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Funerals
FAQ |
FAQ
Many
people have similar questions to ask, especially in regard to this
parish's relationship with the Roman Catholic Diocese of
Providence. To address these questions, we have prepared this FAQ
page on this web site.
Is Saint Patrick Catholic Church part of
the Diocese of Providence?
No, this parish is totally independent of the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Providence and is a parish of the Diocese of
Philadelphia led by the Most Reverend Donald J Buttenbusch, our
Diocesan bishop.
How can this parish call itself a
"Catholic" parish, and not be part of the Diocese of Providence?
It is a mistake to believe that only Roman Catholic parishes can
be called Catholic, for this is not the case at all. Both Eastern
Orthodox and National Catholic parishes hold an equal footing in
Catholicism with Roman Catholic parishes. Both have complete
validity of orders and sacramental recognition by the Vatican.
This is nothing new and has always been the case.
In fact, this very question was addressed in the Catechism of the
Catholic Church where it was stated that Rome acknowledges other
churches which have a legitimate claim to their Catholic roots and
validity and equality of sacraments with the Roman Catholic
Church.
Is this National Catholic Church in
Communion with the Roman Catholic Church?
Saint Patrick Catholic Church is not in communion with its
neighboring Roman Catholic parishes.
Is this true of all National Catholic
parishes?
No, this is not the case. The Roman Catholic Church has recently
reached an accord allowing sacramental Communion with the Polish
National Catholic Church. In fact, this is noted on the back page
of the parish worship books. Intercommunion between the two
churches is totally accepted.
What is different about Saint Patrick
Catholic Church as opposed to a Polish National Catholic Church
parish? Why were they accepted and not Saint Patrick's?
There is no fundamental difference between Saint Patrick Catholic
Church and any Polish National Catholic parish. Their
establishment is identically legitimate, both churches coming from
Roman Catholic lineage of hierarchy. The only difference between
the two is that the Polish National Catholic Church is a
relatively large church, and, to be frank, the late Pope John Paul
II was of polish ancestry. In short, the only difference is
political.
Should I be concerned that Saint Patrick
Catholic Church is not in Communion with its neighboring Roman
Catholic parishes?
Yes and no. There is no easy answer to what is essentially a
deeply personal question. One could legitimately claim that three
quarters of Rhode Island Catholics are not in Communion with the
Roman Catholic Church. This statement bears some explanation.
The Roman Catholic Church sees "Communion" as the end result of
being in conformity with all of its disciplines and rules. First
you accomplish all things correctly, and you are then and only
then, rewarded with the "Bread of Angels".
Over half of Rhode Island's population is divorced; by extension,
this applies to its Catholic population as well. Most of these are
also remarried without annulment, placing them out of Communion
with the Roman Catholic Church. Couples living together without
marriage, practicing birth control, who have not gone to
Confession while in a state of sin and who find themselves at odds
with the Roman Catholic Church's stand on any number of issues,
are all in a state of being out of Communion with Rome.
Remember, you must abide and agree with all disciplines and rules
of the Roman Catholic Church before you are allowed to receive
Communion. When out of Communion with the Roman Catholic Church
you are entitled no spiritual benefit whatever, other than the
privilege of supporting a parish you cannot receive any spiritual
benefit from. This is nothing new; this is the way it has always
been.
Is Saint Patrick Catholic Church
different in their communion practices?
Yes it is. We realize that your life on earth is a journey with
its focus upon a life in eternity with God. In order to make this
long journey, you will require nourishment, spiritual nourishment
from God aiding in your journey. We do not ask for perfection
before allowing Communion, we provide Communion as a means to
strength for the journey with the knowledge that we are all
unworthy and sinners trying to come to terms with a loving God who
understands us, accepts us and loves us in spite of our many
faults and failings.
Who may receive Communion in Saint
Patrick Catholic Church?
All who are baptized with a knowledge and belief that Christ is
actually present in the Eucharist may receive Communion.
Both the Catechism of the Catholic Church
and also Roman Catholic Canon Law allow for Roman Catholics to
receive Communion in other Catholic churches and from other
Catholic ministers when there is a specific reason necessitating
this action.
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