What is the National Catholic Church?
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” (Catechism of PNCC).
In the 19th century many Polish people immigrated to United States looking for economic, political and also religious freedom. The majority of these immigrants were adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, but groups of them decided to separate from their Roman Catholic Diocese, not because of matters of faith or morals, but over the management and administration of parishes, particularly the ownership of parish property. Led by a charismatic young priest, Fr. Francis Hodur, the movement quickly spread with Divine guidance. By 1904 over 20,000 people in five states joined the Polish National Catholic Church. Fr. Hodur was elected as the first Bishop of the Polish National Catholic Church and, in 1907, he was consecrated by three bishops of the Old Catholic Church, in Utrecht, Holland.
The Church continued its traditional Catholic practices, but even in those early years of the last century it was courageous in its innovation: pioneering Mass in the vernacular, Mass facing the people, communion under both kinds, stressing the importance and necessity for lay participation in church organization, and allowing priests to marry. Many of these features were later adopted by the Roman Catholic Church, with the major exception of the married priesthood and ownership of church facilities.
Simply put, the National Catholic Church 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: 1. Baptism and Confirmation 2. The Word of God 3. Penance 4. Holy Eucharist 5. Holy Unction 6. Holy Orders 7. Matrimony
- A TEACHING CHURCH… using catechetics for children and teens; School of Christian Living, a Sunday School for all ages to impart the rich heritage left by Christ to all; and a Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults who wish to be baptized in the church.
- A DEMOCRATIC CHURCH… in which clergy and laity interact responsibly in church policy and management with a voice in parochial and Seniorate, Diocesan and General Synods.
- A RESPONSIVE CHURCH… meeting the spiritual needs of its faithful through Mass and the Sacraments and accommodating their social needs through various service organizations.
- AN ECUMENICAL CHURCH… reaching into the community and cooperating with other Churches to improve community life. At this time much positive dialogue is going on between representatives of Polish National Catholic Church and other Christian denominations, particularly our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters.
- 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 is 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 in general form to all at the opening of the Mass.
- A FRIENDLY CHURCH… where all parish members join in welcoming and enlarging their circle of Christian fellowship with each new parishioner.
For additional information about the Polish National Catholic Church, please visit the following web site:
Frequently Asked Questions
PNCC
Q – Do you have to be Polish to join the Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC)?

A – Do you have to be Roman to join the Roman Catholic Church (RCC)? Of course not. The PNCC was organized by Polish immigrants in 1897, but has diversified in the same manner as the rest of America. We embrace all, of any race or ethnicity, who are seeking to find Jesus through the Sacraments and through a community of believers.
Q – What is the difference between the Polish National Catholic Church and the Roman Catholic Church?

A – The main difference is the fact that the PNCC is non-papal, meaning that the Church is not under the jurisdiction of the Pope and the Vatican. Another difference is that the Constitution of the Church is set up democratically, meaning that the laypeople/parishioners have power in the Church by having ownership of its resources.
Q – How old is the PNCC?

A – The PNCC was organized in March of 1897.
Q – What kind of religious services does the PNCC have?

A – The focal point of the PNCC’s religious worship is the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass. Contained in the PNCC Pew book are three (3) different Rites of the Holy Mass. These are Traditional, (similar in liturgy to the Tridentine Rite); Contemporary, (modeled on the Ordo Missae), and a unique Traditional Mass compiled by our founder and first Prime Bishop, Francis Hodur. Also, various prayer services, litanies, Penance services, and other paraliturgical services are celebrated throughout the year. 
At Resurrection Church we normally celebrate Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament after Sunday Mass on the 1st Sunday of the month.
Q – And what language is Mass celebrated?

A – The language of the people, which in the case of Resurrection is primarily English. The PNCC was a pioneer in this regard, celebrating Holy Mass in the vernacular over 100 years ago. The language of the people may be English, Spanish, Polish, Lithuanian, Slovak, or whatever; the point is that the aspirations of God’s people are met. Some Masses at Resurrection are celebrated in a combination of Polish and English to meet the needs of senior members of the church community.
MEMBERSHIP
Q – How do I go about getting my child Baptized?

A – This is done by contacting the Pastor after Mass, or by leaving a message at the Parish Office 718 389 3674. Baptisms and other sacraments are administered during Holy Mass. Reception of sacraments is not to be taken lightly and a period of preparation and catechesis is recommended. The Parish Priest can provide information.
Q – Can I have a Mass said for deceased or sick relatives or friends?

A – Yes, the Pastor can provide information about making arrangements and will provide Mass Cards and Memorials as needed. It is customary to provide a Mass Offering in such circumstances.
Q – I have been hearing quite a bit lately about declining membership causing the closing of churches. Does this happen in the PNCC?

A – Yes, this does happen, but only if the individual parish wants it to happen. Although the Diocesan Bishop has the power to close a parish, it must be done with the approval of the parish body. Again, democracy at work. Resurrection Parish, while a small community, is debt free and financially secure.
CLERGY
Q – Who is in charge of the religious aspect of Resurrection Church?

A – The Pastor, in unity with his Bishop, is in charge.
Q – Wait, if you are a Catholic priest, how can you have a wife?

A – The PNCC passed a resolution in its General Synod that made Celibacy optional in the priesthood, meaning that bishops and priests can be married, and therefore are potentially better equipped to handle issues involving family life. Similarly, the Orthodox Churches permit their clergy to marry, and many former Anglican and Lutheran married clergy have been re-ordained as Catholic priests in the Roman Catholic Church.
Q – What about participation in Mass?

A – Of course we welcome participation. Children can become altar servers or choir members. Adults and teenagers can also become lectors, proclaiming the Word of God to the people. Also, if you are a male and feel the call to vocation, you can apply to study to become a permanent deacon or you can apply to Savonarola Theological Seminary to become a priest.
Ecumenical Relations
The PNCC is active ecumenically. It has ongoing discussions with the Orthodox Churches and the Roman Catholic Church. It is a member of the National Council of Churches USA, Christian Churches Together in the USA, and the Consultation on Common Texts.
The year 1997 marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Polish National Catholic Church in America. A dialogue, which was initiated in 1981, between the Roman Catholic and the Polish National Catholic Churches bore fruit when, in February 1992, an emissary from the Vatican delivered a message aimed at healing the rift between the two communities. The Emissary, Edward Cardinal Cassidy, read a letter from Pope John Paul II during a joint religious service at St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Cathedral of the Polish National Catholic Church, in Scranton, that marked an important milestone towards reconciliation. Cardinal Cassidy expressed regret for past antipathies and acknowledged past and present concordance between both churches. Further dialogue culminated in a Joint Declaration on Unity, which was agreed to in May 2006. Further meetings continue to explore both the similarities as well as the differences between our two churches. Guided by the Holy Spirit, let us pray that this dialogue enriches and benefits both churches and their people.