In our own words

Thoughts on what the Celtic Catholic Church means to me
By Bishop Dwain Houser

The Celtic Catholic Church has really been my life for the last thirty-seven years! To think of myself as having any other Christian identity is very difficult. It has molded the very fabric of who I am. It has taught me a greater understanding of the depth of Christ in my life - of faith in who I am and who God is. It has allowed me to experience a fullness of God's mercy.

1. The Celtic Catholic Church is teaching me how to appreciate the closeness of the spiritual and the physical. And it is into that "thin" space that God has called me to live.
2. I have learned that witness to the Gospel has more to do with mentoring than preaching. We have to teach by loving. Words are only important only if they reflect a relationship with the Body of Christ in Jesus or His Church.
3. I have learned that liturgy is for man's use, to allow God to speak and act directly to the heart. It can never be imposed, but when understood can be the very media of direct conversation.
4. I have learn that everyone must have a very special "friend." Someone to be God's hands and feet, mouth and ears. Someone to act as a spiritual confidant where all things are reasonable and holy. A special friend who is unconditional as God is unconditional.
5. I have learned that women are persons too, with the same access and service to God as all of His children. Very simply stated, the Celtic tradition has taught me that women can do the same priesting and apostle-ing as men can. St. Bride is a wonderful inspiration in this.
6. Most of all, I have learned that the first and most important gift of the Spirit was given to the disciples (and to all of us) when Jesus appeared to them where they were hiding "for fear of the Jews". It is the gift and responsibility of Forgiveness.

I could go on for hours with this, and may do so some place and some time, but in the short space here, this is a beginning!