St. Francis Seminary
Community Catholic Church of Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Diaconate Program:
Do I need a university degree to take the course?
No
I’ve never been baptized or confirmed.
If you are willing to be baptized and confirmed in the CCC, making a commitment to a Christian path, contact us to make arrangements.
I’m a Methodist (or other Christian denomination). Is ordination available to me?
Yes. With ordination, you will become a member of our church and call the Community Catholic Church your home.
I’m over 40...or 60. Is that a problem?
No.
I live in northern Ontario. What about me?
Part of the course calls for onsite training days which might be difficult for you. If you are able to make plans for day-trips to Niagara-on-the-Lake, you’ll have no problem. Contact us to discuss this.
Are distance programs valid?
This is a distance program for the CCCC diaconate candidates. It is entirely valid, as is the ordination process for CCC clergy.
What is Go To Meeting?
Go To Meeting is a program that offers you the capability of "meeting" with the group online. It is free and allows you to hear and/or see multiple people on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
What if I miss one of the onsite sessions?
Sessions are recorded, so you can catch up.
How long is the program?
Six months. It is mostly online, but there are three or four onsite gatherings.
I’ve been ordained or certified as a minister or wedding officiant elsewhere.
Contact us to discuss your situation. Others in your position have found a happy home in the CCCC.
Note that some ‘ordinations’ are not valid for CCCC; if your ordination is one of these, you will be required to take the course.
About the Community Catholic Church
I never heard of the CCCC. Is it a new church?
No, the CCCC is part of the Old Catholic Church, a worldwide network of churches with roots in Catholicism but whose members and clergy are not bound by Roman Catholic teachings or dogma. The CCCC in Ontario was founded in 1960. You can learn more here: http://www.communitycatholicchurch.com/
Do other churches recognize the CCCC?
Yes, the Archdiocese of Toronto has acknowledged the validity of Old Catholic orders, as has the Vatican, for men. The Anglican church has a long-standing relationship with the Old Catholic churches, especially in Europe. Both churches have allowed CCCC clergy to celebrate Mass in their facilities. Other denominations, as well, recognize our priests and deacons as brother and sister clergy.
About Ministry in the CCCC
Will I be able to offer civil weddings outside the church?
Yes, you can offer civil as well as sacramental. Our clergy have officiated at civil, religious, spiritual, humanist, pagan, interfaith, same-gender, and a variety of theme weddings. To them all, our clergy bring a spirit of respect and professionalism as they accommodate each couple’s wishes.
What kinds of ministry can I offer as a deacon in the CCC?
The traditional role of deacon is to serve. Within CCCC, such service includes taking part in the liturgy, as intercessor, proclaimer of the Gospel or assisting at Mass. In the community, service includes officiating at weddings, funerals, and baptisms. Deacons may visit those in hospital, nursing home, or hospice. Others may serve by volunteering in food banks and homeless shelters. Still others may be active in social justice ministries. Deacons may work in health care, education, social work or other areas where work and ministry intersect. Deacons bring the light of Christ wherever they go. Choosing your area of ministry is a matter of discernment. It will be discussed during spiritual direction sessions that are part of the course.
What obligations do I have as a deacon in the CCC?
Upon ordination, your home will become a satellite parish and you will be deacon in charge of that parish. Because we are a mission church, without brick-and-mortar structures, building your ministry will depend on the work you are called to do. This will be part of the discernment process during spiritual direction sessions. You will be obligated to pay your annual clergy fee to the church and attend the annual Synod meeting. There is no clergy obligation to tithe from monies earned or to pay a percentage of fees from weddings, funerals, etc. As a mission church, the CCCC does not pay clergy or guarantee them placement in a brick-and-mortar church.
Will I have to wear a collar?
As an ordained deacon, you have the right to wear clergy shirt and collar; it is your clerical uniform. Part of your wardrobe, as an ordained deacon, will include a white cassock-alb and a set of stoles. This will be discussed in the training course.
What if I decide I want to become a priest in the CCCC?
This is the foundational course for Holy Orders. If you wish to become a priest, you will continue on to earn your Diploma in Sacramental Ministry. Discernment sessions in this program will help you with your calling.