History
On Nov. 19, 2006, a Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate the Ordination of Rev. Jean Marie Marchant as a Roman Catholic Womanpriest was held with Jean's husband Rev. Ronald Hindelang co-presiding. This liturgy was attended by 350 Catholics seeking renewal in the church. Many of the attendees spoke of their desire for "more of this"! They were expressing a spiritual hunger and need to be nourished by good liturgy, preaching and community life.
It had long been a dream for Jean & Ron to co-lead a faith community and to minister together as a married priest couple. The eagerness of those who attended the Liturgy of Thanksgiving prompted them to invite others to come and co-create a new community—a community of worship and service, where "justice and joy" were prominent themes.
On Nov. 19, 2006, a Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate the Ordination of Rev. Jean Marie Marchant as a Roman Catholic Womanpriest was held with Jean's husband Rev. Ronald Hindelang co-presiding. This liturgy was attended by 350 Catholics seeking renewal in the church. Many of the attendees spoke of their desire for "more of this"! They were expressing a spiritual hunger and need to be nourished by good liturgy, preaching and community life.
It had long been a dream for Jean & Ron to co-lead a faith community and to minister together as a married priest couple. The eagerness of those who attended the Liturgy of Thanksgiving prompted them to invite others to come and co-create a new community—a community of worship and service, where "justice and joy" were prominent themes.
Email invitations were sent far and wide, and on the first Sunday of Lent, February 25, 2007,
The Spirit of Life, A Catholic Community of Justice and Joy gathered for its first Eucharist.
We were graciously welcomed to use the worship and gathering space of
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WESTON/UCC.
Since then, the community has met every Sunday at 5pm to celebrate
Eucharist together.
Decision Making
Decision making is a shared responsibility within the community. The Community Meeting is the time and place when members come together to plan and determine the necessary steps in co-creating our future. These meetings are held on the first Sunday of each quarter of the year, and anyone present is considered a member with a voice in the decision making process.
Ministry
In addition to our weekly Eucharistic Liturgy, our priests are available for Sacramental ministry including Baptism, Marriage, the Sacrament of the Sick and Reconciliation. Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Counseling are also available.
Spiritual Discussion Group
Realizing the importance of continuing to educate ourselves on issues of spirituality, theology and social justice, monthly Spiritual Discussion Groups are held after the Sunday evening liturgy. Presentations are followed by discussions that deepen our knowledge and understanding of key issues of our time.
Decision Making
Decision making is a shared responsibility within the community. The Community Meeting is the time and place when members come together to plan and determine the necessary steps in co-creating our future. These meetings are held on the first Sunday of each quarter of the year, and anyone present is considered a member with a voice in the decision making process.
Ministry
In addition to our weekly Eucharistic Liturgy, our priests are available for Sacramental ministry including Baptism, Marriage, the Sacrament of the Sick and Reconciliation. Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Counseling are also available.
Spiritual Discussion Group
Realizing the importance of continuing to educate ourselves on issues of spirituality, theology and social justice, monthly Spiritual Discussion Groups are held after the Sunday evening liturgy. Presentations are followed by discussions that deepen our knowledge and understanding of key issues of our time.
For years we have been searching for a progressive Catholic community that REALLY does welcome everyone for exactly who they are.
We finally found it here at Spirit of Life!!! It is a community filled
with unconditional welcome and love
