WHO WE ARE...
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 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.
For more on the history of PNCC click HERE.
Or you may watch:
For more on the history of PNCC click HERE.
Or you may watch:
Who can be a member of the National Catholic Church?
Although our Church has its roots in the 19th Century Polish immigration, our parish is made up of members of many ethnic backgrounds. Mass, the sermon and services are celebrated ONLY in English.
Bishop Francis (Franciszek) Hodur - our organizer
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 bishops and priests. Our beliefs are based on Holy Scripture, Christian Tradition and Church Ecumenical Synods.Franciszek Hodur (1866-1953), our first Prime Bishop, organized our Church in 1897 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Today, there are more than 25,000 members in America and Canada. There are five dioceses of National Catholic Church: Buffalo-Pittsburgh, Central, Eastern, Western and Canada.
How can we support your spiritual journey?
Everyone is always welcome to worship with us - our doors are open to all. People of all ethnic and 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.
Our Structure
Please click HERE and you will be brought to our national website to get the most accurate information regarding the structure of our Church.
Click HERE and you will be brought to the Eastern Diocese website. You will find more information about our diocese.
Click HERE and you will be brought to the Eastern Diocese website. You will find more information about our diocese.
What is the 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 on both parish and national levels of our Church, where our members (congregation) have a voice and vote in 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.
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 on both parish and national levels of our Church, where our members (congregation) have a voice and vote in 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
1. We are a Catholic Church rooted in Scripture, based on Tradition of early Church (first ten centuries), and accepting as dogmatic the first four Councils of the undivided Church which forms a unique expression of our Christian faith.
2. We are an Apostolic Church which preserves Apostolic Succession, meaning our present day bishops and priests extend in an unbroken line from the Apostles of Jesus Christ.
3. We are Holy Church founded by Jesus Christ.
4. We are a Sacramental Church which acknowledges the seven Sacraments:
Baptism and Confirmation; The Word of God, Heard and Preached; Penance; Holy Eucharist; Anointing of the Sick; Holy Orders; Holy Matrimony.
5. We are democratic church whose church property is owned and controlled by its members. Each parish sends its priest and elected lay delegates to diocesan and national Synods (assemblies) to vote on spiritual matters in addition to church policies and procedures. Individual parishes are governed by a Parish Committee elected by active members (parishioners) who also have the right to vote at annual Parish Meetings.
6. We are a non-papal church with a Prime Bishop elected by church members and the clergy. Our Prime Bishop heads the church nationally while regional leadership is given by the diocesan bishops.
7. We are a responsive church meeting our members' religious and spiritual needs through the celebration of Holy Mass and other religious services, and the administration of the sacraments. Many other groups within our church meet social and fellowship needs.
9. We are an ecumenical church cooperating with other churches and organizations to make our community a better place.
10. We are a counseling church whose pastors are available to help people experiencing spiritual, family or personal problems. Parishioners also extend moral and spiritual support to each other.
11. We are a worshipful church encouraging regular attendance at Mass on Sunday and holy days of obligation. Other religious services give members the opportunity to praise and honor God.
12. We are a welcoming church whose doors are open to everyone. No one is denied the freedom to worship with us. Those who share our beliefs are welcome to take part in the sacraments.