Generally people that find us come from three general directions, although your journey may be different, we invite you to begin your exploration of our site by clicking on one of the following questions. Enjoy. And if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
I was raised Catholic but I’ve been separated from the Church. What is this place?
Yes, I was raised Catholic. What is this place?
The Holy Spirit ECC is an authentic Catholic Congregation, but we are independent of Rome. What that means is that we are free of the mandates of the Roman Catholic Church yet we are steeped in the liturgy, history and traditions you are familiar with.
We are an Ecumenical Catholic Church Congregation. “Ecumenical” basically means “all are welcome”, in other words we are an inclusive church.
We celebrate all the sacraments you are familiar with, from Baptism to the Mass to Confirmation and so on. We believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharistic Feast.
We venerate Mary and Saints. We affirm Apostolic Succession.
We do not affirm the infallibility of the Pope. We trace our modern roots to the emergence of the “Old Catholic” movement which began in 1870 as a response to the first Vatican Council’s pronouncement of Papal Infallibility and the primacy of papal jurisdiction.
When we say “all are welcome” we mean the priests as well. We affirm a genuine call to priesthood that includes not only single men but women and men with spouses and families (married priests).
We believe the sacrament of communion is not earned, but a free gift; Christ calls all of us into relationship with him. “All of us” includes the divorced, the remarried, those discovering or affirming nontraditional gender identities, and people that just no longer feel comfortable with the Roman Catholic Church on certain social issues.
#That’s it in a nutshell. You need to experience the Holy Spirit ECC to understand. But you may want more information, if so we urge you to read What is the HSECC?
I’m Christian but seeking more. What does “catholic” have to offer?
Yes, I’m Christian but not Catholic. Why would I be interested in anything “catholic”?
While Saint Matthews is an authentic Catholic Church, we are independent of Rome. What that means is that we are free of the mandates of the Roman Catholic Church yet we are steeped in the liturgy, history and traditions that make historic Catholicism so spiritually enriching.
We are called the Ecumenical Catholic Church. “Ecumenical” basically means “all are welcome” and that includes our brothers and sisters from one of the many Protestant Churches. We believe in the real presence of Christ in communion and you are invited to join us on your very first visit. We practice open communion.
Catholicism has a very rich worship history. It takes a little getting used to but the depth and mystery of the Catholic Mass is fulfilling and spiritually enriching. We’ll be happy to hold your hand and guide you through the process!
Many non-Catholics have heard that Catholics don’t believe in the Bible. Nothing can be further from the truth. Each Mass actually has three scripture reading.
In truth, the Catholic Mass is something that needs to be experienced. If you are seeking “something deeper”, or your life in Christ has somehow grown dry, and you are looking to re engage your heart, Catholicism may be as fulfilling for you as it is for us!
That’s the short and sweet of it. But you may want to know more. If so, we urge you to read What is the HSECC?
I’m not a church goer. I am spiritual, but not religious. What do you think of that?
I’m not a church goer. I’m spiritual, not religious.
Our friends that feel “I’m spiritual, not religious” are often meaning “I know there’s more to life and existence than what my eyes can see. I don’t need to belong to an institution or have some person tell me what to believe”. We feel that way too!
We have formed a community that seeks to understand our place in the universe in relationship with God. We have found that the practices, the mystery, and the spiritual depth of 2000 years of Christian development, lead to a very rich path offering a fulfilling relationship with God and with our fellow creatures.
Holy Spirit ECC is an Ecumenical Catholic Church Congregation. “Ecumenical” basically means “all are welcome”. Whatever your beliefs, wherever the path of life has taken you, you are welcome if you are seeking more.
We are called “Catholic” (or “universal”) because we base our worship practices and priorities on those of the earliest Christian communities that have come down through time to us today. And because we are independent of Roman Catholicism, we are free of the mandates of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. Although we offer no ill will and seek communion with all communities of faith, that means we are truly welcoming to all.
Holy Spirit ECC is a community that needs to be experienced. If you are seeking “something deeper” or your life has somehow grown dry and you are looking to re engage your heart, our hope is that the spiritual practices and communion we share may be as fulfilling for you as for us!Want to know more? If so we urge you to read What is the HSECC? But more important—just come and see.