The spelling of the term "old catholic" contains two distinct sounds for "c". The "c" in "catholic" is pronounced as /k/ while the "c" in "old" is pronounced as /s/. This phonetic difference is due to the fact that "old" is derived from the Old English word "eald" which had a different spelling convention. "Catholic" on the other hand, retains its spelling from the Latin "catholicus". These distinctions in spelling and pronunciation help to distinguish between the two words and their meanings.
Old Catholic refers to a specific branch or subset of the Catholic Church that emerged as a distinct movement in the late 19th century. The term "Old Catholic" primarily refers to groups or individuals that separated from the Roman Catholic Church but still maintain some aspects of Catholic tradition, doctrine, and sacraments.
Old Catholic denominations pride themselves on adhering to the Catholic faith as it was before the First Vatican Council of 1870 and its decrees on papal infallibility. They generally reject or hold reservations towards some of the dogmas and teachings that were defined as binding by the Council.
In terms of liturgy, Old Catholic churches typically celebrate the Eucharist in a manner that is similar to the Roman Catholic Mass, but may incorporate elements of the traditional pre-Vatican II liturgy. They typically observe the seven sacraments recognized by Catholicism, including baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony.
Old Catholic communities are found primarily in Europe, particularly in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Austria. They operate autonomously and independently from the Roman Catholic hierarchy, often organizing themselves as national churches or provinces. Some Old Catholic groups have entered into full communion with the Anglican Communion, which enables intercommunion and the sharing of clergy between the two traditions.
Overall, "Old Catholic" encompasses a range of groups that trace their lineage to the Roman Catholic Church but have chosen to retain particular traditions, practices, and theological positions that distinguish them from the mainstream Roman Catholic Church.
The term "Old Catholic" comes from the historical context of the Old Catholic Church, which emerged in the late 19th century as a result of disagreements with the doctrine of papal infallibility proclaimed by the First Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church.
The word "old" in this context refers to the continuation of certain pre-Vatican I traditions, beliefs, and practices that were seen as traditional and conservative, as opposed to the new developments introduced by the Roman Catholic Church. The Old Catholics aimed to maintain what they considered to be the original and authentic teachings of the Catholic Church before the introduction of papal infallibility.
The term "Catholic" itself derives from the Greek word "katholikos", meaning universal or general, and was originally used in early Christianity to denote the universality and inclusiveness of the Church.