What is Independent Catholicism? Is there more than one Roman Catholic Church?
There is only one "Roman" Catholic Church. However there are a fair number of Catholic “denominations,” of which the Roman Catholic Church is only one and is the world's largest.

The Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch is an Independent Catholic denomination of it’s own. We are NOT under either the control or the government of the Church of Rome commonly called the "Roman Catholic Church." We are a worldwide church offering an alternative Catholic worship experience to all humanity. Combined with other Independent Catholic denominations, we are referred to as part of the “Independent Catholic Movement”.

What is the difference between a Denomination and Religion?
A denomination is an organization – that is a group of people who gather to worship, pool funds, operate ministries, construct church buildings, establish non profit corporations, and do all the activities that people normally associate with the word “Church” including having similar religious or spiritual beliefs and practices.

Catholic denominations generally follow the traditions of sacramental worship and the preaching of the word as established in the early church before the church was divided into many denominations. The actual theologies, rites, and practices of independent Catholic churches vary from conservative to liberal. It is important not to confuse matters of faith with matters of church practices and governance.

The Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Who runs these independent denominations?
A Bishop runs each denomination. The Pope is a Bishop. The word "bishop" comes from the Greek word meaning “Overseer.” The Pope has been elected by his fellow bishops to head the Roman Catholic Church.

Generally, the bishop of an Independent Catholic Church is elected by a synod, or governing council of bishops, to be the Patriarch, Matriarch, Presiding Bishop. Sometimes we call this bishop The Archbishop, the Prime Bishop, or leader of the denomination with a variety of titles.
The currently elected head of our church is the Presiding Archbishop The Most Revered Richard Alston Gundry.

Does the Catholic Church of Antioch have valid Apostolic Succession?
Yes, our lines of Apostolic Succession are valid.

May I receive Holy Communion?
As we state at Catholic Mass:
"You are welcome in God's house . . . you are welcome to share the feast. The most blessed Body and Blood of Christ is not a reward for being good. It is a source of strength, comfort, and food for the journey. No one on this earth has the right to refuse it to anyone."

Our Church practices what we call Open Communion whereby we hold that a chief purpose of our community is to perpetuate the historical sacramental tradition as instituted by Jesus Christ and as preserved through apostolic succession. We maintain that the sacraments are channels of divine grace, and therefore; we make the sacraments easily available so all can experience spiritual healing.

Since the Eucharist puts us in communion with the Christ, it is a channel of Grace without parallel. Therefore, at our altars, all persons are welcome to receive communion, whether members of our community or not.

What should I expect when I visit? What should I wear?
At Saint Miriam, we feel that it’s our responsibility to make everyone feel comfortable enough to attend church. We want you to be able to experience the great music, encouraging messages, friendly people, and an enjoyable atmosphere.

Dress Code:
We’re more concerned with meeting your real life needs than with what you wear. So, dress casually, wear a suit and tie, or simply throw on some shorts. Whatever you wear is fine, and you’ll fit right in.

Music:
At our Worship Services, you'll enjoy upbeat music and practical messages that help you deal with real life issues. We’ll even give you a helpful outline with the Bible passages. What you learn on Sunday at Saint Miriam, you’ll be able to use during the week. We want to help you connect with the personal hope and practical help that God can give us. Our worship experience combines a variety of sights, sounds, and smells to help enrich your worship and enliven your spiritual life. We combine the old world sacramental worship experience with a new vibrant, modern edge.

Why don’t you take a collection? What about money?
We want you to feel welcome as our guest with no pressure to give. That is why we don't pass an offering basket. Our regular members place their contributions in offering boxes near the entrance and exit to the worship space or mail their tax deductible contributions directly to our parish offices.

What about moral issues?
What about women as priests, married priests, gay and lesbians, celibacy, birth control, abortion, and divorce?
Each independent Catholic denomination establishes a Code of Canon Law, and their theological stand on the aforementioned issues. As previously stated, the various denominations move from very conservative to very liberal. At Saint Miriam, we feel that each individual is loved and created by God. Therefore, we welcome all to our community.

The Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch also ordains women to its priesthood and as bishops. Our priests can be married, gay, or lesbian, and celibacy is optional. We encourage people to make their own informed decisions about birth control, abortion, and other moral issues.

We do maintain a strict adherence of protection against sexual abuse or harassment in any form. Our clergy are to be respected and enjoyed as a valued member of their respective communities, but they also must respect the inherent dignity of each person by acknowledging their power as such. Therefore, sexual misconduct is taken very seriously. We are here to assist but will never condemn or exclude no matter what station in life you are or what dilemma you face.

Is Saint Miriam Accessible to those persons with disabilities?
Yes! Saint Miriam shares a wonderful space with Mishkan Shalom and is fully accessible by elevator to all levels and venues!

What should I expect when I visit? What should I wear?
At Saint Miriam, we feel that it’s our responsibility to make everyone feel comfortable enough to attend church. We want you to be able to experience the great music, encouraging messages, friendly people, and an enjoyable atmosphere.
Dress Code:
We’re more concerned with meeting your real life needs than with what you wear. So, dress casually, wear a suit and tie, or simply throw on some shorts. Whatever you wear is fine, and you’ll fit right in.
Music:
At our Worship Services, you'll enjoy upbeat music and practical messages that help you deal with real life issues. We’ll even give you a helpful outline with the Bible passages. What you learn on Sunday at Saint Miriam, you’ll be able to use during the week. We want to help you connect with the personal hope and practical help that God can give us. Our worship experience combines a variety of sights, sounds, and smells to help enrich your worship and enliven your spiritual life. We combine the old world sacramental worship experience with a new vibrant, modern edge.

What is your Liturgy like to experience?
The best way to understand Catholic liturgy is not through the abstract discussion, but rather through concrete contact with actual ritual, that is what our church tradition does best: putting people in touch with the Mystery of God through sacramental celebration of life and hope!

Our Catholic liturgy will seem very familiar with an added element or two of surprise and meditation! And, the ideal for our liturgy is also very simple: the focus should be on the Eucharist, but be INCLUSIVE and INVITING for all who attend. Also, the elements of Bread and Wine should be pure, simple, and inviting to all of our senses.
The simple nature of our worship space is to allow for our focus to be on the center of our worship and to not detract. And, the warmth of our space comes from one place: YOU! Therefore, when our community gathers, the space becomes alive and we focus on our corporate worship and community - together.

Our Altar Table and Processional Cross are designed in the very-recognized style of renowned artist Alberto Giacometti (click here to visit) by artist and blacksmith, Edward Worthington (click here to visit). The hammered iron rods and scarred table allows us to visualize how, despite our wounds and imperfections, we are still beautiful and serve God’s good use! Our gospel procession allows all to participate and to realize that we are all part of the plan and made and created to honor God and serve to make our world a better place!

So, come, taste, smell, and see how God is at work in our daily life, work, death, and community – see the Risen Lord every time you meet someone at Saint Miriam!

Are the Sacraments the same as in other Catholic Church traditions?
Simply put: Exactly the same! We continue to honor the historic and traditional 7 Sacraments as a vital means of experiencing the Presence of God:

Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism and Confirmation, Eucharist
Sacraments of Reconciliation and Healing: Penance, Anointing of the Sick
Sacraments of Adult Vocation: Marriage and Holy Orders (Deacon, Priest, Bishop)