Our Catholic identity involves connection, which is manifest in the life of the church in many ways. We are connected with God through our relationship with him and with one another. We strengthen our connections by worshipping together, by serving together, and by forming family together.
Our connections are supported through the sacred text we share (the Bible), the ancient words that explain our faith (the Creeds), and through the form of worship we share (the Liturgy). These connect us to the rich and vibrant history of the Church of ages past, but also to millions of Christians worldwide who are likewise connected through these ancient practices and texts.
While we are connected to many through these general bonds, we are also particularly connected, through our bishop and distinctive practices, to the worldwide congregations which form the Communion of International Catholic Communities, of which the American Catholic Communities is a member diocese.
Our worldwide fellowship and its American expression have roots in the ancient Church, and its own distinct story begins in the Middle Ages...
MEDIEVAL ORIGINS
After the Great Schism, which separated the Eastern and Western portions of the Christian Church (which we commonly call Orthodox and Catholic today), the Church in the Netherlands was granted a decree of self-governance by Pope Eugene III. This decree allowed the Archdiocese of Utrecht to elect and consecrate its own bishops without the approval of the Pope. This decree was confirmed by subsequent popes and councils through the 1700's.
The state of affairs in the Catholic Church, however, changed drastically after the Reformation, As a result, Utrecht's unique, perpetual decree wound up in the crosshairs of the complex relationship between the Protestant Dutch government, the Jesuit order, and the Papacy itself. Ultimately, when the First Vatican Council endorsed the dogmatic decree concerning Papal Infallibility, several European church bodies sought alignment with the Archbishop of Utrecht to ensure the validity of their ordinations and sacraments. Because they sought to preserve the original Catholic faith, they became known as Old Catholics.
CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE
Over the century and a half since the solidification of the Old Catholic movement, many bodies have formed in the stream of Old Catholicism. Saint Mary's is affiliated with the Communion of International Catholic Communities through its local diocese, known as the American Catholic Communities. We celebrate the same Sacraments as the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, but bring a unique welcoming and openness to our parishes. We are a contemporary, yet biblically-faithful expression of Catholicism; one in which all of God's baptized children who are repentant and seeking to lead godly lives are welcome at the Lord's Table, regardless of denominational affiliation. We seek to balance ancient belief and practice with the needs of contemporary society in addressing the pastorally sensitive issues of the twenty-first century.
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
What you have read here is a very simple overview of the history which lead to the formation of our international body, and our local faith community. However, we don't want you to take our word it!
1976 - Pope Paul VI and Archbishop Glazmaker of Utrecht sign a mutual declaration recognizing the Catholic nature of one another's Churches, and the validity of one another’s Sacraments.
2000 - Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (the future Pope Benedict XVI) authors, and Pope John Paul issues the declaration Dominus Iesus. The declaration classifies Old Catholics in the same manner as the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The text reads, “...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.” The document goes on to affirm, "...the Church of Christ is present and operative also in these Churches, even though they lack full communion with the (Roman) Catholic Church..."
2014 - Pope Francis, meeting with Old Catholic bishops of Europe, delivered an address, stating: “It has been possible to build new bridges of a more profound mutual understanding and practical co-operation. Convergences and consensus have been found, and differences have been better identified and set in new contexts.” He added that the separation between the two had been triggered by grave sins and human faults on both sides, but that mutual forgiveness and humble repentance are key for reconciliation.
IN SHORT
First and foremost, we are Christians... confessing YAHWEH, the one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We are Catholic, but not Roman Catholic.
Our clergy are ordained in lines of historic apostolic succession, tracing back to the apostles of Jesus.
Our sacraments are recognized as valid by the Roman Catholic Church, through we are not in 'perfect communion' with one another at this time.
We recognize all baptized Christians, regardless of denominational affiliation, as brothers and sisters in Christ, and welcome them to the Eucharistic feast.
We approach contemporary issues in ways that seek to balance modern needs and compassionate love with fidelity to God's Word and the ancient practices of the Church.
