What is the National Catholic Church?

"As a human organization, the Polish National Catholic Church came into existence among the Polish people in emigration in America in 1897 but, as a Divine Institution, it existed from its establishment by Jesus Christ in Jerusalem" (Catechism of PNCC). In the 19th century many Polish people immigrated to United States looking for economic, political and also religious freedom. The majority of these immigrants were adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, but groups of them decided to separate from their Roman Catholic Diocese, not because of matters of faith or morals, but over the management and administration of parishes, particularly the ownership of parish property. Led by a charismatic young priest, Fr. Francis Hodur, the movement quickly spread with Divine guidance. By 1904 over 20,000 people in five states joined the Polish National Catholic Church. Fr. Hodur was elected as the first Bishop of the Polish National Catholic Church and, in 1907, he was consecrated by three bishops of the Old Catholic Church, in Utrecht, Holland.

The Church continued its traditional Catholic practices, but even in those early years of the last century it was courageous in its innovation: pioneering Mass in the vernacular, Mass facing the people, communion under both kinds, stressing the importance and necessity for lay participation in church organization, and allowing priests to marry. Many of these features were later adopted by the Roman Catholic Church, with the major exception of the married priesthood and ownership of church facilities. The PNCC’s validity as a part of Christ’s Universal Church, however, has never been in question and both the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox Churches recognize our Orders and the validity of our sacraments.

Simply put, the National Catholic Church is:

A CATHOLIC CHURCH... rooted in Scripture, based on tradition, and accepting as dogmatic the first Seven Councils of the undivided Christian Church.

AN APOSTOLIC CHURCH... preserving the Apostolic Succession, an unbroken line of bishops from the Apostles of Jesus Christ to the present day bishops and priests.

A SACRAMENTAL CHURCH..., which acknowledges Seven Sacraments: 1. Baptism and Confirmation 2. The Word of God 3. Penance 4. Holy Eucharist 5. Holy Unction 6. Holy Orders 7. Matrimony

A TEACHING CHURCH... using catechetics for children and teens; School of Christian Living, a Sunday School for all ages to impart the rich heritage left by Christ to all; and a Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults who wish to be baptized in the church.

A DEMOCRATIC CHURCH... in which clergy and laity interact responsibly in church policy and management with a voice in parochial and Seniorate, Diocesan and General Synods.

A RESPONSIVE CHURCH... meeting the spiritual needs of its faithful through Mass and the Sacraments and accommodating their social needs through various service organizations.

AN ECUMENICAL CHURCH... reaching into the community and cooperating with other Churches to improve community life. At this time much positive dialogue is going on between representatives of Polish National Catholic Church and other Christian denominations, particularly our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters.

A COUNSELING CHURCH... If you are having family, personal, religious problems, if you are looking for moral or spiritual support, maybe we can help you.

A WORSHIPPING CHURCH... where regular Mass attendance is encouraged on Sunday, the Lord's Day. Other Holy Days of obligation and services call us to give praise and honor to God.

A PENITENTIAL CHURCH... where the Sacrament of Penance is given by private confession to children until their 16th birthday, after which, Penance is given in general form to all at the opening of the Mass.

A FRIENDLY CHURCH... where all parish members join in welcoming and enlarging their circle of Christian fellowship with each new parishioner.
For additional information about the Polish National Catholic Church, please visit the following web site:

www.pncc.org