Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A group of Catholic churches that separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 18th century: The Old Catholic Church refers to Christian denominations that originated primarily in Europe following their rejection of certain doctrines, most notably the dogma of papal infallibility declared by the First Vatican Council in 1870. Their formation is historically linked to earlier 18th-century separations in the Netherlands.

Usage

• The term "Old Catholic Church" is used as a proper name for specific national churches (e.g., the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands) or collectively for the communion of these churches.
• It functions as a singular noun when referring to the collective communion or a specific national church, and as a plural noun ("Old Catholic Churches") when emphasizing the individual, autonomous churches within the communion.

Examples

• As a proper noun (singular):
  • The Old Catholic Church maintains apostolic succession and celebrates the seven sacraments.
  • She was ordained a priest in the Old Catholic Church.
• As a proper noun (plural):
  • The Old Catholic Churches are in full communion with the Anglican Communion.
  • These Old Catholic Churches share similar liturgical traditions.

Advanced Usage

• "Old Catholic" (adjective): Used to describe things pertaining to this church.
  • He follows Old Catholic theology.
  • They attended an Old Catholic service.

Variants and Related Words

• Old Catholic: (noun) A member of an Old Catholic Church; (adjective) relating to the Old Catholic Church.
• Old Catholicism: The system of doctrine and practice of the Old Catholic Church.

Synonyms

• Independent Catholic churches: A broader term that may include groups with similar historical origins but not necessarily part of the Union of Utrecht.
• Ultrajectine: A historical term relating to the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands (from Utrecht).

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically denotes those churches that are part of the Union of Utrecht (established in 1889), which is the formal communion of Old Catholic Churches. Not all independent Catholic groups that broke away from Rome use or are recognized under this specific term.
• The "old" in the name signifies the intent to maintain the Catholic faith as it was before the dogmatic definitions they rejected (particularly from the First Vatican Council), not necessarily great antiquity.

Noun

1. Catholic churches that broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in the 18th century