We of the independent Catholic movement are Catholic Christians not under the jurisdiction of Rome. We are an outgrowth of the Old Catholic Church in Utrecht, Netherlands. We have not left the Church. Along with all Catholic Christians, we are the Church. Our clergy are validly ordained bishops, priests, and deacons in the Apostolic Succession, and are recognized as such. We are fully Catholic, and we pray for and look forward to the time when once more the unity Jesus prayed for exists. We await that unity (without uniformity) enjoyed by the early Church. Though incorporated as a church, we are not just a denomination; we are a post-denominational fellowship. Our churches practice the inclusivity of Jesus toward the outcast and marginalized -- including women, homosexuals, indigenous peoples, minorities, heretics, sinners, and the poor. We even accept rich folks.
The United Catholic Church includes traditionalist parishes, progressive parishes, and everything in between. You can walk into one of our parishes and hear the Tridentine Mass in Latin, with the priest and congregation facing the altar and communicants receiving the Eucharist on the tongue. In another the Novus Ordo Mass will be indistinguishable from what you will experience in most Roman Catholic parishes. In still another you will find a woman priest and her congregation gathered around the altar at an intimate Mass rich in inclusive language. What binds us together is a rich orthodox Catholic faith, a dedication to follow Jesus in all things, a love of the Eucharist, a commitment to serve the lost and the outcast, and that unique spirituality we call "Catholic."
The United Catholic Church is a free association of individual Christians, independent churches, religious orders, denominations, and interchurch fellowships. We embrace Roman Catholics, Old Catholics, independent Catholics, Orthodox catholics, Anglican catholics, and Protestant catholics. We do not seek to take Christians away from the churches they now attend. We seek rather to minister to the millions of alienated or excommunicated souls who no longer go to Mass or Communion, for whatever reason. We offer them God's unconditional love, acceptance, and Sacraments. We believe holiness is not a prerequisite for Communion, but a result of it. If you are unchurched, turned off, or marginalized, Have We Got a Church For You! Have you been told you're living in sin? We invite you to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Forgiveness, not condemnation. Valid Sacraments, no strings. Like the early church, we ordain without regard to gender, sexual orientation, or marital status. Pedophiles and promiscuous or abusive clergy NOT tolerated, regardless of sexual orientation (no double standard).
Frequently-Asked Questions about the UCC
FAQ 1 What is the United Catholic Church?
FAQ 2 How is the United Catholic Church different from the Roman Catholic Church?
FAQ 3 If you're not part of the Roman Catholic Church, then you're Protestant, right?
FAQ 4 You sound a lot like the Anglicans. Why don't you just join the Episcopal Church, or maybe the Lutherans?
FAQ 5 What Do You Believe?
Diocese of St. Wilibrord in the Ozarks: This new diocese has been formed effective Nov 7, 2005. The Diocesan Administrator is Bishop-Elect Brian Brown.
Mass at Camp Casey: Fathers Brian Brown and Francis Sahuque represented the UCC at Camp Casey and said Mass on Sunday Aug 21, 2005 for the gathered activists calling for our troops to be brought home alive. As a Peace Church, we support Cindy Sheehan and the Gold Star Mothers for Peace in their efforts.
Unity Talks: The UCC representatives to unity talks with the Ecumenical Catholic Comunion are Rev. Rose Tressel (chair), Rev. Rick Kalbfleisch, and Bob Longoni (lay delegate).
Diocese of St. Mary of Magdala: Bishop Bernardo Morales has agreed to take over as diocesan bishop, effective 1 September 2005. This will be great for the diocese, since Bishop Morales is fluent in both Spanish and English, and there are several bilingual parishes and ministries in the diocese.
SYNOD 2005 Our 2005 Synod took place in Phoenix, AZ June 9-12, 2005 at Guardian Angels parish in Chandler, AZ. Our special guest at the Synod was Bishop Peter Hickman, Pastor of St. Matthews Church in Orange, CA and Presiding Bishop of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion. Discussions have been initiated toward possible union of the UCC and the ECC.
The New Code of Canons for the Church was adopted by consensus on October 17, 2004. Text: newcanons.htm
The UCC now has five diocese. Bishop Christen is the first bishop of the Diocese of the Southwest. He has several parishes in the Phoenix area and is responsible for Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, and Utah. Bishop Christen is also overseeing California until we get a bishop on the West Coast. Bishop Bill, an experienced educator, is also head of Phoenix Theological Institute. It will eventually be fully accredited nationally. The Diocese of St. Oscar Romero, headed by Archbishop Bowman, and the Diocese of St. Mary of Magdala, headed by Bishop Bernardo Morales, are non-geographic. The Diocese of the Great Lakes is headed by Bishop Larry Cameron. Though centered around the Great Lakes, this diocese has clergy in other parts of the country as well. In the UCC, clergy may choose their diocese. The Diocese of St. Wilibrord in the Ozarks is centered in Branson, Missouri.
We are growing. The Church has doubled in size each of the last three years. Several experienced pastors have incardinated with us, including Roman Catholic and Lutheran priests, as well as clergy from other Old Catholic jurisdictions. See the lists in "The United Catholic Church today." UCC Today
Spanish translations of Sermons available. The first one is listed under SERMONS below.
New Web Site. Thanks mainly to the work of Rev. Jerry Brohl and Rev. F. Joseph Bowman, we now have a new and much prettier web site. It is better organized. Give it a visit by clicking on www.united-catholic-church.org
Food For Thought: Ordained Ministry and the Distribution of the Eucharist: distribution.htm (A brief pastoral from Archbishop Bowman on Easter Sunday, Apr 20, 2003)
There is a shortage of Catholic and liturgical Protestant chaplains in the military. Several bases will shortly be without one. The Roman Catholic bishops can't supply the demand. If you are interested in being a military chaplain and you are extremely well qualified, please contact us. We already have one chaplain on active duty and another in the pipeline. Laicized or inactive Roman Catholic priests are especially needed. Marriage no impediment. Our young men and women in the military deserve to have chaplains available to them. Must be willing to minister in a combat zone if needed. If you are interested, please carefully read the page Requirements and Guidelines for Military Chaplains in the United Catholic Church
The 2002 Synod approved a Policy on Pedophiles and Other Sexual Exploiters Pedophilia.htm .
Archbishop Bowman visited Utrecht the first week in May, 2002. Along with bishops from several other independent Catholic jurisdictions, we are exploring intercommunion with the Old Catholic Church. A report on this visit was made to the Synod.
Jan 2002 letter by Archbishop Bowman to the Denver Catholic
Register
entitled Another Catholic View of War
For Archbishop Bowman's reaction to 9/11, the war on terrorism, and the war against Iraq, go to his secular web site: http://www.rmbowman.com/ssn
What Does It Mean To Be Catholic?
(The above was the founding document of the United Catholic Church, and contains our core beliefs.)
Pastoral Letter to the Church in Rochester
Pastoral Letter on Divisions In The Church & Inerrancy
Visions of a Christian America
A Millennium Letter to John Paul II
History of the United Catholic Church
The Old Catholic Church and the Early Church
The Undivided Church and the Great Schism
Growth of the Old Catholic Movement
The Old Catholic Church In America
Toward Unity: The Restoration Movement
THE UNITED CATHOLIC CHURCH TODAY: UCCToday
(a list of dioceses, parishes, missions, seminaries, and religious orders. Information on Mass times and place, and contact numbers.)
UCC Central Office UCCToday.htm#UCC Central Office
Diocese of the Great Lakes UCCToday.htm#Diocese of the Great Lakes
Diocese of St. Wilibrord in the Ozarks UCCToday.htm#Diocese of St. Wilibrord
Diocese of St. Mary of Magdala UCCToday.htm#Diocese of St. Mary of Magdala
Diocese of the Southwest UCCToday.htm#Diocese of the Southwest
Diocese of St. Oscar Romero UCCToday.htm#Diocese of St. Oscar Romero
Phoenix Theological Institute UCCToday.htm#Phoenix Theological Institute
Religious Orders and Societies UCCToday.htm#Religious Orders
Sister Churches and Interchurch Ministries:
St. Matthew Old Catholic Church, Orange, CA, Most Rev. Peter Hickman Saint Matthew Church, Orange CA
Spiritus Christi Community, Rochester, NY, Rev. Mary Ramerman Spiritus Christi Community, Rochester, NY
Christ the Servant Apostolic Catholic Church, Tampa, FL (Bishop Chuck Leigh) www.apostoliccatholicchurch.com
The Old Catholic Orthodox Church (Archbishop Leland Lannoye, Primate) http://www.oldcatholicorthodoxchurch.org
Kirch Am Eck (Church on the Corner), Tubingen, Germany http://www.kirchameck.de
(This ecumenical church grew out of St. Micael's Roman Catholic Church) Rev. Gerhard SchneiderBishop Pat Buckley, Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland www.bishoppatbuckley.com
St. Sebastian United Reform Catholic Church International, Baltimore, MD, Rev. David Flaherty http://ssebastian-ucm.jesusanswers.com
The Ecumenical Communion of Catholic and Apostolic Churches (ECCAC) www.geocities.com/wil06401/americancommunion.html
The American Association of Independent Catholic Bishops
Old Catholic Church of Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, Most Rev. Dr. Arthur C. Keating, Presiding Bishop www.oldcatholic.ca
Community of Charity, Columbus, Ohio, Rev. Anthony Capretta http://www.communityofcharity.org
The Diocese of Rumney Marsh, Chelsea, MA, Bishop David Dismas http://www.rumneymarshdiocese.org
Contemporary Catholic Church, Mesquite, NM, Bishop Sharon Hart, Presiding www.thecontemporarycatholicchurch.org
Open Episcopal Church of Great Britain, Most Rev. Richard Palmer www.openepiscopalchurch.fsnet.co.uk
United Reform Catholic Church International, Kaneohe, HI, Most Rev. Kimo Keawe www.unitedreformcatholicchurch.com
The United Reform Catholic Mission, American Samoa
United Ecumenical Catholic Church (US, Australia, UK)
Good Shepherd Catholic Community, San Antonia, TX, Rev. Barry Ferguson www.forministry.com/USTXNONDEGSCCG/
Old Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of San Diego, Bishop Thomas E. Abel www.oldcatholicroman.org orccsd@hotmail.com
All Saints Parish, ORCCSD, Carlsbad, CA, Very Rev. Janine C. Stock, Pastor redjcs@aol.com
Most Rev. Robert M. Bowman, Ph.D., Presiding Archbishop & Primate
Apostolic Succession (Graphical File 175 kb)
Biographical Sketch of Archbishop Bowman
OUR HOUSE OF BISHOPS
Bowman, Most Rev. Dr. Robert M., Ph.D., Presiding Archbishop, Primate, & Founder, Melbourne, FL, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Oscar Romero
Cameron, Most Rev. Dr. Lawrence M., OAC, D.Min., D.R.S., Bishop of the Diocese of the Great Lakes; Co-Pastor, Celtic Pilgrim Eucharistic Fellowship, Toledo, OH; Abbott of the Order of Anam Cara, Toledo, OH
Christen, Most Rev. Dr. William L., M.Div., Ed.D., Bishop of the Diocese of the South West; President and professor, Phoenix Theological Institute
Morales, Most Rev. Bernardo, Pastor, S.S. Felicity & Perpetua parish-St. Cloud, FL, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Mary of Magdala
Aduba, Rev. Peter,
Bellarmine, Rev. Fr. Gregory, Manchester, England, Superior General, Society of St. John of the Cross
Bowman, Fr. Franz Joseph,
Bowman, Rev. Deacon Margaret E., Director of Liturgy & Music-UCC, Melbourne, FL
Boyer, Rt. Rev. Terry M., OSB, Pastor-Holy Family parish-Goodyear, AZ; Abbott General, Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict, Goodyear, AZ; Vicar for Clergy, Formation, and Religious Communities of the Diocese of the South West; Assistant professor, Phoenix Theological Institute
Braxton, Rev. Dewayne, Toledo, OH
Brohl, Fr. Jerry G. STL, Wyandotte, MI, Co-Director, UCC Ecumenical Outreach
Brown, Rt. Rev. Abbot Brian E., Abbot of the Communion of the Companions of God, Pastor of St Melangell's mission, Hollister, MO; Bishop-elect, Diocese of St. Wilibrord in the Ozarks
Christen, Rev. Dr. Mary K., OSB, M.Div., Ed.D., Co-Pastor, Guardian Angel parish, Chandler, AZ; Professor, Phoenix Theological Institute
Claus, Rev. Fr. Santa, OAC, OSL, Incline Village, NV
Crinnin, Rev. Lawrence BA, B.Th., Special ministries,
DeVries, Rev. William (Inactive)
Dodge, Rev. Hollis G. D., Pastor, Christ Church Ministries, Staunton, VA; co-Director, UCC Ecumenical Outreach
Druckemiller, Rev. Fr. Roger, OAC, Toledo, OH, Co-Pastor-Celtic Pilgrim
Eucharistic Fellowship,
Frazier, Rev. Dr. Greg, D.Min,
Gallen, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey, M.Div., D.Min., Pastor, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Goodyear, AZ; Associate pastor, Holy Family parish, Goodyear, AZ; Professor, Phoenix Theological Institute
Grady, Rev. Deacon Gene, Celtic Pilgrim
Eucharistic Fellowship, Toledo, OH
Hesselbart, Rev. Deacon Dr. Fred, Toledo, OH
Rev. Deacon Irenaeus, OCF, Birmingham, England
Jeruzal, Rev. Mary Helen, M.A., OAC, Co-Pastor, St. Samthann United Catholic Parish, Lincoln Park, MI; Dir of Formation & Spiritual Director, Old Catholic Order of St. Francis (OCF)
Jones, Rev. Dr. Linda, Ph.D., Washington, D.C., Pastoral Intern; Assoc. Professor, Phoenix Theological Institute
Kalbfleisch, Fr. Richard A., OCF, Mt. Pleasant, SC, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Old Catholic Church, Minister Servant, Old Catholic Order of St. Francis (OCF)
Krajcik, Rev. Deacon Kathleen M. Toms River, NJ
Krukowski, Rev. Deacon Tim, Toledo, OH
Longoni, Rev. Melani, Diocese of the Southwest
Marshall, Most Rev. Mike (Inactive)
McFarland, Rev. Rick, B.S., B.A.,
McPhee, Very Rev. Dr. David, M.Div., D.Min., Ph.D., Phoenix, AZ, Vicar General, Diocese of the South West; Professor, Phoenix Theological Institute; (Sabbatical leave for 2005)
Menter, Very Rev. Dr. William G., D.Min., UCC Vicar General, Member-UCC Board of Directors, Palm Bay, FL
O'Connell, Rev. Deacon Robert, OCF, Pastoral Assoc., St. Francis of Assisi OCC, Summerville, SC
Orlando, Fr. Peter C., M.Div., Ph.D., Gilbert, AZ; Co-pastor, Guardian Angels parish, Chandler, AZ
Otero, III, Rev. Fr. Manuel A., Ph.D., Chaplain, Captain, USAF Auxiliary, St. Cloud, FL, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of St. Mary of Magdala
Pike, Jr., Rev. Albert, OCF, Naples, FL
Potts, Fr. Bryan, M.Div., Co-Pastor, St. Samthann United Catholic Parish, Lincoln Park, MI
Prandini, Rev. Deacon Tony, Diocese of the SouthWest
Rickard, Most Rev. Rodney, D.Min., Ph.D., - Auxilliary of the Diocese of St. Mary of Magdala
Ringler, Rev. Deacon Susan S., B.S.N>, Tempe, AZ
Sahuque, Rev. Fr. John, CCG, Rector, St. Martin's Old Catholic Church, Springfield, MO
Samuel, Rev. Charles G., Police and Fire chaplain,
Smith, Rev. Gerald Daniel, Skippack, PA
Stygles, Rev. Fr. John M.,
Pastor-Zacchae'us Project,
Tressel, Rev. Rose H., M.Div.,
Trowbridge, Rev. Fr. Dr. Clark, OAC,
Ulrich, Rev. Deacon Dawn, Toledo, OH
Valladao, Fr. Ron, B.A.,
Th., Associate Pastor, Holy Family parish,
Van Dyke, Fr. Charles, B.A., Associate pastor, Spirit of
Life parish,
Ward, Rev. Deacon Tim, Diocese of the SouthWest
Young, Very Rev. Dr. Eugene, D.Min., D.S.M., Vicar General for Operations - Diocese of the South West; Pastor, Spirit of Life parish, Phoenix, AZ; Professor and Dean of Students, Phoenix Theological Institute
plus others held "in pectore"
.
O'Malley, Mr. Tim,
Wahlroos, Rev. Leigh Ariel, Forest Lake, MN
Cory, Mr. Bruce, Mayfield Hts., OH
Jamers, Rev. Jesse, Eaton Rapids, MI
Finocchiaro, Mr. Joseph, St. Petersburg, FL
Jacobs, Earl, Holy Family Parish, Goodyear, AZ
Jacobs, Doraine, Holy Family Parish, Goodyear, AZ
Sprowl, Ms. Theresa, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Summerville, SC
Locke, Ms. Nancy, St. Francis of Assisi parish, Diocese of the Great Lakes, Summerville, SC
Longoni, Robert, lay member of Unity Commission, UCC, member Guardian Angels Parish, Chandler, AZ
Millson, Thomas Michael (Mike), Zacchaeus Project, Pensacola, FL
Boone-Longoni, P.J., Guardian Angels Parish, Chandler, AZ
Ontjes, Mr. Kenneth, Keezletown, VA, Christ Church Ministries, Staunton, VA
Parker, Art, Guardian Angels Parish, Chandler, AZ
Willis, Dr. Richard G., Christ Church Ministries, Staunton, VA
Krycka, Mary E., Bethany Church, Bethany, CT
Bauman, Mr. Robert, MBA, Comptroller, Diocese of the South West
Espinoza, Mr. Joseph, Webmaster, Diocese of the South West
Ringler, Mr. Gary V., JD, Legal advisor, Diocese of the South West
(NOTE: All our clergy are asked to send a BIO [one to Archbishop Bowman and one to Father Rick Kalbfleisch] and a passport-size photo in clerical collar for clergy ID card to Father Rick Kalbfleisch and one for the web site to Archbishop Bowman.)
(under construction) For information, call (321) 752-5955 or email us at catholic@rmbowman.com
We Are At War; Report To Your Duty Stations Nov 22,1997
A Call To Ministry Nov 15, 1997
What Are Our Expectations of the Messiah? Nov 29, 1997
God's Blessing To Unwed Mothers Dec 6, 1997
Sermon for Adoption Sunday Dec 13, 1997
A Call To Repentance Dec 20, 1997
Invitation To A Party Dec 24, 1997
A Call To Stardom Jan 3, 1998
There Are Different Gifts, But One Spirit Jan 17. 1998
A Call To Interdependence Jan 24, 1998
What Is This Thing Called Love? Jan 31, 1998
Here I Am, Lord; Send Me Feb 7, 1998
On Which Side of the Beatitudes Do We Stand? Feb 14, 1998
St. Francis in the Modern World Nov 12, 1967
Sin or Love: the Preacher's Dilemma Nov 1, 1997
May I Please Speak With Your Supervisor? Oct 25, 1997
Joyfully Follow the Suffering Servant Oct 18, 1997
Sermon for Good Shepherd Sunday Apr 20, 1997
I Must Preach the Gospel Feb 9 1997
The Law Aug 30, 1997
God's Preferential Option for the Poor Sep 6, 1997
Faith Without Works Is Dead Sep 13, 1997
Are We Number One? Sep 20, 1997
Lord, We Do Belong! Sep 27, 1997
Christian, Love Me More Than These Oct 11, 1997
Widow Sunday and the Corporate Church Nov 8, 1997
Love Your Enemies Feb 21, 1998
"My God, How Great Thou Art!" Mar 7, 1998
Are You Living an Error-free Life? Mar 14, 1998
A Call To Reconciliation Mar 21, 1998
Let Him Without Sin Throw the Switch Mar 28, 1998
"Feed My Sheep" Guest Sermon by Simon Bar-Jona of Galilee April 25, 1998
A Call To Inclusivity May 2, 1998
Sermon for Mothers' Day May 9, 1998
God of the Universe ... or God of the Box? May 16, 1998
Take A Bullet For Jesus Aug 16, 1998
A Call To Prophecy Aug 23, 1998
A Call To Humility Aug 30, 1998
Slavery, Submission, & Biblical Interpretation Sep 6, 1998
The Lost Sheep & the Mission of the Church Sep 13, 1998
Humble Yourself Before the Lord Jan 31, 1999
Don Quixote and The Woman At The Well Mar 7, 1999
e-mail: catholic@rmbowman.com
telephone: (321) 752-5955 , ask for Father Bob. If no answer, try cell phone (321) 258-0582
snail mail: United Catholic Church, 5017 Bellflower Ct, Melbourne, FL 32940
(Please ignore our old Melbourne Beach and Viera addresses which still appears on many pages. Thanks!)
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