Our community of Saint Paul the Apostle identifies itself as “Old Catholic” because we share in a Trinitarian-Eucharistic understanding rooted in Old Catholic tradition of what and how Church should be. Our Diocese is an ecclesial body of The Old Catholic Church, Province of the United States that descends from the Old Catholic Movement which became independent of the Roman Communion over conflicts with ever-expanding church authority and the doctrine of papal infallibility. These "Old" Catholics opposed, in conscience, what they regarded as an inauthentic and "new" Catholic teaching. Ancient synodal practice, the conciliarist movement and the Old Catholic tradition inform our way for life with one another, and so we identify ourselves as Old Catholics. We are a parish of choice.
We are Catholics vigorously defending and joyfully celebrating these distinctive characteristics as a Catholic Church:
We welcome you among us. Come, share our joy!
We are Catholics vigorously defending and joyfully celebrating these distinctive characteristics as a Catholic Church:
- Giving priests the freedom to embrace healthy, intimate relationships through holy union in marriage and the opportunity to establish families of their own.
- Giving women the opportunity to serve God’s people as ordained deacons, priests and bishops.
- Inviting the divorced and remarried back to the Sacraments and full life of the Church without need for ecclesiastical annulments.
- Entrusting couples with the responsibility of following their own consciences in regard to the use of artificial contraception.
- Celebrating the value of collegial decision-making and servant leadership honoring the distinct yet interdependent voices of laity, clergy, and bishop.
- Including all the baptized, whether Catholic, Orthodox or Protestant in the celebration of the Sacraments.
- Recognizing the dignity and beauty of all human beings regardless of their race, origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, or other characteristics.
- Striving for Gospel justice and compassion within the Church as well as throughout the world.
We welcome you among us. Come, share our joy!