WELCOME TO
HOLY CROSS PARISH
POLISH NATIONAL CATHOLIC CHURCH
ENFIELD, CONNECTICUT
We are honored that you are visiting our web site. Being a religious organization, we are always striving to find new ways to get our message out to current and prospective members. This web site allows us to reach people we may never have been able to contact before.
Please use this site to access the information you need about the church and as a resource for broadening your faith. We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you might have.
Please use this site to access the information you need about the church and as a resource for broadening your faith. We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you might have.
Mass is Celebrated on Saturday's at 4 PM
Fellowship Hour following Holy Mass
WHAT IS THE POLISH NATIONAL CATHOLIC CHURCH?
The Polish National Catholic
Church is a CHRISTIAN DENOMINATION formed by Bishop Francis
Hodur in 1897 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, which meets and serves not only the
spiritual needs of its members, but it welcomes all people who wish to follow
the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are
a CATHOLIC and APOSTOLIC CHURCH, preserving the faith of the
Apostles and having apostolic succession with an unbroken line of bishops
from the Apostles of Jesus Christ, to the present day.
Who can be a member of the National Catholic Church?
Our church is made up of members with many ethnic backgrounds. Although our Church has its roots in the 19th Century Polish immigration. Today the church is made up of members with many ethnic backgrounds. Mass, the sermon and services are celebrated in English. In some parishes also in Polish and Spanish.
People of all ethnic,
with various social backgrounds, from different faiths, those who have not been
satisfied with their present religious situation, or even those who are
divorced, all are always welcome! No one is denied the freedom to worship or
take part in the Catholic Sacraments. Everyone is entitled to participate in all
aspects of Christian life according to spiritual desires.
What is
a difference between the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) and the National Catholic
Church (NCC)?
Although we have the apostolic succession from the first apostles, we
have differences of belief from the Roman Catholic Church.
1. We are a non-papal Church. We do not recognize Pope as the head of our
Church.
2. The head of the National Catholic Church, our Prime Bishop is
democratically elected by church members and clergy at the General Synod
of our Church.
3. We have a democratic structure as well as on parish and national
level of our Church, where the members, (congregation) have a voice and vote in
the material church matters.
4. Our priests can marry. The Bible states that many of the Apostles were
married including St. Peter. We believe our priests should be able to enjoy
married life and raising a family.
Our Identity
It is a Catholic and Apostolic Church,
preserving the faith of the Apostles and having apostolic succession with an
unbroken line of bishops from the Apostles of Jesus Christ, to the present day
bishops and priests.
IT IS A CATHOLIC CHURCH - rooted in Scripture, based on
tradition and accepting the decisions of the first Seven Councils of the
undivided Church.
IT IS AN APOSTOLIC CHURCH - preserving the Apostolic
Succession and teachings of the Apostles.
IT IS A SACRAMENTAL CHURCH- which acknowledges Seven Sacraments:
Baptism and Confirmation, The Word of God, Penance, Holy Eucharist, Anointing
of the Sick, Holy Orders, Matrimony.
IT IS A WELCOMING CHURCH - our doors are open to all. Jesus Christ
called all to be His followers. He said: "Go therefore and make disciples
of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded
you." (Matthew 28:19-20) Everyone is welcome.
IT IS A RESPONSIVE CHURCH - meeting the religious needs of our
faithful through Mass, the Sacraments and other services and their social needs
through various service organizations.
IT IS A TEACHING CHURCH - having Communion and Confirmation classes
for children and teens, a Sunday School to teach the faith. We also offer
annual diocesan youth retreats and national youth convocations for our young
people.
IT IS A DEMOCRATIC CHURCH - clergy and church members meet together
at local, diocesan and national synods (conventions). Each parish sends elected
delegates and their pastors, to decided church policies. Individual parishes
are governed by a parish committee that is elected annually by the
parishioners. This committee, together with the pastor, oversees the management
of the parish.
IT IS AN ECUMENICAL CHURCH - cooperating with other churches
to make our community a better place in which to live. At this time official
dialogue is established between representatives of Anglican, Orthodox and Roman
Catholic Churches and the Polish National Catholic Church.
IT IS A COUNSELING CHURCH - we are available to help people
who are having personal, spiritual or family problems. Parishioners offer moral
and spiritual support.
IT IS A WORSHIPPING CHURCH - regular Mass attendance is
encouraged on Sundays and holy days of obligation. Other Services also call us
to give praise and honor to God.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT AND WORSHIP WITH US.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT
US.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU
For additional information about the Polish National Catholic Church, please visit the following websites
www.pncc.org -or- www.easterndiocesepncc.org
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