ANSWERS TO SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS
DO I HAVE TO BE POLISH TO BELONG?
NO! Although the Church has its roots in the Polish immigration (the end of the 19th century), although it maintains its Polish name and heritage, it’s an international Church made up of members from different nationalities and many ethnic backgrounds. Today, the number of non-Polish members is growing and the language of the Church is basically English.
HOW DOES THE CHURCH WORSHIP?
The main mode of worship is the Holy Mass celebrated in the language of the people. Mass is the Sacrifice of the New Testament in which bread and wine is consecrated into the mystical Body and Blood of Christ and the offering of this Body and Blood to God through the ministry of a priest as a perpetual commemoration of Christ’s Sacrifice upon the Cross, offered once for all time. Contemporary services, Vespers, Stations of the Cross, Lamentations, May, June and October Devotions, Litanies and Forty-Hour Services are also a part of the liturgical practice of the Church.
AM I EXPECTED TO ATTEND MASS EVERY SUNDAY?
Absolutely! Sunday Mass attendance is obligatory, as well as various Holy and Feast Days.
HOW DO I RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE?
The Church administers two forms of penance. Corporate or general confession is given at the opening of Mass. You are expected to have made an examination of conscience prior to Mass. At the appropriate time, you confess your sins to God privately within yourself and the priest will administer absolution, assigning a general penance. You are able to receive Communion at that Mass.
Private confession is given to anyone requesting it and to young people from the time of their first penance until they are 16 years of age. Any adult may utilize this form of Penance if so desired.
THE EUCHARIST, HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?
Holy Communion is given under two forms: Bread and Wine, which is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist is given by intinction, which means the Host is dipped in consecrated Wine and administered to the faithful at the Communion rail.
WHAT IF I’M DIVORCED?
You will find no discriminatory action against those who have already been adversely affected by a divorce. The Church stands ready to help those whose marital unions have suffered separation. Of course, the Church would like to have everyone live in ideal marriages, but we know this is not the reality of the situation. Therefore, the Church has no recourse but to lend its support and ministry to those divorced, as it would to any other social ill.
CAN A DIVORCED PERSON RECEIVE EUCHARIST?
In most cases yes. However, it is recommended that you check with your pastor, whose counsel and ministry will be helpful.
CAN A DIVORCED PERSON REMARRY IN THE PNCC?
Each Diocese has a commission, which studies each request for marriage by persons who have been divorced. Under certain conditions Sacramental marriages may be annulled and permission granted for marriage. Each case is individualistic and is treated so. Generally, the Church tries to be as understanding and helpful as possible.
BIRTH CONTROL – WHAT DOES THE PNCC SAY ABOUT IT?
The position of the Church regarding birth control: It is a personal matter between husband, wife and their physician.
WHAT DOES THE CHURCH SAY ABOUT ABORTION?
Abortion is morally wrong and not condoned by the Church. In life threatening situations the recommendation of the attending physician is considered. Abortion is the killing of the unborn fetus.