St. John the Baptist is a parish of the Central Diocese of the Polish National Catholic Church
What is the Polish National Catholic Church?
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. Our organizer, Bishop Francis 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.”
In the 19th century many people immigrated to the United States including Poles, looking for economic, political and religious freedom. They faced persecution, economic struggles, and in their churches they were forced to give up their well established and long held religious traditions. They were seen as “contributors” in their parishes and were given no say over how their sacrifices were used. They stood up and decided to organize a Church that maintained its historic faith while simultaneously being democratic. A Church in which each member, men and women, had a voice and a vote.
The Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC) was organized at Scranton, Pennsylvania, on March 14, 1897. By 1904 over 20,000 people in five states joined the Church. The PNCC was the sole American Church to be a member of the Old Catholic Union of Utrecht through late 2003 when it broke bonds with those Churches over their departure from traditional Catholic teaching. The Church is now a member of the Union of Scranton. The Church’s apostolic succession, orders, and sacraments are recognized by the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
The PNCC is:
A CATHOLIC CHURCH… rooted in Scripture, based on tradition, and accepting as dogmatic the first Seven Councils of the undivided Christian Church.
AN APOSTOLIC CHURCH… preserving the Apostolic Succession, an unbroken line of bishops from the Apostles of Jesus Christ to the present day bishops and priests.
A SACRAMENTAL CHURCH… which acknowledges Seven Sacraments:
- Baptism and Confirmation
- The Word of God
- Penance
- Holy Eucharist
- Holy Unction
- Holy Orders
- Matrimony
A TEACHING CHURCH… using catechetic for children and teens; School of Christian Living, a Sunday School for all ages to impart the rich heritage left by Christ to all.
A DEMOCRATIC CHURCH… in which clergy and laity interact responsibly in Church policy and management with voice in parochial and Deanery, Diocesan and General Synods.
A RESPONSIVE CHURCH… meeting of the religious needs of its faithful through Mass and the Sacraments and their social needs through various service organizations.
AN ECUMENICAL CHURCH… reaching into the community and cooperating with other Churches to make your city or town a better place to live. At this time much positive dialogue is going on between representatives of Anglican, Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Polish National Catholic Churches.
A COUNSELING CHURCH… If you are having family, personal, religious problems, if you are looking for moral or spiritual support, maybe we can help you.
A WORSHIPPING CHURCH… where regular Mass attendance in encouraged on Sunday, the Lord’s Day. Other Holy Days of obligation and services call us to give praise and honor to God.
A PENITENTIAL CHURCH… where the Sacrament of Penance is given by private confession to children until their 16th birthday, after which, Penance is given by a general form to all at the opening of the Mass.
IT IS FRIENDLY CHURCH… where all parish members join in welcoming and enlarging their circle of Christian fellowship with each new parishioner.
A CHURCH THAT CARES FOR ITS ELDERLY… not only on the parish level, but for those less fortunate who do not have families, by supporting and ministering to them.
Our organizer:
The Church was founded by Jesus Christ. The Most Rev. Francis Hodur was called upon by the people of Scranton, PA to lead the organization of the Polish National Catholic Church
Bishop Hodur was born April 1, 1866, in the village of Żarki, six miles from Krakow, Poland. He was ordained to the priesthood August 19, 1893, in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton, PA. He took charge of Saint Stanislaus Parish, March 14, 1897. He was elected Bishop of the Polish National Catholic Church at the Church’s first Synod in Scranton, PA, September 1904. He was consecrated Bishop of the Polish National Catholic Church, Sept. 29, 1907, at Utrecht, Holland, by Archbishop Gerard Gull and Bishops John Van Thiel and Peter Spit of the Old Catholic Church of Holland. He died February 16, 1953, at Scranton, PA and is buried in the St. Stanislaus Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton, PA. His religious work will always live in the hearts of men.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]
Do I have to be of Polish heritage to belong?
NO! Although the church has its roots in the Polish immigration (the end of the 19th century) and maintains Polish in its official name, it is an international Church made up of members from different nationalities and many ethnic backgrounds. The Church celebrates the heritage and dignity of all its members. Each parish celebrates the liturgy in the language of its members whether English, Spanish, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Norwegian, or French.
How does the Church worship?
The main mode of worship is the Holy Mass celebrated in the language of the people. Mass is the Sacrifice of the New Testament in which bread and wine is consecrated into the mystical Body and Blood of Christ and the offering of this Body and Blood to God through the ministry of a priest as a perpetual commemoration of Christ’s Sacrifice upon the Cross, offered once for all time. Contemporary service, Vespers, Stations of the Cross, Lamentations, May, June and October Devotions, Litanies and Forty-Hour Services are also a part of the liturgical practice of the Church.
Am I expected to attend Holy Mass every Sunday?
Absolutely! Sunday Holy Mass attendance is obligatory, as well as on various Holy Days and Solemnities.
How do I receive the Sacrament of Penance?
The Church administers two forms of penance. Corporate or general confession is given at the opening of every Holy Mass. You are expected to have made an examination of conscience prior to Holy Mass. At the appropriate time, you confess your sins to God privately within yourself and the priest will administer absolution, assigning a general penance. You are able to receive Holy Communion at that Holy Mass.
Private confession is given to anyone requesting it to young people from the time of their first penance until they are 16 years of age. Any adult may utilize this form of Penance if so desired.
How is Holy Communion administered?
Holy Communion is given under two forms: Bread and Wine, which is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist is given by intinction, which means the Host is dipped in consecrated Wine and administered to the faithful at the Communion rail. Holy Communion is administered on the tongue of the recipient, never in the hands.
What programs does the PNCC have for children and teens?
In addition to local parish activities and a National Youth Association, the PNCC operates a Church Sunday School program called the School of Christian Living. Catechetic and Summer Bible School are also a part of the educational outreach of the Church. Diocesan and International youth convocations are sponsored by the National Youth Association.
What if I am divorced?
You will find no discriminatory action against those who have already been adversely affected by a divorce. The Church stands ready to help those who marital unions have suffered separation. Of course, the Church would like to have everyone live in ideal marriages, but we know this is not the reality of the situation. Therefore, the Church lends its support and ministry to those divorced, as it would to any other social ill.
Can a divorced person receive Holy Communion?
In most cases yes. However, it is recommended that you check with your pastor, whose counsel and ministry will be helpful.
Can a divorced person remarry in the PNCC?
Each Diocese has a commission, which studies each request for re-marriage by persons who have been divorced. Under certain conditions Sacramental marriages may be annulled and permission granted for marriage. Each case is individual and is treated so. Generally, the Church tries to be as understanding and helpful as possible.
Birth control – what does the PNCC say about it?
The position of the Church regarding birth control: It is a personal matter between husband, wife and their physician.
What does the Church say about abortion?
Abortion is morally wrong and is not condoned by the Church. Abortion is the killing of an unborn human being. In life threatening situations the recommendation of the attending physician is considered.
What are the basic beliefs and practices of the Polish National Catholic Church?
Beliefs are based on Holy Scripture, Christian Tradition and Church Ecumenical Synods. They include:
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.
Jesus: 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 and work together in community to realize God’s kingdom.
God and Nations: God wishes all nations to act together in brotherhood and justice.
Parish-owned property: The people who purchase, build and maintain its 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: Bishops and priests are permitted to marry.
How is the Church organized and run?
Church matters are dealt with on three levels. Each level is established under and adheres to the Church’s democratic constitution:
For the whole Church
- GENERAL SYNOD, convened every 4 years, discusses Church matters and interprets religious teachings, select bishops candidates and establishes Church policy, law and discipline.
- SPECIAL SYNODS are called when necessary.
- THE SUPREME COUNCIL meets annually to review Church work and to administer all business that concerns the whole Church.
- THE PRIME BISHOP is the chief executive of the Church. He consecrates bishops, convenes synods, presides at the Supreme Council, controls Church publications and discipline in dioceses. He is elected by the people of the Church.
For each Diocese
- DIOCESAN SYNOD occurs within 2 years after the General Synod to enact laws pertinent to the diocese.
- DIOCESAN COUNCIL administers business of the diocese. Its members are nominated by the people.
- BISHOPS appoint priests, presides at Diocesan councils, visit parishes, confer sacraments.
- SENIORS are appointed by the bishop to oversee parish business as instructed by the bishop.
For the parish
- THE PASTOR is appointed by the bishop to guide parish members in the Faith, organize the Church School and administer parish business with concurrence of the Parish Committee.
- PARISH MEETINGS are held every year to elect committee members, to call for actions necessary to parish welfare, review parish reports, and plan for the future. Special meetings may also be called as needed.
- PARISH COMMITTEE is elected by the members of the parish. At least nine members serve to assist the pastor, fulfill parish and synodal resolutions, and keep records.
The Church is organized into four dioceses in the United States and one in Canada.
- Central Diocese: Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Maryland, Colorado, and California
- Eastern Diocese: New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island
- Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese: Upstate New York, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and Texas
- Western Diocese: Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, Washington and Florida
- Canadian Diocese: Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan
The PNCC sent missionaries back to the homeland of its members and a Church was established in Poland. The PNCC is in union with the Polish Catholic Church which has three dioceses in Warsaw, Kraków-Częstochowa, and Wrocław. The Church is also in union with the Nordic Catholic Church in Norway.
What are my duties as a member of the Church?
SPIRITUAL DUTIES
- 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.
MATERIAL DUTIES
- 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, and serve on committee.
- 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.
How are clergy educated?
The Savonarola Theological Seminary was founded in 1904 in Scranton for the education of its clergy.