| INCARNATION OLD CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL PALM COAST, FLORIDA OF THE OLD CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA THE DIOCESE OF FLORIDA |
ABOUT US
The Petersburg Declaration
and
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Catholics:
The Petersburg Declaration
and
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Catholics:
Are You Catholic?
When people speak of Catholics today, they often mean Roman Catholics. However the term catholic was first used in the
letter of Saint Ignatius of Antioch to the Smyrnaeans (about AD 110) in reference to the “universal” church.
letter of Saint Ignatius of Antioch to the Smyrnaeans (about AD 110) in reference to the “universal” church.
The following is a definition for the word “catholic”: Catholic Abbr. C..
a . Of or involving the Roman Catholic Church.
b. Of or relating to the universal Christian church.
c. Of or relating to the ancient undivided Christian church.
d. Of or relating to those churches that have claimed to be representatives of the ancient undivided church.
a . Of or involving the Roman Catholic Church.
b. Of or relating to the universal Christian church.
c. Of or relating to the ancient undivided Christian church.
d. Of or relating to those churches that have claimed to be representatives of the ancient undivided church.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition [1]
There are in fact many Communions (Churches) that are part of the Catholic Church as they can trace their beliefs, teachings, and
origins to the ancient undivided Apostolic Church. One of the primary attributes of a Catholic Church is that each maintains a line
of Apostolic Succession in their clergy thus making them part of the “One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church” as proclaimed in
the Nicene Creed.
Some of these Communions are the Orthodox (Greek, Serbian, Russian, Coptic, and many more)
Anglican (Episcopal), and Old Catholic.
What is “Old Catholic ”?
The Old Catholic Church traces it roots to the 7th century. It was during this time when the church was one and undivided
that the Anglo-Saxon monk Willibrord missionized the area of Europe now known as the Netherlands and France. The name "Old
Catholic" began to come into use in 1741 when the Church in Utrecht turned from Rome and began to refer to call themselves as
Roman Catholics of the “Old Episcopal Clergy” (Old Catholics).
origins to the ancient undivided Apostolic Church. One of the primary attributes of a Catholic Church is that each maintains a line
of Apostolic Succession in their clergy thus making them part of the “One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church” as proclaimed in
the Nicene Creed.
Some of these Communions are the Orthodox (Greek, Serbian, Russian, Coptic, and many more)
Anglican (Episcopal), and Old Catholic.
What is “Old Catholic ”?
The Old Catholic Church traces it roots to the 7th century. It was during this time when the church was one and undivided
that the Anglo-Saxon monk Willibrord missionized the area of Europe now known as the Netherlands and France. The name "Old
Catholic" began to come into use in 1741 when the Church in Utrecht turned from Rome and began to refer to call themselves as
Roman Catholics of the “Old Episcopal Clergy” (Old Catholics).
It is this earlier “undivided” Christianity that was taught to the people in this part of the world and it is that “undivided” Church
that Old Catholics seek to restore.
Are you in communion with the Roman Catholic Church?
No. The Old Catholic Churches separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the late 19th century over the refusal to accept the
dogma of Papal Infallibility. [2] Old Catholic sacraments are, however, recognized by the Roman Catholic Church as being valid.
The Canons of both the Roman Catholic Church and the Old Catholic Churches make provision for their members to receive
sacraments from the other church as necessary.
Old Catholic - does that mean your Mass is in Latin?
No. The name Old Catholic was chosen to signify the desire of the Church to return to the traditions and teachings of the
undivided Church prior to the great schism of 1054. Our services are conducted in the language of the people.
In addition each parish is allowed to use a rite that suites the local congregation. For example some parishes may use the
current Roman Rite, others the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, others the Old Catholic Rites of the European
Churches, etc.
Since you are not under the authority of the Pope then who is the head of your church?
Jesus Christ is the head of the Church and as proclaimed by the Early Church Fathers; the Holy Spirit is the Vicar of Christ.
However, our parishes and clergy, like all other Catholic Communions, are under the guidance and authority of a Bishop.
Our denomination maintains valid lines of Apostolic Succession, which can be traced to the ancient and undivided church. All clergy
in the OCCNA are ordained by the “laying on of hands”.
current Roman Rite, others the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, others the Old Catholic Rites of the European
Churches, etc.
Since you are not under the authority of the Pope then who is the head of your church?
Jesus Christ is the head of the Church and as proclaimed by the Early Church Fathers; the Holy Spirit is the Vicar of Christ.
However, our parishes and clergy, like all other Catholic Communions, are under the guidance and authority of a Bishop.
Our denomination maintains valid lines of Apostolic Succession, which can be traced to the ancient and undivided church. All clergy
in the OCCNA are ordained by the “laying on of hands”.
I noticed that you are married. How can this be?
Celibacy was not required in the Roman Communion until the 13th century. Celibacy is not required in most of the other
Catholic Communions. Our bishops believe that to refuse the full sacerdotal ministry to a married individual is to act in a
manner as to limit whom God may call to His service.
Do you allow women to be ordained?
Yes. Once again our bishops believe that to refuse the full sacerdotal ministry to an individual is to act in a manner as
to limit whom God may call to His service.
My spouse is not Catholic may they receive Eucharist/Communion?
Yes. The OCCNA believes that any person Baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a member of the
body of Christ (Church) and therefore may receive Communion.
I am divorced and remarried may I receive Communion?
Yes. While the OCCNA looks upon matrimony as a sacrament, and believes that marriage should be a lifelong commitment
between a man and a woman we do realize though that situations will arise that will lead to divorce. It is our opinion that to
refuse Communion to a divorced individual who is sincerely seeking to repent and turn to Christ is to inflict additional
emotional pain and suffering.
Do I have to go to confession?
If you are asking if you must confess and repent of your sins to be forgiven – then the answer is yes.
If you are asking must you confess your sins before a priest to be forgiven then the answer is no. The OCCNA teaches that the
sacrament of Reconciliation is provided in both the General Confession and Absolution, which is included in the Mass, and through
private confession to either a Priest or Bishop. It is our belief that the INTENT (sincerity) of the individual takes precedent over form.
What is the Incarnation?
The Incarnation refers to Jesus Christ's coming "in the flesh." The eternal Son of God the Father assumed to Himself a
complete human nature from the Virgin Mary. He was and is One Divine Person, fully possessing from God the Father, the
entirety of the divine nature, and in His coming in the flesh fully possessing a human nature from the Virgin Mary.
By His Incarnation, the Son forever possesses two natures in His one Person. The Son of God, limitless in His Divine
nature, voluntarily and willingly accepted limitation in His humanity in which He experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, and
ultimately, death.
nature, voluntarily and willingly accepted limitation in His humanity in which He experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, and
ultimately, death.
The Incarnation is indispensable to Christianity....There is no Christianity without it. The Scriptures record,
"Every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God" (1 John 4:3). By His Incarnation, the
Son of God redeemed human nature, a redemption made accessible to all who are joined to Him in His glorified humanity. [3]
WHY is name of the CATHEDRAL "Incarnation?"
The name of the Cathedral was chosen as "Incarnation" because it is the central focal point in our salvation history. Without the
incarnation, Jesus could not have been born of the Virgin Mary. It is the Incarnation that brings about the Paschal Mystery.
What does the OCCNA teach about abortion?
The OCCNA considers abortion at any time during the pregnancy to be the taking of a life. We encourage any woman faced with
an unwanted pregnancy to consider adoption over abortion. We realize that at times a woman is faced with making a decision
about a pregnancy that could result in harm, or even loss of life, to herself consult with qualified professionals and clergy
prior to making her decision. The OCCNA will never turn away a woman who has had an abortion from the loving embrace of
Jesus.
Do you have the same Sacraments as the Roman Catholic Church?
Yes, we profess and provide seven sacraments. They are:
Baptism:
The means of spiritual rebirth through which we are made children of God and heirs of Heaven: ``Amen, amen I say to thee,
unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.'' (John 3:5. Also see Acts
2:38, Rom. 6:2-6).
Confirmation:
Confers the Holy Spirit to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ: ``Now when the apostles, who
were in Jerusalem, had heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John. Who, when they
were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.... Then they laid their hands upon them, and they received
the Holy Ghost."(Acts 8:14-17. Also see Acts 19:6).
Eucharist:
Also known as Holy Communion, which nourishes the soul with the true Flesh and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus, under the
appearance, or sacramental veil, of bread and wine: ``And whilst they were eating, Jesus took bread; and blessing, broke, and
gave to them, and said: Take ye. This is my body. And having taken the chalice, giving thanks, he gave it to them. And they all
drank of it. And he said to them: This is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many.''
(Mark 14:22-24. Also see Matt. 26:26-28, Luke 22:19-20, John 6:52-54, 1 Cor. 10:16).
Reconciliation:
Also known as Confession, through which Christ forgives sin and restores the soul to grace: ``Receive ye the Holy Ghost.
Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. '' (John 20:22-23. Also
see Matt. 18:18).
Anointing:
Sometimes called Unction, which strengthens the sick and sanctifies the dying: ``Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in
the priests of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord . . . and if he be in, sins,
they shall be forgiven him.'' (James 5:14-15. Also see Mark 6:12-13).
Holy Orders:
Empowers priests to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, administer the sacraments, and officiate over all the other
proper affairs ery high priest taken from among men, is ordained for men in the things that pertain to God, that he may offer up
gifts and sacrifices for sins...Neither doth any man take the honor to himself, but he that is called by God, as Aaron was.''
(Heb. 5:1-4. Also see Acts 20:28, 1 Tim. 4:14). Also:And taking bread, he gave thanks, and broke; and gave to them, saying: This is my
Body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me.'' (Luke 22:19)
Marriage
Unites a man and woman in a holy bond: ``For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and
they two shall be in one flesh. Therefore now they are not two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together,
let no man put asunder.''(Matt. 19:5-6. Also see Mark 10:7-9, Eph. 5:22-32).
[1] Excerpted from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition © 1996 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Electronic version licensed from
INSO Corporation; further reproduction and distribution in accordance with the Copyright Law of the United States. All rights reserved.
[2] Old Catholics, Christian denomination organized in Munich in 1871 by Roman Catholics who protested the dogma, proclaimed the previous year by Vatican Council I, of
the personal infallibility of the pope in all ex cathedral pronouncements. Excerpted from Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2000
[3] Excerpted from The History and Beliefs of Old Catholicism and the Old Catholic Church of North America.
Nesmith, Rt. Rev Michael. (Clarkesville, TN: February 19, 2004).
INSO Corporation; further reproduction and distribution in accordance with the Copyright Law of the United States. All rights reserved.
[2] Old Catholics, Christian denomination organized in Munich in 1871 by Roman Catholics who protested the dogma, proclaimed the previous year by Vatican Council I, of
the personal infallibility of the pope in all ex cathedral pronouncements. Excerpted from Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2000
[3] Excerpted from The History and Beliefs of Old Catholicism and the Old Catholic Church of North America.
Nesmith, Rt. Rev Michael. (Clarkesville, TN: February 19, 2004).
© Incarnation Old Catholic CATHEDRAL 2007
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The Petersburg Declaration
The Petersburg Declaration is the Basic Articulation of our Faith as Independent Old Catholics within
The Old Catholic Church of North America.
In the Name of God, and for the more certain preservation and security of the principles of our Faith as independent Old
Catholics ; and expanding on the work done by those venerable Bishops of the early Union of Utrecht, from whom we are
Apostolically descended; and in the ecumenical spirit of the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral of 1886 and 1888; we do
hereby set forth this Declaration of Principles which shall guide and govern this Church, and all those who seek to affiliate with
her. As independent Catholics in the Old Catholic tradition, we hereby declare our firm resolution and immutable ascent to the
following:
1. A belief in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible as God’s Holy Word.
2. A belief that Eternal Salvation comes only by and through faith in Jesus Christ.
3. A belief that all things necessary to Salvation are contained in the pages of the Bible.
4. A belief in the ancient professions of faith contained in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds.
5. A belief that all of the Seven Sacraments are clearly instituted by Christ; these are Baptism, Confirmation, The Holy
Eucharist, Penance, The Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. We believe that the Seven Sacraments touch
all the stages and important moments of Catholic Christian Life. They give birth and increase, healing and mission to the
Christian Life of Faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and spiritual life. ( CCC #1210)
6. A belief that all the Sacraments of the Church are open to all the people of God, and that Holy Orders are validly conferred
on both men and women who have been called by God to serve the Church.
7. A belief in the real and actual presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
8. A belief that God forgives all sin; and that when sincere repentance and confession are made, nothing in a person’s past
can impede or disqualify them from full participation in the life of the Church and in the receiving of the Sacraments.
9. A belief in the three-fold orders of ministry, namely, Bishops, Priests and Deacons; and that these orders are valid only
when Form, Matter, and Intent are clearly evident, and when publicly conferred at the hands of duly consecrated Bishops in a
recognized Apostolic Line of Succession.
10. A belief that all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons are free to marry and have families of their own, within the context of
marriage as set forth by the Holy Scriptures.
11. A belief that the pronouncements of the first Seven Ecumenical Councils of the undivided Catholic Church are to be
received and embraced fully; and that they shall stand forever as the defining articles of our Catholic Faith and expression.
12. A belief that the pronouncements contained in the Fourteen Theses of the Old Catholic Union dated September 1874, and
the Declaration of Utrecht dated September 1889 are the very expressions of Old Catholicism; and that any departure from or
change to the letter, spirit, or intent thereof, is itself a departure from the Old Catholic Faith. These pronouncements include,
but are not limited to:
a. A rejection of the infallibility of the Pope;
b. A rejection that the Pope is the universal Bishop for all Catholics.
c. A belief that Christ alone was conceived without sin, and that all other humans are in need of redemption from sin made
possible only by His atoning sacrifice, once and for all.
Embraced, Approved, and Ratified by the Presiding Bishop of the Old Catholic Church Of North America
and issued on the 22nd Day of July, 2011.
+ Rouville M. Fisher III M.Div, DD,
Presiding Bishop
Old Catholic Church of North America
The Petersburg Declaration is the Basic Articulation of our Faith as Independent Old Catholics within
The Old Catholic Church of North America.
In the Name of God, and for the more certain preservation and security of the principles of our Faith as independent Old
Catholics ; and expanding on the work done by those venerable Bishops of the early Union of Utrecht, from whom we are
Apostolically descended; and in the ecumenical spirit of the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral of 1886 and 1888; we do
hereby set forth this Declaration of Principles which shall guide and govern this Church, and all those who seek to affiliate with
her. As independent Catholics in the Old Catholic tradition, we hereby declare our firm resolution and immutable ascent to the
following:
1. A belief in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible as God’s Holy Word.
2. A belief that Eternal Salvation comes only by and through faith in Jesus Christ.
3. A belief that all things necessary to Salvation are contained in the pages of the Bible.
4. A belief in the ancient professions of faith contained in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds.
5. A belief that all of the Seven Sacraments are clearly instituted by Christ; these are Baptism, Confirmation, The Holy
Eucharist, Penance, The Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. We believe that the Seven Sacraments touch
all the stages and important moments of Catholic Christian Life. They give birth and increase, healing and mission to the
Christian Life of Faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and spiritual life. ( CCC #1210)
6. A belief that all the Sacraments of the Church are open to all the people of God, and that Holy Orders are validly conferred
on both men and women who have been called by God to serve the Church.
7. A belief in the real and actual presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
8. A belief that God forgives all sin; and that when sincere repentance and confession are made, nothing in a person’s past
can impede or disqualify them from full participation in the life of the Church and in the receiving of the Sacraments.
9. A belief in the three-fold orders of ministry, namely, Bishops, Priests and Deacons; and that these orders are valid only
when Form, Matter, and Intent are clearly evident, and when publicly conferred at the hands of duly consecrated Bishops in a
recognized Apostolic Line of Succession.
10. A belief that all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons are free to marry and have families of their own, within the context of
marriage as set forth by the Holy Scriptures.
11. A belief that the pronouncements of the first Seven Ecumenical Councils of the undivided Catholic Church are to be
received and embraced fully; and that they shall stand forever as the defining articles of our Catholic Faith and expression.
12. A belief that the pronouncements contained in the Fourteen Theses of the Old Catholic Union dated September 1874, and
the Declaration of Utrecht dated September 1889 are the very expressions of Old Catholicism; and that any departure from or
change to the letter, spirit, or intent thereof, is itself a departure from the Old Catholic Faith. These pronouncements include,
but are not limited to:
a. A rejection of the infallibility of the Pope;
b. A rejection that the Pope is the universal Bishop for all Catholics.
c. A belief that Christ alone was conceived without sin, and that all other humans are in need of redemption from sin made
possible only by His atoning sacrifice, once and for all.
Embraced, Approved, and Ratified by the Presiding Bishop of the Old Catholic Church Of North America
and issued on the 22nd Day of July, 2011.
+ Rouville M. Fisher III M.Div, DD,
Presiding Bishop
Old Catholic Church of North America
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