Many of the blogs have been buzzing with reports about preparations for the Ordinariate in Canada being “on hold," as far as the Anglican Catholics are concerned. Some bloggers have incorrectly reported that this was a decision made by the Holy See; others have tried to make the case that the ACCC was having second thoughts about the whole thing. None of that’s true.
Using “leaked” emails, all sorts of things have been reported, including such things as “all the ACCC parishes are to be closed down,” and “ACCC people will have to attend territorial Catholic parishes, where they will be catechized,” and the list goes on, each measure sounding more and more draconian.
Archbishop Collins called me after all this broke out in the media and on the blogs, so I had the opportunity to ask him directly about these things. Did he really issue these orders? Were they presented to the members of the ACCC with his approval?
The short answer is, “no.” He told me quite plainly that it wouldn’t have entered his mind to suggest that the ACCC parishes be closed down. He has no intention whatsoever of telling those who are Ordinariate-bound that they must attend the local Catholic parish. He knows that people are being catechized now, and that will continue, with the mentor-priests being available to help. It’s not the intention of the archbishop that the mentor-priests are to “take over.” We spoke about the preparation of the clergy. If there are some who need further studies, there will be programs for that, taking into account individual circumstances and personal responsibilities. Clergy won’t be rejected simply because they need some supplemental studies. When it comes to the holding of property, the archbishop stated without hesitation that determining property issues isn’t part of his task as delegate.
The archbishop understands that his responsibility is to prepare things for the implementation of Anglicanorum coetibus. That’s all. In fact, many of these issues will belong more properly to the Ordinariate when it is erected, and will be dealt with, long-term, by the Ordinary and the Governing Council of Priests. I know the archbishop looks forward to the time when his task is finished, and Anglicanorum coetibus is fully implemented. In fact, aren't we all!
Related posts:
Looking for Some Virtue in this StoryMy Story on Archbishop Collins and AnglicansKeeping Certain Facts StraightThe Updated David Virtue StoryBreaking News! An Ordinariate for Canada Has Been Requested
Fr. Christopher G. Phillips is the pastor of Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he has served for the past twenty-seven years. He is the founding pastor of the first Anglican Use parish, erected in 1983 under the terms of the Pastoral Provision. Fr. Phillips was ordained as an Anglican for the Diocese of Bristol, England, in 1975. After serving as Curate for three years at St. Stephen Southmead, he returned to the United States and served in two Episcopal parishes in the Diocese of Rhode Island. In 1981 he left the Episcopal Church and moved with his family to Texas, where he was subsequently ordained as a Catholic priest in 1983. Fr. Phillips and his wife, JoAnn, have been married for forty years. They have five children, all grown and married, and two grandchildren. 
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