Our Church Explained in 2 Minutes
God is one in three divine persons: the Father, who created it all; the Son, who died for our sins and rose from the dead; the Holy Spirit, who regenerates and sanctifies souls.
The Son of God, who became man and died on the cross for our salvation, is always with believers who try to live according to His teachings.
The third person of the Blessed Trinity abides in the Church to teach, govern and sanctify its members.
The Holy Eucharist (Holy Mass) is the true central point of Catholic worship. The church expects all its members to join in the common worship of God and receive Holy Communion.
It is not easy in this short space to tell you all about the Church. We wish to make it clear that we are not a new Church. We adhere to the One Holy Catholic Church founded by Jesus Christ.
Bishop Hodur wrote in 1930s: „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 the United States looking for economic, political and also religious freedom
Formally, the Polish National Catholic Church was organized at Scranton, Pennsylvania, on March 14, 1897.
By 1904 over 25,000 people in five states joined the Polish Catholic Church.
The PNCC is the only American Church that is a member of the Union of Scranton.
Both the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox Churches recognize our Orders.
Beliefs are based on Holy Scripture, Christian Tradition and Church Ecumenical Synods.
GOD
God is one in Three Divine Persons, the Father, who created all; the Son, who died for our sins and rose from the dead; the Holy Spirit, who regenerates and sanctifies souls.
CHRIST
The Son of God was conceived through the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, died on the cross for our sins, the third day He rose again, ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity abides in the Church to teach, govern and sanctify its members.
HOLY MARY
From all eternity God chose Mary for the mother of His Son a daughter of Israel, a young Jewish woman of Nazareth in Galilee. (See Luke 1:26-27)
KINGDOM OF GOD
It is the duty of every Christian to help establish God’s kingdom on earth through the grace and virtue of love, justice and dedication to the will of God.
THE SOUL
It is immortal and ultimately destined for eternal life with God.
SALVATION
Faith in God and good works will save us from our sins.
THE CHURCH
The Church is made up of baptized Christians who worship together, partake of the sacraments, hear and obey the Word of God.
GOD AND NATIONS
God wishes all nations to act together in brotherhood and justice.
PARISH – OWNED PROPERTY
The people purchase, build and maintain their own Church property.
LANGUAGE OF WORSHIP
Masses are celebrated in the language of the people, so that all worshipers can understand God’s message.
CELIBACY
Since 1921, bishops and priests have been permitted to marry.
Loving God – Members should accept and obey Christ’s teaching, maintain a personal relationship with God, pray often and give Him glory by living a good life.
Sharing Faith – Members should actively take part in Church worship and listen sincerely to God’s Word. They should share the faith with others.
Obeying the Ten Commandments – They are God’s laws and show how to live a Christians life. By obeying them, Church members help strengthen the Kingdom of God on earth.
Partaking of the sacraments – The sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ for peoples sanctification and salvation. Active participation in them will help members to live a Christian life.
To the Church – Members should follow the principles of the Polish National Catholic Church give their time and talents to further Church and parish goals. Members need to contribute financially to the support of the Church. They should actively participate in Church affairs, vote on parish matters, serve on committee, etc.
To Society – Members should practice Christ’s ideas in their everyday lives; Be tolerant of others faith; Recognize everyone’s right to equality and opportunity; Be loyal to their country; Work for the good of all human beings; Rear children in the name of God and set Christian example for them.
We are a Catholic and Apostolic Church, preserving the faith, worship, structure and practice of the early Christian Church. Our doors are open to all and you are welcome to join us for Holy Mass and experience the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in your life.