Ask the Priest

Apostolic Succession is the unbroken line of ordination and authority that traces back to the apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. Yes, Magdalene House maintains valid Apostolic Succession through both Eastern and Western lines. Our clergy are validly ordained, and our sacraments are sacramentally valid. This means our Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony are all true sacraments of the Church.

While we share the apostolic faith and sacramental life with Rome, we differ in several important ways: we are not under papal jurisdiction, we have married clergy (including our pastor Fr. Joseph), we practice open communion welcoming all baptized believers, we are fully open and affirming of LGBTQ+ people including in ordained ministry, and we draw our liturgical tradition from the Eastern (Byzantine) rite rather than the Roman rite. We see ourselves as part of the broader Catholic tradition while maintaining our own independent identity.

Like Eastern Orthodox churches, we use the Byzantine liturgical tradition and have deep roots in Eastern Christian theology, praxis, and spirituality. However, we maintain Apostolic Succession through Western lines as well, we practice open communion, and we are fully affirming of LGBTQ+ people in all aspects of church life including ordained ministry.

Open and Affirming means that Magdalene House fully welcomes, celebrates, and affirms LGBTQ+ people in every aspect of our community life—including worship, sacraments, leadership, and pastoral care. We believe that God loves all people exactly as they are, and that sexual orientation and gender identity are beautiful parts of God's diverse creation. LGBTQ+ people are not just tolerated at Magdalene House—they are celebrated, valued, and invited into full participation in the life of the community.

Absolutely, yes. We celebrate and bless marriages between all couples, including same-sex couples. Marriage is a sacrament of love and commitment, and we believe God blesses all unions built on genuine love, faithfulness, and mutual care. LGBTQ+ couples are invited to bring their whole selves to the altar and to receive the full blessing of the Church and community.

Yes, completely and wholeheartedly. We affirm the dignity and identity of all transgender and non-binary people. We use chosen names and pronouns with respect and care. Transgender people are welcome to participate in all sacraments, to serve in ministry, and to be fully part of our community. We recognize that gender identity is part of how God made each person, and we celebrate that diversity.

Yes, absolutely. We are a trauma-informed community that recognizes mental health as part of holistic spiritual care. We welcome people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergence. Our worship is designed to be sensory-accessible, our pastoral care is trauma-informed, and we believe that spiritual direction and community support are powerful tools for healing. You do not need to be "perfect" or "healthy" to belong here—you belong exactly as you are.

Open communion means that all baptized Christians are welcome to receive the Eucharist (the Body and Blood of Christ) at Magdalene House, regardless of their church background or denomination. We believe that the Eucharist is a gift of God's grace and a sign of unity, not a reward for doctrinal purity. If you are baptized and desire to encounter Christ in the sacrament, you are welcome at our table. We also welcome sincere seekers who wish to receive a blessing instead of communion.

Yes. We do not bar people from the sacraments based on marital history. We recognize that life is complex, that God's grace is abundant, and that pastoral care matters more than rigid rules. If you are divorced or remarried and desire to receive communion, you are welcome. We are happy to discuss your situation with a priest if you have questions or concerns.

Yes. Baptism and Confirmation are central to our sacramental life. If you wish to be baptized or confirmed, we would be honored to welcome you into the Church. We offer catechesis and spiritual preparation, and we celebrate these sacraments with great joy. Contact Fr. Joseph or visit our Formation page to learn more about the process.

Reconciliation is available and encouraged as part of our spiritual life. We offer confession before Divine Liturgy (Saturdays at 4:15 PM and Sundays at 8:30 AM) and by appointment. Confession is a sacrament of healing and grace, not judgment. We believe in a pastoral, compassionate approach that honors your journey and God's mercy. All are welcome to this sacrament.

Our mission is to be a home for prayer, sacrament, and communion—drawing from the ancient riches of the Eastern Christian tradition to encounter the living Christ. We exist to serve our community through authentic worship, spiritual formation, pastoral care, and loving service to those in need. We are committed to being a prophetic voice for justice, inclusion, and the radical love of Christ that welcomes all people into full participation in the life of the Church.

We serve through multiple channels: our Divine Liturgy and sacraments are open to all; we offer spiritual direction and pastoral counseling; we provide prayer and support for those in crisis; we engage in community outreach and social justice work; and we welcome people from all backgrounds into our fellowship. We believe that faith without works is dead, so we seek to live out Christ's love through concrete acts of service, hospitality, and advocacy for the marginalized.

Yes. We are committed to living out the Gospel's call to serve the poor and marginalized. Our community engages in various outreach initiatives, and we are particularly passionate about issues of justice, inclusion, and dignity for all people—especially LGBTQ+ people, those experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. We believe that authentic faith must be expressed through loving action in the world.

The Eastern liturgical tradition, also called Byzantine or Eastern Orthodox, is one of the two great traditions of Christian worship (the other being the Roman/Western tradition). It emphasizes mystery, beauty, and the participation of the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in worship. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is our primary service, featuring ancient prayers, rich symbolism, beautiful music, and a deep theology of the Incarnation and redemption. It is ancient, beautiful, and deeply spiritual.

The Divine Liturgy is a beautiful, participatory experience that lasts about 2.5 hours. You'll experience ancient prayers, sacred music, incense, and icons that engage all your senses. There are times to stand, sit, and kneel—follow along with the community or simply observe. The liturgy has a rhythm and flow that becomes familiar over time. We provide missalettes to help you follow along. Most importantly, come with an open heart. If you're new, arrive early and introduce yourself—we'd love to welcome you and answer any questions.

No. While standing is the traditional posture in Eastern liturgy, we are sensitive to people's physical needs. Please sit whenever you need to. We have chairs available, and no one will judge you for sitting. Your comfort and participation matter more than perfect adherence to tradition. If you have mobility challenges or other accessibility needs, please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Start by visiting us for Divine Liturgy on a Sunday morning at 9:00 AM. Come as you are, introduce yourself, and experience our community. After liturgy, we gather for coffee and conversation. If you'd like to go deeper, we offer adult catechesis, spiritual direction, and various formation programs. You can also reach out to Fr. Joseph directly to discuss your spiritual journey. There's no formal "membership"—you become part of our community simply by showing up and participating.

That's completely okay. You don't need to have everything figured out to visit Magdalene House. Many people come with questions, doubts, or uncertainty—that's part of the spiritual journey. We welcome spiritual seekers, doubters, and those exploring faith. There's no pressure to believe anything or commit to anything. Come, experience our worship and community, and let God work in your heart at your own pace. We're here to support you, whatever stage you're in.

Magdalene House is an Independent Catholic community, which means we are in full communion with the apostolic tradition and maintain Apostolic Succession through both Eastern and Western lines, but we are not under the jurisdiction of Rome or other mainstream Catholic hierarchies. We are self-governing and free to develop our own pastoral practices while remaining rooted in the ancient faith of the Church. Our independence allows us to be more responsive to our community's spiritual needs and to live out our values of openness and inclusion more fully.