1. What is the Catholic Episcopal Church?
The Catholic Episcopal Church is a Non-Hierarchical Christian denomination which follows a liturgical style of worship, emphasizing Inclusivity and Community. We are 'Catholic' in that we belong to the Universal Church and follow many Western Catholic traditions.
We are 'Episcopal' because we are a Church with ordained Deacons, Priests, and Bishops who have valid, verifiable Apostolic Succession.
We are Non-Hierarchical as each of our ordained ministries and non-ordained members serve together as "One Among Equals".
All are EQUAL at The Lord's Table. Each person comes to the Assembly with their individual Gifts from God. No One is Greater than Any Other.
As a Church, we strongly oppose any form of Patriarchy, Misogyny, Racism or Homophobia.
We believe that ALL people are created in the Image and Likeness of God and are therefore worthy of Love, Respect and Dignity.
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2. Is the Catholic Episcopal Church Protestant or Roman Catholic?
The Catholic Episcopal Church is neither Roman Catholic nor Protestant, but occupies a space between the two, retaining the essential elements of the Western Catholic tradition, particularly with our Apostolic Succession, which traces the Laying on of Hands all the way back to the original Disciples of Jesus Christ, while also embracing some of the progressive beliefs and practices of the Reformation.
Our Church seeks to bridge the gap between these traditions, fostering unity and mutual understanding.
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3. What do We believe?
We basically believe in a Triune God, the Inspiration of Sacred Scripture, the Resurrection and Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Valuing Inclusivity, Social Justice, and the Dignity of every Human Being, embracing a Diverse and welcoming community.
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4. Do We use the Bible?
Yes, We use the Sacred Scripture in our daily worship and services.
They include readings from the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament, and the Gospels every day.
The Bible is seen as a living document, relevant to contemporary issues and guiding ethical and moral decisions.
5. What is a Diocese?
A diocese is an administrative region of the church, served by a Bishop. It usually corresponds to a state or a portion of a state and includes all the churches and missions within its borders. Dioceses work collaboratively to address social issues and support local communities.
6. What is a Parish?
A parish is a local faith community within a diocese, served by a Priest or Deacon and steering group of church members who help look after administration and make important day-to-day decisions. Parishes are centers of worship, community service, and social engagement, welcoming people from all walks of life. Rather than traditional church buildings, we prefer to develop our places of worship as multi use 'Connecting Spaces'.
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7. How does the Catholic Episcopal Church address modern social issues?
The Catholic Episcopal Church is committed to addressing modern social issues such as racial justice, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, environmental stewardship, and economic inequality. It advocates for policies and practices that promote Justice, Peace, and the well-being of all people.
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8. How does the church support spiritual growth and education?
The church aims to offer various programs and resources for spiritual growth and education, including Bible studies, prayer groups, retreats, and educational workshops. It encourages lifelong learning and spiritual development for all members.
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9. What role do women and LGBTQIA+ individuals have in the church?
The Catholic Episcopal Church is committed to inclusivity and equality.
Women and LGBTQIA+ individuals are welcomed and encouraged to serve in all the roles of church service, including as Deacons, Priests and Bishops. Our church celebrates and supports the diversity of its members and ordained servants.
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10. What are the Sacraments of the Catholic Episcopal Church?
The Catholic Episcopal Church recognizes seven sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Matrimony, and Holy Orders.
These Sacraments are seen as vital means of grace and spiritual growth.
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11. How does the church support families and children?
The church aims to offer various programs and resources for families and children, including spiritual workshops. We hope to create a nurturing and supportive environment for children and families to grow in faith.
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12. What is the significance of the liturgy in worship?
Liturgy is central to the worship experience in the Catholic Episcopal Church. It involves structured prayers, readings, and rituals that connect worshippers to the historic and universal church. Liturgy provides a sense of continuity and community, linking present-day worship with ancient traditions. Our ordained ministers also pray the Daily Office or Breviary of the Church, made up of Psalms, Readings and Prayers.
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13. How does the church engage with the wider community?
The church aims to be actively involved in community service and outreach programs. This includes food pantries, homeless shelters, social justice advocacy, environmental initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations. We hope to be a positive force in society, serving those in need and working for justice.
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14. What is the church's stance on interfaith dialogue?
The Catholic Episcopal Church values interfaith dialogue and cooperation. It seeks to build bridges with people of other faiths, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration on common social issues. The church believes in the importance of learning from and working alongside people of different religious traditions.
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15. How can I become a member of the Catholic Episcopal Church?
To become a member, you can start by attending worship services if there are any near your location, otherwise join us in online services.
Where possible, you will be encouraged to participate in church activities.
You may also want to speak with a priest or church leader about your interest in joining.
Baptism and Confirmation are important steps in becoming a full member of the Universal Church.
We welcome those who have already been Baptised and Confirmed.
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16. How does the church support spiritual and mental well-being?
The church aims to offer various resources for spiritual and mental well-being, including pastoral counseling, support groups, meditation and prayer practices, and wellness workshops. It recognizes the importance of holistic care and supports the well-being of its members in all aspects of life.
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17. What is the role of music in worship?
Music plays a significant role in worship in the Catholic Episcopal Church. It enhances the liturgy, helps to create a sense of reverence, and allows worshippers to express their faith through song. The church uses a variety of musical styles, from traditional hymns to contemporary worship songs, to enrich the worship experience.
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18. What is the significance of the Eucharist ?
The Eucharist, sometimes known as The Lord's Supper or Holy Communion, is a central Sacrament in the Catholic Episcopal Church.
We believe that the Rite was instituted by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, on the night before his crucifixion and death, when he gave his disciples the Bread and Wine, saying to them "This is My Body", "This is My Blood", "Do This in Memory of Me".
Many members hold the doctrine of Transubstantiation as a central belief. It is the understanding that, during the celebration of the Eucharist, the Bread and Wine offered in the Sacrament become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, even though they maintain their former appearance, taste, and physical properties.
19. How does the church address environmental concerns?
The Catholic Episcopal Church is committed to environmental stewardship and the care of creation.
It encourages sustainable practices, advocates for policies that protect the environment, and engages in activities such as tree planting, recycling programs, and educational initiatives on climate change.
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20. How can I participate in church activities and ministries?
There are many ways to get involved in church activities and ministries.
You can join a ministry team, or build one in your area, if none exists. Try volunteering for community service projects, participate in worship services, or attend church events and social gatherings. The church welcomes and encourages active participation from all members.
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21. What resources are available for personal prayer and meditation?
The church offers various resources to support personal prayer and meditation, including prayer books, online prayer resources, meditation guides, and quiet spaces for reflection. These resources help individuals deepen their spiritual practice and connect with God.
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22. How does the church support the elderly and those with special needs?
The church is dedicated to supporting the elderly and individuals with special needs. It offers pastoral care, accessible worship services, support groups, and programs tailored to the needs of these communities. The church aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all members.
23. What is the church's approach to education and lifelong learning?
The Catholic Episcopal Church values education and lifelong learning. It provides opportunities for theological education, Bible studies, workshops, and seminars on various topics. The church encourages continuous growth in faith and knowledge for all its members.
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24. How does the church foster a sense of community?
The church fosters a sense of community through fellowship events, social gatherings, small groups, and communal worship. It emphasizes building strong relationships among members and creating a supportive and loving church family.
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25. What role do non-ordained people play in the church?
Non-ordained people are the Church and play a vital role in its life. They serve in various capacities, such as liturgical ministers, members of the parish steering committee, and volunteers in church ministries and outreach programs.
Non-ordained people contribute their Gifts and talents to support the mission and ministry of the church. They serve as one among equals.
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26. What is the role of the Bishop?
(None of our ordained ministers receive a salary, so their service to the Catholic Episcopal Church is purely on a voluntary basis).
The Bishop serves as one among equals and is a spiritual guide within their diocese, sharing the Apostolic Gifts of The Holy Spirit which they received at their episcopal ordination.
In particular, they serve the Priests, Deacons and Seminarians in the diocese, providing pastoral care, ensuring the faithful teaching of church doctrine, and they represent the diocese in the wider church and community.
As well as the other five Sacraments, the Bishop officiates exclusively over Confirmation and Ordination (or Holy Orders).
Priestly Celibacy
While we observe that the concept of priestly celibacy was first formally discussed in the 4th century and finally imposed by the Latin Church in the 11th Century, it is well established that the earliest "presbyteroi" and "episcopoi" were married.
We also recognise that some twenty three Eastern Catholic Churches ( which are in full communion with Rome) share the same practice of the Eastern Orthodox Communion, which allows Marriage up until Priestly Ordination. If a person then chooses to be ordained unmarried, they choose to remain that way for life, and will usually join a monastery.
We, however, reach back to the earliest practices of "The Way" and have no opposition to our Clergy choosing to marry or remain celibate "those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven" Matt 19:12. It must be the choice of the individual.
"If any one aspires to the office of Bishop, they desire a noble task. Therefore a Bishop must be above reproach, married to one life partner, temperate, sensible, dignified, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and no lover of money" 1 Tim:3
"Don’t we have the right to take a believing life partner along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? 1 Corinthians 9:5
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27. What are the different seasons of the church year?
The church year, also known as the liturgical calendar, is divided into seasons that reflect the life of Christ and the church.
These include Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost, each with its own themes, colours, and other traditions.
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28. What is the importance of Holy Week and Easter?
Holy Week and Easter are seasons central to the Christian faith. Holy Week includes significant events like Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, culminating in the celebration of Easter Sunday, which commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
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29. What is a Priest?
(None of our ordained ministers receive a salary, so their service to the Catholic Episcopal Church is purely on a voluntary basis).
A Priest is ordained by the Bishop, after they have spent at least a year of preparation as a Deacon. They serve their parish faith community as one among equals. Their responsibilities range from maintaining the upkeep of the parish with the steering group, and interacting directly with their parishioners.
They may offer informal advice and guidance, such as providing marriage and prenuptial counselling, hearing Confessions and issuing Penances, and most importantly, leading their parishioners in Spiritual Guidance and Prayer during daily Eucharist.
They officiate over the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Matrimony and Anointing of The Sick.
Priests from other Churches who have been ordained with valid Apostolic Succession, may apply to serve in the ministry of The Catholic Episcopal Church and will be received by way of Incardination. Those Christian Ministers whose ministry has no traceable Apostolic Succession can still be welcomed to serve with us but first will be ordained Deacon and then Priest.
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30. What is the significance of Baptism?
Baptism with water is the Sacrament of Initiation into the Christian faith.
It symbolizes the cleansing of sin, the individual's rebirth in Christ, and their entry into the church community.
Although usually performed on infants, it is freely available to older children and adults.
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31. How does the church handle differences and conflicts within the congregation?
The church promotes open communication, mutual respect, and reconciliation when handling differences and conflicts.
It offers mediation and pastoral care to help resolve issues and maintain a harmonious and supportive community.
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32. How does the church engage with cultural and artistic expression?
The church values cultural and artistic expression as ways to enrich worship and community life. It encourages the use of music, visual arts, drama, and literature in its activities and celebrates the diverse talents and creativity of its members.
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33. What is the role of a Deacon?
(None of our ordained ministers receive a salary, so their service to the Catholic Episcopal Church is purely on a voluntary basis).
Deacons are ordained by the Bishop to serve as assistant ministers while preparing for ordination to Priesthood, usually for the period of one year.
They serve as one among equals, in various capacities, including assisting the Priest in worship, pastoral care, outreach, and administrative duties.
They are often involved in community service and act as a bridge between the church and the wider community.
They can officiate over the sacraments of Baptism and Marriage.
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34. How does the church support inter-generational relationships?
The church fosters inter-generational relationships through activities and programs that bring together people of all ages. This includes family events, mentorship programs, and opportunities for different generations to learn from and support each other.
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35. What are the church's views on science and faith?
The Catholic Episcopal Church sees no conflict between science and faith. It believes that scientific discoveries can enhance our understanding of God's creation, and that faith provides a moral and spiritual framework for interpreting scientific knowledge.
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36. How does the church approach ethical and moral issues?
The church approaches ethical and moral issues through the Council of Bishops, and an emphasis on compassion, justice, and the common good.
It encourages members to seek wisdom and discernment in making ethical decisions.
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37. What is the importance of community service in the church?
Community service is a core aspect of the church's mission. It reflects Jesus' teachings of love and service to others. The church engages in various outreach programs, volunteering efforts, and partnerships to address the needs of the local and global community.
The church celebrates significant life events through various sacraments and ceremonies, including Baptisms, First Holy Communion, Confirmations, Weddings, and Funerals. These rituals provide spiritual support and communal celebration during important milestones in life.
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38. What is a Seminarian?
A Seminarian is generally a younger person, who is exploring the road to Priestly Service. They will be encouraged to engage in the study of Philosophy, Church History, Biblical Studies, and Theology, among others. They will also assist in worship, pastoral care, outreach, and administrative duties. The Catholic Episcopal Church does not have a major seminary, so all candidates will be assisted by church personnel in their studies.
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39. What is the church's stance on technological advancements?
The church embraces technological advancements as tools to enhance ministry, communication, and outreach. It uses technology to connect with members, share resources, and engage with the broader community, while also promoting ethical and responsible use of technology.
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40. How can I learn more about the Catholic Episcopal Church?
You can learn more by visiting the church's website. As we grow it may not be possible to attend local worship services, but online participation is encouraged, as is participating in church activities, and speaking with clergy and church members.
The church offers various resources, including educational materials, online content, and informational sessions.