Frequently-Asked
Questions about the
"Old" Catholic Church
FAQ.#1
Are you Catholic?
When people
speak of Catholics today, they often mean Roman Catholics.
However the term catholic was first used in the letter of Saint Ignatius
of
Antioch
to the Smyrnaeans (about AD 110) in reference
to the “universal” church. The following is a definition for the word
“catholic”: Catholic Abbr. C.. a.
Of
or involving the Roman Catholic Church. b. Of or relating to the universal
Christian church. c. Of or relating to the ancient undivided Christian church.
d. Of or relating to those churches that have claimed to be representatives of
the ancient undivided church.
There
are in fact many Communions (Churches) that are in fact part of the Catholic
Church as they can trace their beliefs, teachings, and origins to the ancient
undivided
Apostolic
Church
. One of the primary attributes of a Catholic
Church is that each maintains a line of Apostolic Succession in their clergy
thus making them part of the “One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church” as
proclaimed in the Nicene Creed.
Some
of these Communions are the Orthodox (Greek, Serbian, Russian, Coptic, and many
more), Anglican (Episcopal), and Old Catholic.
FAQ.#
2 What is “Old Catholic ”?
The
Old Catholic Church traces it roots to the 7th century.
It
was during this time when the church was one and undivided. that the Anglo-Saxon
monk Willibrord missionised the area of
Europe
now known as the
Netherlands
and
France
.
The
name "Old Catholic" began to come into use in 1741 when the Church in
Utrecht
turned from Rome and began to refer to
themselves as Roman Catholics of the “Old Episcopal Clergy” (Old
Catholics).
It
wasn't until late 19th century in Europe when over the refusal to accept Papal
Infallibility that the Churches in Europe formally adopted the name "Old
Catholic".
It is this earlier “undivided” Christianity that was
taught to the people in this part of the world and it is that “undivided”
Church that Independent Catholics seek to restore.
FAQ.
#3 Are you in communion with the Roman Catholic Church?
No.
The Old Catholic Churches separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the late
19th century over the refusal to accept the dogma of Papal Infallibility.
FAQ.
#4 Old Catholic - does that mean your Mass is in Latin?
No.
Our services are conducted in the language of the people. In addition each
parish is allowed to use a rite that suites the local congregation. For example
some parishes may use the current Roman Rite, others the Episcopal Book of
Common Prayer, others the Old Catholic Rites of the
European
Churches
, etc.
FAQ.
#5 Since you are not under the authority of the Pope then who is the head of
your church?
Jesus
Christ is the head of the Church and as proclaimed by the Early Church Fathers
the Holy Spirit is the Vicar of Christ. However, our parishes and clergy, like
all other Catholic Communions, are under the guidance and authority of an
Archbishop or Bishop. Our denomination maintains valid lines of Apostolic
Succession, which can be traced to the ancient and undivided church. All clergy
in the
Old Catholic
Church
are ordained by the “laying on of hands”.
FAQ.
#6 I noticed that you are married. How can this be?
Celibacy
was not required in the Roman Communion until the 13th century. Celibacy is not
required in most of the other Catholic Communions. Our bishops believe that to
refuse the full sacerdotal ministry to a married individual is to act in a
manner as to limit whom God may call to His service.
FAQ.
#7 Do you allow women to be ordained?
Yes.
Once again the our bishops believe that to refuse the full sacerdotal ministry
to an individual is to act in a manner as to limit whom God may call to His
service.
FAQ.
#8 My spouse is not Catholic may they receive Eucharist/Communion?
Yes.
The Old Catholic
Church
believes that any person Baptised in the name
of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a member of the Body of Christ (Church)
and therefore may receive Communion.
FAQ.
#9 I am divorced and remarried may I receive Communion?
Yes.
While the church looks upon matrimony as a sacrament, and believes that marriage
should be a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman we do realise though
that situations will arise that will lead to divorce. It is our opinion that to
refuse Communion to a divorced individual who is sincerely seeking to repent and
turn to Christ is to inflict additional emotional pain and suffering.
FAQ.
#10 Do I have to go to confession?
If
you are asking if you must confess and repent of your sins to be forgiven –
then the answer is yes. If you are asking must you confess your sins before a
priest to be forgiven then the answer is no. The
Old Catholic
Church
teaches that the sacrament of Reconciliation is
provided in both the General Confession and Absolution, which is included in the
Mass, and through private confession to either a Priest or Bishop. It is our
belief that the INTENT (sincerity) of the individual takes precedent over form.
FAQ.
#11 What does the Old Catholic
Church
teach about abortion?
The
church considers abortion at any time during the pregnancy to be the taking of a
life. We encourage any woman faced with an unwanted pregnancy to consider
adoption over abortion. We realise that at times a woman is faced with making a
decision about a pregnancy that could result in harm, or even loss of life. The
Old Catholic
Church
will never turn away a woman who has had an
abortion from the loving embrace of Jesus.
FAQ.
#12 Do you have the same Sacraments as the Roman Catholic Church?
Yes,
we profess and provide seven sacraments.
FAQ.
#13 What is your statement on contraception?
The Old
Catholic Church views
Artificial
contraception
as
an issue of conscience between husband, wife, and God.
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