Introduction

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The OSB shall be served by Bishops, Priests, and Deacons in Apostolic Succession under the Lordship of Jesus Christ with a Bishop as a Chief Pastor. Other offices of ministry are recognized, as described in these Canons, and the priesthood of all believers is to be exercised in the whole Church.

Church Structure: The OSB is governed by the General Synod and administered by College of Bishops, and is presided over by one Bishop. The Presiding Bishop will act as the Moderator of the College.

A Diocese is presided over by a Diocesan Bishop. Each Diocese is composed of Parishes and/or Missions. Mission Districts and Deaneries may also be formed within or without a Diocese. Parishes and Missions which may include Minor Orders and Lay Ministries, such as Catechists, Lectors, Lay Preachers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Pastoral Leaders are presided over by a Priest, a Deacon or a Bishop. Mission Districts are presided over by the Presiding Bishop. Deaneries are presided over by a Dean or Vicar Forage.

Canon Approval and Amendment: These Canons shall be approved by a majority of the Bishops, Clerics, and Lay representatives of the OSB and may subsequently be amended by a two-third (2/3) vote of the College of Bishops, Clerics and lay representatives in General Synod.

Canon One: The Ministry

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I. The Episcopal Office
a. The Presiding Bishop
i. The Presiding Bishop is elected by a 2/3 majority of the College of Bishops. The Presiding Bishop serves for one term of six years.
1. The Presiding Bishop may not serve consecutive terms.
ii. Upon election to the office of Presiding Bishop, the Bishop ceases to function as a Diocesan, Auxiliary, or Coadjutor Bishop, as he or she must have a care for the whole church.
iii. The Presiding Bishop is the main administrative officer.
iv. The Presiding Bishop may enter into negotiations with groups outside the church but each final agreement must be ratified by the College of Bishops with a 2/3 majority.
v. The Presiding Bishop will set dates for monthly conference calls and act as moderator for the call.
vi. Vacancy
1. When the office of Presiding Bishop becomes vacant or his term comes to an end, the Vicar General will act as interim Presiding Bishop and shall issue a call for nominations within 30 days of the seat being vacant. Any bishop of the OSB may nominate no more than one candidate. Before nomination the consent of the nominee shall have been obtained.
2. The names of all nominees will be presented to the College of Bishops for a secret ballot.
3. After all votes have been cast the bishop with a 2/3 majority will be appointed Presiding Bishop for one six year term.
4. If a 2/3 majority has not been reached the names of the two bishops with the most votes will be submitted for a secret ballot.
5. The Chancellor of the OSB and a lay delegate will tally the final vote. vii. Removal of a Presiding Bishop:
1. The Presiding Bishop may be removed from office for various reasons as listed below:
a. Commission of a felony.
b. Violation of the Code of Conduct.
c. Moral turpitude.
d. Embezzlement.
e. Physical or Mental Incapacitation.
f. Other high crime or misdemeanor.
2. A written request of not less than 1/3 of the members of the College of Bishops must be submitted to the Vicar General. The Vicar General will place before the College of Bishops a resolution to remove the Presiding Bishop from office.
3. Should the resolution be adopted by a 2/3 or more vote of the members of the College of Bishops the seat shall be declared vacant by the Vicar General.
viii. The Presiding Bishop may choose and appoint another bishop or priest to act as Vicar General.
ix. The Presiding Bishop may choose and appoint a bishop, priest, deacon or member of the laity to act as Chancellor. The Chancellor will function as Secretary for the OSB. The Chancellor must be an ecclesiastical notary so that official documents may be certified. The Chancellor will serve as Church Archivist to preserve the documents that show the activity of the Church.
x. The Presiding Bishop may appoint assistants as he or she needs.
xi. The Presiding Bishop shall have oversight and responsibility for those parishes and missions which fall outside the oversight of a particular diocese.
xii. The Presiding Bishop will appoint a Communications Director. The Communications Director will also act as editor of the OSB Newsletter.xiii. The Presiding Bishop may ask to erect a new Diocese if need arises. The erection of the diocese must be ratified by a 2/3 vote of the College of Bishops.b. Diocesan Bishop
i. The Diocesan Bishop shall be first and foremost shepherd of the flock and chief liturgist, maintaining the oversight of the diocese and its parishes, developing and initiating its vision and strategy. The parish of the Diocesan Bishop shall be recognized as the Cathedral of the Diocese.
ii. A Bishop shall confine the exercise of such office to the Diocese in which elected, unless requested to perform Episcopal acts in another diocese by the Ecclesiastical Authority thereof, or unless authorized by the College of Bishops, or by the Presiding Bishop, to act temporarily in case of need within any territories not yet organized into a Diocese of the Church.
iii. The duties of the office of Diocesan Bishop include:
1. Set the vision for the Diocese, serving as “father of the Lord” to the clergy and laity.
2. Calling and oversight of meetings with the clergy of the diocese, both publically and privately, for their spiritual nourishment and mutual edification.
3. Serving in the College of Bishops.
4. Serving ex officio on all Parish Councils with the diocese.
5. The ordination of priest and deacons.
6. The regular visitation of every parish in the diocese for the purpose of:
a. Administering of the Sacraments.
b. Preaching of the word of God.
c. Administration of the diocese.
iv. A Bishop may serve in his ministry for life, until retirement at age 75.v. The Bishop may appoint diocesan officers to assist him in the administration of his duties, but shall by no means diminish the pastoral responsibilities of his calling.

vi. All Bishops, including the Presiding Bishop, shall labor together according to the spirit of local bylaws and Canons.

c. Auxiliary and Coadjutor Bishops
i. Auxiliary Bishops shall be nominated by Diocesan Bishop and with the affirmation of the clergy and the laity. The nomination is submitted to the College of Bishops. An Auxiliary Bishop is deemed elected if 2/3 or more of the College of Bishops vote in his or her favor. The Auxiliary Bishop serves at the direction of the Diocesan Bishop and shall not have the right of succession.
ii. Coadjutor Bishops are nominated by the Diocesan Bishop and with the affirmation of the clergy and the laity. Coadjutor Bishops are in all ways like Auxiliary Bishops, except they have the right of succession.
iii. The duties of the Auxiliary Bishops/Coadjutor Bishop include:
1. Calling and oversight of meetings with the Clergy, both publically and privately, for the spiritual nourishment and mutual edification at the direction of the Ordinary.
2. Serving in the College of Bishops
3. Other such duties as assigned by the Diocesan Bishop.

II. Priests
a. The ministry of the priest shall include:
i. Pastoral oversight of a parish and or/ other ministries.
ii. Administration of the Sacraments.
iii. Teaching and preaching the Word of God.
iv. Serving the Diocese by working closely with the Bishop in unity with other Priests and Deacons.
v. Pastoral oversight for those preparing for the Deaconate.
vi. A priest may serve in his ministry for life, until retirement at age 75.

III. Deacons

a. The ministry of Deacon includes:
i. Caring for the sick, poor and needy.
ii. Assisting the Priest or Bishop in the administration of the Sacraments.
iii. Teaching and preaching the word of God.
iv. Assisting in Parochial administration.
v. Please see Canon 6 vii for a detailed description of the faculties given to a Deacon.
vi. A deacon may serve in his ministry for life, until retirement at age 75.

IV. Candidacy for Holy Orders
a. Upon receipt of application for Holy Orders, the Bishop and at least two priests shall interview the applicant. Upon the acceptance of the application for Holy Orders, the Bishop shall admit the applicant to formation, working closely with the candidate to the order of priest to develop and monitor a program of preparation for Holy Orders. The Bishop, Priest, or Deacon may work closely with a candidate to the order of deacon to develop and monitor a program of preparation for Holy Orders.
b. Preparation for Holy Orders shall include theological training, practical experience, psychological evaluation, and spiritual formation. With pastoral guidance provided throughout the period of preparation, including forensic background checks.
c. If the candidate does not hold a baccalaureate degree, but has shown such proficiency in an occupation or profession as gives promise of usefulness in Holy Orders, the Candidate must be required to obtain a baccalaureate degree, or to read for Holy Orders and pass an examination on essential subjects.
d. No one shall be consecrated a bishop unless he or she has been a priest in the OSB for a minimum of 2 years and is thirty years of age or older.

Bishops incardinating from another jurisdiction must have proof of episcopal ordination and a statement of ministry to be submitted with application for incardination.
i. The clergy and the lay representatives of a diocese shall elect and recommend to the College of Bishops their nominee for Bishop of the diocese in which the recommended Bishop shall serve. The College of Bishops will then confirm the nominee.
ii. Upon said recommendation, the recommended Bishop may be elected at a subsequent meeting of the College of Bishops, with the consecration following as determined by the College.
iii. The Bishop may serve in his office for life, or until retirement.
e. The candidate for the Priesthood shall be a communicant in good standing with the OSB, having reached the age of twenty-five, and having completed the preparatory requirements for the priesthood, during a period of formation, and served a minimum of six month as a deacon in the OSB.
i. Before ordination to the Priesthood, there shall be submitted to the Diocesan Bishop a letter of application from the candidate and a letter of recommendation from the priest(s) giving pastoral oversight during formation. The candidate shall be recommended to the bishop by the Formation Committee within the diocese who attests to the call of God on the Candidates life and abilities to respond to the call.
f. The candidate for the Deaconate must be a communicant, at least 21 years of age, and in good standing with the OSB, having completed the preparatory requirements for the Deaconate during a period of formation.
i. Before ordination to the Deaconate, there shall be submitted to the Bishop a letter of application from the candidate and a letter of recommendation from the priests(s) or deacons giving pastoral oversight during a period of formation.

V. Receiving Clergy from other Christian Bodies
a. Non-Apostolic Succession
i. If a person is ordained or licensed by another Christian body not in apostolic succession of Bishops should apply to the OSB for Holy Orders, the formation committee shall interview said clergy, giving consideration to his knowledge of Scriptures, theology, Church history, liturgy, and practical pastoral experience.

ii. The candidate having fulfilled the requirements of candidacy, the Bishop may ordain the candidate to the office to which he is called.

b. Apostolic Succession
i. If a person in Apostolic Succession should apply to the OSB for incardination, the formation committee shall interview said clergy. If the candidate has not met the requirements for incardination, he may be received as a candidate to complete requirements before being considered again.

VI. Minor Orders and Ministries
a. Minor Orders and Ministries including Catechists, Lector, Acolyte, Eucharistic Ministers, and Pastoral Leaders may be appointed by the Pastor, with guidelines for the training and selection of such persons being established by the Bishop.
b. The Ordained ministry is called chiefly to equip and lead the Church. The whole people of God are a royal and priestly company who offer to God the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving through the stewardship of their time, energy, money, and spiritual gifts. In all its life and work the OSB shall encourage the ministry of the whole Church of God.

VII. Grievance and Correction
a. Grievances shall also be heard by the authoritative council or body immediate to the situation, and in consultation with the Bishop immediate to the situation.
b. Correction of communicants, Deacons, Priests, and Bishops shall be administered by the authoritative council or body immediate to the situation, and in consultation with the Bishop immediate to the situation.
c. All grievances and corrections may be appealed to the next high level of authority, and may, at that authority’s discretion, be entertained or dismissed.

VIII. Presiding Bodies of Ministry
The General Synod - The General Synod is the supreme earthly authority of the church.

i. The Synod is comprised of three groups: The House of Bishops, The House of Clerics, and The House of the Laity.
ii. The Synod shall meet at least once every two years.
1. Meetings of the Synod may occur more frequently under one of these provisions:
a. The General Synod sets an earlier date.
b. The College of Bishops calls it into session by a majority vote.
c. Two-thirds of the diocesan Synods request a Synod.
iii. The Presiding Bishop shall preside over the Synod.
iv. Matters coming before the Synod shall require only a majority vote except in the case of the Amendment of the Canons.
v. The Church’s Canons may be amended by a two-third (2/3) vote of the College of Bishops, Clerics, and lay representatives.
vi. Right of VETO. The College of Bishops may VETO any proposal which attempts to changes the Articles of Faith of which the Bishops are the sole arbiters by virtue of their Apostolic Charge.
vii. Delegates to the Synod

1. Each active Bishop is an automatic delegate to the Synod’s as the House of Bishops.
2. The House of Clerics is comprised of deacons and priests from each Diocese.
3. The Clerics (Deacons and Priests) of each diocese may elect up to 3 priests and 3 deacons to The House of Clerics.
4. The House of the Laity is composed of the President of each parish’s Parish Council. In addition each parish may send 1 additional elected delegate for every 20 families, or major fraction thereof, registered in the parish.

b. The College of Bishops

i. The College of Bishops is comprised of all active Bishops of the OSB.
ii. The College of Bishops shall have jurisdiction throughout the OSB on matters of faith, morals, and clerical discipline.
iii. The College of Bishops shall meet at least annually.
iv. The College of Bishops shall be moderated by the Presiding Bishop.

c. The Parish Council
i. The Parish Council is comprised of the
ii. Pastor of the Parish and additional members appointed by the Pastor or as directed by the By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation (if applicable) of the Parish.
iii. The Parish Council shall have jurisdiction over the Parish in accordance with the By-laws of the local Parish.
iv. The Parish Council shall meet at least annually or per their by-laws.
v. The Pastor must attend each parish council meeting.

Cannon Two: The Diocese

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Summary: A Diocese shall be formed when at least two (2) parishes within geographical boundaries established by the College of Bishops and shall be formed under the direction of a Diocesan Bishop. The Bishop shall chair the Bishop’s Council, and the Bishop, Priests and Deacons shall work together to establish and prosper God’s Church in the area of the Diocese. It is the goal of the OSB that the Diocese shall be of such size and organization as to facilitate meaningful pastoral oversight of the Parishes and Clergy by the Diocesan Bishop.
I. The Formation of the Diocese
a. A Diocese shall be formed of Parishes and or Missions within geographical boundaries established by the College of Bishops.
b. A Diocese may be formed from:
i. The whole or any part of one or more Missionary Districts.
ii. The division of an existing Diocese when such division would better facilitates the Ministries of the Church.
c. A geographical area may be designated a Missionary District under the direction of the Presiding Bishop until the development of sufficient Parishes and Missions to constitute the formation of a new Diocese.
d. Deaneries may be established within the Diocese, with Deans appointed by the Diocesan Bishop to administer oversight in his jurisdiction.
i. A Dean shall be a priest of the Diocese.

II. The Diocesan Bishop
a. The Bishop of the Diocese (also known as the Ordinary) shall not only have oversight of the many parishes of the Diocese but shall have particular leadership in the life of his or her own Parish.
b. The Parish of the Diocesan Bishop shall be recognized as the Diocesan Center of the Diocese.
c. The Bishop is the Ordinary authority on all matters of doctrine, worship, pastoral care, church order and discipline within the Diocese in accordance with the teaching of the church and the Canons of the OSB.

d. No visiting Bishop may perform ministry in a Diocese without the express permission of the (Ordinary) Diocesan Bishop.
e. The Bishop of a Diocese must call a Diocesan Synod each calendar year. If there is a Synod of the National Church Scheduled the Diocesan Synod should be scheduled two to three months prior to the National Church Synod to allow for discussion of topics important to the Diocese and the National Church.
f. The Bishop of the Diocese will call monthly meetings of the Diocesan Clergy.

III. Recordkeeping

a. The Diocese shall present an annual report to the College of Bishops based on the compilation of parochial reports and including other information concerning Diocesan life.

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Canon Three: The Parish

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Summary: The Parish as the local expression of the OSB shall consist of at least ten people who under the direction of the Bishop covenant to share in the life of the Diocese through worship, ministry, financial support and prayer.

I. The Formation of the Parish
a. A parish shall not have geographical boundaries and shall consist of all persons enrolled as communicants therein.
b. Any congregation desiring to be received into union with the Church shall declare its desire thereof, duly certified of said congregation by means of the letter of intent. This being done, it shall be at the discretion of the Bishop and the Diocesan Council if applicable to admit the Parish into union with the Diocese as either a Mission or Parish.

II. Reception of the Parish or Mission
a. The reception of the Parish or Mission into the OSB shall be witnessed by the visitation of the Bishop.

III. The Calling of a Pastor
a. The Parish Council will submit their recommendation (if any) for a new Pastor, looking to the Diocesan Bishop for fatherly direction and oversight.
b. The Diocesan Bishop shall select the new Pastor and submit his or her name to the parish for affirmation.
c. After the Parish Council has affirmed the new pastor, the diocesan Bishop of his or her designee will install the new pastor according to the approved form.

IV. Ownership of Property
a. The ownership of the property of the Parish shall be determined by the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, and By-laws of the local parish.

V. Parish Government
a. The Pastor of the Parish has the responsibility in parish concerns as they pertain to Holy Scriptures, Apostolic Tradition and the Canons of the OSB as well as the Parish’s Articles of Incorporation and By-laws.

b. Councils-The Parish Councils shall function according to the Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of the local Parish.
c. The Pastor shall be an ex officio member of the Parish Council.
d. The spirit of governance in every Parish should be that of selflessness with the clergy and other leadership working together in a spirit of concord, a bonded community freely and generously consenting to the Lord’s leadership under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

VI. Record Keeping

a. Parishes shall keep an accurate Parish Register, recording Baptisms, (with parentage, date of birth, sponsors or witnesses, date of rite, etc.) confirmations, marriages, burials, number of members and other important information.
b. Parishes shall keep accurate records of financial contributions.
c. Parochial Reports:
d. It shall be the duty of every pastor to deliver to the Diocesan Bishop an annual report including the following information:

1. Number of Baptisms
2. Number of Confirmations
3. Number of Marriages
4. Number of Burials
5. Number of Sick Calls
6. Number of Members within the Parish
7. Other Official Acts
8. Other information concerning parish life

d. The Ministerial Reports (a-h) are to be submitted to the Diocesan Bishop annually.
e. The Treasures report of the last year which will reflect the calendar year. The due date for the previous year’s treasures reports will be January 15.

Canon Four: Worship

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Summary: Worship in the OSB shall be liturgical, charismatic, and evangelical with suitable vestments worn by the clergy.
I. Liturgical
a. The principal worship service in the OSB Church.
i. The service shall follow the shape of the historic liturgy of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
ii. The Eucharist shall be celebrated with the elements ordained by Jesus Christ himself, Eucharistic bread and wine. The normative bread in the Latin or Western Rite is an unleavened wheat host with nothing beside wheat and water. The Eastern Rite should use the bread normative for their rite. For medical reasons gluten free bread may be used in either the Western or Eastern Rites. In cases where the minister suffers from alcohol sensitivities or where the faithful cannot for health reason consume wine, alcohol free wine may be substituted.
b. The approved rites of the Church include those found in the Roman, Old Catholic and Eastern Rites, and other traditional/historic rites, as approved by the Diocesan Bishop. The Roman Missal (1962), The Novus Ordo and its revisions, Revised Missal Romanum (Advent 2011) The ICEL editions. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (1965). In questions of interdenominational celebrations please defer to the Ordinary,
c. In keeping with the spirit of the early Church, the shape of the historic liturgy shall be followed, always maintaining “that blessed liberty where with Christ hath made us free.
d. Vestments which are suitable to an occasion of high praise should be worn by the clergy. The normative attire for the principal Sunday Service is:
i. Priests: Alb, Stole, and Chasuble.
ii. Deacons: Alb and stole or cassock, surplice and stole or deacon dalmatic.
e. Stoles, Chasubles and Dalmatics should be the liturgical color of the day along with chalice veils and burses if used. Chasubles may be Gothic, Semi Gothic, Monastic or Fiddle back. The following colors to be worn for Liturgy are traditional but can be changed with permission from the ordinary if local tradition and custom differ:

i. White: Major Feasts and Solemnities funeral liturgies.
ii. Red: Any feast or solemnity of the Holy Spirit, the apostles and martyrs.
iii. Violet: throughout Lent, including Holy Week, except when another color is specifies, funeral liturgies.
iv. Violet: throughout Advent, except when another color is specified.
v. Dark Blue May be worn for Advent.
vi. Old Rose: May be worn on Gaudete Sunday during Advent and Laetare Sunday during Lent.
vii. Green: should be worn during Ordinary Time.
viii. Blue: is worn for the Blessed Virgin Mary-White may be substituted for Blue.
ix. Gold may be used in place of any other color except purple.
x. Black may be worn for All Souls’ Day or funeral liturgies.

f. The Liturgical Colors for Services:
i. Ordinations: White unless the color of the day is Red.
ii. Funerals: White, Violet or Black
iii. Weddings: White or Gold
iv. Confession or Penance: Violet or White
v. Anointing of the Sick: Violet
vi. Viaticum: Violet
vii. Confirmation: Red, White or Gold

II. Charismatic
a. The worship offered to God in the UCCA is not only liturgical but also charismatic. As such, the worship event should lend itself to the activity of the Holy Spirit in the midst of the congregation. This includes freedom of prayer and praise, operation in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and regular prayer for the sick accompanied by anointing of oil.

b. All worship music should bring glory to God. Recognizing the various backgrounds and cultures of individual parishes, it is nevertheless desirable that the worship music should represent both the rich tradition of the historic faith and the contemporary expression of praise.

Canon Five: Doctrine

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Summary: The OSB adheres to the unity exemplified by the undivided Catholic Church during the first eleven centuries of its existence.
I. The Authority of Holy Scripture
a. The OSB recognizes the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the inspired Word of God.
b. The Holy Scriptures and the Apostolic Tradition serve as the authority on all matters of faith and practice.

II. Catholicity
a. The essentials for Catholicity are:
i. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the inspired Word of God are the rule and ultimate standard of faith.
ii. The Apostles Creed as the Baptismal Profession and the Nicene Creed as the sufficient statement of the Christian faith.
iii. An Episcopate which must be able to trace its Apostolic Succession back to the Apostles.
iv. The seven Sacraments of the historic Catholic Church and affirmed and practiced.

III. The Spirit of Theology
a. The OSB recognizes that doctrine is not only intellectual assent but, a living relationship with Almighty God and His Church.

b. It is incumbent upon the leadership of the OSB to develop and maintain an atmosphere for growth and an understanding in theology and doctrine. We adhere to the classical statement of ecumenicity. “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.” While celebrating the diversity within orthodoxy, we also strive to avoid a schismatic spirit which would elevate non-essentials or non-consensual beliefs and practices above the Father’s will that there be a spiritual and visible unity of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Canon Six: The Sacramental Ministry

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I. Baptism
a. The first rite of initiation into the church, which signifies the cleansing from original sin, and conferral of sanctifying grace through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Sacrament of Baptism is only administered once in a person’s lifetime. The ordinary ministers of the sacrament are Bishops, Priests, or Deacons. In Extraordinary Circumstances, as in in danger of death, a lay person may baptize.

II. Confirmation
a. Through the anointing with oil and the laying on of hands, the bishop or duly authorized priest confers the graces of the Holy Spirit upon a Christian. In receiving the Spirit, the Christian is strengthened with the gifts needed to take on an adult role in the Christian community. The Sacrament of Confirmation is only administered once in a person’s lifetime. The ordinary minister of the sacrament is the Diocesan Bishop or his or her designee.

III. Holy Eucharist
a. Holy Eucharist is the celebration through which we renew and participate in Christ’s birth, sacrificial death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. During this celebration we receive the Real Presence of the actual Body and Blood of Christ, given to us under the forms of bread and wine for our spiritual nourishment. The practice of the OSB is that all baptized believers are welcomed to the Table of the Lord. The ordinary ministers of the sacrament are Bishops or priests.

IV. Confession /Reconciliation
a. We acknowledge that a sincere prayer of sorrow to our God will bring the response for His forgiveness. We also believe that Christ left us a special sacrament which is a powerful encounter with Jesus Christ and His loving forgiveness. Also called the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Penance can be celebrated in two ways:
i. Individual absolution is usually preceded by a Christian’s confession of personal sins. The priest’s prayer of forgiveness or absolution is said for each sincere penitent, at which time his additional gift of grace is imparted.

ii. General Absolution is sacramental absolution, given once to a large number of people, especially when the number of penitents is too great to allow for individual confession of sins. General absolution may be granted at the beginning of Mass but should not replace annual confession and reconciliation. The ordinary ministers of the sacrament are Bishops or priests

V. Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
a. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick consists of the anointing of sick members of the Christian community with oil and prayers for their healing and forgiveness. The effects of this sacrament are strength and peace for the Christian in the face of illness, physical healing and recovery according to God’s will. The ordinary ministers of the sacrament are Bishops or priests. In extraordinary circumstances and with the permission of the Diocesan Bishop a deacon may anoint the sick.

VI. The Sacrament of Matrimony
a. Marriage, understood as a permanent covenant between two baptized persons, is a sacrament of the Church. As a covenant, marriage is a lifelong, permanent commitment, embodying obligations that transcend the immediate feelings or wishes of the spouses. By coming to restore the original order of creation disturbed by sin, Christ himself gives the strength and grace to live marriage in the new dimension of the Reign of God.
b. Recognizing the nearly complete breakdown of moral norms in this society, the Church understands that many persons will come to her having experienced the tragedy of divorce. It is the commitment of the Church and her bishops, in every case, to work toward the healing and restoration of the marriage covenant.
c. The Ministers of the Marriage are the two individuals that are entering into marriage. The Bishop, Priest or Deacon is there to witness and bless the Sacrament of Marriage. Local governmental policies and procedures must be followed in the completing, signing and filing of the Marriage Certificate.
d. The Deacon, Priest or Bishop should meet with the couple in advance of the Marriage to explain the Sacrament to both individuals entering into the bond of marriage. The meeting/meetings can also be used to counsel or instruct the couple in the Christian Life and the responsibilities of Marriage.

e. It is not possible to perform the Sacrament of Marriage for same sex couples not recognized by local, state, federal or international governments. The OSB will not consider this a valid sacramental marriage even though local, state, and the federal governments approve it.
f. Both individuals must enter into bond of the marriage of their free will.
g. Individual may be in a current legal or sacramental marriage. Divorced individuals is a law to may be remarried in the Church with an annulment approved.
h. The Sacrament of Matrimony may take place within the Nuptial Mass before the Canon of the Mass. The Sacrament of Matrimony may also be performed outside of the Mass. The Sacrament of Matrimony may be celebrated outside of the church building in other appropriate settings.
i. The individuals entering to Marriage do not have to be current members of the OSB. We recommend that they are members of the Church but it is not a requirement.
j. Each Marriage must be recorded as a permanent record of the parish of the cleric who performed it.
k. The ordinary ministers of the sacrament are Bishop, priests, or deacons.

VII. Holy Orders
a. It is the Sacrament of Holy Orders through which the Church sets aside people for the special service of ministry to the Christian community. This sacramental act is called ordination. There are three ranks or major orders in the ministry of the Church including the faculties each order holds. All ordained ministers in the Church are called to functions of Word, Sacrament, and Charity, but bishops, presbyters and deacons exercise these functions in various ways. The ordinary ministers of the sacrament are Bishops. They are:

i. Deacon:
1. A deacon can be permanent with no aspirations of continuing to the priesthood. There is no functional difference between permanent and transitional deacons and the ordination is the same. Someone who is designated a transitional deacon is not given a guaranteed progression to the priesthood.

2. As ministers of Word, deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach the homily, and teach in the name of the Church. As ministers of Sacrament, deacons baptize, lead the faithful in prayer, witness marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services.
3. The Deacon is required to pray the Office of his choice daily. It is suggested that the office be Morning and Evening Prayer. To be obedient in matters of the Church, first to Gods Law of Love, but also to the Ordinary, and the Canons of the Orden de San Benito. To refer persons requiring pastoral care to a professional as soon as the person’s solution goes beyond the deacons training. To adhere to the rites and rubrics approved by the Orden de San Benito. To refrain from any activity that lends scorn or contempt to the Church, Diocese or College of Bishops. These faculties may be rescinded at any time by the Ordinary of the local Diocese.
4. A deacon may carry the Blessed Sacrament in a Pyx for those that are infirmed or homebound. The Deacon with the permission of the Ordinary may anoint the sick. A Deacon may be permitted to keep the Blessed Sacrament in his or her home. The consecrated hosts must be kept in a tabernacle with a sanctuary lamp that burns around the clock. The sanctuary lamp may be electric or candle.

ii. Priest:

1. A Priest is called to proclaim the Word of God, preach the homily, and teach in the name of the church. A priest is called to baptize infants, children and adults or to receive into full communion with the Orden de San Benito. A priest is called to celebrate the Sacrifice of the Eucharist also known as the Mass or Anaphora. A priest may celebrate the Sacrifice of the Eucharist outside a consecrated church if the need arises. A priest is called to hear confessions and grant Sacramental Absolution.

A priest is called to witness and give a nuptial blessing at the sacrament of Marriage. A priest may perform the Sacraments of the Church except Confirmation and Holy Orders. A priest may perform the Sacrament of Confirmation, but only in extremis or with the permission of the local Ordinary. A priest is called to perform funerals and or requiem Mass for anyone, including persons not baptized. A priest is called to give Sacramental (Blessings) of the Church. The priest is required to pray the Office of his choice daily. It is suggested that the office be Morning and Evening Prayer. A priest is called to be obedient in matters of the Church, first to Gods Law of Love, but also to the Ordinary, and the Canons of the United Catholic Communities of the Americas. To refer persons requiring pastoral care to a professional as soon as the person’s solution goes beyond the priest training. To adhere to the rites and rubrics approved by the Orden de San Benito. To refrain from any activity that lends scorn or contempt to the Church, Diocese or College of Bishops. Faculties may be rescinded at any time by the Ordinary of the local Diocese.
2. A priest may be permitted to keep the Blessed Sacrament in his or her home. The consecrated hosts must be kept in a tabernacle with a sanctuary lamp that burns around the clock. The sanctuary lamp may be electric or candle.

iii. Bishop: Universal Faculties.
1. Faculties in the Orden de San Benito will be granted by the local Diocesan Bishop on an annual basis.
2. Orden de San Benito shall grant general recognition to the approved clergy of each diocese who has been granted faculties and confer general faculties to function throughout the church with the permission of the diocesan bishop within whose diocese the cleric is to function.

Canon Seven: Principle of Human Dignity

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I. Human Dignity is the intrinsic worth that inheres in every human being. The source of human dignity is rooted in the concept of humanity created in the Image of God, in Christ’s redemption, and in our ultimate destiny of union with God. Human dignity therefore transcends any social order as the basis for rights and is neither granted by society nor can it be legitimately violated by society. In this way, human dignity is the conceptual basis for human rights.
II. The OSB therefore asserts that every human being should be acknowledged as an inherently valuable member of the human community and as a unique expression of life, with an integrated bodily and spiritual nature.
III. The normative implications of this conception of human dignity impacts much of Catholic moral thought as it pertains to a range of human life issues, including healthcare ethics.

IV. The principle is the foundation for our traditions understanding of:
a. Right to Life:
i. We therefore define abortion and euthanasia as sins against the Image of God. We further define and declare that life begins at conception we therefore mourn the loss of those children and thus offer support to those individuals whom have felt forced to make this decision, offering rebirth and forgiveness through the reception of the Sacraments. We declare that life ends with natural death however; pain assistance under the care of a physician or the choice not to pursue extreme medical intervention is an individual’s choice.

b. Right to Healthcare:
i. We support the right for all individuals, especially children, the elderly and the disabled to have access to adequate basic necessities like food, shelter and medical attention. We encourage our membership to work with and support agencies within their dioceses dedicated to this endeavor.

c. Right to Contraception:

i. We do not support the use of condoms and other artificial means of contraception in order to reduce unwanted pregnancy and to reduce unnecessary abortion and promote good health practices.

d. Right to Gender Equality:
i. The Church teaches and believes that our world is made up of diverse individuals from all walks of life. Each person is honored and treated with dignity for the way they choose to identify.

e. Right of Marriage Equality:
i. We support the right of any two individuals who love each other and wish to join themselves in marriage. Our clergy will marry only following the teach of the bible and the father's of the church, heterosexual marriage is right of all human been. But same gender couples is an illegal and against the teaching of the church. Same gender They will not also request bless marriages by the church even if same gender marriage is legal within the State that a couple resides.

Canon Eight: Religious Orders and Communities

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Summary: Religious Orders and Communities may be established and maintained according to the approval of the College of Bishops and under the direction of a Bishop Visitor or Protector.

I. Religious Orders
a. A Religious Order of this Church is a society of Christians in communion with the Bishops of the Church who voluntarily commits themselves for life or a term in years.
i. To obedience to their Rule and Constitution.
b. A Religious Order in order to be recognized must have at least six professed members and must be approved by the College of Bishops.
c. The Bishop Visitor or Protector shall be the guardian of the Constitution of the Order and shall serve as an arbiter in matters in which the Order or its members cannot resolve through its normal processes.
d. Any person(s) under vows in a Religious Order, having exhausted the normal processes of the Order, may petition the Bishop Moderator for dispensation from those vows.
e. Each Calendar Year a General Chapter will be called by the head of each religious order. Reports generated from the Chapter should be submitted to the Bishop Moderator within 30 days of the Chapters conclusion.

II. Third Order Regular (TOR)
a. Diocese and parishes are permitted to form Third Order Regular associations/groups (TOR) comprised of clergy and laity. The Diocesan Bishop will serve as the Bishop Moderator for the TOR. Each TOR will have the freedom to elect their guardians and chose a rule and habit suitable to their lifestyle and station in life.

b. In relation to religious orders, a third order is an association of persons who live according to the ideals and spirit of an order, but do not belong to its "first order" or its "second order" (contemplative nuns associated with the "first order"). Members of third orders, known as tertiaries (Latin tertiarii, from tertius, third), are generally laypersons and clergy, i.e. men and women who do not take religious vows, but participate in the good works of order.

Canon Nine: Catholic Concord

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I. In obedience to the call of our Lord to Christian unity the Orden of San Benito seeks to have dialogue and fellowship with all Christian bodies everywhere and to enjoy intercommunion with those bodies which hold to the Catholic Faith.

Canon Ten: Church Finances

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I. The General Synod shall elect a Treasurer for the OSB.
a. The Treasurer of the OSB:
i. Any bishop of the OSB may nominate no more than one candidate for this office. Before nomination the consent of the nominee shall have been obtained. After all votes have been cast the nominee with a 2/3 majority will be appointed Treasurer.
II. The General Synod shall approve the financial institution in which OSB funds shall be deposited.
III. The chief source of funds for the National Church shall come from the parishes and clergy of each Diocese.
a. Each parish shall pay to the OSB an annual fee of $300 per year and comply with all IRS regulations in order for the OSB to maintain its 501(c) (3) status.
b. Each cleric shall pay to the OSB an annual fee of $120.

Adopted this July 30 2015 at 3:02 pm – National Catholic Apostolic Church in the United States – Diocese of Mary, Mother of Hope. 1406 Coolidge Street Hollywood, Florida 33020 United States of America.
Attest:
Most Reverend Michel J. Pugin, OSB.
Presiding Bishop / Primate
Rev. Emmanuel Della Luna
Chancellor