Using a two-sides-of-the-coin approach \u201d\u201d traditional liturgy and social outreach \u201d\u201d St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Hollywood, has found success in a transitory neighborhood and an often anti-religious culture. In the process, it has become a model for catechetical training, new-member retention and fundraising.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you want snobby \u201d\u02dcprivileged at prayer\u2019 go to Beverly Hills,\u201d\u009d said longtime parishioner Michael Ensign. \u201cWe\u2019re a funny little outpost at Hollywood and Gardner; a real ship of fools. But we\u2019re clear about who we are. We\u2019re messy and very human, but in messiness is God.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Ensign has been at the church for 22 years. He is a career actor and veteran of too many movies and television series to list (including Big Love, CSI, and Boston Legal).<\/p>\n