with the Ordinariate in Canada and may attend the closest Ordinariate mission parish or sodality when possible. If in doubt on this or other issues, fill out a form and we will have the Ordinariate Chancellor review the case. 

5. MSGR STEENSON NEEDS THE FORMS

Even those who filled out a form for the archdiocese must complete a form for the Ordinariate office in Houston.  These can be collected at the June meeting.