CHARLOTTE — An ecumenical meeting of minds gathered Oct. 31 to debate “The Role of the Ordained Ministry In and For the Church” at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a multi-denominational seminary.
The event featured interfaith theologians, including Father Benjamin Roberts, the Diocese of Charlotte’s ecumenical officer and pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Monroe; Father Jay Scott Newman, chancellor of the Diocese of Charleston and pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Greenville, South Carolina; and Dr. Alessandro Rovati, chair of the Theology Department at Belmont Abbey College.
They were joined by the Rev. Dr. Steven Harmon, Co-Secretary of the International Baptist-Roman Catholic Dialogue, professor of theology at Gardner-Webb University and a Baptist, The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Mumme, Lutheran associate professor of theology at Hillsdale College, and the Rev. Dr. Nathan Yoder, Lutheran professor of theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Together, they discussed issues including the hierarchy of holy orders, the ordination of women in different faith traditions, and the ordination process in general. Ideas were exchanged in an effort to foster dialogue between faiths and encourage understanding, even if that understanding ended in an agreement to disagree.
“What can we draw from these four talks that we heard? First and foremost, the ministry that we speak about is a gift from Christ that is in some way a continuation and an extension of the ministry of Jesus Christ, made present to His people here and now,” said Father Roberts. “How that call is validated, affirmed and commissioned are topics for another day, but we can agree … that the ministry we are talking about today is a gift from Christ and for the Church.”
The Conference was sponsored by the McDaniel-Yoder Center for Theology, which is directed by The Rev. Dr. Andrew Weisner.
— Lisa M. Geraci
Father Eckert, pastor of Sacred Heart, often spends time with the students at Sacred Heart School because they understand the meaning of joy.SALISBURY — Father John Eckert, pastor of Sacred Heart and vocations director for the Diocese of Charlotte, shares another title that few are aware of: spiritual director on Relevant Radio’s popular show called “The Inner Life,” hosted by Patrick Conley.
Relevant Radio, headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, broadcasts messages from Father Eckert approximately once a month, as he delves into Catholic topics such as the saints, the sacraments and everything in between.
On a recent episode, Father Eckert spoke about grief – something he said he has much experience with as a priest.
“We go from the height of joy through weddings, house blessings and baptisms, and then leave from there to celebrate a funeral or get an emergency call,” Father Eckert told listeners.
He described a particularly challenging Easter Vigil Mass, where he had to deliver the unfortunate news to a parishioner’s sister that her brother had died from a gunshot wound, only to return to the church that night and welcome 30 new Catholics into the faith.
The juxtaposition of events is often jarring, Father Eckert acknowledges, yet it makes him more steadfast and dependent upon his faith life.
He said he often looks for guidance to Our Lady of Sorrows, who stood at the foot of the cross.
He also reflected on Jesus’ interactions with people. “He knew He was going to resurrect Lazarus but still wept. You can’t let your emotions rule you, but you can’t pretend they are not there, either.”
On difficult days, or when he has to switch from those high moments of excitement to that valley of tears, Father Eckert said he receives solace through Eucharistic Adoration.
Sometimes he walks over to the school, and the kids with their high fives and broad smiles remind him of the joy that Christians should always have.
Mass is the supreme weapon he uses for spiritual “armor,” he said. The more you go to Mass, the closer you get to Him, he said.
Father Eckert said he still remembers the words Monsignor Roger Arnsparger told him during his first Mass: “Remember, Father, every time at the consecration when the Host gets lifted, it is
Him holding you up, not you holding Him up.”
Even in the most extreme cases, Father Eckert said he joyfully endures and encourages his flock to reach out to him in their grief and when an anointment for the sick presents itself.
Death is hard to process, and Father Eckert is unable to comprehend how people without faith remain without the comfort of the Lord and the knowledge that the Redeemer lives.
“One day Jesus will wipe every tear from our eyes,” he said. “You have to have Our Lord in the center, and then everything else goes in place.”
— Lisa M. Geraci