People stop and ask me all the time - "So... just what is a FREE Catholic Church anyway?"
Simply put... we are Christians who celebrate our faith in the historic Catholic way and tradition. Many folks are surprised to learn that there is more than one branch and expression of Catholicism in the world. We are just ONE of those branches and expressions, descended from the Old Catholics of Europe. We are not part of the Roman Catholic Church, nor under the jurisdiction of the Pope; however, being descended from the "Old Catholics," the historic relationship we have with Rome, which spans centuries, lends itself to recognition by the Vatican as being validly Catholic. This validity makes it possible for us to offer a valid alternative to Catholics and others, who, for one reason or another, have been displaced or disenfranchised from the Church.
Catholics today want a Church that is traditional, yet modern and progressive enough to meet the demands of our changing world. They want a Church that not only proclaims God’s love and forgiveness, but also demonstrates that same love and forgiveness to all people by welcoming them without penalty and without prejudice.
It’s sad, but many Catholics are not welcome to receive the Sacraments because they made a “mistake” in their life which "disqualifies them from full participation in the Church. For them, it’s often no Communion, no Baptism, no Marriage, and in some cases, not even a Catholic Funeral. Yes, they could apply for annulments and special dispensations, but then may have to pay and then wait – sometimes for years – before they have full access to the Sacraments.
Also, many Catholics today are frustrated by many of the outdated and outmoded ideas, like celibate Priests, no birth control, all the scandals they see in the news, and much more. They love the Church, love its Liturgy and Traditions, but wish too that the Church could find a way to modernize and speak to the needs of today's world.
The United Free Catholic Church provides these folks with an alternative that is indeed validly "Catholic" in every respect. We embrace the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds as our statements of Faith; celebrate the Seven Sacraments; gather for Mass every Sunday and on special Holy Days; and believe in the real and actual presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Communion.
Also, as stated above, we trace our heritage and ordinations through the Old Catholic Churches, which have enjoyed complete recognition by Rome for centuries. While we may not be part of the Roman Catholic Church, it must be clearly stated that we are not trying to undermine the authority of the Roman Church, nor are we trying to "compete" with our friends in the Roman Church. Quite the contrary! We regard the Roman Church with great respect and love as our brothers and sisters in Christ - including the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. Our mission is however, to reach out in love to those, who, for whatever reason, are not attending Church or receiving the Sacraments. We see ourselves as a sort of "Half-way House," providing a valid alternative to those whom we are able to "restore" to the life of Grace and Sacramental Faith. In fact, because we have helped get things straightened out for many individuals and families - including weddings and baptisms, several families have been able to return to a Roman Catholic Parish, without much difficulty at all when they leave the area.
And... even though we are not part of the Roman Catholic Church, and not under the direct jurisdiction of the Pope, the Vatican itself has recognized Churches like ours as being validly "Catholic" even if we are not in perfect communion with Rome. In the historic document entitled “Dominus Iesus”, signed by the Pope, theVatican
"These 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, and are true particular Churches. 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."
The United Free Catholic Church does indeed meet these criteria, because our Clergy (Priests and Bishops) are validly ordained in this Apostolic Succession which traces its lineage all the way to the Apostles - beginning with Saint Peter; and we provide valid Sacraments, which are "recognized" by Rome.
So we are indeed a recognized and valid alternative for Catholics – as well as Protestants who want to return home to the Church. Yes... I said Protestants! That's because about 50 percent of our families come from Protestant traditions who feel that something has been missing in their faith expression. They feel intimidated about going to a Roman Church, or again because of "mistakes" in their lives, feel they may be disqualified from "converting." When they discover the Sacramental Life, History, Heritage, Traditions, and the absolutely SCRIPTURAL way we do things in the United Free Catholic Church.... they soon are begging to be a part.
If you are interested in learning more, drop me a line or visit us at the United Free Catholic Church. May God bless you on your Journey of Faith.
Simply put... we are Christians who celebrate our faith in the historic Catholic way and tradition. Many folks are surprised to learn that there is more than one branch and expression of Catholicism in the world. We are just ONE of those branches and expressions, descended from the Old Catholics of Europe. We are not part of the Roman Catholic Church, nor under the jurisdiction of the Pope; however, being descended from the "Old Catholics," the historic relationship we have with Rome, which spans centuries, lends itself to recognition by the Vatican as being validly Catholic. This validity makes it possible for us to offer a valid alternative to Catholics and others, who, for one reason or another, have been displaced or disenfranchised from the Church.
Catholics today want a Church that is traditional, yet modern and progressive enough to meet the demands of our changing world. They want a Church that not only proclaims God’s love and forgiveness, but also demonstrates that same love and forgiveness to all people by welcoming them without penalty and without prejudice.
It’s sad, but many Catholics are not welcome to receive the Sacraments because they made a “mistake” in their life which "disqualifies them from full participation in the Church. For them, it’s often no Communion, no Baptism, no Marriage, and in some cases, not even a Catholic Funeral. Yes, they could apply for annulments and special dispensations, but then may have to pay and then wait – sometimes for years – before they have full access to the Sacraments.
Also, many Catholics today are frustrated by many of the outdated and outmoded ideas, like celibate Priests, no birth control, all the scandals they see in the news, and much more. They love the Church, love its Liturgy and Traditions, but wish too that the Church could find a way to modernize and speak to the needs of today's world.
The United Free Catholic Church provides these folks with an alternative that is indeed validly "Catholic" in every respect. We embrace the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds as our statements of Faith; celebrate the Seven Sacraments; gather for Mass every Sunday and on special Holy Days; and believe in the real and actual presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Communion.
Also, as stated above, we trace our heritage and ordinations through the Old Catholic Churches, which have enjoyed complete recognition by Rome for centuries. While we may not be part of the Roman Catholic Church, it must be clearly stated that we are not trying to undermine the authority of the Roman Church, nor are we trying to "compete" with our friends in the Roman Church. Quite the contrary! We regard the Roman Church with great respect and love as our brothers and sisters in Christ - including the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. Our mission is however, to reach out in love to those, who, for whatever reason, are not attending Church or receiving the Sacraments. We see ourselves as a sort of "Half-way House," providing a valid alternative to those whom we are able to "restore" to the life of Grace and Sacramental Faith. In fact, because we have helped get things straightened out for many individuals and families - including weddings and baptisms, several families have been able to return to a Roman Catholic Parish, without much difficulty at all when they leave the area.
And... even though we are not part of the Roman Catholic Church, and not under the direct jurisdiction of the Pope, the Vatican itself has recognized Churches like ours as being validly "Catholic" even if we are not in perfect communion with Rome. In the historic document entitled “Dominus Iesus”, signed by the Pope, the
"These 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, and are true particular Churches. 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."
The United Free Catholic Church does indeed meet these criteria, because our Clergy (Priests and Bishops) are validly ordained in this Apostolic Succession which traces its lineage all the way to the Apostles - beginning with Saint Peter; and we provide valid Sacraments, which are "recognized" by Rome.
So we are indeed a recognized and valid alternative for Catholics – as well as Protestants who want to return home to the Church. Yes... I said Protestants! That's because about 50 percent of our families come from Protestant traditions who feel that something has been missing in their faith expression. They feel intimidated about going to a Roman Church, or again because of "mistakes" in their lives, feel they may be disqualified from "converting." When they discover the Sacramental Life, History, Heritage, Traditions, and the absolutely SCRIPTURAL way we do things in the United Free Catholic Church.... they soon are begging to be a part.
If you are interested in learning more, drop me a line or visit us at the United Free Catholic Church. May God bless you on your Journey of Faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment