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Old Catholic Weddings

1. Authority & Church Structure

Roman Catholic.

  • Recognizes the Pope as supreme authority.

  • Follows the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Vatican directives.

Old Catholic.

  • Broke from Rome after the First Vatican Council (1870), mainly rejecting papal infallibility.

  • Governed by bishops and synods, not the Pope.​

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2. Core Beliefs Reflected in Funerals

Roman Catholic.

  • Strong emphasis on:

    • Purgatory

    • Prayers offered to help the soul of the deceased

  • Funeral Mass explicitly asks God to forgive sins and admit the soul to heaven.

Old Catholic.

  • Often places more emphasis on:

    • God’s mercy and resurrection hope

    • The deceased resting in God’s care

  • Less stress on purgatory; language can feel less penitential.

3. Funeral Rites & Liturgy

Similarities (both)

  • Scripture readings

  • Prayers

  • Hymns

  • Incense, holy water

  • Vestments and candles

  • Burial or cremation rites

Differences

Roman Catholic

  • Usually includes a Requiem Mass (Funeral Mass with Eucharist).

  • Very structured, standardized rite.

  • Certain restrictions (e.g., who may receive Communion).

Old Catholic

  • Funeral may or may not include Eucharist.

  • More flexibility in readings, prayers, and music.

  • Often more pastoral and inclusive in tone.

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4. Language & Tone

Roman Catholic

  • Formal, traditional, penitential elements remain.

  • Latin may be used (though most funerals are in the vernacular).

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Old Catholic

  • Language often more contemporary.

  • Emphasizes celebration of life alongside resurrection hope.

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5. Who May Participate

Roman Catholic

  • Communion generally restricted to Catholics in good standing.

  • Clergy roles strictly defined.

Old Catholic

  • Often more open to ecumenical participation.

  • Non-Catholic Christians may be invited to receive Communion, depending on the jurisdiction.

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6. Practical Experience for Attendees

  • To most attendees, the services look very similar.

  • Differences are felt more in:

    • Prayers used

    • Tone toward judgment vs. mercy

    • Level of flexibility and inclusivity

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