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The Contemporary Catholic
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A place for today's Catholics
"Whenever you enter a house, extend your peace" Matt 10:12
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Catholicism
When people refer to Catholics today, they often mean Roman Catholics. But, there are many other types of Catholics. Some are associated with cultural groups like Byzantine Catholics or Polish National Catholics while others such as Old Catholics span all cultural groups.
While some groups are in union with Rome, others have been independently governed by their own bishops, in the tradition of the Eastern Orthodox church, for well over 200 years.
The Contemporary Catholic community is dedicated to making the world a more compassionate place. We celebrate the same sacraments and follows the spirit of reform initiated in Vatican II.
Uniformity of externals does not equate with the unity called for by Christ.
During much of the first eleven hundred years after Jesus, there was only one church that developed different traditions. Everything from the way the Mass and sacraments were celebrated to the date of Easter and celibacy were interpreted differently. Even today, the Eastern and Western churches have many externals that are vastly different yet all celebrate the same sacraments and preach the same scripture.
The institutional church of today can be traced, in part, to ongoing disagreements over Papal supremacy in the 11th and 12th centuries, resulting in a schism with the Eastern church, reaction to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century and the proclamation of Papal Infallibility in the 19th century which created further schism. All these events speak to the confusion of unity with uniformity.
Contemporary Catholics
Being Catholic today means many things. Most importantly it continues to represent the faith community of Christians most identified with the celebration of the seven sacraments and its rich tradition of symbols and metaphors. Contemporary Catholic is a term which best describes those who continue to search for a non-judgmental, sacramental experience different from that offered by the institutional church.
Because these searchers have not found the kind of experience they want within traditional, institutional Catholicism many drift to other Christian communities but still miss the sacraments in their lives.
Recognizing the need to fill a void in the lives of many, we offer the sacraments in a non-judgmental Catholic experience. By celebrating the sacraments without question, we hope to bring about unity without the stumbling block of uniformity.
Community Versus Place
Many who come to us are filled with a hurt or a longing not met in the institutional church. With us, they find an openness and acceptance that is a reflection of Christ's love.
Doctrine can cause division, we only ask that we follow Christ's two commandments: to love God and each other as He loved us, wholly and completely.
Those who come to us in tears experience loving acceptance. If you have been rejected because of a previous marriage, you are welcome here. If now you can't believe the religion taught to you as a child but still want a sacramental relationship with God, here is your home. If there are barriers in your relationship with God, then we wish to be with you in loving compassion. Just know that we are here for you.
For a more detailed discussion about Catholicism you may wish to peruse these pages:
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
On Catholic Jurisdictions and Protestant Denominations
Survey of Old and Roman Catholic and Protestant Belief Systems
Christianity: One Reality,Two Complementary Perspectives
Spirituality in the 21st Century
Baptismal Petition
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