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Traditional Catholic Faith => SSPX Resistance News => Topic started by: VivaJesus on June 03, 2025, 04:51:40 PM

Title: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: VivaJesus on June 03, 2025, 04:51:40 PM
Hi, everybody:

Some time ago, one guy posted one anti-Catholic comment in a FB page that I follow. I answered his objection and he seemed to take my response well. He send me a friend request and for the next months we went back and forth several times on different issues regarding the Faith and he seemed to be open minded at least.

A few hours ago, he wrote me saying that he's going to start attending OCIA, which I believe is some sort of Novus Ordo catechetical program. I avoid discussing Vatican II and its consequences with potential converts (whenever possible), and I have not warned him about attending said program. I offered to chat with him via video (I live in Mexico, and he lives in Florida), because those are the kind of things that are better discussed in person (or video-call).

Before that call, I would like to have a few options to give him for attending catechism lessons and if he perseveres, for receiving the sacraments and attending Holy Mass. What are some good traditional chapels or priests with valid orders in Florida I could direct this poor soul to? Would the SSPX be ok? I think I've read here that the Florida priory is not good, but would it be enough for somebody who's barely beginning his journey in the faith?

Our Lady keep you under her mantle.
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: HeidtXtreme on June 03, 2025, 05:26:16 PM
I’m pretty sure the SSPX locations in Florida are notoriously bad but as far as the Sacraments and the True Mass are concerned I don’t see a problem with sending him there.
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: 2Vermont on June 03, 2025, 05:27:18 PM
https://cmri.org/cmri-directory-of-traditional-latin-masses/#FLORIDA

Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: WorldsAway on June 03, 2025, 05:56:10 PM
I’m pretty sure the SSPX locations in Florida are notoriously bad but as far as the Sacraments and the True Mass are concerned I don’t see a problem with sending him there.
I think there were several NO-ordained priests at the St. Thomas More priory in Florida, where it was uncertain if they had been conditionally ordained
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: WorldsAway on June 03, 2025, 06:04:58 PM
Looks like Frs.(?) Scott Settimo and Christopher Pieroni. Do not know if they are still there
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: KirklandWater on June 03, 2025, 06:37:37 PM
Looks like Frs.(?) Scott Settimo and Christopher Pieroni. Do not know if they are still there
Fr. Scott Settimo is at St. Paul Minnesota now
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: jersey60 on June 03, 2025, 08:15:01 PM
I think there were several NO-ordained priests at the St. Thomas More priory in Florida, where it was uncertain if they had been conditionally ordained
Sanford is down to one NO Priest that, to my knowledge, has never been conditionally ordained 
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: gladius_veritatis on June 03, 2025, 09:20:25 PM
Florida is a lot larger and more spread out than most seem to realize.  Where is he in Florida?
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: Mr G on June 04, 2025, 07:29:48 AM
Hi, everybody:

Some time ago, one guy posted one anti-Catholic comment in a FB page that I follow. I answered his objection and he seemed to take my response well. He send me a friend request and for the next months we went back and forth several times on different issues regarding the Faith and he seemed to be open minded at least.

A few hours ago, he wrote me saying that he's going to start attending OCIA, which I believe is some sort of Novus Ordo catechetical program. I avoid discussing Vatican II and its consequences with potential converts (whenever possible), and I have not warned him about attending said program. I offered to chat with him via video (I live in Mexico, and he lives in Florida), because those are the kind of things that are better discussed in person (or video-call).

Before that call, I would like to have a few options to give him for attending catechism lessons and if he perseveres, for receiving the sacraments and attending Holy Mass. What are some good traditional chapels or priests with valid orders in Florida I could direct this poor soul to? Would the SSPX be ok? I think I've read here that the Florida priory is not good, but would it be enough for somebody who's barely beginning his journey in the faith?

Our Lady keep you under her mantle.
The SSPV has two chapels in Florida Locations | Congregation of St. Pius V (https://congregationofstpiusv.com/locations/)
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: VivaJesus on June 04, 2025, 08:04:19 AM
Florida is a lot larger and more spread out than most seem to realize.  Where is he in Florida?
He's in Wesley Chapel, near Tampa.

From what I see in the CMRI's website, the Shrine of Fatima and St. Cajetan's Church is near him. Would you say that's a good option? I'm not a fan of the CMRI due to their denial of EENS, but that seems to be the safest option, given that the SSPX has a NO ordained (?) priest among them.

There is one Ukrainian Catholic Church in Tampa, but I can't find the name of its pastor: EPIPHANY UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH - Home (https://www.epiphanyukrch.com/)

EDIT: the pastor of said parish seems to be the Rev. Bohdan Barytskyy. I'll try to figure out if his ordination is valid.

Thank you all for your suggestions.
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: 2Vermont on June 04, 2025, 08:10:37 AM
He's in Wesley Chapel, near Tampa.

From what I see in the CMRI's website, the Shrine of Fatima and St. Cajetan's Church is near him. Would you say that's a good option?
Fr Borja of the CMRI is a fantastic option.  I have met him and have had heard very good things about him. You might contact him via his email and let him know the situation.
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: Minnesota on June 04, 2025, 08:28:04 AM
Fr Borja of the CMRI is a fantastic option.  I have met him and have had heard very good things about him. You might contact him via his email and let him know the situation.
Concur. He was at Immaculate Conception in St. Cloud, MN. Very good priest.
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: gladius_veritatis on June 04, 2025, 01:06:30 PM
He's in Wesley Chapel, near Tampa.

CMRI is close, as has been mentioned.  Bp. Sanborn/Selway has a place in Brooksville.  There are several Eastern Rite options in the area, too, depending upon his comfort level with respect to various aspects of the present situation.
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: 2Vermont on June 04, 2025, 02:06:56 PM
CMRI is close, as has been mentioned.  Bp. Sanborn/Selway has a place in Brooksville.
Yes, Bishop Selway/priests connected with Bishop Sanborn is/are still in Brooksville, but given the OP's situation, I think Fr Borja/CMRI would be the better option.
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: MaterDominici on June 04, 2025, 07:16:11 PM
Yes, Bishop Selway/priests connected with Bishop Sanborn is/are still in Brooksville, but given the OP's situation, I think Fr Borja/CMRI would be the better option.
Just curious -- why do you think one is preferable over the other?
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: Jr1991 on June 04, 2025, 09:18:14 PM
Another chapel close by would be the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church n Tampa.


https://www.immaculateheartofmarychapel-tampa.com/
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: 2Vermont on June 05, 2025, 05:36:34 AM
Just curious -- why do you think one is preferable over the other?
Generally speaking, I prefer the CMRI, and it just so happens I have personal experience with this priest.
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: Gray2023 on June 05, 2025, 09:44:09 AM
Yes, Bishop Selway/priests connected with Bishop Sanborn is/are still in Brooksville, but given the OP's situation, I think Fr Borja/CMRI would be the better option.
I also think the CMRI is best for a new convert.  They seem to be the most charitable when it comes to all the different opinions that traditionalists hold.
Title: Re: Possible convert in Florida... where to send him?
Post by: AMDGJMJ on June 05, 2025, 12:45:51 PM
I also think the CMRI is best for a new convert.  They seem to be the most charitable when it comes to all the different opinions that traditionalists hold.
This ^^^