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WELCOME TO ST. STEPHEN’S
PARISH OF THE
St. Stephen’s is a Parish of the Central Diocese,
Philadelphia Seniorate, of the Polish National Catholic Church. It has been serving the religious needs of the
Some of the most frequently asked questions are:
1. Are we a true Catholic Church? Yes, rooted in Holy Scripture, based on tradition, and accepting as dogmatic the first Seven Councils of the undivided Christian Church.
2. Are we an
3. Are the Holy Sacraments given? Yes, all the Seven Sacraments from Baptism and Confirmation to Holy Matrimony, and all else in between, are administered by the Church.
4. Must you be of Polish Heritage to belong? NO! Although the Church has its roots in the Polish immigration at the end of the 19th century, it is an international Church made up of members from many different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds, and members are encouraged to have pride in their own individual ethnic heritages. In short, EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!!
5. What if you are divorced? You will find no discriminatory action against those who have already been adversely affected by a divorce, only the comfort, support and love that the Church can give. As the clergy of our denomination are permitted to marry, they are well aware of the many things that can occur within a marriage, and thus are more able to be sympathetic to your situation.
6. Can a divorced person receive the Eucharist (Holy Communion)? In most cases, YES! This matter can be openly discussed with the pastor.
7. What forms of worship are offered within the Church? Being Catholic, our main form of communal worship is the Holy Mass; but Litanies, Penitential Devotions, and Lenten Devotions such as the Stations of the Cross and Bitter Lamentations, just to mention a few, are also celebrated at the appropriate or given times. All Services, with few exceptions, are celebrated in the English language so that all may understand.
Our Parish offers membership in Societies for those who wish to be more involved with the Church, School of Christian Living (Sunday School) classes for the religious education of our young people and to prepare them to receive the Sacraments of the Church, as well as many social functions throughout the year (trips and activities and outings) for both young and old alike.
There are many other things that could be said, but why not come and see for yourself? If you are looking to belong to a religious community of faith, grounded in Catholic Tradition, which is both loving and welcoming within a family type of atmosphere, why not give St. Stephen’s a try? Attend, see if you feel comfortable, and please feel free to ask me any further questions you may have or which may arise, and I will gladly answer them for you as best as I am able.
Extending an invitation to all of you to attend, and looking forward to seeing you at worship, I remain,
Your brother in Christ,
Very Rev. Edward D. Ratajack, Pastor
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