“Why aren’t you clear that you are not Roman Catholic?” someone once asked regarding Paróquia das Santas Missões. The answer lies within its unique identity.
Here we stand before the Paróquia das Santas Missões in São Paulo. It is a beacon of faith. This church welcomes all. But it is not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. This distinction is important. It shapes the church’s practices and beliefs.
The Paróquia Imaculada Conceição clarifies this. The Paróquia das Santas Missões is not a parish of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church. Fathers Lucas Claudino and Ricardo Padavini are not Roman Catholic priests. They have no connection to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church.
So what exactly does Paróquia das Santas Missões believe? The church identifies as Catholic Apostolic Charismatic. It emphasizes a Christocentric approach. Jesus Christ is the center. He is also the model for ministry.
Those seeking priesthood must believe in Jesus. They need to believe in His power to heal. They should trust in His ability to liberate and save. Aspiring priests study at the seminary. The seminary is located within the parishes. It is in the cities of Campinas and Limeira/SP. The training covers necessary subjects. It prepares them to serve. They learn to handle the Word of Truth. After preparation, they receive diaconal. Then presbyteral ordination follows. This ordination adheres to the apostolic succession.
Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, priests can marry here. The Bible says a bishop should be “the husband of one wife”. The apostle Peter was married. Jesus healed his mother-in-law. Paróquia das Santas Missões believes families should serve God together.
Now let’s talk about confession. Paróquia das Santas Missões does not have confessionals. They believe sins should be confessed directly to Jesus Christ. This should happen through sincere prayer. The role of a priest is to preach. He should advise and pray for the people. Jesus Christ has the power to forgive sins.
What about praying for the dead? The church does not practice this. They believe a person’s eternal destiny is sealed at death. No prayer can change it. Instead, they focus on the living. They believe prayers for the living are powerful.
The church embraces the saints. Saints are examples of faith. Images of saints remind us of these figures. The saints embraced faith. They point to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Followers should not replace Jesus with a saint. That would be idolatry. But following their good examples is encouraged.
Paróquia das Santas Missões celebrates baptisms. They follow Jesus’s teachings. Baptisms are performed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Children can be baptized. This is possible if parents are in communion with the church. Adults can also be baptized. That is if they believe in the Lord Jesus.
Children can receive communion. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me”. The Eucharist is a sacrament like baptism. Children participate fully in the services. This helps them grow in faith.
Here at Paróquia das Santas Missões, faith is alive. It is vibrant. It is a journey. It is a personal connection with Jesus Christ. It’s a community. It’s where everyone is welcome on their spiritual path.