The General Assembly of the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America has consented to the adoption of the Protection of Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults Policy.  The policy was developed through the dedication and hard work of the Standing Commission for Protection of Vulnerable Persons.  

The commission was established at the 2018 General Assembly and was charged with the important task of developing policy and protocols for the protection of children and vulnerable adults, including sexual abuse. This commission was approved by College of Bishops and House of Delegates. It received approval of the Executive Committee to allow the commission to explore arrangements for implementation and training. The development of the policy was first steps.

The Executive Committee approved the policy in April 2019 and the General Assembly consented to the approval, as required by the Canons, at the May 2019 meeting.  The policy in its entirety can be found here:  Protection of Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults Policy

The House of Delegates, representing the lay people and clergy of the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America, in collaboration with the College of Bishops met from May 14 to May 17, 2019 for the annual General Assembly.  Each year the representatives of the church meet to conduct business for the national church and to network with others from parishes around the United States.  

This year we had another successful assembly.  Each day began with morning prayers and ended after dinner with evening prayer, and then attendees met for a daily social fellowship time. 

The first day was devoted to a Retreat Day with a special presentation on Liberation Theology.  The second day focused on the business of the church (accepting various reports, electing officers, approving actions by the Executive Committee, and so on). The third day centered on Spiritual Education. 

Representatives commented on how this year's assembly was dynamic and created so many great memories for the participants.   See a video presentation of photos from the General Assembly below.

Craig Wilt, who has been a parishioner of St. Andrew parish since its beginning, has formally become a member of the CACINA clergy.  He completed the required evaluations and interviews, including that of the Vocations Committee, and was incardinated as a priest of CACINA on Sunday, April 21, 2019.  The Wilt family, (Craig, Sue, daughter, Gina, and son, Antonio), has been a pillar of the Warrenton church since its infancy.  Fr. Craig studied in Rome, was previously ordained in the Roman church, completed many years of missionary work, and currently works as a grief coordinator at Hospice.  CACINA is blessed to have him as part of the CACINA clergy.  His experiences and expertise will certainly serve to strengthen our church.

On April 6, 2019, Father Al Risdorfer was ordained a priest of CACINA by Bishop Ron Stephens and assisted by Bishop Carl Purvenas-Smith. The ordination was attended by a large gathering of lay parishioners from several parishes, clergy, bishops, family and friends at the Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland.  After the ordination, the congregation attended a reception in Fr. Risdorfer's honor at the Grand Baltimore.  CACINA is elated to to have Father Risdofer as a member of its clergy.  His  dedication to the church and his joyous energy will be felt by all he serves. 

See video of the ordination below: