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New Day, New Time, New Ideas At St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church

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By MAUREA SLEESMAN Hernando Today correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 10, 2009

Note from writer: Several years ago I interviewed a local Roman Catholic priest who had resigned his clerical post to marry a divorcee with two children. I attended and wrote about the new CACINA church that followed, and later, the training and ordination of its current priest, Rev. James Marsh.

Continuing January local religion stories investigate a sampling of "What's new in 2009?"

SPRING HILL - St. Paul the Apostle CACINA Church has been meeting for worship services on Saturdays for the past six years, and is in its 11th year of meeting locally. Their new "news" for 2009 is that they can now have worship services on Sunday morning, like most faith communities. They meet in the fellowship hall of Spring Hill United Church of Christ.

The news theologically is CACINA churches are Catholic, but with some differences from Roman Catholics, especially regarding divorced individuals, gays and people of mixed faiths, according to notes from the Web site: www.cacina.org and quotes from some local parishioners.

CACINA is the acronym for Catholic Apostolic Church in North America, founded in 1945 by Dom Carlos Duarte-Costa, a Brazilian visionary and former Roman Catholic cleric. Major components of his vision included: redistribution of wealth; liquidating church assets to fund charitable endeavors (He sold some of the church's riches to aid local poor); questioning papal authority; using common language in the liturgy; and giving clergy the right to marry. Due to his views on and outspokenness regarding the social injustice of the totalitarian government in Brazil at that time, he was later excommunicated.

A Spring Hill resident, Bill Thomas is the treasurer at St. Paul the Apostle and his wife, Roz, is the parish secretary. Both are founding members of St. Paul's. Roz recently knit several afghans to donate to local homeless people, as she does other charity needlework, too - she welcomes yarn donations. Bill Thomas was a divorced man when he married Roz 35 years ago. They never felt comfortable about their religious beliefs and faith community until they discovered CACINA. Three years ago, they had their Catholic wedding vows renewed in a ceremony attended by the whole St. Paul's membership, "headed so beautifully by Fr. Jim," Mr. Thomas recalled. "Flowers and a reception - the whole nine yards. It means the world to us and we love this church."

Member Gerald Miller wrote "First and most important is we are directed by God's Rules, The Ten Commandments, not by the man-made rules of other churches. We are autonomous.

"CACINA believes in the Nicene Creed. All the essentials of the Catholic faith are found in it, written 1,700 years ago. Sacraments include Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Matrimony, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick. Jesus Christ is present in Eucharist.

"We have had several weddings where one or both of the wedding party was divorced or one was of a different faith and not allowed to get married in their church, not able to receive Holy Communion. One may partake here as long as you approach the altar reverently.

"We are proud that we recently had a baptism of a mother and her two of her children who had not been attending any church and are now members here. More Baptisms are scheduled soon.

"One of the most touching services is the healing service Father Jim has when we have someone who is ill or is going to the hospital for surgery or tests. He has the person come up in front of the congregation and everyone puts a hand on them and Father Jim prays ... I have seen it bring people to tears. Father Jim is a nurse for hospice and its healing, so he is keenly aware of the power of healing prayers and that kind of group and family support. We are a close family here at St. Paul's and we go out of our way to help each other."

Miller and others appreciate the autonomy of CACINA churches and the opportunities for input and theological and social justice issues discussion. Women may become priests and people of all ethnicities and orientation are welcome. Deacons and priests receive no pay and after training and ordination may open new CACINA churches as parish size is preferred to be around 75 families and singles.

"That way we don't get too large. We can all get to know each other well," Miller said.

A new St. Paul's deacon is assisting Mass. Rich Sensky is in the process of obtaining official CACINA permission and transfer so that he can continue studies and eventually become an ordained priest. Originally from Pittsburgh, he moved to Florida and lived with his brother. He learned about CACINA through friends. "I saw my brother's house when it just flew away in a hurricane and the trauma of it all gave me a whole different perspective on life and the importance of one's faith and serving God to help others," he said. "I appreciate the love and caring and welcoming of the people here. It is family, a family for all people."

Bill Thomas said that having Sensky is a godsend because it gives some time relief to the minister's busy schedule and "all of us appreciate the care and assistance Deacon Sensky offers."

Rev. James Marsh, St. Paul's minister, is a native of Brooksville. He enjoys his work, church and family.

"One granddaughter, Dallas, age 10-going-on-30, was quite the star as an assistant judge in a pie-eating contest held at Kenlake Civic Club recently, so her picture was in the newspaper." Jim Marsh is also a local StageWest thespian. A favorite role he enjoyed was that of the father of Helen Keller in 'Miracle Worker.'

"New Confirmation classes are starting," he said. "We want to have more community outreach fun events like the Community Fun Day open house held in November. Around 200 people came. Children enjoyed the big inflatable bounce ballhouse and games. 'UT-OH' the clown entertained. We had free hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas and face painting and a wonderful performance by the 20-member Spring Hill Guitar Club.

"We want people to know that this unusual church exists to welcome all and be of service to all and to God. We are a Catholic church. It means 'universal.' We are not Roman, we are not Protestant, we are not Orthodox ... we are simply Catholic. And anyone who approaches the altar of our Lord is welcome in His house."

When do they meet?

Sunday: 9 a.m.

St. Paul the Apostle Church meets at Fellowship Hall of Spring Hill United Church of Christ, 4244 Mariner Blvd. (north of Northcliffe), Spring Hill. Phone: 584-3988 or 263-1867. For more information, visit: www.cacina.org.

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