Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Sadness and Joy for ACCUS

The last week has been a difficult time for all members and ACCUS (The American Catholic Church in the United States).  Our Presiding Archbishop, Founder of ACCUS, and the person responsible for bringing me to ACCUS returned to Our Lord (see ACCUS Facebook Page for details).

This past Sunday was the funeral mass in Frederick, Maryland and yesterday was the service for his internment. His Grace launched ACCUS on May 23, 1999 in Frederick Maryland. From the time the church began until now, there are dozens of ACCUS parishes throughout the use (see ACCUS Locations Map).

The many locations throughout the US and Worldwide is the legacy which His Grace, Archbishop Emeritus Harms, D.D., left to the current church and the world.   His mission was simple - "Serve All With Love".


This legacy was passed onto our new Presiding Archbishop, Most Rev William Johnson, D.D. personally by His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Harms, D.D. before his return to Our Lord.

I would ask for prayers for our new Presiding Archbishop that he will continue the mission and vision of ACCUS and especially I would ask for your prayers for Archbishop Harms personal Secretary and friend for over 20 year, Rev Vincent Robinson as well as the entire Harms family.

As a result, classes for seminary were canceled last week.  Classes will resume sometime this week.

When I made first contact with His Grace,Archbishop Harms, almost 5 year ago via telephone, that started an ongoing dialogue which led me to St John XXIII Theological Institute, applying to seminary, becoming a religious brother, certified candidate for Holy Orders and Eucharistic Minister and now a 2nd year seminarian.   


Right before I submitted my application to seminary I had a phone conversation with Archbishop Emeritus Harms.  He asked me where I saw my calling.  I explained to him my experience with the HIV Community in Indianapolis over the previous several years.  I also explained that after talking with the Director of Indiana State Board of Health's HIV/STD division (which manages the Ryan White Funds for Indiana), he (the Director) said he wished there were more "faith-based" care coordination centers (a care coordination center is a location were all services necessary for those with HIV are centralized and where those with HIV go to receive free Health care, medicines, financial assistance etc.).

Archbishop Harms told me on the call right before applying to seminary, "Why don't you keep that as your primary focus for your ministry".  Ever since I have done just that. 

So Archbishop Emeritus Harms legacy expands even into the HIV Community in the creation of The Kristen Center here in Indianapolis, a soon to be Not for Profit focused on delivering services and programs to those with HIV (sponsored in part through the ministry of St John XXIII Pastoral & Outreach Center (ACCUS parish) here in Indianapolis).

May God be with both Archbishop Emeritus Harms and with Presiding Archbishop Johnson as ACCUS continues to grow and go forward to "Serve All With Love".


Peace, 
Br Jeff