Servants of The Sacred Cross

[donnakelsch@frontier]

The Servants of the Sacred Cross is not recognized or approved by either the Anglican or Roman Catholic Church. Yes, anyone can join a "defacto" Association but not ( according to a number of Catholic Bishops that have told their diocesan members that they MAY NOT call themselves "sisters" or wear a religious habit and veil ) as an SSC  "sister" in habit. The Superior/Foundress would have to approach her Archbishop in Nova Scotia , as a beginning, and follow his instructions which she seems to be unwilling to do. For one thing, he would tell her that a currently married woman ( as she is ) cannot be a "sister", nor impersonate one in a habit and veil. No approved formation takes place, they do not live together ( how could they when almost half are currently married? ), and their "constitution" would never be approved in this current age. A number of members have left when the Superior made it clear she was not going to try to become a legitimate religious anything...as she knows all the currently and active married members would be required to drop the "sister" title and the habit and she doesn't want to. They are a "Registered Canadian Charity" period.

Yes, the Superior can be quite charming when she wants to be, and she is an expert at P.R., but the Bishops who have learned of her through her members consider her totally illegitimate.She refuses to talk to them and ( against Canon law ) refuses to allow her members to talk to them. The members usually come to the attention of the Bishops through their pastors who have suspicions and direct the woman in question to the Bishops' office. Talk to Fr. Carl Reid in Vancouver ( the groups former "Bishop Visitor" ), or the Bishop of Lexington, Kentucky...to name a few. Don't take my word for it.

This is not a pro-catholic group no matter how sweet and innocent she may sound. You do the Church no service by promoting it. It's all smoke and mirrors. 

 

[Guest]

Re myself personally as originator of the thread back in March 2015.

Initially I was very interested in the SSC as something quite new and unique.  I found Mother Wendy a lovely and quite open person with which to correspond.  After research, for myself personally only, I decided to not further my interest in the SSC.  One quite personal only factor was that for me the religious habit is for those who are professed into religious life;  however, I do realise that there is nothing in Church Law to prevent a lay person wearing a form of religious habit.  There might be a law against it in some secular state law although not in my own state.  I did ask Mother Wendy if the habit they wore could be optional.  She stated that it was mandatory.  At the time too, I was still in the process of defining/discerning where exactly I might be as a privately vowed lay person, my place, in The Church.  This is now settled for me personally.

It must be over 12 years ago, perhaps more, now that I first came across the SSC and corresponded with Mother Wendy James.  Now and then I check out the website and it has been a concern that there has not been a newsletter since 2011.

 If any of our diocesan bishops anywhere have objections to the SSC to pass on to their diocese, then doubtless it will appear somewhere on the internet, providing a link or links.  Without that, to my way of thought, whatever might be posted is personal information only either directly or from third parties.  There is much information in this thread from my researching especially.  Research that includes links.

 

Quote

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=828

"Where Two or Three are Gathered"

It is wise to check out Church Canon Law and laws.  This article from Catholic Culture (sound Catholic resource site) is a commentary on Canon Law aspects and the laity and are excerpts from the article only..

Excerpt only:   "Pope St. Leo the Great exhorts us, "Man, remember your dignity." This exhortation is a cure to the uneasiness that some feel when discussing their rights in the Church. It helps us to remember our dignity. One of the ways that the Church recognizes our dignity is by setting up a system of law to protect our rights. It is important to remember that we are not asserting rights against the Church, but rather we are asserting rights within the Church—rights that the Church herself recognizes and protects............

....................

THE LAW OF THE CHURCH

Canon law says the following about the rights of Catholics to freedom of association and assembly:

Canon 215—"The Christian faithful are at liberty freely to found and to govern associations for charitable and religious purposes or for the promotion of the Christian vocation in the world; they are free to hold meetings to pursue these purposes in common."

This canon illustrates the reason that the 1983 Code of Canon Law has been described as the final document of Vatican II.[3] The emphasis on the rights of the faithful is "a major innovation into the Church's law,"[4] and it arises from the teachings of Vatican II."

 

Finally, as I stated before in this thread, if one feels one might have a call to consecrated life, then one would not discern with the Servants of The Sacred Cross.  They remain in the laity in every way.

I repeat too, that if @dUSt decides to lock or delete this thread, I accept his decision without any problem or problems at all.

Edited October 9, 2016 by BarbaraTherese

[donnakelsch@frontier]

The Bishops do not have the time or interest to "post something on the web" as they are only interested in their particular communicant going down the wrong road. They deal with her alone, maybe her pastor too. After all, Mrs Wendy James was smart enough to make this a Canadian Charity and nothing else. The Bishops have no jurisdiction, as EVERY legitimate community needs direct approval from the Bishop in which diocese the woman resides. There are only 14 of them total scattered around Canada, the US and Australia ( if the latter are even still members as no one ever hears from them ). The issues with the Bishops is the passing yourself off as legitimate religious sisters when you're not. If they would take off their habits and veils, and stop calling themselves "sister" anybody could join with no problem. The Bishop that received Wendy into the Church was very disturbed and unhappy after the fact, when he found out this woman , whom he thought was a celibate sister as she was wearing a habit, etc., was a married lay woman posing as a nun.  You get the picture.

[Guest]

Luke 9:50

Quote

49 Then John said in reply, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company." Jesus said to him, "Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you."

I think that possibly the SSC is a type of religious sisterhood - but not in the more recent traditional line.  There is nothing in Church law that states that a lay person cannot wear a religious habit, not that I know of anyway.  I am interested in the SSC as an interest having decided not to go forward with any sort of discernment.

I am curious too about the Australian province of the SSC.  It certainly did seem that the Archbishop of Brisbane at the time did accept them.

I wonder if it might be wise and prudent before challenging a person's reputation and on the internet to be able to quote reliable sources of information.  It can be a form of bullying to me and it seems to me that the SSC and Mother Wendy do cop plenty of it.

[Guest]

____________

There is plenty of information on De Facto Associations of The Faithful on the above link.  I have only quoted a very small section indeed.

Edit: My computer is playing up.  I will return at some point and post the link to the quite comprehensive information in a commentary on Canon Law and Associations of The Faithful, including De Facto Associations of The Faithful.

Edited November 24, 2016 by BarbaraTherese

[Guest]

Here is the link I promised to commentary on Canon Law and De Facto Associations of The Faithful.  You need to search the document for "De Facto" for all the information:

http://www.catholiccanonlaw.com/associations.pdf

Quote

 

Extract only:

"A de facto association of the faithful exists by common agreement among its members but has no recognition from Church authority. Because this type of association seeks no recognition from the Church, its statutes do not require review by ecclesiastical authority.

This lack of review of statutes allows great flexibility in development and discharge of the apostolate. It also encourages less structure, which may promote conflict, division and ultimately the demise of the association. The lack of review of statutes by competent authority encourages a perception of secrecy.

For this reason, the law clearly states that “no private association of the Christian faithful in the Church is recognized unless its statues are reviewed by competent authority (Canon 299). Due to the necessity of structure for a de facto association to survive and flourish, all members shouldhave opportunity to participate in the writing of clear and concise statutes. The members should exercise cooperation, flexibility and most importantly sincerity of faith. Its moderator should possess strong administrative skills and a deep knowledge of the Catholic Church."  (Read more on above link)

 

 

Anyone discerning or considering the SSC should familiarise themselves with their status in The Church both by ensuring that De Facto Association of The Faithful (DFAF) is what the SSC is classed under as their status.  Then by familiarising themselves with what The Church states about a DFAF and asking Mother Wendy any necessary questions.  Also, were it me, I would be making enquiries in my diocesan offices to ensure my understanding was correct, including questions re a DFAF wearing a religious habit including married members.

I think Mother Wendy does send out a package for those discerning, which I would hope includes their rule of life and statutes.

Edited November 24, 2016 by BarbaraTherese

[Rae rae]

This is exactly why I am leaving the Catholic faith. Audacity and arrogance makes me sick. I too am tired of the circular fighting with the Canon. This is why protestantism exists. Same old thing. To the Catholic responder, thanks for being part of the problem. Fortunately, you get to drink on that. 

[Guest]

All due respect, as I mean not to be insulting nor in any way hurtful - rather to state a truth of my quite personal position.   I mean neither patronization nor condescension.   I was quite saddened to read your post.  Thank you for sharing your thoughts and  in some ways I can agree with you.  May The Lord bless your journey and travel with you, however and wherever your journey may lead.  Amen.

I had a look at your profile.  You only joined some hours ago and your only and sole post is into this thread.  You state your religion as Catholic.  I am really hoping the posts exchanged in this thread have not so devastated you that you are leaving The Church.  All of us are only finite - very fallible - human beings.  What follows are only the fallible thoughts of a miserable sinner and rather long time member of Phatmass.

To me very personally, to leave The Catholic Church is to leave Jesus.  The Church is not the rules and regulations, Canon Law or any other law or laws.  The Catholic Church is the Mystical Body of Christ on earth.  At times, I can have plenty of problems with Catholicism, the culture of Catholicism as lived out in the day to day and all the laws and regulations, but I personally cannot bring myself to leave The Catholic Church and Jesus present in The Blessed Eucharist.

If I am going to make my Catholicism all about living out the letter of the law the rules and regulations and the often today lived out culture of Catholicism - then to my mind, I have lost touch with what it is really all about -  lost touch with Jesus and His Gospel.  Be that as it may St Paul tells us in First Corinthians Chapter 10, to respect another's conscience - therefore, if living out the letter of the law is of importance to another, I should (and try to) respect their freedom.  As they, in turn, are called to respect mine.

The letter of the law is cruel.  It teaches us that we are sinners at most every turn, if not every turn.  It teaches us that what we thought was ok, is not ok at all.   This is why St Paul says that the letter of the law can only kill, and sin is a death.  We are all miserable sinners.  However, we have a Sacred Advocate now in Heaven " My children, 1 I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world. The way we may be sure 2 that we know him is to keep his commandments." First Letter of St John - Chapter 2.

Second Corinthians Chapter 3 " And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the [a]Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

What The Holy Spirit teaches us in Scripture is that God asks us to do this, and only this: "You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God."  Micah chapter 6 

Jesus Himself tells us the same thing, in different words, when responding to a question during His Life on earth:

Quote

 

"Teacher, 21 which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, 22 "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: 23 You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments." Matthew Chapter 22

 

If doing right and loving goodness to another is all about living out the letter of the law, then I genuinely try to respect that.  However, the other also has an obligation to respect my own freedom and a contrary opinion.  If that opinion is rejected, so be it.  I am not called to condemn, including by silence, that for which I constantly give thanks.  Amen.

Please forgive my audacity and arrogance if apparent.  Amen.

 

[Guest]

____________________

---o0o---

Not connected to anything nor anyone in this thread - other than a subject raised.  Sort of afterthoughts reflecting about the thread:.......... If I stay close to Jesus in my journey, and staying close to Him is always prayer and can be "a brief glance towards Heaven" (St Therese of Lisieux) as we go about our day.  In time, in the course of any journey, He will teach what is good and right and what is to be avoided and negated. One will arrive at not belief, but something beyond belief i.e. to know - to know not through reflection and pre thought, which more belongs to belief, rather as one journeys, through the spontaneous and instant Grace and Movement of The Holy Spirit, to know.

The above is what the mystics teach us.  They have journeyed through all the trials and severe tribulations of their relationship with Jesus remaining faithful sometimes in great devastating almost storms of the mind, heart and soul, to reach the heights possible for a human being on earth in their relationship with The Lord.  They tell us that the unusual phenomena experienced in mysticism i.e. locations, visions and ecstasies etc. are not what it is all about in essence nor are they necessary to the mystic and mysticism***, rather for them reaching the heights of spirituality or relationship with Jesus possible to a human being on earth, is that unusual phenomena disappears and ceases completely..........and there is only Peace.

What their journey tells me is to remain faithful to Jesus through anything and everything.  And no easy call at all and may involve horrible doubts and even despairs almost.  That kind of despair is to reach despair but not to travel to its depths into complete denial and rejection.  St Therese of Lisieux in her final terminal illness was severely disturbed by doubts even temptations to the depths of despair that Heaven existed which had sustained her and been a consolation to her all her life; nevertheless, she clung blindly to her belief in Heaven to the end.  The instant and spontaneous Grace and Movement of The Holy Spirit gifted her to cling to what is true, as Heaven is indeed True.

"Come Holy Spirit and fill the hearts of ALL the faithful.  Enkindle in us ALL the Fire of Thy Divine Love- then, Lord, send forth Your Spirit and You in Us shall be created and You will renew the face of the earth"

___________

***The unusual phenomena of the mystics and mysticism is even best not to occur at all since such things can be very open to deception by one's own imaginary processes or even by Satan.  Our imagination is an extremely powerful aspect of the human psyche also affected by Original Sin - and needs to be occupied in our journey, occupied creatively.  And Thomas Merton stated in Contemplation in a World of Action, "not by itsy bitsy holy pictures either!"

E&OE

[Guest]

From Vespers for Thursday 27th September 2018 :

Quote

 

"I will give you understanding and teach you the path you are to follow;

  I will keep watch over you.

Do not be like the horse and the mule,

  without understanding:

if you approach them with bit or bridle,

  they will not come near." [Psalm 31 (32) ]

 

5 hours ago, BarbaraTherese said:

to know not through reflection and pre thought, which more belongs to belief, rather as one journeys, through the spontaneous and instant Grace and Movement of The Holy Spirit, to know.

We remain sinners, no matter to what heights a person might reach.  The above does not mean that one responds instantly and faithfully to such Grace and Movements.  In faults and failings and in sinfulness, one can learn true self knowledge and humility - and self knowledge could be said to be the foundation of humility in truth.  The Good Lord wastes nothing, not even our sinfulness.

Such a God have we!

[C Therese]

 The servants of the sacred cross are no longer a community. They have been disbursed since September 20, 2020. Many lovely and faithful women were members of this community. 

Let us all pray that they continue their lives a prayer and service wherever the Lord leads - places them.

May many women answer gods call to religious life .

 I would encourage all to pray for holy men to also answer the call to the priesthood. We are in so great a need for holy priests. 

 God’s blessings and grace be upon all this day. 

[Sister Therese]

Dear Sisters & Friends,

May God bless all who had a relationship short or long with the servants of the sacred cross.
I miss each One of you, and continue to pray for you and your families. 

The Holy Spirit’s hand certainly prompted, and lead these women to the Servants of the Sacred Cross this Beautiful community. Beautiful faithful woman of God. I was blessed in knowing each one of them. 
Many servants continue today the prayer, practice of silence , scripture study, with an open heart and ear to God‘s will in our life. Modeling Mary’s example within our homes and parish community. These practices we learned during formation. Certainly will bring us closer to our heavenly father.

God is so good. And I am so grateful walking  besides those also called to a greater and more intimate relationship with God .

At the foot of the cross,

Therese

[C Therese]

As Barbara had stated private associations of the faithful most certainly is where SSC was well-placed.

 You only need to read the cannons regarding private associations of the faithful to understand these women of faith.

 The simple rule, prayer, witness,Study. And the many works of mercy each of them  participated within their own diocese.  Catechist, prison ministries, nursing, prayer,  praying  for priest and  scripture study & and in the secular workplace.  The kindness, generosity a beautiful thing for those witnessing these women. 

Ecclesiastical Authorities from the Anglican church oversaw the beginnings of The Servants of the Sacred Cross . Openly & publicly  enthusiastically endorse them. All of these beautiful  bishops,  monsignor  & priests have since entered the Roman Catholic Church through the Ordinariate In 2010. 

Statutes and rules of a community of faithful women is a living document. With prayer and spiritual guidance develops as a community grows .No different for the servants of the Sacred Cross and their documents. Which had been reviewed by many competent Canon advisers.

 Unique as the servants of the sacred cross women  most certainly were. They were seen within their own family communities and parish communities. Their witness of God‘s great love in their life and in the world was amazing. 

Mother Wendy most certainly was led by the Holy Spirit with others to seek this path towards holiness through sisterhood and discipleship to God’s people . Her courage could only have come from God. As in our baptisms we are called to bring others to Gods kingdom through discipleship and witness.  This statement embodies the beautiful women . Of the servants of the sacred cross.

 Whether the witness was spoken or visual it most certainly was profound. 

 I  personally met the most amazing women of faith through the servants of the sacred cross.  And open heart totally given to God is what I witnessed in these women. God bless each one of them. 

 

[Guest]

I did think it was something really new and courageous.  For the few years I was in touch with Mother Wendy, I found her to be a lovely woman and very willing to answer all questions - unlike (some only) other persons of religion with whom I might have had some contact.  I do feel for Mother Wendy and the sisters if the SSC has been disbanded and hope they will find every consolation in Faith as their journeys continue wherever The Lord may lead.

[GraceUk]

I am a bit confused about all this. I think there was another thread about a similar group who were told not to wear a religious habit as some of them were married. Are these the same ones. And they didn't have the approval of the church.,

[Sister Therese]

I believe you were speaking about “The Servants of the Sacred Cross A private association of the faithful.” 

They fall under canon law as a private association of the faithful. A private association exist in virtue of a private agreement among its members. A private association may or may not be recognized by a local church authority, according to the wishes of its members. The faithful may form associations on their own without any intervention of church authority. At the same time, and association of the faithful, by definition, always shows respect for church authority and works to promote the unity and strength of the church life. The women of The Servants of the Sacred Cross acted in kind .

The blessings which come with being a member of a private or public association of the faithful are the actual grace is given to anyone who dedicate herself more fully to the apostolate of the church these graces are actual Graces and, therefore they are given by God freely.

All associations of the faithful, private and public, must have their own statute which defined the purpose or social objective of the association, it’s seek, government, and conditions required for members and which determines the manner of its acting. The statutes protect both the nature of the association and the rights of those who join.

Whether to wear habit and when is detailed in their statutes. And agreed-upon within the community. And we’re never in violation of canon law and disregard. 
Many Franciscan, Benedictine private and public associations where a habit has written within their statutes. 

The servants of the Sacred Cross are faithful women of God. Living a life focused on prayer and study of Scripture, praying for Priests . Living lives of discipleship , disbursed within their diocese and parishes . Throughout the United States and Canada. 
 

Many of these faithful women continue to day participating in works of mercy as catechist, teachers, nurses, reflecting a life filled with joy and God’s love to all who encountered them. 
God bless each one of them for their generosity and faithfulness.

I hope this clarifies / answers your question.

 

May God give you peace and joy this day.
At the foot of the cross,

At the foot of the cross,

Therese

 

 

 

 

[GraceUk]

I'm still confused. I don't know anything about them apart from what I've read on here.  Why were they disbanded. I don't think its on to go around dressed in a full nuns habit if you are not a nun. Especially if you are married. Sorry if I have misunderstood., 

[Sister Therese]

There are many beautiful private and public associations the faithful one may consider. 
unable to comment on why they were disband as I was not privy to that information.

Any Christian or Catholic is free to join a private or public association of the faithful. Upon reviewing their statutes and process for membership determine whether one feels called to their charisma .

You can search the Internet for many different types of public and private associations of the faithful. Looking in your Diocese area . Some allow for men and women married or unmarried ,and so on . Some require attending a chapter meeting each year. Close for some members -and distant for other members. All things to be considered such as Health, distance, and cost.

The first place one should start is finding a spiritual Director. They will walk with you in discerning your call . 
start simple: attend daily mass if possible. set site time each day for a study of Scripture. 15 minutes to a half hour. hour 15 minutes for morning for prayer. 15 minutes in the evening for examination of conscience & prayer. The Holy Spirit will certainly will assist you....

At the Foot of the Cross,

Therese

 

 

[Sister Therese]

The Servants of the Sacred Cross have dispersed .
With great sadness I share that Rev. Mother Wendy James passed away on May 9, 2023. Her legacy of spirituality and journey towards personal holiness, and being a present of God‘s love in the world will continue well beyond the dispersement of this beautiful private association of the faithful.
Each SSC member will continue the legacy. what was started lives on by the Holy Spirit, inflamed by the love of God, and is continued by each woman whom was called to SSC by God. SSC witness of God's presents in the world continues.

Rev. Mother Wendy was a heroic woman  & an example of stepping out in faith in this chaotic, world,. Everyone who knew her for a minute or more new of her great love and devotion to God‘s mission in this life under the mantle of our blessed mother, she lead us all to closer to our Heavenly Father . May she rest in peace. May all touched by her life in this life remember who sent this beautiful woman of God.
We all miss her greatly, and will see her at Gods heavenly table. 
May God bless each one of you abundantly. Let us today be the Christ someone meets. 

At the foot of the sacred cross,

Sister Carol Therese 

Her legacy her legacy.

[BarbTherese]

I was really saddened to read of Mother Wendy's passing, she is a loss to us but doubtless, like little St Therese, will continue her work from Heaven.  She had a lot to endure in her journey here.........a lot!

I am currently battling my own serious health problems and a prayer really would be appreciated.

Mother Wendy was an explorer and dared to think outside the box and to rock the boat somewhat. She struck me as a holy person, wise and insightful. She was open to the new and if you take a stroll down Catholic history, it is evident that what is new is most often greeted with bullying of one kind or another. Mother Wendy was bullied in my book and ok, if bullying is where things are at for you, go for it, but do say a prayer and think before you act.  All bullying does, methinks, is to say more about the  writer or author of the bullying.  But criminally can leave people suffering even destroyed in the wake.  And all that tells me, anyway, is that bullying of any kind or degree  is a work of Satan, not of The Holy Spirit.

Mother Wendy was a beautiful person and I am sad to loose her.  I hope that somewhere along the line, someone will follow closely in her footsteps and take up the flag she has left behind.