“And calling the multitude together with His disciples, Jesus said to them: If any man will follow Me, let him deny
himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose
his life for My sake and the gospel shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and suffer
the loss of his soul?” [The Gospel of Mark 8: 34-36]
The Celtic Communion of Christ is a new and exciting venture within the Celtic Christian Renewal Movement. We
follow the preserved traditions of the Celtic Christians of the British Isles and parts of Mainline Europe. Just like the
early Christians of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, whose early missionaries discovered a people who
worshipped nature, trees and water, we believe that we are facing these same types of challenges in people who
worship money, greed and power.
Just like the early Celtic missionaries, our Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and Licensed Ministers approach our
ministries as gentle, caring and developing small communities that all people searching for Christ may find a
place to call home. As so many of those early Christians that came and listened to the natives, learning their
stories and beliefs, we also want to bring that custom of pastoral care to the modern age.
Using the example of the Ancient Celtic Church, we follow the traditions of the Celts by borrowing from the native
people, symbols of Ancient Britain, Ireland and Scotland, and use them today as our Christian symbols. In the
ancient day, the Celtic people worshipped water and water spirits. The early missionaries helped them convert to
the Christian faith by sharing the power of Baptism, redemption, and the healing love of Jesus Christ. The
Christians would then erect a tall Christian cross near the rivers and other places that were sacred to the pagan
culture. As a result, the Pagan Celts were open to Christianity as it presented and revealed a love of nature and a
respect for life. It was open to the imagination, engaged in storytelling, had miracles and was based in small
welcoming communities. Very quickly, Pagan Celtic tribes adopted the beliefs and ways of the Celtic Christians.
This early Celtic Christianity succeeded in reaching and converting the Pagans to follow Christ, and so this is our
strategy of reaching out to those who are lost in today's world.
Our Modern Day Celtic Christianity:
Just like the early Celtic Christians, we concern ourselves with trying to be humble,
following the example of Jesus and His disciples. We also stress being grounded
in the Scriptures, following the words of Christ in the Beatitudes by trying to help the
poor, and try to share our lives with people through love and friendship. We encour-
age existing Christians by building their faith using Bible Studies, discussing the
real spirituality of being a Christian, and giving moral support to each other as fellow
brothers and sisters in Christ.
All of our people from the Bishops to the laymen live humble, prayerful lives, living
and working together for the glory of God. We can sit and talk with people from other
belief systems by visiting, sharing our stories as Christians, and inviting all people in our culture to return to the
Christian way of life. Just like others following Contemporary Celtic Christianity, we are part of a movement that
has studied the Celtic people and Church by integrating some of the early Celtic Christianity into our modern
practices. This includes using Celtic knotwork, music, and labyrinths. We have regular worship services in a
network of churches with a strong Celtic connection. Neither early, nor contemporary Celtic Christianity is superior.
They are different from each other because we live in a different world than the earlier Celtic Christians, but we
strive as they did to be more contemplative and reverent, traveling through our lives in Christian harmony, not just
with ourselves, but with one another. We have ministries open to bikers, gothic Christians, ex-convicts, addicts,
prostitutes, widows and widowers, and many others who seek and have a need for the Lord Jesus Christ in their
lives.
While we are valid in historical apostolic succession, we strive within our communities to reach out to those that
are searching for a simpler spirituality rather than trying to please other groups. By looking at what we have
learned from the early Celtic Christian leaders, and by the example set by the early Celts, we find ourselves drawn
to the mystery, miracles, nature, community, and storytelling of our spiritual ancestors of the Celtic Church of the
British Isles. We are encouraged to see that this beautiful form of Christianity can once again flourish in this day
and age.
This does not mean however, that we are single-minded or against other denominations and expressions of
Christian faith. The Celtic form of Christianity is an ancient, unifying voice, which can draw people to a common
ground. Churches that quarrel with other churches or among themselves may do well to examine the early Celtic
Christians, historically seen as prayerful Christian communities, where all share and care for each other. Accepted
in our communities are not only a simplified liturgical worship, but we also encourage the Charismatic expression
of the Faith and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through evangelism. These are the true expressions of
Christianity, which may be the closest thing there is to how Jesus actually lived with His Disciples, and how the
early Apostles lived as they walked the world sharing the Christian message of hope and salvation.
Within the CCC, we believe that it is not necessary for formality and decorum to be uniform between each parish or
community. Our clergy exercise great freedom in choice of vestments, style and worship according to their own
conscience. The Celtic Communion of Christ co-operates with all Christian denominations, and any of it's member
communities (e.g. diocesan, parish, mission, etc.) are free to belong to other organizations which are committed to
spreading the good news of Christ and His Kingdom.
Calling New Ministers! Each Christian is called to share an active role in the Great Commission. Some as
Bishops, Priests, Deacons or Pastors. Others as evangelists, lay teachers or street ministers. Whatever your
calling, there is a place for you in the Celtic Communion of Christ. We will first license you as a minister. Then,
if you feel you are called and meet the requirements, you may enter ordained ministry through the traditional and
sacred laying of hands. (see our requirements for ordinations, and our ordination application.)
"By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." [John 13:35]
The Celtic Communion of Christ
Council of Bishops:
+Bishop Joe Quinn - Presiding Bishop
+Bishop Joe Dugan - Chancellor Bishop
Reverend Father Thomas McKenna COSF - (Bishop-Elect) -
Minister General of the Celtic Order of St. Francis
(You can contact any member of the Council of Bishops through
the "CCC Ministries" page or the "Contact/Join the CCC" page.)
himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose
his life for My sake and the gospel shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and suffer
the loss of his soul?” [The Gospel of Mark 8: 34-36]
The Celtic Communion of Christ is a new and exciting venture within the Celtic Christian Renewal Movement. We
follow the preserved traditions of the Celtic Christians of the British Isles and parts of Mainline Europe. Just like the
early Christians of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, whose early missionaries discovered a people who
worshipped nature, trees and water, we believe that we are facing these same types of challenges in people who
worship money, greed and power.
Just like the early Celtic missionaries, our Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and Licensed Ministers approach our
ministries as gentle, caring and developing small communities that all people searching for Christ may find a
place to call home. As so many of those early Christians that came and listened to the natives, learning their
stories and beliefs, we also want to bring that custom of pastoral care to the modern age.
Using the example of the Ancient Celtic Church, we follow the traditions of the Celts by borrowing from the native
people, symbols of Ancient Britain, Ireland and Scotland, and use them today as our Christian symbols. In the
ancient day, the Celtic people worshipped water and water spirits. The early missionaries helped them convert to
the Christian faith by sharing the power of Baptism, redemption, and the healing love of Jesus Christ. The
Christians would then erect a tall Christian cross near the rivers and other places that were sacred to the pagan
culture. As a result, the Pagan Celts were open to Christianity as it presented and revealed a love of nature and a
respect for life. It was open to the imagination, engaged in storytelling, had miracles and was based in small
welcoming communities. Very quickly, Pagan Celtic tribes adopted the beliefs and ways of the Celtic Christians.
This early Celtic Christianity succeeded in reaching and converting the Pagans to follow Christ, and so this is our
strategy of reaching out to those who are lost in today's world.
Our Modern Day Celtic Christianity:
Just like the early Celtic Christians, we concern ourselves with trying to be humble,
following the example of Jesus and His disciples. We also stress being grounded
in the Scriptures, following the words of Christ in the Beatitudes by trying to help the
poor, and try to share our lives with people through love and friendship. We encour-
age existing Christians by building their faith using Bible Studies, discussing the
real spirituality of being a Christian, and giving moral support to each other as fellow
brothers and sisters in Christ.
All of our people from the Bishops to the laymen live humble, prayerful lives, living
and working together for the glory of God. We can sit and talk with people from other
belief systems by visiting, sharing our stories as Christians, and inviting all people in our culture to return to the
Christian way of life. Just like others following Contemporary Celtic Christianity, we are part of a movement that
has studied the Celtic people and Church by integrating some of the early Celtic Christianity into our modern
practices. This includes using Celtic knotwork, music, and labyrinths. We have regular worship services in a
network of churches with a strong Celtic connection. Neither early, nor contemporary Celtic Christianity is superior.
They are different from each other because we live in a different world than the earlier Celtic Christians, but we
strive as they did to be more contemplative and reverent, traveling through our lives in Christian harmony, not just
with ourselves, but with one another. We have ministries open to bikers, gothic Christians, ex-convicts, addicts,
prostitutes, widows and widowers, and many others who seek and have a need for the Lord Jesus Christ in their
lives.
While we are valid in historical apostolic succession, we strive within our communities to reach out to those that
are searching for a simpler spirituality rather than trying to please other groups. By looking at what we have
learned from the early Celtic Christian leaders, and by the example set by the early Celts, we find ourselves drawn
to the mystery, miracles, nature, community, and storytelling of our spiritual ancestors of the Celtic Church of the
British Isles. We are encouraged to see that this beautiful form of Christianity can once again flourish in this day
and age.
This does not mean however, that we are single-minded or against other denominations and expressions of
Christian faith. The Celtic form of Christianity is an ancient, unifying voice, which can draw people to a common
ground. Churches that quarrel with other churches or among themselves may do well to examine the early Celtic
Christians, historically seen as prayerful Christian communities, where all share and care for each other. Accepted
in our communities are not only a simplified liturgical worship, but we also encourage the Charismatic expression
of the Faith and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through evangelism. These are the true expressions of
Christianity, which may be the closest thing there is to how Jesus actually lived with His Disciples, and how the
early Apostles lived as they walked the world sharing the Christian message of hope and salvation.
Within the CCC, we believe that it is not necessary for formality and decorum to be uniform between each parish or
community. Our clergy exercise great freedom in choice of vestments, style and worship according to their own
conscience. The Celtic Communion of Christ co-operates with all Christian denominations, and any of it's member
communities (e.g. diocesan, parish, mission, etc.) are free to belong to other organizations which are committed to
spreading the good news of Christ and His Kingdom.
Calling New Ministers! Each Christian is called to share an active role in the Great Commission. Some as
Bishops, Priests, Deacons or Pastors. Others as evangelists, lay teachers or street ministers. Whatever your
calling, there is a place for you in the Celtic Communion of Christ. We will first license you as a minister. Then,
if you feel you are called and meet the requirements, you may enter ordained ministry through the traditional and
sacred laying of hands. (see our requirements for ordinations, and our ordination application.)
"By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." [John 13:35]
The Celtic Communion of Christ
Council of Bishops:
+Bishop Joe Quinn - Presiding Bishop
+Bishop Joe Dugan - Chancellor Bishop
Reverend Father Thomas McKenna COSF - (Bishop-Elect) -
Minister General of the Celtic Order of St. Francis
(You can contact any member of the Council of Bishops through
the "CCC Ministries" page or the "Contact/Join the CCC" page.)
We proclaim the faith of the Nicene Creed and Scriptures:
We celebrate the Seven Sacraments and preserve the
Apostolic Succession.
We welcome all people to full participation in the church:
We worship God with the full diversity of liturgical and non-liturgical
expression of the Christian faith.
We celebrate the Seven Sacraments and preserve the
Apostolic Succession.
We welcome all people to full participation in the church:
We worship God with the full diversity of liturgical and non-liturgical
expression of the Christian faith.
- Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human.
- Jesus Christ saves humankind through His death and resurrection.
- We ordain Christian men and women as bishops,
priests and deacons.
- We bless traditional marriages between men and women
through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
- We welcome both traditional and contemporary expressions
of the Celtic Rite.
- Our local communities adapt liturgy, music and preaching to
meet the needs of their people.
| copyright 2007 Celtic Communion of Christ all rights reserved |
| website design by graphic intentions - a division of God's Will Ministries Inc. |
| "Testify to Love" Avalon |
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Pastoral Message
I grew up in the Roman Catholic Church, including 8 years of Catholic grade school. I have always felt reasonably
close to God, and have always believed in Jesus Christ as His Son, however, I still retained that "empty" spot inside
of me. While I have always loved the ritual of the Mass and have always been an active part of the music ministry of
the church I grew up in, I had still never felt the spiritual closeness to the Lord that I longed for. This was not the fault
of the church, it was of my own doing.
After decades of addiction and self-loathing, I began a journey which I now recognize as part of His plan for me. I
slowly but surely grew closer to Him. My faith, which had always been a part of me, and my relationship with the
Lord were fast becoming the things I wanted more than anything else. I began reading and studying scripture, I was
actually talking to God, not just reciting prayer, and on August 12, 2004, I completely surrendered my existence to
Him and asked my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to take me by the heart.
I felt led and called to do more. I still worshiped in the Catholic church that I grew up in, but I had not called myself a
"Catholic" for many years. I became a licensed minister and started God's Will Ministries, but I knew that God had
much more in mind for me. He led me to the Evangelical Apostolic Celtic Communion, and I knew at that point that
I had found a home. The warmth and sense of community that was extended to me was simply wonderful. After
further study and preparation, I was ordained and consecrated as Bishop, and I became part of the Council of
Bishops of the EACC. I am very proud of my Irish/Celtic heritage and I have never considered myself as belonging
to any single denomination, so this seemed a perfect fit.
The Celtic Communion of Christ (now completely independent of the EACC) is not only a community, but a family.
A community based on the rich heritage and tradition of the early Christian church. We welcome all Christians
regardless of background or past, the only requirement being a faith and love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
and the willingness to do His will. We reach out in an effort to share the glorious Word of God and to send His
message of love and peace to all.
Welome to the Celtic Communion of Christ. May God bless you and shine the light of His Holy Spirit into your heart.
+Bishop Joe Quinn
Presiding Bishop of
The Celtic Communion of Christ
I grew up in the Roman Catholic Church, including 8 years of Catholic grade school. I have always felt reasonably
close to God, and have always believed in Jesus Christ as His Son, however, I still retained that "empty" spot inside
of me. While I have always loved the ritual of the Mass and have always been an active part of the music ministry of
the church I grew up in, I had still never felt the spiritual closeness to the Lord that I longed for. This was not the fault
of the church, it was of my own doing.
After decades of addiction and self-loathing, I began a journey which I now recognize as part of His plan for me. I
slowly but surely grew closer to Him. My faith, which had always been a part of me, and my relationship with the
Lord were fast becoming the things I wanted more than anything else. I began reading and studying scripture, I was
actually talking to God, not just reciting prayer, and on August 12, 2004, I completely surrendered my existence to
Him and asked my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to take me by the heart.
I felt led and called to do more. I still worshiped in the Catholic church that I grew up in, but I had not called myself a
"Catholic" for many years. I became a licensed minister and started God's Will Ministries, but I knew that God had
much more in mind for me. He led me to the Evangelical Apostolic Celtic Communion, and I knew at that point that
I had found a home. The warmth and sense of community that was extended to me was simply wonderful. After
further study and preparation, I was ordained and consecrated as Bishop, and I became part of the Council of
Bishops of the EACC. I am very proud of my Irish/Celtic heritage and I have never considered myself as belonging
to any single denomination, so this seemed a perfect fit.
The Celtic Communion of Christ (now completely independent of the EACC) is not only a community, but a family.
A community based on the rich heritage and tradition of the early Christian church. We welcome all Christians
regardless of background or past, the only requirement being a faith and love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
and the willingness to do His will. We reach out in an effort to share the glorious Word of God and to send His
message of love and peace to all.
Welome to the Celtic Communion of Christ. May God bless you and shine the light of His Holy Spirit into your heart.
+Bishop Joe Quinn
Presiding Bishop of
The Celtic Communion of Christ
| *The word "catholic" is used on this website to mean "universal", it is not an indicator of denomination. |
