Recent Posts

Most Used Categories

Category: PNCC

You are Here :
Christian Witness, Perspective, PNCC, ,

Being a Confessor of the Faith in Mishawaka, Indiana

Wikipedia defines a Confessor as:

The title confessor is used in the Christian Church in several ways. Its oldest use is to indicate a saint who has suffered persecution and torture for the faith, but not to the point of death.

I recently blogged about Nan Gilbert, a member of the PNCC who has been discharged from her job simply for her membership and allegiance to the PNCC. You might think: isn’t that employer horrible, persecuting people for their faith in Jesus Christ and their allegiance to Him.

Funny thing, she worked for a Roman Catholic high school run by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. Note that the school still lists her as a member of their staff on their website (as of the writing of this post).

I attempted to confirm the events with the Ecumenical Officer for the Diocese, the Rev. Robert C. Schulte and the school’s principal, Mr. Carl Loesch. Fr. Schulte responded but refused to comment on the status of Ms. Gilbert, citing confidentiality. Ms. Gilbert has personally confirmed these events with me.

Ms. Gilbert was told to renounce her affiliation with the PNCC and come back to full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. She was also asked to renounce any relationship with her fiancee, a former cleric of the Roman Catholic Church. Upon refusing she was told that she could either resign or be fired.

From my perspective, there is the potential for further repercussions aimed at Ms. Gilbert based on what she has reported to me. The whole episode is truly insidious, truly sinful.

In the end this is simple coercion and prejudice. While coercion is allowed for by Roman Catholic Canon Law, this would be an area outside Canon Law, because it affects the member of another Church — an area covered in joint agreements and by the Roman Church’s own prohibitions against coercion. So it comes down to bullying.

Here’s an excerpt from Marian’s Mission Statement:

…As a Catholic community, Marian values the sanctity and individuality of each student and strives to live the example of Jesus Christ as teacher and servant.

Is that saying that Jesus as teacher and servant treated His co-workers without sanctity or individuality? Don’t you just love mission statements. So many words, never reflected upon, never considered. Just a decoration on one’s website. If they cannot follow their Mission Statement how can they follow the Popes and the Gospel?

Grant this, O Christ, that we may never let ourselves be broken by threats, persecution and suffering, but always firmly and faithfully profess Thy holy faith. And when false human judgments pursue and wrong us, grant us the faith of the apostles and courage of the martyrs, that we may be capable to suffer and even die for Thee. Amen. — From the Prayer for the First Station. The Stations of the Cross, A Book of Devotions and Prayers According to the Use of the Polish National Catholic Church.

Here’s a better Mission statement:

“Fides suadenda est, non imponenda”
(Faith is a matter of persuasion, not of compulsion)

Christian Witness, Perspective, PNCC

Working together, as we are able

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Mt. Pleasant church seeks another congregation to share costs

A Mt. Pleasant church is looking for another congregation to share its facility.

First United Church of Christ members are exploring ways to raise funds to cover normal operating costs and to replace the roof, at an estimated cost of $20,000. The church, at the corner of Hitchman and East Main streets, was established in 1864.

The church previously shared its facility with the congregation of Transfiguration of Our Lord Polish National Catholic Church. That worked out well, so they thought they’d try it again.

“We were discussing ways to try to raise some money,” said Lisa Grate, president of First United Church of Christ. “We thought we could put an ad in the paper that we’re an established church seeking a fledgling congregation to share our facility. It’s a big church. The bills are expensive. We have a small, elderly congregation. We’re basically keeping our head above water. We don’t have the funding.”

The partnership with Transfiguration brought in about $600 a month in rent, which included use of First United’s social hall and kitchen. Transfiguration Church was razed in 2002 by the Diocese of Greensburg because of structural damage.

While some Transfiguration parishioners joined other parishes, others wanted to keep their link to their Polish heritage and stay together as a parish. That chance came as First United Church of Christ offered its worship site.

“Our church was their church, basically,” Grate said. “We did our worship on Sundays, they did their worship on Saturdays. They brought all their statues, they had full use of it. It worked out really, really well.”

For that, the parishioners of Transfiguration were very appreciative.

“It worked out real well,” said Dan Levendusky, chairman of the church committee at Transfiguration, adding his parish used First United Church of Christ for about five years. “It was just Christian charity. They knew we were looking for a place to worship.”

A new Transfiguration parish complex opened last November on Bridgeport Street, the site of the former Rainbow Gardens…

This is a really positive example of Christian’s working together as they are able. I have always been a firm believer of supporting our own (2 Corinthians 6:14) when we are ableOf course the UCC and the PNCC do not have the same perspective on many issues. That does not stop others from recognizing us as Christians by our love.. This type of support keeps buildings open, neighborhoods stable and small congregations afloat. It respects the character of community. May God bless both communities.

Fathers, PNCC

October 2 – From the Selected Sayings from the Desert Fathers

‘To live without speaking is better than to speak without living. For the former lives properly and does good even by his silence, but the latter does no good even when he speaks. When words and life correspond to one another, they are together the whole of philosophy.’ — Abba Isisdore of Pelusia.

He said, ‘We do not only need words, for at the present time there are many words among men; but we need works, for this is what is required – not words that do not bear fruit.’ — Abba James.

PNCC, , , , ,

Fact checking, clarification, orders – who’s got orders

The Young Fogey pointed to a discussion board conversation dealing with Anglican Apostolic Succession at the Byzantine Forum.

Typical of such discussions is the back and forth about who has “valid orders,” what Rome thinks of such in opposition to Orthodoxy, and does the Dutch TouchJohn Hunwicke’s article on this issue can be found here. fix everything.

What tends to surprise me is the lack of understanding exhibited in regard to the status of the Polish National Catholic Church and Utrecht.

This is an attempt to clarify some of the statements in the forum.

  1. The PNCC is not part of the Union of Utrecht period.
  2. Whether the PNCC left Utrecht or was thrown out is merely quibbling. The PNCC could not, regardless, accept the innovations the majority of the Utechian Churches have accepted (homosexual ‘marriage’ blessings and female clergy). For more on this see Poles apart by Laurence J Orzell.
  3. To be a member of the Union of Utrecht you must be a Church admitted to the International Bishops Conference (IBC), Utrecht’s governing authority.
  4. If you are not an admitted Church, but seek to be admitted in the future, you are placed under the supervision of one of the IBC Churches. These candidates are referred to as “Dependent churches and municipalities under the jurisdiction of the IBC.“
  5. Obviously the PNCC is not a member of the IBC nor are we under their jurisdiction.
  6. The Declaration of Scranton is the successor to the Declaration of Utrecht. See the commentary I republished for additional details.
  7. The PNCC maintains a relationship with the Polish Catholic Church (a member of Urecht) because the PNCC considers the Polish Church to be a Sister Church (a statement in this regard can be found here). — From my perspective I cannot see the reason for the Polish Catholic Church’s continued affiliation with Utrecht. They are as far apart from Utrecht on core theological and doctrinal issues as the PNCC is. We’ll see how that plays out.
  8. The Nordic Catholic Church is under the supervision of the PNCC. The Bishop of the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese exercises Episcopal oversight.
  9. The alleged Polish-Catholic Church of Canada (the Kozar group) is simply a priest and a small group of parishioners who illegally seized the PNCC Cathedral property in Toronto, Canada. One of the basis for the breakaway was the group’s desire for a continued relationship with Utrecht. While Utrecht still shows them as under the supervision of the Bishop of the Diocese of Utrecht on one web page, recent statements (here) indicate that Utrecht has cut them looseThe IBC in fact is no longer interested in establishing IBC affiliated Churches or candidate groups in North America, leaving supervision of such groups to the Episcopal Church.. The breakaway group is no longer recognized as representative of the PNCC by the Canadian Council of Churches. There is on-going litigation to recover the Cathedral property.
  10. The PNCC has no relationship with the Slovak Catholic Church. The Slovak “Bishop” obtained orders through the Duarte Costa line (vagante) and is trying to set up his own international body.

Ok, now everything is as clear as mud. Really though, I do encourage all who wish to study the PNCC to do so. We publish a lot, and are great on full disclosure. The minutes of Supreme Council meetings and Synods are available both in book form and in the pages of God’s Field. Buy a book, get a subscription, or just ask. It will go a long way in getting the facts straight.

Fathers, PNCC

October 1 – St. Cyril of Jerusalem from the Catechetical Lectures

If you have anything against any man, forgive it: you come here to receive forgiveness of sins, and thou also must forgive him that has sinned against you. Else with what face will you say to the Lord, Forgive me my many sins, if you have not yourself forgiven your fellow-servant even his little sins. Attend diligently the Church assemblies; not only now when diligent attendance is required of you by the Clergy, but also after you have received the grace. For if, before you have received it, the practice is good, is it not also good after the bestowal? If before thou be grafted in, it is a safe course to be watered and tended, is it not far better after the planting? Wrestle for your own soul, especially in such days as these. Nourish your soul with sacred readings; for the Lord has prepared for you a spiritual table; therefore say thou also after the Psalmist, The Lord is my shepherd, and I shall lack nothing: in a place of grass, there has He made me rest; He has fed me beside the waters of comfort, He has converted my soul: —” that Angels also may share your joy, and Christ Himself the great High Priest, having accepted your resolve, may present you all to the Father, saying, Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me. May He keep you all well-pleasing in His sight! To whom be the glory, and the power unto the endless ages of eternity. Amen. — Lecture 1. An Introductory Lecture to those who had come forward for Baptism.

Fathers, PNCC

September 30 – St. Cyril of Jerusalem from the Catechetical Lectures

The present is the season of confession: confess what you have done in word or in deed, by night or by day; confess in an acceptable time, and in the day of salvation receive the heavenly treasure. Devote your time to the Exorcisms: be assiduous at the Catechisings, and remember the things that shall be spoken, for they are spoken not for your ears only, but that by faith you may seal them up in the memory. Blot out from your mind all earthly care: for you are running for your soul. You are utterly forsaking the things of the world: little are the things which you are forsaking, great what the Lord is giving. Forsake things present, and put your trust in things to come. Have you run so many circles of the years busied in vain about the world, and have you not forty days to be free (for prayer), for your own soul’s sake? Be still, and know that I am God, says the Scripture. Excuse yourself from talking many idle words: neither backbite, nor lend a willing ear to backbiters; but rather be prompt to prayer. Show in ascetic exercise that your heart is nerved. Cleanse your vessel, that you may receive grace more abundantly. For though remission of sins is given equally to all, the communion of the Holy Ghost is bestowed in proportion to each man’s faith. If you have labored little, you receive little; but if you have wrought much, the reward is great. You are running for yourself, see to your own interest. — Lecture 1. An Introductory Lecture to those who had come forward for Baptism.

Christian Witness, PNCC

Eternal rest Frank Jawor

I ask your prayers for the repose of the soul of Mr. Frank Jawor. His obituary from Wayne State University follows:

Former WSU Men’s Golf Coach Passes Away: Frank Jawor was the 1990 GLIAC Coach of the Year

Former Wayne State University men’s golf coach Frank Jawor, 87, passed away last Friday, September 26, 2008. He was the 1990 GLIAC Coach of the Year.

Beloved husband of the late Helen. Dearest father of Frank (Carol), John J., and Kathy Lynn. Loving grandfather of Frank Benjamin. Dear brother of Stan, Cass, Wanda, John, and the late Ted, Chet, Victoria, Helen, Joe and Stephanie. Family will receive friends Sunday 1-8 p.m. with prayers at 7 p.m. at Stanley Turowski Funeral Home, 25509 W. Warren, Dearborn Hts. In state 9:30 a.m. Monday at Our Savior Polish National Catholic Church, 610 N. Beech Daly until 10 a.m. Mass. Long-time PGA Member, former President of Michigan PGA, master golf professional, and former Wayne State golf coach. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Our Savior Polish National Church or charity of choice.

Mr. Jawor, besides his accomplishments noted above, was an active member of the Polish National Union of America. He was Secretary of Branch 243 in Dearborn Heights and served on several national committees. He passed away three days before the celebration of the centennial of Polish National Union. May his valued service be treasured by all. Please pray:

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may the perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Wieczne odpoczynek racz mu dać Panie, a światłość wiekuista niechaj mu świeci.
Niech odpoczywa w pokoju, Amen.

PNCC, ,

Parish event in Wallington, NJ

An announcement from Transfiguration Parish. I met some lovely people from Transfiguration this past Sunday while at the Holy Mass and Banquet honoring the centennial of the Polish National Union of America. If you are in the area I encourage you to attend and support the parish.

The Polish National Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, 135 Hathaway St., Wallington, NJ will hold a Chicken BBQ Dinner Saturday, Oct. 11, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Eat-in and take-out orders will be available. Tickets are $8 each; call 973-773-4090 for information. Reservation deadline is Oct. 8.

Fathers, PNCC

September 29 – St. Cyril of Jerusalem from the Catechetical Lectures

You are receiving not a perishable but a spiritual shield. Henceforth you are planted in the invisible Paradise. Thou receivest a new name, which you had not before. Heretofore you were a Catechumen, but now you will be called a Believer. You are transplanted henceforth among the spiritual olive-trees, being grafted from the wild into the good olive-tree, from sins into righteousness, from pollutions into purity. You are made partaker of the Holy Vine . Well then, if thou abide in the Vine, you grow as a fruitful branch; but if thou abide not, you will be consumed by the fire. Let us therefore bear fruit worthily. God forbid that in us should be done what befell that barren fig-tree, that Jesus come not even now and curse us for our barrenness. But may all be able to use that other saying, But I am like a fruitful olive-tree in the house of God: I have trusted in the mercy of God for ever —” an olive-tree not to be perceived by sense, but by the mind , and full of light. As then it is His part to plant and to water , so it is thine to bear fruit: it is God’s to grant grace, but thine to receive and guard it. Despise not the grace because it is freely given, but receive and treasure it devoutly. — Lecture 1. An Introductory Lecture to those who had come forward for Baptism.

All Right Reserved © 2005 - 2023