Guest WeingartDude Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 I have a question. A good friend of mine attends an independent non-Roman Catholic church. Sometimes I attend a mass with him at his Church just to shop support. In fact I never let that mass count as my Sunday obligation. What is the teaching regarding me, a Roman Catholic receiving communion in his Church? I know the teaching regarding receiving communion in a protestant church and vise versa but is an independent Catholic Church considered protestant? In fact the independent Catholics believe the same way we do in regards to the Blessed Sacrament. I would appreciate any answers! While I'm at it...thought I would always seek the sacrament of penance from a Roman Catholic confessor...what does our Church teach in regards to the sacrament of Penance in an independent Catholic Church? Thanks for your help! PaX Christi! Eddie Weingart <>< "Follow Me" - XP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatholicCid Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 A Priest needs faculties from the local Bishop to hear confessions. I'm assuming an independent Catholic Church isn't actually in Communion with the Church, so the local Bishop would grant them faculties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alicemary Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 I know that others on phatmass will let you know more about this, but I attended, for a short time, some services at an independent catholic church...believe it was called an American Catholic. It was interesting, and I went to support a friend, who I was happy was attending ANY church. It never felt right to me. I recieved their communion, but I did not believe in my heart it was the TRUE body and blood of our Lord. They had woman priests, and they were both lesbian. It was interesting, but did not appeal to me. I do not think confessing there would be a good idea. It is not Roman catholic and do not have the same rules. On the other hand, the leaders were very interested in the people and gave some great sermons. They had some great fellowship among them and a true caring. Also the congragation was small, only about 15 people attended, so I really liked that. Our Mass is jam packed, far too many people. Just know where your heart lies, be sure of your faith. Like I said, I just never felt that this was 'authentic' so stopped going. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melporcristo Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 JMJ I wouldn't recieve communion at this church, nor confession. Just like what CatholicCid said, if it ain't reppin the Pope, don't even mess with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoffeeCatholic Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Catholic churches not in communion with Rome that have a proper understanding of holy orders do have the true presence. These include most Greek and Russian Orthodox churches. Your pastor can tell you more specifically which ones. At these churches, if you are obliged to go (there are no other churches in communion with Rome in the area) you may receive communion. However, you probably will be denied the sacrament as most priests in these denominations do not look kindly on Roman Catholics. However, any other Catholic church not in communion with Rome- like the Anglican Catholic for instance- that does not have a proper understanding of holy orders does not have the sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Therefore you should not receive communion at these communities. In fact, unless you are going with the express purpose of attempting to bring your friend into the one true church, you shouldn't really be attending, but then again, I'm not your spiritual director. If you have received communion, be sure to go to confession before receiving the Eucharist at your church. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeschoolmom Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 How can a church be both "independent" and "catholic" at the same time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatholicCid Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 (edited) [quote name='CatholicCid' post='1605721' date='Jul 23 2008, 12:01 AM']A Priest needs faculties from the local Bishop to hear confessions. I'm assuming an independent Catholic Church isn't actually in Communion with the Church, [b]so the local Bishop would grant them faculties[/b].[/quote] Typo: so the local Bishop wouldn't grant them faculties. (Confessions aren't valid). Edited July 23, 2008 by CatholicCid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StColette Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 [quote name='homeschoolmom' post='1605859' date='Jul 23 2008, 09:26 AM']How can a church be both "independent" and "catholic" at the same time?[/quote] Independent Catholic Churches are also known to us as the Old Catholic Church. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeschoolmom Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Yes, I know, but how can a church call itself "independent" (meaning "we are on our own") and "catholic" (meaning "universal"). It's an oxymoron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatherineM Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 20 years ago in my old testament class, there was a priest from the Ecumenical Catholic Church who invited me to come see his service. It seemed very high church, almost Byzantine, but I found out later that almost everyone there was gay. I remembered thinking at the time that I hoped no one I knew saw me coming out of the place. And no, I didn't receive communion there. I went out of curiosity more than anything. We had a ceremony for the pastoral ministry program in the pastoral center that the archbishop was presiding at, and this priest was invited, but the nun who was director of the program asked him to please not wear a clerical collar because she was afraid the archbishop would see him, and ask him to come up and co-celebrate. I think she was afraid of having to answer too many questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StColette Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 [quote name='homeschoolmom' post='1605975' date='Jul 23 2008, 11:34 AM']Yes, I know, but how can a church call itself "independent" (meaning "we are on our own") and "catholic" (meaning "universal"). It's an oxymoron.[/quote] I've never heard them called Independent. I've always known them as Old Catholics. They have very liberal Theology. Micah and I were discussing them a few days ago. If I remember correctly he said that they are considered heretics and do not have valid sacraments. WeingartDude, if that is true, that they are heretics which I believe I remember correctly, then I would avoid going to their church altogether. It could put yourself in the danger of causing scandal to fellow faithful Catholics. It could also give the Old Catholics the impression that you approve of their heresy, which as a Catholic you should not. edited for clarification. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeschoolmom Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 If you're addressing me, I don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommas_boy Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Because the Church claims to be "independant" of Rome, they are in schism, and therefore are not "in communion" with Rome. If they are not "in communion" with Rome, then you cannot receive communion from them. So long as their priests are ordained by a validly consecrated bishop, their sacraments are valid, but you should not partake in these sacraments, unless in dire need (ie. imminent death). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StColette Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 [quote name='homeschoolmom' post='1606035' date='Jul 23 2008, 12:34 PM']If you're addressing me, I don't.[/quote] Wasn't addressing you lol was addressing the topic in general lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StColette Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 [quote name='mommas_boy' post='1606037' date='Jul 23 2008, 12:36 PM']Because the Church claims to be "independant" of Rome, they are in schism, and therefore are not "in communion" with Rome. If they are not "in communion" with Rome, then you cannot receive communion from them. So long as their priests are ordained by a validly consecrated bishop, their sacraments are valid, but you should not partake in these sacraments, unless in dire need (ie. imminent death).[/quote] As I stated above, if I remember correctly this group isn't only schismatic but is heretical. They have no issue with ordaining women to the priesthood or diaconate. And they have ordained women to the priesthood and diaconate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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