The Upper Room

197 Southwest Monterey Road + Stuart, Florida 34994 (772) GOD-PRAY (463-7729)

What is the difference between the Old Catholic Church and the Roman Catholic Church?

Both churches share the same history from the Day of Pentecost until the First Vatican Council when the Church in Rome declared the new doctrine of Papal Infallibility. The churches who remained faithful to the old teachings of the Church, became known as “Old Catholics.”

 

What is the difference between the Old Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church when it comes to the doctrines of Papal Infallibility and the Immaculate Conception?

There is no difference.  We embrace the identical theology; what the Church as a whole has believed in all places and in all times, from the beginning.

 

Can a Roman Catholic receive Communion at an Upper Room Mass?

Yes.  We practice what is called an “Open Table;” i.e., all Baptized Christians are invited to received the Blessed Sacrament.

 

Are we able to remarry after divorce in your church?

Yes. Couples are not required to declare a prior marriage null and void before they can get married in our church.

 

Do you endorse the practice of birth control?

We believe that birth control is a personal decision that is made between husband and wife and their God.  We do not involve ourselves in matters of family planning to the extent of endorsing or forbidding the practice of birth control. We do not, however, believe this practice is a sin.

 

Do you endorse abortion?

No. We believe the taking of any life is wrong.  We also believe that God can and does forgive anyone who seeks forgiveness for past mistakes.

 

What is your position on the Holy Scriptures?

We believe the Holy Scriptures are the inspired word of God.

 

What do you believe is the basis for salvation?

We believe that salvation comes through faith in the atoning work Christ did on the Cross. The evidence of this salvation is a life that bears good works.

 

What do you believe happens during the Eucharistic prayers?

We believe that through the prayers of the Church, we experience the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the bread and wine, which becomes for us, his Body and Blood.

 

How does the Roman Catholic Church view the Sacraments of the Old Catholic Church?

On August 6, 2000 Pope John Paul II and the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger signed a declaration called Dominus Iesus. It addressed the issue of churches outside of the Church in Rome.  The following is an excerpt regarding their official view of the Old Catholic Church:

“The Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the 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, even though they lack full communion with the Catholic Church....”

 

How do you view Mary, the mother of Jesus?

Our church’s devotion to Mary is second to none!  No other human holds a greater place of honor in our church or within our hearts. She is to us, the “Theotokos,” the Christ-bearer, the Mother of God. We believe that she listens to our prayers and intercedes on our behalf to her Son.

 

Do you recognize the Roman Catholic Church?

Yes. She is a dearly beloved sister.

An Old Catholic Mission — Part of the Independent Catholic movement of the Apostolic Catholic Church