Pro-life Hero, Protestant Minister to Catholic Priest: Fr. Paul Schenck, Prophetic Sign of Coming Full Communion
I had the privilege of being part of Church history on Saturday, June 12, 2010. My friend of many years, former Protestant minister and Pro-Life hero, Paul Schenck, was ordained as a Priest of the Catholic Church. My history with Fr. Paul Schenck goes back decades.I believe that Fr. Paul Chaim Schenck is a prophetic sign of the coming full communion of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. With a dispensation from Rome waiving the celibacy requirement, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood of the Catholic Church on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Photo of Fr. Paul Schenck being ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Victor Galeone. Photos furnished by Michael and Yolanda Moul of Total Magic Video productions in York Pennsylvania. Michael is also the President of the Holy Name Society.
HARRISBURG, PA (Catholic Online) - I had the privilege of being part of Church history on Saturday, June 12, 2010. My friend of many years, former Protestant minister and Pro-Life hero, Paul Schenck, was ordained as a Priest of the Catholic Church. My history with Fr. Paul Schenck goes back decades. I first met his twin brother, Rob, through now deceased Lutheran Pastor and ecumenical giant Harald Bredesen. Always "moving in the Spirit", Harald told me back then he "knew from the Lord" I had to meet the Schenck brothers. He was right.
At the time Rob Schenck was leading a ministry calling attention to the plight of the Poor in Mexico. I joined his Board of Advisors. It was the beginning of a treasured friendship which has spanned decades. He introduced me to his brother Paul. Both of these men shared with me a dedication to bringing an end to the killing of our youngest neighbors in the womb by abortion. They were raised in a Jewish home, came to faith in the Lord Jesus as teenagers and became Protestant Pastors.
The two brothers were already Pro-Life Champions in the Buffalo, New York area. I had gone to Law School to help overturn the infamous decision which opened the door to the Culture of death, Roe v Wade. So, when I was asked by the brothers to come to Buffalo to speak on behalf of Paul who had been wrongfully arrested for peacefully distributing Pro-Life literature, I said "Yes". It was the beginning of an association which has changed my life.
At the time I was a Dean at the Franciscan University of Steubenville which was still in its early stages of spiritual recovery and renewal. I was also practicing law, trying to do what I could to advance the fundamental human rights cause of our age, the Pro-Life movement. I stayed in touch with Paul and Rob throughout those years.
In 1991, I accepted an invitation from Pat Robertson to move to Virginia Beach and build the American Center for Law and Justice. (ACLJ) Pat knew I was a fully committed Catholic Christian. He read my first book "Evangelical Catholics". I moved to Virginia Beach and served as the first Executive Director of the ACLJ. Jay Sekulow, its Chief Counsel, soon joined me in the effort. A gifted Constitutional Advocate, he has led the Public Interest legal group since I left in 1997.
In the subtitle of my first book "Evangelical Catholics" (out of print), I called for "Christian Co-operation to penetrate the Darkness with the Light of the Gospel." Those were days of what I call "trench ecumenism". An example was the Pro-Life movement. We all heard the cry of those whom Mother Teresa called the "poorest of the poor", children in the womb. We worked together on their behalf. In the trenches of that just battle we rediscovered one another as brethren in the One Lord Jesus Christ.
This kind of cooperation in the cultural mission is widely accepted now. Back then, it was highly controversial in both Catholic and Protestant circles. A man I have long admired, Chuck Colson, wrote the forward to "Evangelical Catholics". He was pilloried for doing so in some evangelical circles for years afterward. My relationship with Paul and Rob Schenck grew in those Pro-Life trenches as did their vibrant ministry. We were doing Catholic/Evangelical cooperation long before it was "cool".
The first case I took as the head of the ACLJ came through Rob and Paul Scheck. Paul was wrongfully arrested for distributing Pro-Life literature in front of an abortion facility. The early ACLJ was just getting what my deceased father would have called its "sea legs." We represented Paul and turned it into a Constitutional case. We lost at the Federal District Court level.
However, that would not be the end of the case. Years later I had the privilege of serving as a co-counsel when Jay Sekulow successfully argued the same case at the US Supreme Court. It was styled "Schenck v. Pro-Choice Escorts". Paul's courageous efforts for children and Jay's insistence that Pro-Life speech is protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution, won the day. Paul was completely vindicated.
During those 'ACLJ years' my friendship with Paul and his journey toward the full communion of the Catholic Church passed through a series of events. Appalled that this human rights hero would be adjudged a "criminal" for doing what should have been protected by the First Amendment and praised as heroic - I resolved to do everything I could to support him in his important work.
That included hiring him as the Vice President of the American Center for Law and Justice. At the time, he was under house arrest, wearing an ankle monitor. Paul, his wonderful wife Becky and all of their beautiful children moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia. He became a key leader in the early days of the ACLJ. He did during those years what he has always done in life; give himself without ...
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it is indeed an amazing grace from above :) and to know that ther are very fervent pro life activists is also very enocuraging!! hopefully this ferver can spread to a country like mine (India, the first to legalize abortion). would def like to do somethin for the fight against abortions
It is clearly the blessing of our Lord Jesus that a Protestant became a Catholic priest to serve God In a different way.As a Catholic priest let us hope that he will be able to bring new energy and enthusiasm into his ministry.Let us pray for his successful ministry.
Dear Deacon Fournier, I truly enjoyed this beautiful story. I do so admire Fr. Paul Shenck for his committment to his blessed journey into Catholicism. I also admire your and his loyal and beautiful friendship. I will pray for Fr. Paul Chaim Shenck, Priest of Jesus Christ as you asked. GOD bless you and Fr. Paul Shenck and your families in the name of Jesus Christ.
Congratulations, Fr. Paul!! And yet I must point out once again the discrepancy in the Roman Rite's celibacy requirement. Why can the celibacy requirement be waved for those who convert, but not those who have been life-long members of the Church? What is the theological basis for this?
This is my first time to visit this site and I am very glad to read this story. It inspires me. It moves me. i am sad as I write this. A dear nephew of mine is sick and this story of faith, of man's faith really moves me.
Dear Deacon, this was a blessing of a story. I am a Convert to the Catholic Faith some 20 yrs ago and will begin the 4 yr journey to become a deacon this fall. I can only dream of the priesthood. I love, support, and pray for our priests always. Fr. Shenck, we thank you.
Wonderful! "A Melkite Catholic Bishop, who played a significant role in his journey to the Catholic Church" + "gave him a copy of the Liturgy of the Hours which I had engraved to "Fr. Paul Chaim Schenck'. I hoped it would be prophetic." + "Paul's courageous work on behalf of children in the womb served as bookends for an entire chapter in my life." = a friend "ship": 1. Defense of an innocent man who is persecuted like a beam - a spine of a ship from bow to stern. 2. Providing the Psalms of the hours that are prayed like a gentle breeze against the sails of a soul. 3. The introduction of a Bishop friend who is like a rudder. And this friend-ship constructed though the grace of God, where you were privileged to help build and see the fruit of work, over time, brings a soul to the safe harbor of Our Mother, the Church.
Is Fr. Paul a married man? Does Rome often give dispensation for the celibacy requirement? This dispensation of celibacy-- won't this weaken the Priesthood of Jesus Christ?
I was a member of a Church in Hampton Roads where Paul served as Pastor. He was a fantasitic speaker. I was also present at his ordination into the Episcopal Church. I wish him the best.
God is great and He alone knows how to move us and guide us to where we belong. I pray for Fr. Paul that he even does greater than he has been doing
Dear Deacon: I'm so thrilled for Fr. Paul! I've heard him speak a couple of times and he is truly doing the work of the Lord in helping to save children and women. God bless him and you for what you do for our Lord's kingdom.
This is true fruit of true ecumenism. The true spirit of ecumenism is that Church works with others to guide them and help them to understand the true church the Only Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and come in full communion.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful and inspirational story. Here in the Philippines, the cult of Felix Manalo (Iglesia ni Cristo which is Church of Christ in English) use priestly celibacy requirement as a tool to fool many un-informed Catholics to leave the Church saying that "forbidding" to marry in the Catholic Church (not in the priesthood) as they accuse us is a teachings of the Devil. Today, they have gone of reason to demonize the Universal Church of Christ because now it is proven that their argument is now futile. As I always argue with them, priestly celibacy is a discipline, not a doctrine but of course they always wanted to get on top so they wont concede. Thank you and may Fr. Paul Schenck and his family be blessed more and more and I pray that throuhg his Catholic priestly vocation, more and more protestants may finally come back to the real fold, the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ.
God bless you for showing me that whatever need be, that the Holy Spirit will guide us. With Christ as the vine we are the branches, ane the whole church becomes stronger whith each and every priest ordained, each convert, each baptism. Dear Lord Make me more like these men that love you more than feeling safe in their Protestant congregation. You are the Way and the Light.
Praise GOD in the highest! This is what our Mother Church needs!
Thanks be to God. May the entry of Fr. Paul into priesthood be an eye opener to other protestants that they may have to reconsider their stand and join the league.
this is in answer to Cullen comments. Married priests in other denominations who become catholic priests remain married and take care of their families. It would be unchristian to ask them to leave their families and it does not diminish the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. "a bit". They bring more to the service of the Church. Chastity plays an important role which is not to be confused with celibacy. I have a dear friend priest who is married and has a family. He is a pillar of the church and a great priest. So the Holy Mother Church is correct in giving dispensation to married priests from other denominations when they join our Holy Mother church. Just pray for Fr. Paul and wish him well.
The Catholic Church will continue to grow in fulfilment of the words of the Master, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. in no distant time even members of other religions will be so ordained as did Father Paul. Praise be Jesus Christ.
Incredible story.... Can somebody help enlighten me and other readers on the dispensation waiving celibacy for Fr Paul?
Father in the name of Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God, I pray you open doors for us. Only you can open doors no man can close and for that we honor you today. Thank you for the open doors of life, health, strength, prosperity, wealth, and love. Also, thank you for closing the doors of death, sickness, weakness, despair, poverty, and bitterness. We love you today Lord and give you all the glory and all the praise. I seal this prayer in Jesus name, Amen!!!
So joyful to know that people one by one realize the truth of Catholic faith and they decide to be a catholic. Thank and glory to the Lord. Rgds, Budi http://www.catholicdailyindonesia.com
i sincerely pray that all protestants should come to the full realization and full knowledge and understanding of the truth of catholic church teachings and come back to the catholic church like Fr.Paul.
Dear Fr. Paul, I beg your blessings. Be happy in your ministry as a catholic. May you be an example to others that knows about the real desire of Christ: "that all may be one". Division between Christian is a shame. I am going to pray for you. Please pray for me. In Christ, Fr. Carlos.
The words of Jesus ''that all may be one" are being fullfilled through this. May His name be praised forever! It would however be more enlightening to know how the celibate catholic priests coexist with the married catholic priests in a parish or a diocese. We only have celibate catholic priests in Kenya. Congrats to Fr. Paul!
Dear Deacon, an interesting article & I am sure Fr Paul will continue his heroic fight for the pro-life movement. However, what saddens me is the apparent bias of the church to invite former protestant married ministers to the married priesthood while continuing to exclude faithful married catholic men who choose priesthood. Is it because of the potential that if the married priest fails to live his priesthood effectively the church can say "Oh it was because he was previous a protestant"? Is the hierarchy using the protestant converts as a test-case for a future married clergy? What is the theological distinction which is being used? Also, I am amazed at the liberal use of the word "champion" being applied to protestants who convert to Catholicism, thus building up their acceptability to the laity who are told "this married former protestant is now your priest." What about the good and faithful celibate priests who labour on without a supportive wife or family? What about the thousands of priests who have given decades of service without a word of recognition while five minute ministers are lauded by publications such as yours.
Another great Hero from new churches had join our dear BIG FAMILY with the guide of Holy Spirit... Glory to the Lord. HalleluyaHH. ^^
I am sorry, folks. "Scneck" stopped being a Protestant the moment he became a Catholic Priest. Considering the trouble Rome is having with Priests these days it was a "step down." in human terms. Too many real saints have died at the stake and in torture chambers and on the battlefields to meekly go back to an church who were the responsible for the torture chambers and batlefields and burning stakes. I follow the risen savior. I rely upon him, but not on my works. In Christ Alone I will make my claim. Thank you.
God bless fr. paul schenck and his work for life
Absolutely beautiful article, Deacon Keith! What a blessing. Today I am in Phoenix attending the ordination of my precious brother in Christ, Fr. Eduardo Nevares, being installed as Bishop Elect of the Diocese of Phoenix. There is great hope for the Church when godliness is in place! Praise the Lord. He is ever faithful!
May God save and protect you fr Paul Schenck, am very pleased to read these great news.
There is nothing impossible for Catholicism in US.......................... Anyway, welcome home Fr Paul Schenk!
May the "JOY" of the living Lord Jesus be in you and with you, Fr. Paul, today and for all time. What a blessing it is to read about someone's journey in faith. It was exhilarating, spiritually, in small part, to share Fr. Paul's journey as his "call" got stronger and more defined. May God's Blessings continue for you and your family!!!
May the Lord be Praised always. "We believe in One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church". Do we need any more proof that The Lord is working in his vineyard slowly & steadily to fullfil His own prophesy that "All may be One". In time to come all Christians brethren will be One & this I pray always. Division in the name of Jesus Christ and just not done. Let us pray for the Unity of All Christians. Thanks & Praise be to God.
In response to Fr Kevin Lee written on July 14th. Dear Fr. Lee, Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed! You must know that your sacrifice to forego everything for the sake of Christ and His Church does not go unnoticed! As in the story of the prodigal son the return of the disobedient son and the celebration that followed caused pain to the older brother. But the father said "My son you have always been with me. Everything I have is yours." Fr Lee everything in the storehouse of grace is yours and it has been from the beginning. Deacon Fournier is experiencing the emotional elation of a soul dear to him coming into the fullness of truth. This will not carry Fr Paul when the emotional high is over and he begins to bear the weight of his sacrifice. His family life will be strained without question. In fact I was thinking that this will be an equally difficult sacrifice for his wife as it will be for him. He will not be as free as you are to serve and it will cause him much difficulty. There is no doubt. A spouse thinks of the other spouse first before even the smallest decisions are made. Ask any married couple and you will find this is true. Who will Fr Paul think of first? I praise God that he has called Fr Paul even at this late hour but he will have much to suffer. The church is your spouse and you will be glad when you look back and say yes I thought of her first. You will be glad when you see the power and weight and grace that the sacrifice of your celibacy has been. Take heart! We know the sacrifice you have made for Jesus, His Church and for us. We thank God for you and will keep you close in prayer. Thank you Fr. Lee for your faithful service to Christ and His Church! Peace.
A sign of things to come in Christianity. Thank God for the grace which he has given.