Ben Johnson from Western Orthodoxy has a great post for folks who may be considering Western Orthodoxy in Practical Tips for a Move to Western Orthodoxy. As many bloggers (and churchy folks) know, the surest form of flattery is theft. Therefore, with due acknowledgment, the following is my version entitled: Practical tips for coming over to the National Catholic Church (PNCC).

First, I offer this from my perspective. If you are contemplating a move to the PNCC the ultimate source of information and approbation (for groups and entire parishes) is the proper diocesan Bishop and the Prime Bishop (address and contact information at the bottom of the post). These are great and generous men, and each has the Spirit’s gift of discernment. They are not aloof and will open their doors to you and yours, just to talk, just to ask, just to see. If you are coming over as an individual you should inquire of your local pastor.

Second, I know that there are a lot of folks, communities, parishes, and groups out there that may be searching. They may be contemplating a break from the Roman Catholic or Episcopal Church for one or more reasons (all are well known — the Church being too liberal/conservative, too much conflict, too much change, they took my parish/ministry away, they closed my church/ministry, personal reasons, etc.). As someone who has been through each of those, and some more than once, I empathize. I wish someone had written something like this, to inform me, and to welcome me. So this is my effort at providing the thing I needed, to offer some insight and a hand of welcome.

Third, this list will not recount the teachings, documents, and history of the PNCC. The PNCC is in the process of developing an encyclopedia, as part of its vast set of resources, available for that purpose. I couldn’t possibly cover it all, or do it justice, even if I wrote for the rest of my life. If you want more, start with the PNCC tab at the top of my blog, the PNCC website, and the PNCC bookstore. This is really about you, your journey, and what you might expect and experience.

1. It is about you. If you are actively involved in a parish and in your Church, or if you have deep and long standing connections to your Church and parish, you may well be going through a period of transition that involves feelings of hurt, anger, resentment, or abandonment. You may be in the midst of an attempt to understand the dichotomy that is Church, something universal yet local, perfect yet filled with imperfection, witnessing yet failing to witness. You may even feel guilt at having questions. If we believe that we are nothing more than random molecules we might come to the conclusion that being buffeted around is just a part of life, random and without meaning. But, we believe something different. The challenges we face are part of a process, motivated by the Holy Spirit, which moves us from complacency, which prompts us to take a negative, a hurt, even anger, and to turn them to good, to God’s use. We know that this is about us. The fruit of this process, and our progress along the path to eternal life in Christ, depends on how we witness during this pivitol time. The PNCC has always taught that each and every person must come freely, and be given the freedom to decide. My personal witness is that my hurt, my despair, the insults, pain, and guilt that I faced, were turned to good within the PNCC. It is, as our Prime Bishop often states, a gem of a Church. It is beautiful and priceless because it reflects a true partnership between God and His people.
2. It is about being Catholic. Being Catholic is not about the Bishop of Rome (i.e., the Pope). Being Catholic is about something bigger than a single man-made office. It is creedal, conciliar, sacramental, and is foundational. It is over 2,000 years of history, not as history, but as a path of living witness to the truth — of which we are a part. It is about certain core truths being objective truth, and yet great latitude in that which is outside the core. It is about your desire for change, a desire that the Holy Church work with you on your path to eternal life, as teacher, as supporter, as counselor, and as witness. The PNCC is one, holy, catholic, apostolic, and democratic. It doesn’t just rest upon the scripture and the synods of the first millennia, it lives that Catholic faith, that Catholic truth, in its daily witness. My personal witness is that the PNCC is my Catholic home, in all its fullness, in all its truth. The PNCC has opened the path to true conversion and regeneration, working with me in my desire to live as our Lord and Savior asked. The Catholic Church is not about the change I want, it is the road to the change I need.
3. There are unfortunate realities. When you decide to explore outside of your long-term faith community you have to be prepared to face certain realities, some of which are sad and unfortunate. Recall the passage from the Gospel according to St. Luke (Luke 17:11-19). Jesus heals ten lepers, yet only one returns to give Him thanks. On occasion you may feel like that one in ten. If you are part of a group, not all may make, or choose to make, the transition to the PNCC. How you treat those who stay behind, or make another choice, is vitally important, because we must continue to witness Christian charity, love, and partnership in common cause. Will others be as generous? Reality is that some will shun you. Some will refer to you as a schismatic, a heretic, or a betrayer. You may be faced with a vast lack of understanding as to what the PNCC believes and practices (unfortunately there is a glaring lack of factual information out there) from which flow all sorts of accusations. Your Roman Catholic friends may refer to you as third class, outer ring Catholics. The Roman Church and the Episcopal Church will likely bar you from use of your former parish, even if it is closed. If you attempt to buy the property you supported and built there will be severe restrictions in the deed, which will be enforced. Sadly, some things will have to be left behind, and based on experience, the court fight isn’t worth it because it distracts from what is essential. Your decision may stress family relationships, friendships, and causes that you may value. My personal witness is that Christian love, charity, and a thorough study of what the PNCC believes and teaches is the sure remedy to conflict. In 1904 the First Synod of the PNCC declared: “Referring to other Christian communities, we state that we do not condemn any one of them. We sympathize with every Church whose object is to ennoble and sanctify man and bring the Gospel of Jesus and peace to humanity.” In a nutshell, that statement captures the aim and vision of a member of the PNCC, the desire for unity with and for God, God who lives and works among us in raising up humanity to its ultimate destiny. There will be crosses, hurts, and insults to bear. Expectations will go unfulfilled. This is the most difficult part of the road, and there is no easy answer. Yet, after time, you will find that forgiveness and kindness are the salve for those unfortunate realities.
4. How do I get there? You have to connect with the reality of the old adage: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The best start is at Holy Mass at a local parish. If you have a group invite a PNCC priest to offer Holy Mass for you. That should be followed with lots of talking, preferably over a plate of food 🙂 . Invite a PNCC priest or deacon to visit with you or your group. A talk with members at a local parish, our clergy, and our Bishops will resolve a few questions, and in all likelihood open lots of other questions. Catholicism in the PNCC is experiential and relational. The full on experience cannot be judged by one encounter, one Holy Mass, one conversation. You need to go to the well quite a few times before you have enough — and surprisingly, there is never enough. The PNCC has always been a teaching Church, and the learning never ends. At some point you will know, this is home. Whether you get there or not, whether you become a member or not, there is no bar or card check. The PNCC welcomes you to share faith in Jesus Christ and to live His Gospel message. That is my witness. I came and I stayed because I was welcome, without cost, without price (Revelation 22:17).
5. Ok, ok, what should I expect at Holy Mass.
   • If you are Roman Catholic expect Holy Mass that is similar — but not the same — as what you experience every week. If you are High Church Episcopalian/Anglican you will feel very comfortable;
   • There are three possible Rites for the Holy Mass (Traditional, Contemporary, and the Bishop Hodur Rite). All services are in English or the predominant language of the people in that parish (Polish, Spanish, French, etc.);
   • Every Holy Mass conveys three sacraments – Penance, the Sacrament of the Word, and the Holy Eucharist;
   • Holy Mass may be preceded by Matins (morning prayer), the Asperges (generally at the week’s principal Holy Mass), and on the first Sunday of each month may conclude with Solemn exposition and benediction.
   • There is a “Hymn to the Holy Spirit” between the Gospel and the homily and there is always a homily because the proclamation and teaching of the Word conveys sacramental grace. Kneel during the hymn — ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you.
   • The Nicene Creed is fully orthodox – we recite “I believe” and that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father” (not the Father and Son);
   • We do things like — make the sign of the cross, strike our breasts, kneel, and bow — a lot. Bow when the name “Jesus Christ” is said or when we pray the first part of the Doxology “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.” Make the sign of the cross at the end of the Gloria, the Nicene Creed, and during the Sanctus (Holy, holy, holy – at “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord”). Strike your breast during the Confetior and the Lamb of God. We kneel at the words “…and became man.” in the Creed, during the Canon (the Eucharistic Prayer) and before Holy Communion. If you are not used to this, don’t worry, you won’t get criticized, be called on on the carpet, and you won’t be excommunicated. Just be aware that the folks next to you will do it and try your best in following along.
   • All baptized Christians, properly disposed, and having a true faith and belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the elements of bread and wine (mixed with water), are welcome to receive the Eucharist. The Eucharist is given by intinction (the Body of Christ is dipped into the Blood of Christ) and is placed on the tongue by the Bishop, priest, or deacon. If you cannot receive the precious blood for health reason, the deacon, priest, or Bishop will place the host on your tongue. Only a deacon, priest, or Bishop may touch the Holy Eucharist and as such, the Holy Eucharist is never placed in a lay person’s hand.
6. Ok, ok, what should I expect in a PNCC Parish.
   • All parishes are formed in conformity with the Constitution and Laws of the PNCC;
   • The parish building, its assets, and its funds are owed and managed by those who are members of the PNCC. The clergy involves itself in the spiritual welfare of the parish while the parish committee handles its financial and civil welfare. Both work in concord for the betterment of the parish, the spiritual well bring of its adherents, and its evangelism and mission to the world. The parish committee is elected by all members and is required to report to them on all matters concerning the parish, its management, and its finances. Every member has a voice and a vote in the parish. A parish may not be dissolved without the consent of its members (Article VI, Section 3.)
   • Each parish elects members to represent it at Diocesan and Church Synods (Article VII, Section 1(5) et. seq.)
   • Married bishops, priests, and deacons. The vast majority of our clergy are married and have families.
   • Responsiveness – to your needs, spiritual and material. We live as family and are always willing to chip-in and help out. Our sister organization, the PNU, provides support to its members in times of trouble.
   • Roots – the PNCC was founded by emigrants and we value everyones ethnic and cultural roots.
   • A School of Christian Living
   • Various organizations: The YMS of R, the ANS, a PNU Branch, Choir, Youth Organization, Mission and Evangelism committee, Literary Society, and PTO among others. You’ll find some variant from parish to parish. The major societies like the YMS of R, ANS, PNU, and Youth Group are separate organizations with their own constitution, treasury, and membership requirements. They each work to support the parish and their organizational purposes. Organizations like the YMS of R and PNU provide funding so that parish youth can attend national events like Convo, Kurs, and the acolyte retreat. All PNCC members are strongly encouraged to become members of the PNU. The PNU provides college stipends for its youth. The National United Choirs provides music scholarships for the Church’s youth.
7. Other similarities and differences? There are other similarities and differences, most particularly experienced by those who have a Roman Catholic background.
   • The Church’s understanding of Original Sin, Hell, the Devil, and eternal life is more in line with the Orthodox Church’s theology than with the Roman Catholic Church’s legalistic understanding.
   • We do not recognize Papal infalibility (the Church is only infallible in Council), or the defined dogmas of the Immaculate Conception, or the Assumption of Mary.
   • We do not recognize or accept things like indulgences or purgatory, nor do we recognize relics as something to be sold or trafficked in.
   • We have instituted Solemnities including the Solemnity of the Humble Shepherds, The Christian Family, Of Brotherly Love, and The Institution of the PNCC.
   • Ember Days, Rorate Holy Mass, the Pre-Lenten Season (Septuagesima, Sexagesima, Quinquagesima).
   • The Eucharistic Fast is two hours prior to reception of the Holy Eucharist.
   • Fridays, outside of the Christmas and Easter seasons are days of abstinance (no meat). Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent, including Holy Wednesday through Holy Saturday, are also days of abstinance.
   • The Church has an active, paraliturgical devotional life which includes things like traditional devotions (Litanies, Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Lamentations, Matins and Vespers) as well as Bible Study and programs like the Alpha Course.
   • The Church is ecumenically active in organizations like Christian Churches Together in the USA (CCT), The Consultation on Common Texts, and the National Council of Churches. We have on-going discussions with other Churches, such as the Roman Catholic Church, and have agreements with the Roman Church related to sacramental hospitatility (PNCC members may receive the Eucharist, penance, and annointing in a Roman Catholic parish if no PNCC parishes are nearby; as long as we maintain our own discipline).

If you are part of a group or parish considering the establishment of a PNCC parish you should contact:

The Office of the Prime Bishop
Most Rev. Anthony Mikovsky
1006 Pittston Avenue
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18505-4109
(570) 346-9131
(570) 346-2125
(570) 346-2188 (fax)

If you are seeking, for yourself and your family, visit your local parish. You are truly welcome in the PNCC.