From time to time, official announcements by the Office of The Primate will appear here regarding the establishment or discontinuation of parishes and other ministries of the Church, as well as any changes in the canonical status of clergy and religious of the Church.
• On Sunday, October 22, 2006, His Grace, Archbishop Richard G. Roy, OSJD, Primate of The National Catholic Church of America, ordained two deacons to the Holy Priesthood at Trinity United Methodist Church in Albany, NY.
Father William E. Morgenstern, of Mesa, Colorado, has been appointed Pastor of Saint John the Baptist National Catholic Church and continues his ministry on behalf of Marriage Equality and his involvement in community services in the area. Father Lawrence T. Rolla, continues to work with at-risk youth in his role as a teacher and to minister to those with life threatening illnesses through Friends Indeed in New York City. Father Rolla also serves as legal counsel to the NCCA.
Please pray that the Holy Spirit will guide and bless our newest priests in their service to the People of God.
• The Very Reverend Father Charles B. Burrell, OSJD, Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Joseph of the Order of Saint John the Divine, died on September 26, 2006, following a lengthy illness. Father Burrell made his profession of vows in the Order of Saint John the Divine on August 27, 1995. He was ordained to the priesthood for the National Catholic Church of America on May 26, 1996. Father's first assignment was as Associate Pastor of Holy Trinity parish located in Schenectady, NY. Subsequently, he moved to Esopus, NY, where he established Saint Joseph House of Prayer, a small eucharistic community. Throughout Father Burrell's priesthood, he ministered to the aged, the infirm, at-risk youth and the imprisoned, as well as those living with HIV/AIDS. As part of his inclusive ministry, Father Burrell also officiated at many same-sex sacramental marriages.
Frather Burrell held an MS in Human Services from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY. He was also a graduate of Holy Trinity Institute for Theology and Ministry. Father leaves behind many beloved family members, friends and associates who are deeply saddened by his loss. A Mass of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated at 1 P.M. on Saturday, September 30, 2006, at Trinity United Methodist Church, located at 235 Lark Street, Albany, NY. Archbishop Richard G. Roy, OSJD, Primate of The National Catholic
Church of America, will preside. Private interment will take place at a later date. Donations in Father Burrell's memory may be made to the National Catholic Church of America.