The Holy Eucharist (also known as the Mass, Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper or Divine Liturgy, depending on which tradition you come from), is the principal form of worship in the Episcopal Church. The service, or liturgy, follows a set pattern that is similar to those found in other liturgical churches, especially the Roman Catholic and Lutheran traditions. We celebrate the Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. from Labor Day to mid-June, and at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in the summer.

 

The Holy Eucharist, in which for believers bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, is one of two Sacraments of the church that are meant for everyone. Holy Baptism, which occurs within this rite from time to time, is the other. There are also five sacramental liturgies that may be celebrated as appropriate – Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Ordination, Reconciliation of a Penitent (Confession) and Prayers for the Sick or Dying.

 

The Holy Eucharist is celebrated by a priest, who is often assisted by a deacon and lay Eucharistic ministers.

 

At the early Sunday service we use the Rite One liturgy, with traditional Elizabethan language based on historic forms of the Book of Common Prayer. At the late service, we use Rite Two, in which the language is contemporary English, and add organ and hymns. This too is from the Book of Common Prayer. On occasion we use liturgies from approved supplements such as Enriching Our Worship. Our hymns come from three approved books – the Hymnal 1982, Lift Every Voice and Sing II and Wonder, Love and Praise. Between them, they contain music from roughly 1,500 years of Christian worship.

 

Because our tradition has its roots in England and many of our members are of British or Irish background, we also use a good deal of English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh folk settings in our music and historic Celtic prayers and blessings.

Sunday Services
Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Services Schedule for Those Scheduled to Serve

Wednesday Services
Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m. except between June 15th and Labor Day.

Bible Study, Fridays at 7 a.m. in the Demack Room.