Discover More About Us
Worship With Us: All Are Welcome
Many people are curious about inclusive, self-governing Catholic communities. While “Catholic” is often associated with the Roman Church, the Catholic tradition is broader and beautifully diverse. What unites us is our shared faith in Jesus Christ and our commitment to living that faith through worship, service, and community.
At Abiding Presence Faith Community, we celebrate the Divine Worship (The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass) in a spirit of openness and reverence. Our liturgies are held at the Bishop’s residence and shared online via Zoom and YouTube Live, making it easy to join from wherever you are.
👖 Come as you are—jeans, shorts, or business casual are all welcome. We recommend arriving about 10 minutes early to get settled and meet others.
🎶 Our service includes the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, with hymns everyone is encouraged to sing. One of our clergy offers a homily rooted in the day’s Scripture readings, with practical insights for living your faith throughout the week.
🕊️ General absolution is offered at the beginning of each liturgy, so all may fully participate in Holy Communion. If you prefer to receive a blessing instead, simply approach the celebrant or deacon with your arms crossed.
📖 You can download the Order of Divine Worship booklethere, or a simplified Commons page here to follow along.
⏰ Our Eucharistic liturgy lasts about an hour, and you’re warmly invited to stay afterward for coffee and conversation.
🌟 Get Involved
We offer several ministries for those who wish to serve, including:
- Feeding the Homeless
- Ministry to the Sick
- Liturgical Ministries
- Ministry to the LGBTQI+ Community
📋 Ready to join us? Complete the registration form here.
Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs. We look forward to worshiping with you.
Discover More About Our History
Curious about Inclusive Catholicism and our parish’s history. Abiding Presence began when Rev. Fr. J. Michael Brown contacted Bishop William Cavins about returning to ministry in Fall 2019. The first services were held on Christmas Day 2019 with two families present. In January 2020, three other families began meeting at the Bishop’s home to pray and seek God’s guidance on reaching out to others in Winter Park and East Orlando with the love and Good News of Jesus. These early gatherings grew to include meals, evening prayer, and helping one another. Our time together was so rich, that we couldn’t help but invite others to join us.
Who We Are
Abiding Presence Faith Community is a welcoming, inclusive Catholic congregation rooted in love, justice, and shared leadership.
🕊️ In March 2020, Abiding Presence Ministries was legally established in Florida. Since then, we’ve grown into a vibrant community committed to living the Gospel in everyday life.
📍 Weekday services are held at the Bishop’s residence, while our weekly Sunday gathering takes place on Saturday evenings at 5 PM in the Sanctuary Building of First United Church of Christ, 4605 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando.
🤝 We are a self-governing church, meaning both clergy and laity share equal voice and vote in shaping our mission, managing our resources, and discerning our future.
🌍 On December 5, 2021, we joyfully became part of the Reformed Catholic Church, a communion of inclusive Catholic communities across the country.
- Our Presiding Bishop is the Most Rev. Chris Carpenter (Connecticut).
- Our Ordinary is the Most Rev. Bill Heller, Bishop of the Diocese of St. John XXIII, serving the Eastern United States. He resides in New York.
💒 In January 2022, we embraced a new name—Abiding Presence Faith Community—to better reflect our identity as a spiritual home rooted in grace, welcome, and shared purpose.
🌟 Curious to learn more?
We invite you to come and see. Whether you’re exploring your faith, seeking community, or looking for a place to belong—you are welcome here.
Discover More About Our Vision
Abiding Presence Faith Community is a gathering of Inclusive Catholics committed to making God’s love known in Central Florida.
ABIDING PRESENCE FAITH COMMUNITY IS AN INCLUSIVE CATHOLIC FAMILY MAKING GOD’S LOVE KNOWN IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
WE BELIEVE THIS IS GOD’S PLAN FOR US.
To be a people, transformed by God’s love, who passionately desire to glorify God and see everyone meet with Jesus, hear from Jesus, and respond to Jesus.
THE GREAT COMMANDMENT
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39
MISSION
We are called to Love God, Love People, and Make Disciples. THE GREAT COMMISSION Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
LIFESTYLE
THIS IS OUR DAY-TO-DAY. THIS IS HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO.
W O R S H I P
To be a people who daily offer our mind’s attention and heart’s affection to Jesus. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, given God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1
C O N N E C T
To be a people who devote themselves to authentic community and discipleship. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and prayer. Acts 2:42
S E R V E
To be a people who selflessly serve as Jesus modeled: in the church, in the community, and the world. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
G I V E
To be an uncommonly generous people, joyfully giving of our time, talents, and resources. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:18
Our Clergy Team
Most Rev. William R. Cavins, Pastor
Rev. Mr. Christopher M. Larsen, Palm Coast, FL Outreach
Reformed Catholic Church Leadership
Most Rev. Chris Carpenter, Presiding Bishop
Most Rev. Bill Heller, Bishop of the Diocese of St. John XXIII
Rev. James Morgan, President of the Board of Directors