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Funerals
FAQ |
Similarities
and Differences
We are connected
to the Roman Catholic Church through the episcopacy
and our common Faith as professed in the Nicene
Creed. The following compares the practice of the
Faith embraced by Saint Patrick Catholic Church with
the current practices of the Roman Catholic Church.
Like
the Roman Catholic Church, we believe in the
infallible teaching authority of the Universal
Church.
We know that this
teaching authority involves the ministry of the Pope.
Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, we believe that the
Pope cannot teach infallibly in the area of faith and
morals independent of any collaboration with the
college of bishops, with theologians, or without due
consideration of the sensus fidelium. In other words,
we believe infallible teaching is possible only when
the Pope, Patriarchs of the Orthodox Churches,
bishops of Apostolic Churches, and a representation
of the faithful make it a truly collegial process.
Like
the Roman Catholic Church, we celebrate as holy
traditions the Immaculate Conception and Assumption
of Mary.
Differing with
Roman Catholic doctrine, we do not hold these as
dogmas which must be absolutely accepted by all. This
is because they were proclaimed ex cathedra by Popes
outside of any collegial process.
Like the Roman
Catholic Church, bishops, priests, and deacons
serving in National Catholic parishes have been
ordained by bishops who can trace their origins back
to the Roman Catholic Church and to the Apostles.
This means our
celebration of the seven sacraments is
considered valid by the Roman Catholic
Church.
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Therefore, the
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered at Saint Patrick
Catholic Church is identical in validity and effect
with a Mass offered at any other Catholic Church.
Like
the Roman Catholic Church, we recognize clerical
celibacy as a beautiful gift which enhances the
ministry of those who freely choose it and which
bears a powerful witness to the glorious reign of
God.
Differing from
Roman Catholic discipline, however, our priests and
bishops may choose to marry. The grace and experience
of the Sacrament of Marriage can greatly increase the
efficacy of priestly ministry by transforming it into
a mutual ministry of both husband and wife, and
endowing it with added empathy and understanding.
Like
the Roman Catholic Church, we regret the tragedy of
divorce, but in light of the Gospels, we do not see
the exclusion of remarried Catholics from the
sacraments as consistent with the spirit of Christ's
ministry.
In our church, divorced
Catholics can celebrate marriage before a
priest more than once and live out their
marriage in full communion with the Church.
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When you attend
Mass at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, you are
welcomed to receive the Holy Eucharist at Mass, your
children are welcomed to the Sacraments of Initiation
and at the completion of earthly life, the dignity of
a Catholic Burial.
Like
the Roman Catholic Church, we see Baptism as the
sacrament of initiation which makes all of the other
sacraments available to us.
Unlike the Roman Catholic
Church, we welcome all baptized Christians to
join us in the reception of the sacraments of
Eucharist and Penance.
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Like
the Roman Catholic Church, couples in our parishes
realize that having children is an important purpose
of marriage, and that they must be responsible in
limiting the size of their families according to
their ability to provide for them.
Unlike the Roman
Catholic Church, we do not condemn the use of
artificial contraception as a means to achieve this
goal of responsible parenthood.
Like
the Roman Catholic Church, we respect and pray for
the Pope, whose ministry is one of preserving truth
and unity.
Unlike the Roman
Catholic Church, we see him as the first Bishop among
equal bishops. We are careful to respect, as well,
the teaching of St Thomas Aquinas which states that
we must follow our own certain conscience, even if in
so doing, we might be considered mistaken by Church
authority.
We love the
Catholic Church and are among those churches that
identify themselves as Catholic.
In
the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of the Second
Vatican Council, we read, "The Church knows
that she is joined in many ways to the baptized who
are honored by the name of Christian, but who ...
have not preserved unity or communion under the
successor of Peter. For there are many who hold
sacred scripture in honor as a rule of faith and of
life, who have a sincere religious zeal, who lovingly
believe in God, the Father Almighty, and in Christ,
the Son of God and the Savior, who are sealed by
baptism which unites them to Christ, and who indeed
recognize and receive other sacraments in their
Churches or ecclesiastical communities. Many of
them possess the episcopate, celebrate the Holy
Eucharist and cultivate devotion of the Virgin Mother
of God. There is furthermore a sharing in prayer and
spiritual benefits; these Christians are indeed in
some real way joined to us in the Holy Spirit for, by
his gifts and graces, his sanctifying power is also
active in them".
We hope that
this clarification will have answered all of your
questions, but for many others, on the contrary, it
will create many more new questions in your mind.
We would value an exchange of
ideas with you. Just give us a call. Msgr.
Durand will be more than happy to sit down
and spend some time with you.
You are always welcome to celebrate Mass with
us.
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