“What is the mission of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter?” asked Rev. William Holiday. He answered that question with one word. Evangelism. Here at the Church of the Incarnation, that mission thrives.
The Church of the Incarnation started as an Anglican ecclesial body in the early 1980s. It was initially known as the Church of the Incarnation. The congregation was established as a parish. It belonged to the Traditional Anglican Communion. This communion sought to restore union with the Roman Catholic Church.
The parish grew to about 120 members. In 2012, the parish was formally received into full communion. It joined the Roman Catholic Church. This was part of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter. This ordinariate is a diocesan-like structure. It is under the jurisdiction of the Ordinary in Houston, Texas. Today, the Church of the Incarnation welcomes over 400 parishioners. All Catholics are welcome to receive the Sacraments here.
Incarnation Catholic Church in Tampa started as a mission of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in 1962. Monsignor Laurence Higgins led this mission. It was officially founded on Nov. 19, 1963. The church stands at its present location.
The congregation first met in a trailer. This trailer was bought from MacDill Air Force Base. It seated only 60 people. Later, a provisional church was built. It seated 500. In 1987, the present sanctuary was constructed. It can accommodate 1,200 people. The church also built a school in 1964. This school was for first and second-graders. Incarnation Catholic School has since educated over 600 children. These children were in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Father Eric Hunter led the Church of the Incarnation since 1989. He was born in Scotland. He was ordained in 1972. Before coming to the United States, he served as a curate in his home Diocese of Motherwell.
The Church of the Incarnation offers many services and programs. Holy Week features a Solemn Easter Liturgy and Mass. Easter Sunday Masses are held multiple times. Weekly services include daily Mass and Saturday Vigil Mass. Sunday Masses are also available. The church offers Masses in both English and Spanish. Confession is available on Saturday and by appointment.
The Church of the Incarnation serves its community. It aids the poor and needy in the Town ‘N Country area. The church pays rent and utility bills. It provides food and clothing. It also offers referrals to community agencies. The church supports various programs. These include the Daystar program, Alpha single pregnant girls, and Metropolitan Ministries. It has also donated to missions. These missions assisted people in Nicaragua and Honduras. This aid was provided after Hurricane Mitch.
The Solemn Easter Liturgy is a beautiful celebration. It begins in darkness. The lighting of the paschal candle symbolizes change. It represents the shift from darkness to light. It signifies death to new life in Jesus Christ. During the vigil, catechumens are baptized. Candidates also join the Catholic Church. These individuals complete a process of prayer, study, and faith sharing. This occurs before joining the church.
Incarnation Catholic Church is more than just a building. It is a fellowship of believers. They are made in God’s image. They are called as disciples of Christ. They share the Good News through learning, listening, praying, and working together.