How (and why) Holy Family Old Catholic Church was Formed
Over the last few decades we’ve been seeking ways that we could participate in Christianity in a way that helps us, our family and our friends draw closer to Christ. There are many churches and communities that sincerely attempt this. Some have excellent preaching. Some have apostolicity and sacraments. Some have healthy support communities
. But none seemed completely right for us. With prayer, learning and contemplation we realized that we were seeking something like what the early Christian Church was: People meeting in homes to reflect upon the message of the Gospel, to participate in authentic liturgical worship, and to support each other. With the help of the Old Catholic Communion of North America (http://www.occna.org/) and the Diocese of St. Thomas (http://www.dioceseofstthomas.org/), we are attempting to bring this experience to the people of McMinnville by conducting authentic, sacramental, worship liturgies in homes, much as was done in the first years of Christianity. Our services are apostolic, reverential and communal. Apostolic
The services are apostolic in the sense that the leadership of OCCNA can trace its heritage right back to the apostles via various “lines” of bishops. Further, we focus on the teachings and practices of the early Christian Church -- that of the first few centuries. This doesn’t mean we are “trapped” in the past, but we are connected to and respect it. Reverential
Our services follow ancient, traditional liturgies. Our primary service is very similar to the common (Roman) Catholic service and based on their missal, which itself is based on the records of Christian worship services dating back to the very first centuries of Christianity. Some prayers are slightly altered. We have a more express confession and rite of absolution (forgiveness of sin), and we offer communion to any baptised Christian who believes in the Real Presence and is trying to live out the Christian life. Communal
Though out-of-town visitors are welcome, we are located in and serve the people of McMinnville. Our goal is to build healthy community relationships among individuals and families here. Our services our small, friendly and family based. Other Services
Our priest is available for Christian counseling, sacramental visits to hospitals and homes (anointing of the sick, confession, etc.), and for funerals and weddings. We are happy to serve in any way that we can.
