Anyway, back to my reverendhood. Now, don't get me wrong… I did not go through extensive course… I simply felt I was spiritual enough and wanted to become a clergy member. So after a recommendation from a fellow minister, I looked it up on the internet, filled out a few online applications and became a card carrying member of the Universal Life Church, complete with certificate, instruction booklet and CD's. Kind of like the “Clergy book for Dummies.” And yes, it's all legal, and no, I do not get a tax exemption.

Anyway, outside of my ceremony at the Titanic I hadn't done much with my new found ministry, at least not on a professional level. I had been asked by a friend to marry them… but had a stand up comic engagement already on that day. (Although some can argue that marriage and comedy are one in the same.)

So now fast forward to 2008. I'm doing a keynote motivational talk at the 50th anniversary of the Putnam Valley Library. A Father Giles Spoonhour happens to see me talk and get a standing ovation.

I get contacted a few months later and asked if I would be willing to do a two-hour motivational talk entitled: How to Follow your Passion and keep your sense of humor about it. Loving always to be able to motivate people I said, “Yes”.

“Oh by the way Father, where will I be doing this talk?”
“At the New Seminary and Interfaith Temple in New York City. It's located at 102nd Street and Broadway.”
“What exactly is that?”
“It’s a school that has a training program for Interfaith ministers. In fact, the articles on our altar symbolize the light that resides in all faiths.”
“Really so who will my audience be?”
“Priests, Rabbi's, ministers, High African Priestesses, Swamis and students.”
“Wow talk about pressure! I'm going to give a motivational talk to all of those holy people! What can I tell them that God hasn't told them already!”
“You'll be fine, I've seen you speak. Just be yourself.”
“Okay Father, from your mouth to God's ears. Just warn them I'm also a stand up comic.”

After I got off the phone with the Father I went to their website, www.newseminary.org. They've been around since 1981, have status with the United Nations and have ordained over 2000 Interfaith ministers who work around the world. It was founded by a Rabbi, a Swami, a Reverend and a Priest (thus my audience!)

They have a two-year training program, which includes some Saturdays and Sundays. The students are trained in all religions from Earth-based to the Eastern, from the Abrahamic to New Thought. They learn rituals, must do community service, and are required to do a mandatory intensive three and a half day retreat in New York City for introspection. After their second year, they graduate and get ordained at St. John the Divine in New York City.

Wow, a lot different than my online course.

I was scheduled to speak on Sunday, Jan. 20th. My mom had just gone into ER on Jan. 16th with pneumonia. I figured if I ever needed a lot of prayers this was the time… so speaking in front of all religions would better my odds for mom's recovery providing of course they enjoyed my talk… otherwise the wrath of Buddha and the gang be put upon me.

I arrived at the seminary 40 minutes early. I was greeted by Father Spoonhour. I was introduced to the key players, asked to take off my shoes in the ceremonial area and then showed the stage I would perform on.

The seats were set up in a semi circle. It was an intimate setting with room for about 50 people.

By “showtime” the room was practically full. Father Giles gave me a fantastic introduction and I was on. For the next two hours I spoke… doing my talk as I always do… telling humorous motivational stories about my life with a point…. I told them about my Catholic religion school days… even about the Fat Nun who only talked about the Last Supper… There were no holds barred and a couple of times I asked Father Giles if this meant I was going to hell in a hand basket.

At the midway point, I asked if anyone wanted to take a 15 minute break. They said no. “Oh come on… someone here has got to pee!”
They laughed and we broke for 15 minutes.

The second half was just as fun. They were a delightful audience… I was very open with them… I told them how my book, “Hopeville the City of Light” came to me through a voice that woke me up at 4 a.m. (I figured if any group would understand that, they would.)

I told them how the first time I prayed to Mother Mary, I apologized.
“Hi Mother Mary, it's me, Fran Capo. Sorry I never spoke to you before in my life… I was busy talking to God and well just didn't think of talking to you, please don't take it personally… but I think woman to woman you might understand my present situation. Now I know my wish may seem small compared to your problems, after all you had a son die on the cross, that's a rough one, not sure I could ever get over that… but if you could hear my prayers, I'd really appreciate it.”

I even told them how when I cremated my dad, I had separated the ashes, some spread in the Grand Canyon as my dad requested, and how I brought some home to keep in a perfume bottle for the wake. I told them how the priest at the time was upset that I had separated the ashes and how I told him, I didn't think God minded if my intentions were pure.

I spoke for two solid hours (not included the bathroom break).
They were wonderful. I asked them all to pray for my mom as well.

Afterwards they came up to me telling me they felt blessed I was there. It was amazing! Then they bought my books, I was blessed with more prayers and I went home feeling like I truly had touched a piece of heaven on earth. What more can someone want out of a gig!

God Bless! And don't be surprised if you hear that I open the “Holy Church of the Fast talker - where prayers are answered in record time… if you truly believe.”