What is Independent Catholicism? Is there more than one Roman Catholic Church?

There is only one "Roman" Catholic Church. However there are a fair number of Catholic “denominations,” of which the Roman Catholic Church is only one and is the world's largest. Actually there is really no such thing as “Roman” Catholic, but rather they are Latin Rite Catholic Churches who are fully in communion with the Bishop of Rome (The Holy Father, The Pope).

Our greater church is considered an ‘independent’ Catholic denomination of its own because it is not controlled by the Bishop of Rome. That is, we are independent of the jurisdiction of Rome. We are NOT under either the control or the government of the Church of Rome commonly called the "Roman Catholic Church." We are a worldwide church offering an alternative Catholic worship experience to all humanity. Combined with other Independent Catholic denominations, we are referred to as being a part of the “Independent Catholic Movement” but we focus on our local parish where all life of the greater church is found.

The Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Who runs these independent denominations?

A Bishop runs each denomination. The Pope is a Bishop. The word "bishop" comes from the Greek word meaning “Overseer.” The Pope has been elected by his fellow bishops to head the Roman Catholic Church.

Generally, the bishop of an Independent Catholic Church is elected by a synod, or governing council of bishops, to be the Patriarch, or Presiding Bishop. Sometimes we call this bishop, The Archbishop, the Prime Bishop, or leader of the denomination with a variety of titles.

Do the Priests and Bishops associated with Saint Miriam have valid Apostolic Succession?

Yes, our lines of Apostolic Succession are valid. In fact, even the Roman Church says they are valid and sufficient. In fact, we share many of these lines.

May I receive Holy Communion?

As we state at Catholic Mass:

"You are welcome in God's house . . . you are welcome to share the feast. The most blessed Body and Blood of Christ is not a reward for being good. It is a source of strength, comfort, and food for the journey. No one on this earth has the right to refuse it to anyone."

Our Church practices what we call Open Communion whereby we hold that a chief purpose of our community is to perpetuate the historical sacramental tradition as instituted by Jesus Christ and as preserved through apostolic succession. We maintain that the sacraments are channels of divine grace, and therefore; we make the sacraments easily available so all can experience spiritual healing.

Since the Eucharist puts us in communion with the Christ, it is a channel of Grace without parallel. Therefore, at our altars, all persons are welcome to receive communion, whether members of our community or not. What about moral issues? What about women as priests, married priests, gay and lesbians, celibacy, birth control, abortion, and divorce?

What should I expect when I visit? What should I wear?

At Saint Miriam, we feel that it’s our responsibility to make everyone feel comfortable enough to attend church. We want you to be able to experience the great music, encouraging messages, friendly people, and an enjoyable atmosphere.

Dress Code:

We’re more concerned with meeting your real life needs than with what you wear. So, dress casually, wear a suit and tie, or simply throw on some shorts. Whatever you wear is fine, and you’ll fit right in.

Music:

At our Worship Services, you'll enjoy upbeat music and practical messages that help you deal with real life issues. We’ll even give you a helpful outline with the Bible passages. What you learn on Sunday at Saint Miriam, you’ll be able to use during the week. We want to help you connect with the personal hope and practical help that God can give us. Our worship experience combines a variety of sights, sounds, and smells to help enrich your worship and enliven your spiritual life. We combine the old world sacramental worship experience with a new vibrant, modern edge.

Why don’t you take a collection? What about money?

We want you to feel welcome as our guest with no pressure to give. That is why we don't pass an offering basket. Our regular members place their contributions in offering boxes near the entrance and exit to the worship space or mail their tax deductible contributions directly to our parish offices.

What about moral issues? What about women as priests, married priests, gay and lesbians, celibacy, birth control, abortion, and divorce?

Each Catholic denomination establishes a Code of Canon Law, and their theological stand on the aforementioned issues. As previously stated, the various denominations move from very conservative to very liberal. At Saint Miriam, we feel that each individual is loved and created by God. Therefore, we welcome all to our community.

Our church also ordains women to its priesthood and as bishops. Our priests can be married, gay, or lesbian, and celibacy is optional. We encourage people to make their own informed decisions about birth control, abortion, and other moral issues. We maintain that all life is sacred. And, we have positions on all issues, but we walk with each individual where they are and support them in life. Please see a priest for greater detail and instruction.

We do maintain a strict adherence of protection against sexual abuse or harassment in any form. Our clergy are to be respected and enjoyed as a valued member of their respective communities, but they also must respect the inherent dignity of each person by acknowledging their power as such. Therefore, sexual misconduct is taken very seriously. We are here to assist but will never condemn or exclude no matter what station in life you are or what dilemma you face.

What is your Liturgy like to experience?

The best way to understand Catholic liturgy is not through the abstract discussion, but rather through concrete contact with actual ritual, that is what our church tradition does best: putting people in touch with the Mystery of God through sacramental celebration of life and hope!

Our Catholic liturgy will seem very familiar with an added element or two of surprise and meditation! And, the ideal for our liturgy is also very simple: the focus should be on the Eucharist, but be INCLUSIVE and INVITING for all who attend. Also, the elements of Bread and Wine should be pure, simple, and inviting to all of our senses.

The simple nature of our worship space is to allow for our focus to be on the center of our worship and to not detract. And, the warmth of our space comes from one place: YOU! Therefore, when our community gathers, the space becomes alive and we focus on our corporate worship and community - together.

Our Altar Table and Processional Cross are designed in the very-recognized style of renowned artist Alberto Giacometti (click here to visit) by artist and blacksmith, Edward Worthington (click here to visit). The hammered iron rods and scarred table allows us to visualize how, despite our wounds and imperfections, we are still beautiful and serve God's good use! Our gospel procession allows all to participate and to realize that we are all part of the plan and made and created to honor God and serve to make our world a better place!

So, come, taste, smell, and see how God is at work in our daily life, work, death, and community - see the Risen Lord every time you meet someone at Saint Miriam!

Are the Sacraments the same as in other Catholic Church traditions?

Simply put: Exactly the same! We continue to honor the historic and traditional 7 Sacraments as a vital means of experiencing the Presence of God:

Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism and Confirmation, Eucharist
Sacraments of Reconciliation and Healing: Penance, Anointing of the Sick
Sacraments of Adult Vocation: Marriage and Holy Orders (Deacon, Priest, Bishop)

So, if I attend and I am used to the Roman Catholic Mass…what differences will I notice?

Well, very few to be honest! The main differences are three:

1. We moved the Welcome and Sign of Peace back to the beginning of the Mass at the Introductory Rites where it belongs.
2. We do NOT take a money collection during the liturgy; we believe this is a time for worship and prayer.
3. The Holy Communion – which we believe is the Real Presence through Transubstantiation – is open to everyone. We believe that Jesus did not reject anyone, so we follow the same rubric.

Other than that, you should feel right at home at Saint Miriam!