The Rev. Francesca Fortunato is a 2003 graduate of The New Seminary (the world's oldest Interfaith seminary). She is ordained, certified and licensed as a wedding officiant with the authority to perform legal marriages throughout the United States. Since her graduation/ordination, Rev. Francesca has performed marriages, preached and officiated at worship services, done spiritual counseling and has spent fourteen years working in Children's Ministry.
Before attending seminary, Francesca worked as a professional actress and voice-over artist (she continues to do some acting work, as her schedule allows). She brings a professional performer's public speaking and presentation skills to her work as a preacher and celebrant.
Rev. Francesca is also available as a celebrant for same-sex commitments, wedding reaffirmations, baby ceremonies (namings, blessings, dedications and nondenominational Christian baptisms), home/business blessings and memorial services. She is able to write beautiful, unique ceremonies for clients who desire it, as well as providing expert guidance to those who prefer to use ceremonies from existing sources.
On April 30th, 2006, Reverend Francesca was ordained as a priest in the Orthodox-Catholic Church of America (OCCA) - an independent Western Orthodox Catholic jurisdiction. Francesca is still (and always) an Interfaith Minister, (you can't be "un-ordained") but, like many other Interfaith Ministers, she now holds dual ordination. When working in her capacity as a priest, her new full, title is: The Rev. Mother Francesca Chiara Fortunato (a name taken in honor of Clare of Assisi; "Chiara" is Clare in Italian). This is a title to be written, though, not spoken. It's still fine to call her either Reverend Francesca or Mother Francesca.
In addition to her Interfaith Ministry, Mother Francesca is now also an Associate Pastor of St. John's Independent Catholic Community, currently holding services at The Spark Center in New York City (161 W. 22nd St.), and has the authority to celebrate valid Catholic Sacraments. (For Catholic, Orthodox or Episcopal/Anglican wedding clients, this means that she is able to offer a full wedding Mass, including Holy Communion.)
Those who may be interested in learning more about OCCA or worshipping with the St. John's Community may contact the phone number and/or email on this site for more specific information.
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