Our Lady of Perpetual Wisdom
About
Our Lady of Perpetual Wisdom is a church where all are welcome. The primary focus of this church is for those who are part of a ChristoPagan style of practice, though none are turned away. Our focus is not to convert or convince anyone that their sincerely held religious beliefs are right or wrong, rather to challenge the individual to examine their beliefs so they can make the decision of the best way to practice for themselves. As of this moment the church will be holding a service on the first Sunday of the month, Christian Holidays, Pagan Holidays, and the occasional Civic Holidays. The focus of these services is to focus on three aspects that will make us all become better humans towards one another. These three aspects are derived from a priest located in Pittsburgh, PA who always wanted (1.) to inspire you, (2.) to make you think, and (3.) to make you laugh.
Looking at these three aspects I (Rich) have this focus to do the same to encourage others to become the best version of themselves.
-The Setup
Each service will start with the setting of sacred space. This is conducted by casting circle, calling the quarters, cleansing the circle, and calling on Sophia (Holy Wisdom) and Jesus (The Anointed One) to join in communion with our community. If guests are not followers of these individuals there will also be a request given for any other Deific figures to also join in this communion. At this time, not all of these aspects will be fully shown on camera as the surrounding area of the altar space is in disarray due to undergoing changes in the setup of the altar space. Since the start of these church services have been postponed due to multiple life events, it has been decided to no longer postpone the creation due to the disruptions of a physical space when the focus is on the individuals within that space.
NOTE: If others are presenting the service as they may call on other Deific figures or may open sacred space in a different manner.
-Prayer
When prayers are given the terms of Almighty, Grand Architect, Christ, Lord, and Lady may be used. If these do not comport with your beliefs, please substitute as needed during those times. Efforts are given to make these services as inclusive as possible, however this is not always possible and we ask for understanding in this matter.
-Music
There are no musical hymns sung in these services at this current time due to the services being broadcast on YouTube and singing or the playing of music can become a litigious issue resulting in copyright strikes from the platform. Hymns or poetry may from time to time be spoken in the service or clips from other media may be shown (provided it fits the context of the service) as this would fall under commentary and fair use rules.
-Sacred Books
Many times, the Bible, Nag Hammadi Scriptures, or other Apocryphal literature will be used. There is, however, no one book that anyone can turn to that will have all the answers for every situation in life. Knowing this we as a community should not limit ourselves to one sacred book that is turned to when it comes to something as complex as our faith or practice. Wisdom for our improvement in this life can be gleaned from a book, song, poem, pop culture, personal/historical events, or even just by wisdom gifted from the Divine.
Sacraments
-About
The sacraments of the Our Lady of Perpetual Wisdom are similar to the those celebrated by our counterparts in the Roman Catholic Church with some major differences. The biggest difference is that parishioners are in no way shape or form required to partake in them at any time. These are purely voluntary and do not guarantee the parishioner access to any place in the afterlife, if there is an afterlife within the member’s practice. There are reasons why a member may wish to mark points in their life by partaking in these rituals, but it is in no way required. Below you will find further descriptions on the Sacraments. Sacraments can be performed over a Live YouTube stream or over Zoom for a more personal affair. These will need to be scheduled ahead of time so please use the Contact Us page to schedule in advance.
-Welcoming/Wiccaning/Naming
It takes a village to raise a child. For those in the family way who wish a blessing to be bestowed upon their child and those who are raising the child. This welcomes the child into our community, charges the caretakers to raise the child to seek the wisdom available to them, and also requests the community to assist in guidance if/when they are capable of doing so.
-Baptism/Initiation
Baptism is the first of the two-part form of becoming a full member at Our Lady of Perpetual Wisdom. Baptism will ONLY be conducted on those who are 18 years of age or older. This combines the three of the elements of the Witch’s Pyramid. Air-To Know (in the questioning that happens prior to baptism to examine if the individual is properly informed of what they are undertaking). Earth-To Be Silent (this is a reflection in a moment of silence while the member holds the salt to prepare the Holy Water to fully reflect on the undertaking). Water-To Dare (the salt of Earth is combined with the Water creating Holy Water as they dare to become a Baptized Member). In the Baptismal Sacrament the individual is symbolically washed in Holy Water, cleansing them from the previous baggage that they may be carrying from their past. This is a symbolic birth is a cleansing for them to then move to the Holy Chrism/Confirmation into the church.
-Holy Chrism/Confirmation
While the Baptism is the cleansing through Air, Earth, and Water, the Holy Chrism is a cleansing by the element of Fire-To Will (the newly baptized puts forth their will to accept the blessing of the Divine). In completion of this sacrament with blessed oil the member is now given the opportunity to choose a magical name. It is then declared that they, in their new selected name, to go forth to do the will of the Divine in whichever way they are called to by the Divine.
-Communion/Cakes and Ale
When this sacrament is conducted, members are encouraged to examine themselves for any reason that they may not be worthy of communing with the Divine and others in the church. If they find themselves worthy of this communion, they are encouraged to present food and drink of their choice to the Divine for blessing. After the blessing is performed, the members are encouraged partake while enjoying the unity felt from the Divine and all those in attendance. As this is a remote communion others may not be present at the same time. The communion with each other is still there as well as communion with the Divine presence. This sacrament is conducted at the end of every service.
-Penance/Confession/Counseling
In life there are times when a member of the church needs assistance in examining the choices made and the ones left to make. When confession is made in the presence of one who holds Holy Orders, EVERYTHING said is kept confidential. Members may have guilt about something they have done, request advice on how to move forward, request a blessing or prayer, request advice, or just need a listening ear.
NOTE: THIS DOES NOT REPLACE THERAPY FROM A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL!
-Croning
The Croning sacrament is for those who have reached the crone station of life (50 years of age). It bestows Divine blessings upon the member as one who has reached wisdom by their life experiences. Requests for this sacramental blessing should be emailed so it can be included into the regularly scheduled service and bestowed in a community setting so everyone can celebrate the event.
-Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament bestows a blessing on those who are close to or are potentially close to the time of death. This sacrament gives the member the capability to, if possible, make any last confessions they feel they need to make, and receive the blessing of the Divine to pass peacefully beyond the veil.
-Holy Orders
While everyone has Holy Orders through their own practice, this sacrament is specific to those who wish to become ordained through Our Lady of Perpetual Wisdom. Considering taking Holy Orders is an undertaking that should not be taken lightly and should be discussed in depth. It includes being able to perform all of the sacraments as well as displaying the capability to hold services and council members of the community. If you feel you are being called to take the Holy Orders through Our Lady of Perpetual Wisdom, please contact us.
-Matrimony/Handfasting
This sacrament is the only one that MUST be performed in person due to its legal standing. This is the joining of two people in marriage thus joining their souls as one until the time when they pass into death or choose to part one another. Our Lady of Perpetual Wisdom fully supports LGBTQ+ unions and will NOT condemn anyone if divorce is the correct avenue for a relationship.
See Our Services and Transcripts Here
2024