Frequently Asked Questions
Is there more than one Catholic Church?
No, there is only one catholic church , but there are several catholic jurisdictions (branches) including Roman Catholic, Greek Catholic, Ukrainian Catholic, Polish National Catholic, Assyrian Church of the East, to name just a few in addition to the independent catholic jurisdictions. The catholic church is like a large tree that has many branches.
Can I take the Eucharist?
Yes, Holy Eucharist is given to all baptized Christians who approach the altar in true faith.
What about priestly celibacy?
Celibacy was not mandated until the 11th century. Prior to that, clergy could be either married or celibate. Therefore according to Tradition and Orthodox Canon Law our clergy are married. 1 Timothy 3:1-13, clearly states that the clergy member must be the husband of one wife and be able to manage his own household before he can manage the church.
Is this a real Catholic church?
Yes, this is a valid Catholic Church. According to the “DOMINUS IESUS,” issued by Pope John Paul II, June 16, 2000, and signed by Joseph Card, Ratzinger
(now Pope Benedict XVI), August 6, 2000, from the Office of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith;
“the Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the (Roman) Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by apostolic succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches. Therefore, the Church of Christ is present and operative also in these Churches, even though they lack full communion with the (Roman) Catholic Church....”
“therefore, these separated Churches and communities as such... have by no means been deprived of significance and importance in the mystery of salvation. For the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as means of salvation which derive their efficacy from the very fullness of grace and truth entrusted to the Catholic Church.“ Unicity and Unity of the Church, --IV,17
"The Roman Church recognizes the validity of Old Catholic Orders and other Sacraments."
(Felician A. Roy, OFM, p.368)
The Pastoral Companion - A Canon Law Handbook for Catholic Ministry, Third Edition
(John M. Huels, J.C.D. p. 335)
Are you “Roman” Catholic?
We are not Roman Catholic but Old Catholic as St. Vincent of Lerins explains, “we adhere faithfully to those things that have been held everywhere, always, and by all.”
Are you in “schism”?
Schism is defined as a formal division or separation from a church however we have never separated ourselves from the beliefs or practice of the Faith; for this reason we persevere in professing the faith of the primitive Church, as formulated in the Seven Ecumenical Councils and specified precisely by the unanimously accepted decisions of these Councils held in the undivided Church of the first thousand years.
Are you in union with the Holy Father, the Bishop of Rome?
We are in union with the Bishop of Rome in the measure expressed by St. Augustine: “in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things, charity”.