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Welcome
We are a Free Catholic Church in the heart of Ozarks Mountain Country, while rooted in sacramental tradition we are independent and not affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. We are Interfaith, as in truly non-denominational welcoming anyone who wants to experience and share in the Joy and Love of God's Grace. We believe in the true teachings of Jesus Christ, the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and Apostolic Tradition. Perhaps you have been searching for a small fellowship where you, your talents, and gifts are appreciated or perhaps you have been searching for something more spiritual, a form of worship that is only possible in a small group setting where you know everyone. Whatever the case may be, perhaps our fellowship is what you are looking for, so why not give us a try? You'll never know if we are the answer to your questions unless you try by attending service. We celebrate the Mass of the holy Eucharistic each Sunday at 11:00 A.M. For more information or service schedules, call Father Ed Crabtree 417-598-9096.
Regardless of past experiences, everyone is welcome at his table. It makes no difference if you are a visitor to the Ozarks or have been here for a lifetime, our doors are open to you.
Feel free to read our sermons. essays, and editorials posted below or read the materials listed in the links at right. And please use our contact us page to let us know what you think, we would love to hear from you!
Sincerly;
Father Ed Crabtree.[Please Note; the date of publication on posts below reflects the date the essays were added to this page, not the date the piece was written. Some articles were actually written several years ago and we are only now adding them to this blog.]
Peace be with you
Fr. EdWe need your help!
Please support this ministry with your tax deductible donations, click on the Donate button above and give any amount you can, we are a not profit organization.
Church Bulletin; 28 February 2010
February 28, 2010 – 11:54 pm
Our Shepherd of The Wilderness Road Church Bulletin;
Lent Reflections 2010
February 16, 2010 – 11:52 pm
Lent, in Christian tradition, is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In the process of self-denial, many traditions require one to “give up something” — Read More
Homily on the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
January 30, 2010 – 5:37 pm
The Book Of Common Prayer assigns 1 Corinthians chapter 14 verses 12 through 20 as our Epistle reading for today, a reading that in its whole is a good lesson, but let us take a look at verses 12 and 20;
Since you are eager for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in them for building up the church. Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking; rather, be infants in evil, but in thinking be adults.
Homily on the third Sunday After Epiphany
January 24, 2010 – 12:06 am
In our Gospel reading appointed for today Luke 4:14-21, Luke tells us of how after being tempted by Satan, Christ having successfully defeated the evil spirit, Christ went about the countryside preaching, teaching, and healing. We find parallel account of this in Read More
On Home Churches
January 23, 2010 – 7:32 pm
A few days ago, a new acquaintance that knew I was a minister within the independent sacramental movement, asked me if I had knowledge of a priest that had left the Roman Catholic church and became a minister in the independent movement. Not knowing this particular Father, I “Googled” his name and found a list of independent churches across the nation, a list that I had not previously been aware of. Some of the churches mentioned had links to their websites, so out of curiosity I took the initiative to peruse their web sites. On one I found the most interesting and inspiring story Read More
A Christmas Message From Fr Ed
December 24, 2009 – 1:33 pm
Without a doubt sometime this holiday season we have once again viewed the story of the birth of Christ, child born in a manger of a virgin Mother, and attended by Magi, shepherds and hosts on high. But let us take a moment to reflect and be cognizant of the meaning of this story, which while veiled in allegory is a lesson that admonishes hope, joy, and peace among all mankind. A lesson that becomes so poignant as we near the end of the year and the end of the first decade of the 21st century.
Here in the US, to my knowledge we have never known a decade when we as a people were so divided by anger and hate, when even the church itself has become divided along lines — not Catholic versus Protestant – but liberal versus conservative, inclusive versus exclusive, traditional versus progressive.
Let us celebrate the birth of Christ with faith and works in an attempt to make the new year and new decade far more improved than the one we are bidding farewell too, let us resolve to make the new year/decade one dedicated to the word, the words of Christ. Let us resolve to bridge the gaps and overcome the fear that has prevailed among our own people, the fear that leads to anger and hate. Let us look at the story that a small child offered so much hope that he changed the world. And let us metaphorically give birth once again to that child and the joy and hope that his birth brought into the world.
With that thought in mind, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and New Year. May the God of peace and love continue to delight to dwell with and bless each and everyone one of you.
First Mass celebrated at Our Shepherd Of The Wilderness Road
December 20, 2009 – 8:52 pm
Fr. Ed at the Altar Serving Mass
Pending completion of the chapel, Deacon Ann and Fr Ed opened their home to friends for the purpose of celebrating the Holy Eucharist, the first “open house” or house church service being held on 20 December.
Its been quite a journey, not only rearranging the house to accommodate and Altar and small congregation, but in making the transition from another local organization that we were but a small part of until this last fall. But then its been said that God never closes one door without opening another, and in the
Fr. Ed serving Mass, without vestments. With Turkey in the oven in the next room, Fr. Ed took the advice of a visiting Bishop and celebrated Mass without vestments, rather than to take a chance of being overcome from heat.
case of Deacon Ann and Fr. Ed the dream of seeding small group ministries has taken the first step.
Until the building that has been acquired can be relocated to its future home. Deacon Ann has graciously volunteered to open her home each Sunday. For more information on the chapel see “The Chapel” (click here) to find out schedules and directions to Our Shepherd Of The Wilderness Road click on “Schedule” Above
20 December Services
December 17, 2009 – 1:51 am
Deacon Ann and I will be having services in our home Sunday 20 December at 11:00 am, lunch to follow. Everyone is invited but please let us know no later than Saturday if you are planning on attending so that we know how much food to prepare.
Love The Lord and Each Other
November 27, 2009 – 1:37 pm
[NOTE: We were inspired by this excellent reflection by Fr Bob and with his permission have reprinted it here.]
A Reflection for the First Sunday of Advent 2009
Based on readings from : Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3, Psalm 24, Luke 21
By Rev. Bob Johnnene, Mission Sts Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
http://www.missionstsergius.org
The reading from St. Paul’s letter to the people of Thessaloniki is possibly one of the better instructions we can receive on the first week of Advent. Advent, a season the church sets aside and suggests we review our way of life in accord with the instructions Christ gave us to achieve eternal life. Advent literally means “to come” and is that time when we prepare to celebrate the birth of our redeemer and savior Jesus Christ. Read More
Grace For Each Day
October 27, 2009 – 8:10 pm
Grace For Each Day
The Israelites used to gather fresh manna every day; they were not allowed to store it up. There is a lesson here for us. If we should be strong and vigorous, we must go to God daily. A man can no more take in a supply of Grace for the future than he can eat enough today to last for the next six months, or take sufficient air into his lungs at once to sustain life for a week to come. We must draw upon God’s boundless stores of Grace from day to day as we need it.
D.L. Moody
The Israelites used to gather fresh manna every day; they were not allowed to store it up. There is a lesson here for us. If we should be strong and vigorous, we must go to God daily. A man can no more take in a supply of Grace for the future than he can eat enough today to last for the next six months, or take sufficient air into his lungs at once to sustain life for a week to come. We must draw upon God’s boundless stores of Grace from day to day as we need it.
D.L. Moody
