More about our Church

What does the Vatican say about Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and other Independent Catholic churches throughout the world?

According to the Papal Encyclical Dominus Iesus, issued by Pope John Paul II, June 16, 2000, and signed by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Prefect, August 6, 2000, from the Office of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; “the Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the (Roman) Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by apostolic succession and valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches. Therefore, the Church of Christ is present and operative also in these Churches, even though they lack full communion with the (Roman) Catholic Church…”

Saint Thomas Catholic Church belongs to the Independent Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of Nevada.  Through apostolic succession and valid sacraments, we are alive in the spirt of Vatican II. Our bishops have valid apostolic succession, as they can trace their ordinations to the original twelve apostles. 

Barriers between God’s people and the sacraments do not exist. Unlike other Catholic churches, all are welcome to receive the sacraments. For example, we do not require marriage annulments and do not refuse Holy Communion to divorced Catholics. All are welcome to the table of the Lord.