Archbishop Christopher Richard



Bishop Richard Ministries, LLC
"A Viable Alternative for Conservative Catholicism"


Call: 518.859.5710

Bishop Richard Ministries



Bishop Richard, as a Priest of the 'Old Catholic Church', understands that there are many Catholics who do not belong to a specific church, or who feel alienated from a former church for
any number of reasons, yet are in need of a Priest to
Officiate at a Sacrament, or for Spiritual Counselling.

He is flexible and works with the faithful to accommodate their needs, within the context of traditional Catholic worship.

He offers "A Viable Alternative" from other Catholic Churches
that place undue burdens on the faithful.

He especially ministers to "Lapsed Catholic".

(Bishop Richard is NOT affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, or under submission of the Pope.)

(Bishop Richard is NOT bound by Roman Catholic canon laws, catechism, or rules and regulations.)


Differences of the Old Catholic Church from the Roman Catholic Church:

- "Open Communion":
Communion is offered to all Baptized Christians.

- "General Absolution":
Absolution is offered at all Masses and Sacramental Services.

- Sacraments may be administered outside the confines of a church building.

- Holy Orders are open to heterosexual men, Single or Married.

- Marriage is offered to those who are divorced, without an annulment.



Old Catholic Church



Roman recognition



When Roman Catholics encounter Old Catholics, they are sometimes surprised to learn of other valid Catholic denominations. The question of 'Validity of Sacraments' often arises. Below are recognitions by the Vatican of the 'validity of Old Catholic Sacraments'.


"The Roman Catholic Church recognizes the validity of Old Catholic Orders and Sacraments"

- Catholic Almanac, (c) 1974, p. 368


"The Churches which, while not existing if perfect communion with the Roman Catholic Church, remains united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by Apostolic Succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches. Therefore, these separated Churches and communities as such have by no means been deprived of significance and importance in the mystery of salvation. For the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as means of salvation which derive their efficacy from the very fullness of grace and truth entrusted to the Catholic Church."

- 'Dominus Iesus', IV, 17: Signed on 16 June 2000 by Pope John Paul II,

and published by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (future Pope Benedict XVI).



Marriage



The bond of Marriage between 'one man and one woman' lasts all the days of their lives.


The Sacrament consists of the Exchange of Vows and Rings by the couple, both of whom must be "baptized and believing Christians".


The Wedding Ceremony may be held in a church or at a wedding venue.



Baptism



Baptism is the basis for the whole of Christian life and is necessary for the salvation of one's soul.


Children or adult Baptisms may be held in a church, at a public gathering location (restaurant or hall), or in a home.​



Last Rites & Funeral



The Sacrament of Last Rites is offered to those who are gravely ill or in imminent danger of death. This gives the recipient the opportunity to confess their sins, receive absolution, and receive the final anointing.


The Funeral Rite focuses on the fact that life has changed rather than ended. The main theme is the resurrection of the soul.


Funerals may be held at a Funeral Home or Cemetery or other appropriate place for those previously cremated.



Reconciliation



Reconciliation, also known as Confession, is offered to those who know of sin on their soul.

The Sacrament relieves one of the burden of sin including remorse and guilt. A desire for conversion and closeness to God follows.


The Sacrament is available upon requesting meeting with a Priest for private Confession. The Old Catholic Church also offers General Absolution during the Penitential Rite of the Mass.
​



Bishop Richard Ministries chooses NOT to be tax-exempt,
so as to be able to speak freely on
God's morals and Sacred Scripture,
without threats of censorship from any government agency.





Any contributions to Bishop Richard Ministries are therefore

NOT tax-deductible.



Bishop Richard
is here to serve you.


Call: 518.859.5710
Email: frcrichard@yahoo.com

PO Box 5031, Albany, NY 12205





Bishop Richard Ministries



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