structure
A Democratic Church
Governed by a Church Constitution and amended by its members through the years to make it stronger.
A Democratic Church
-
legal ownership of church property by the local parish;
-
parish governance by parish committees elected by parishioners;
-
appointment of pastorates of priests approved by the Parishioners;
-
candidates for Bishop elected by priests and parishioners at the General Synod
The Parish
The heart of the Church is our parishes with locations throughout the United States. It is here where we welcome you to visit and make the P.N.C.C. your religious home.
- Parish Meetings
- held every year to elect committee members
- call for actions necessary to parish welfare
- review parish reports, etc.
- special meetings may also be called as needed
- Parish Committee
- elected by parish
- at least 9 members serve to assist the pastor
- fulfill parish and synodal resolutions
- keep records, etc.
- The Pastor
- appointed by the bishop to guide Church members in the Faith, organize the Church school and administer parish business.
- conduct religious services and celebrate Holy Mass
Search for a Parish Near You
Diocese Locations
The Diocese
A diocese is a geographic location that contains parishes. As you travel you pass through dioceses throughout the United States and as you do you can locate a parish to worship within that diocese.
The PNCC has four dioceses within the United States: Buffalo-Pittsburgh, Central, Eastern and Western and one Canadian Diocese
• Diocese
- Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese
- Canadian Diocese
- Central Diocese
- Eastern Diocese
- Western Diocese
- Diocesan Synod
- occurs within 2 years after the General Synod to enact laws pertinent to the diocese
- Diocesan Council
- administers business of the diocese
- Bishops
- appoint priests
- preside at Diocesan councils
- visit parishes
- confer sacraments and administer Dioceses
- Seniors
- appointed by the bishop
- oversee parish business as instructed by the bishop
The Church
The Church body, as a whole, is comprised of dioceses containing parishes. The Church, having a democratic structure, is lead by an elected Prime Bishop and Supreme Council comprised of clergy and parishioners.
- General Synod
- convened every 4 years
- discusses Church matters
- ratifies religious teachings
- selects bishop candidates and establishes Church policy, law, and discipline
- ratifies religious teachings
- Special Synod
- called when necessary
- Supreme Council
- meets annually to review Church work and to administer all business that concerns the whole Church
- Prime Bishop
- chief executive of the Church
- consecrates bishops
- convenes synods
- presides at the Supreme Council
- controls Church publications and discipline in dioceses
The Supreme Council
downloads
Available Documents
These documents are open to all and if you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact our office.
Click to download>>2018 P.N.C.C. Constitution Bookfold
Click to download>> P.N.C.C. Confession of Faith
Click to download >>P.N.C.C. Apostolic Succession
Click to download>> The The P.N.C.C. Eleven Great Principles