About Us

We are a tradition rich with progressive Catholic values. Our Faith Tradition is rooted in the early days of Jesus and his teachings on peace, love, justice, and equality. As a two-thousand year old church with Apostolic Succession, our tradition believes that faith is dependent on our actions towards the care of the oppressed, disenfranchised, poor, and unwell. We are a church that worships God by living our faith every day of the week, speaking out against injustice and praying for healing in the world by being active believers, committed to loving our neighbors.

We are a Catholic tradition inspired by the works of science and the deepest mysteries of God. Our faith is for believers and skeptics alike, as we have been a sanctuary and refuge to those disaffected by mainstream traditions and politically distorted teachings of Christ for nearly two centuries.

As the progressive Catholic tradition, we believe in ecumenical and interfaith collaboration as an essential way to build a more holistic and loving world in accordance with the Gospels. Throughout our many ministries, Old Catholics are redefining what it means to be a universal catholic church in a modern world needing prophetic voices. We gather together to worship God and share God’s love in our lives, and to feast on our bountiful blessings through a Eucharistic meal.

We are a tradition of faith and works, love and action, hope and spiritual transformation. Join us. No matter your personal or faith story, your questions or your hope, all are welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Old Catholicism"?

We know from history that the Church founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ was united for a thousand years.

Today, however, the Catholic Church is comprised of five sister Communions:

  • Roman Catholic
  • Old Catholic
  • Anglican Catholic / Episcopalian
  • Eastern Catholic (or Eastern Orthodox)
  • Oriental (Coptic, Syrian, Nestorian)

These sister churches, together relating to each other in love, hold that through baptism, celebrated in our churches according to the faith handed down to us from the Apostles, we are each made members of the one Mystical Body of Christ.

For the most part, the sister churches interpret God's plan of salvation essentially the same. But like all sisters in a family, there are differences: mostly administrative and disciplinary, and some theological.

Certain differences are expected and accepted. Nevertheless, each of the five churches is united with all or most of its sisters through the closest bonds, that is, by Apostolic Succession and a valid, mutually recognized Eucharist.

In essentials, unity.
In non-essentials, liberty.
In all things, love.
--St. Augustine

The Old Catholic Church recognizes the clergy and Eucharist of all four of its sisters. Its own are recognized by all.

The Tradition of the Old Catholic Church comes from Scripture, the Ecumenical Councils of the early, undivided Church, and the teachings of the early Church Fathers and of all saints, inspired by the Holy Spirit, from our Lord’s time on earth to the present. The Old Catholic Church, collectively and through its bishops, looks to the Holy Spirit for guidance and not to any one man.

We are Ecumenical

"Holy Father,
keep through Your name
those whom You have given Me,
that they may be one as We are."
John 17:11

The Old Catholic Church is ecumenical, working toward Christ's desire for all Christians, "that they may be one". Old Catholics recognize all other Christian Baptism and welcome all who desire to meet Christ to participate in the Eucharist.

Our Worship

"For where two or three
are gathered together
in My name, I am there
in the midst of them."
Matthew 18:20

The Liturgy (The Mass) is our supreme act of communal worship. It was given its form by the Apostles, and continued by the universal Church. From the earliest beginnings of the Christian Church there were variations in the manner in which the Eucharist was celebrated in the regional churches. Within these churches, with their mixed populations and differing historical development, local traditions, cultures and languages, it was inevitable that a large number of different types of Eucharistic prayers should emerge.

The unity of the Church of Christ and the unity of the Eucharistic Sacrifice did not require uniformity in the celebration of that Sacrifice. Therefore, The Old Catholic Church utilizes various liturgies in its worship. At. St. Francis Old Catholic Church, we use a mixture of The Old Catholic Mass and the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer.

The Sacraments

The Church confesses Seven Sacraments.

  • Baptism
  • Confirmation
  • Holy Eucharist
  • Penance
  • Holy Anointing
  • Matrimony
  • Holy Orders

We recognize Sacraments as very holy creations; some instituted by Christ during His public life, and others instituted later by His church.

St. Francis Old Catholic Church accepts the responsibility in ensuring that the children of God study and are taught the teachings of the Bible and are fed and strengthened by the Sacraments.

Who can receive the Eucharist at your church?

St. Francis Old Catholic Church practices an Open Communion. This means any person who seeks a deeper relationship with Christ may partake of the Eucharist. Just as Christ welcomed sinners and even ate with them, so too do we welcome sinners to sit among us sinners and to partake of Christ's invitiation to the Table.For a more detailed explanation of why St. Francis Old Catholic Church practices Open Communion read an article written by Father Rick Fabian entitled Scandalous Table.

Marriage & Divorce

Divorce is not the unforgivable sin. The Church recognizes the reality of divorce and will not withhold the Eucharist. The Church can also permit remarriage. Abortion is opposed, but family planning and birth control are left to the judgment and conscience of the married couple. Clerical celibacy is optional. Most Old Catholic priests are married and have children, as is true for most Eastern Orthodox and Anglican/Episcopalian priests.

How do I become a member?

Membership in the Church is through Baptism.If you are already a baptized Christian who wishes to become a member of The Old Catholic Church — we welcome you! We recognize all Christian baptisms by water and the Triune formula (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). All you need to do is to let the Church know that you wish to have your name listed as a member of the church and provide the church with your Baptismal Certificate.

If you have not been Baptized then please contact the church office, we would be most excited to talk to you about Baptism.