The Old Catholic Oratory of the Common Life in Mississippi is located in the Jackson metropolitan area.It is affiliated with the Old Catholic Church – Mathew Succession.
The Old Catholics have for many years been affirming, inclusive and welcoming; the Oratory of the Common Life welcomes all who come with peace in their hearts and minds. For a history of the Old Catholics see our main web page at: Old Catholic History.
The Oratory in Jackson is coordinated by Father Geof Acker.
Among his many accomplishments, Fr. Geof is a professor of foreign languages at the Jackson State University.He is fluent in Spanish, German, and of course, English.Additionally he can communicate in related languages: i.e., Dutch, French, Italian and some of the other Germanic and Latin based languages.
Rare among academics of linguistics, Fr. Geof is also an expert on the Gothic peoples of medieval Europe.He can read that language and has translated portions of their bible for his Ph. D. As a result of his exposure to the Gothic culture, Fr. Geof is also a recognized academic expert on the Arian branch of Christianity.
Fr. Geof serves as a director of the Crisis Line in Jackson and is well known to the Hispanic community in his locality.
An interesting development of the Oratory in Jackson is the discovery of the Martyrs of Mississippi.The Oratory is presently attempting to form a research project centered on this small group of colonial era Catholics who attempted to settle in the Natchez area.Currently collecting historical documentation, Fr. Geof hopes to expand into an archeological project in the not too distant future.For further information about the Martyrs of Mississippi project click here:Martyrs of Mississippi.
Presently, the Oratory is also involved in the local house church movement. For information about meeting times and location please contact Fr. Geof at this email address: geofacker@yahoo.com
Fr. Geof is also the vocations coordinator for the Old Catholic Church: Oratory of the Common Life. For information regarding our formation program for Holy Orders please visit our main web page: The Old Catholic Church: Oratory of the Common Life.
As is the case with the Oratory of the Common Life, each local community is tasked with discovery of their particular ministry.This is done by assessing the needs and opportunities of the community as they present themselves to determine if the Oratory has the capability to function effectively in that ministry.
Get involved with this Oratory, there is plenty of opportunity to be active. The Oratory of the Common Life is affirming, inclusive and welcoming. Weddings, Commitment Ceremonies and other sacramental services are performed by appointment. Contact Fr. Geof: geofacker@yahoo.com to discuss the arrangements available in Mississippi. Although we prefer that you be a member of the Oratory, this is not a firm requirement. Likewise, divorce, sexual orientation and other background situations are not necessarily excluding. This should be discussed with the minister in person.
