Anglican Unity in Florida
Rev. Michael Kerouac of Saint Patrick's Anglican Church says Anglicanism is a church of unity
The YouTube channel Christians of Brevard has interviewed Fr. Michael Kerouac of Saint Patrick's Anglican Church in Port St. John, Florida about the history of Anglicanism and the place of the parish in the community.
St. Patrick’s was founded in 1990 by Bishop Clark Dorman and actually originally named All Saints Church. The next bishop, John Vaughan, was an Irishman, and changed the name of the parish to St. Patrick’s. Not everyone was happy at the time, Fr. Kerouac says, but everyone is used to their new name now.
As a biblical church, Fr. Kerouac thinks that Anglicanism is very approachable to people coming from an Evangelical church, while still offering the sacraments. His parish is a good middle ground for couples who come from different church backgrounds.
Fr. Kerouac grew up Roman Catholic, and felt a calling to the priesthood from a young age. He also wished to marry, and went into secular employment. After joining an Anglican church in Virginia, Fr. Kerouac went to seminary in his forties, and finally found his priestly vocation.
Fr. Kerouac also explains the importance of unity of the G3 churches in the area. “We recognize that we’re not really competitive with each other. Our enemy in all this is the Devil. He wins when we’re separate.” Just like a marriage, he says, we need to be in the same family, but recognize each other’s gifts and differences.
Fr. Kerouac also talks about the importance of ministry to the elderly, who usually find their voice silenced as their health declines. He also thinks it is important for the community to battle the alienation that leads people to find consolation in drugs or substance abuse.
Fr. Kerouac invites people interested in coming to the parish to first visit their website, which is a safe way to find out how they worship, what the sermons are like, and what to expect inside the doors. And then when they come in person they can experience the real welcome.
Saint Patrick's Anglican Church is a parish in the Anglican Church in America in the Diocese of the Eastern United States.
Watch the whole interview here:
St. Patrick’s is also on YouTube.