Frequently Asked Questions

 I thought there was only one Catholic Church! Aren't you Roman Catholics?

 The Roman Catholic Church is the largest of the Catholic denominations and the best known. It also describes itself as the only true church, a statement with which we respectfully differ as do the Orthodox churches of the east. In fact, there are many smaller Catholic churches that are independent - that is to say, not under Roman jurisdiction or led by the Pope of Rome. The word "catholic" means "universal", and it applies to any church that maintains deacons, priests and bishops in the historic Apostolic Succession. 

Are you really Catholic?

Yes we are!, we are not in communion to the Roman Catholic Church but we are catholic. We are catholic in the sense we are a part of the one holy and apostolic church.  We maintain valid sacraments which the then Cardinal Josef Ratzinger wrote,

"Therefore, there exists a single Church of Christ, which subsists in the Catholic Church, governed by the Successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him.  The Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the (Roman) Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by apostolic succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches.  Therefore, the Church of Christ is present and operative also in these Churches..." (from Dominus Ieusus)

Additionally, we adhere to the first seven ecumenical councils, and celebrate all seven sacraments, the Nicene Creed, and the Apostles Creed.

 What is the legal status of independent Catholic clergy in the UK?

This point was the subject of a court ruling in the case The Right Reverend Jonathan Clive Blake v. Associated Newspapers Limited (2003). In general, the principle applies that the civil courts will not enter into the regulation of the procedures, customs and practices of religious bodies, and are not competent to render objective judgement concerning the validity of the ordination or status of clergy of non-established churches. As a result, clergy in independent Catholic churches are in exactly the same legal position as the many other clergy of non-established churches in the UK, the largest of which is the Roman Catholic Church. The status of clergy is subject to the internal Canon Law of the church in question. 

Do you allow women priests?

Unlike our Roman brothers and sisters we allow all to follow a calling from God this include women, following on from the early church which allowed women to be a full part of the church.

How long are you services?

We have to forms of service at the moment, our main service is around 1 hour long and the second which we share on our YouTube channel is 20 minutes long.