One of Milingo’s ordinands gives an interview with the Rochester paper. At least the man is forthright and isn’t trying to fool anyone- you have to give him that.

However, note the unasked question here – "Will you be saying Mass anywhere?"

Question: Does this mean you are a Roman Catholic priest?

Grosswirth’s answer: Although the Vatican has stated that Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo was excommunicated due to his recent marriage, he officially retains his title as archbishop. Therefore, under Canon Law (law of the Roman Catholic church), my ordination via Archbishop Milingo is considered valid but illicit. This means that although I am a valid priest, I am not allowed to minister in an official capacity for the Roman Catholic Church, due to my married state. Yet I may serve independently, which is my intention.

Question: Can you officiate at weddings and other events?

Grosswirth’s answer: My certification to officiate at weddings, baptisms and funerals will be via Federation of Christian Ministries. Any baptisms or funerals I facilitate will be considered by the Roman Catholic Church to be valid but illicit. Any weddings I facilitate will be considered as invalid by the Roman Catholic Church but will satisfy the requirements of New York state. Those who seek me as a wedding officiant will be primarily those who wish a religious ceremony, but one that is non-denominational.

Question: Why would someone who is Catholic want a wedding that would not be considered valid by the Roman Catholic Church?

Grosswirth’s answer: Quite often, a Catholic who was previously married will seek out a married priest, so as to avoid the annulment process in the Roman Catholic Church. However, if such a couple were to later seek membership in a Roman Catholic parish, an annulment would still be required, unless dispensation from the requirement were to be granted by a bishop.

Question: Will this change your standing as a Roman Catholic?

Grosswirth’s answer: I find that I am now in the same position as several women who were ordained priests in recent years. Some of them were informed by their respective bishops that their ordinations have resulted in automatic excommunication from the Church. I have no doubt that a similar statement will be made about me.

Rich Leonardi, who hails from Rochester has a bit more – including the fact that Grosswirth was RCIA coordinator at his parish as of this past spring, at least.

Here, of course, is the ultimate question, and one that no one thinks to ask these folks. By your actions you are indicating that you don’t believe that being in communion with the Catholic Church is really that important. So why bother with this? Why cling to the touch of an Archbishop to validate your ministry? Why not just declare yourself a Catholic minister of some sort and preside at weddings and such? What is the point of "serving independently" as a "Catholic priest?" Why bother?

What is so interesting to me is that invariable, people – men and women – who take this route are usually of the opinion that hierachy and legalism are problems. The Real Church is co-discipleship of equals, of brothers and sisters who discern gifts and share them, etc.

So why are you getting ordained, celebrating your new function and claiming a new title?

If you think the Church is so off-kilter, so far from what Jesus intended, why are you depending on the hierarchy to facilitate your role?

A game. An exploitive, intellectually bankrupt, utterly illogical game.