WHAT IS THE POLISH NATIONAL CATHOLIC CHURCH?



The Polish National Catholic Church is a CHRISTIAN DENOMINATION formed by Bishop Francis Hodur in 1897 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, which meets and serves not only the spiritual needs of its members, but it welcomes all people who wish to follow the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are a CATHOLIC and APOSTOLIC CHURCH, preserving the faith of the Apostles and having apostolic succession with an unbroken line of bishops from the Apostles of Jesus Christ, to the present day.



Who can be a member of the National Catholic Church?

Our church is made up of members with many ethnic backgrounds. Although our Church has its roots in the 19th Century Polish immigration. Today the church is made up of members with many ethnic backgrounds. Mass, the sermon and services are celebrated in English. In some parishes also in Polish and Spanish.

People of all ethnic, with various social backgrounds, from different faiths, those who have not been satisfied with their present religious situation, or even those who are divorced, all are always welcome! No one is denied the freedom to worship or take part in the Catholic Sacraments. Everyone is entitled to participate in all aspects of Christian life according to spiritual desires.

What is a difference between the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) and the National Catholic Church (NCC)?

Although we have the apostolic succession from the first apostles, we have differences of belief from the Roman Catholic Church.



1. We are a non-papal Church. We do not recognize Pope as the head of our Church.



2. The head of the National Catholic Church, our Prime Bishop is democratically elected by church members and clergy at the General Synod of our Church.



3. We have a democratic structure as well as on parish and national level of our Church, where the members, (congregation) have a voice and vote in the material church matters.



4. Our priests can marry. The Bible states that many of the Apostles were married including St. Peter. We believe our priests should be able to enjoy married life and raising a family.

Our Identity

It is a Catholic and Apostolic Church, preserving the faith of the Apostles and having apostolic succession with an unbroken line of bishops from the Apostles of Jesus Christ, to the present day bishops and priests.



IT IS A CATHOLIC CHURCH - rooted in Scripture, based on tradition and accepting the decisions of the first Seven Councils of the undivided Church.



IT IS AN APOSTOLIC CHURCH - preserving the Apostolic Succession and teachings of the Apostles.



IT IS A SACRAMENTAL CHURCH- which acknowledges Seven Sacraments: Baptism and Confirmation, The Word of God, Penance, Holy Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, Matrimony.



IT IS A WELCOMING CHURCH - our doors are open to all. Jesus Christ called all to be His followers. He said: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20) Everyone is welcome.



IT IS A RESPONSIVE CHURCH - meeting the religious needs of our faithful through Mass, the Sacraments and other services and their social needs through various service organizations.



IT IS A TEACHING CHURCH - having Communion and Confirmation classes for children and teens, a Sunday School to teach the faith. We also offer annual diocesan youth retreats and national youth convocations for our young people.



IT IS A DEMOCRATIC CHURCH - clergy and church members meet together at local, diocesan and national synods (conventions). Each parish sends elected delegates and their pastors, to decided church policies. Individual parishes are governed by a parish committee that is elected annually by the parishioners. This committee, together with the pastor, oversees the management of the parish.



IT IS AN ECUMENICAL CHURCH - cooperating with other churches to make our community a better place in which to live. At this time official dialogue is established between representatives of Anglican, Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches and the Polish National Catholic Church.



IT IS A COUNSELING CHURCH - we are available to help people who are having personal, spiritual or family problems. Parishioners offer moral and spiritual support.



IT IS A WORSHIPPING CHURCH - regular Mass attendance is encouraged on Sundays and holy days of obligation. Other Services also call us to give praise and honor to God.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT AND WORSHIP WITH US.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU

For additional information about the Polish National Catholic Church, please visit the following websites

www.pncc.org -or- www.easterndiocesepncc.org