NEWS
More Recent Validations
Dominus Jesus issued by the Roman Catholic
Magisterium in the year 2000, signed by pope John Paul II on
June 16, and Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger on August 6, states,
"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."
A Concordat was signed between Pope Paul VI and Archbishop
Glazmaker of Utrecht in 1976, recognizing
the Catholic status of one another and the validity of one
another's sacraments. (Corrected statement 01/05/2008, due to misprint on date.)
"The Roman Church recognizes the validity of Old
Catholic Orders and Sacraments." 1974, Catholic
Almanac, Our Sunday Visitor
"The Old Catholics, like the Orthodox, possess a
valid priesthood." Separated Brethren by William J.
Whalen
"... Catholics may receive the Eucharist, penance or
anointing from sacred ministers of non-Catholic
denominations whose Orders are considered valid by the
Catholic Church. This includes Eastern Orthodox
priests, priests of the Old Catholic and Polish National
Church." A Catholic Guide to the New Code of
Canon Law, Thomas P. Doyle, OP
"Ordinations performed by the bishops of the Old
Catholics are considered valid." A Practical Commentary
on the Code of Canon Law, Rev.
Stanislaw Woywood, OFM, LLB
Ancient Validation
Utrecht receives Rights of Autonomy
from Blessed Pope Eugene III in 1145.
This Right is confirmed by pope Leo in 1215 and becomes known
universally as the Leonine Privilege.
Privilege subsequently reconfirmed in two Church Councils in
1520 and 1717.
________________
Pope Benedict's Explanation of Valid Apostolic
Priestly Ministry... Summer 2007
This explanation by Pope Benedict, of
apostolic validity is from his letter to the Catholic Church in China. We
offer these excerpts for clarification regarding bishops and priests who are not
in union with the Roman See. To read the entire letter you can access
www.Catholic.org
“Finally,
there are certain Bishops – a very small number of them – who
have been ordained without the Pontifical mandate and who have not
asked for or have not yet obtained, the necessary legitimation.
According to the doctrine of the Catholic Church, they
are to be
considered illegitimate, but validly ordained, as long as it is
certain
that they have received ordination from validly ordained Bishops and
that the Catholic rite of episcopal ordination has been respected.
Therefore, although not in communion with the Pope,
they exercise their
ministry validly in the administration of the sacraments, even if they
do so illegitimately. What great spiritual enrichment would ensue for
the Church in China if, the necessary conditions having been
established, these Pastors too were to enter into communion with the
Successor of Peter and with the entire Catholic episcopate! Not only
would their episcopal ministry be legitimized, there would also be an
enrichment of their communion with the priests and the faithful who
consider the Church in China part of the Catholic Church, united with
the Bishop of Rome and with all the other particular Churches spread
throughout the world...
...Concerning Bishops whose consecrations took place
without the
pontifical mandate yet respecting the Catholic rite of episcopal
ordination, the resulting problems must always be resolved in the light
of the principles of Catholic doctrine. Their ordination – as I have
already said (cf. section 8 above, paragraph 12) – is illegitimate but
valid, just as priestly ordinations conferred by them are valid, and
sacraments administered by such Bishops and priests are likewise valid.
Therefore the faithful, taking this into account, where the eucharistic
celebration and the other sacraments are concerned, must, within the
limits of the possible, seek Bishops and priests who are in communion
with the Pope: nevertheless, where this cannot be achieved without
grave inconvenience, they may, for the sake of their spiritual good,
turn also to those who are not in communion with the Pope.”
& Happenings
On November 26, 2005, Rev. Steven Dwyer was ordained Deacon in the
Reformed catholic Church International.
Above left, Rev. Steven Dwyer, Right, Master of Liturgy, Rev. Andre Gregoire
Above Rev. Dwyer receives the laying of hands.
Above the Liturgy Begins
Above, Wedded On December 10, 2005, in the pastor's study of Rev.
Gregoire was Sandra Lee Gomes and Ronald Lambert
Above Rev. Michael
Officiating
A Baptism by Rev. Michael Scarlett
Above Rev. Ed Taylor Officiating a happy event!
Noah Ramm is baptized, officiating is Rev. Andy
Rev. Lenny and the Pasta brigade!
Abby's First Communion
Rev. Lenny concelebrating at St. Thomas.
