Simply put, our welcome mat is open to you, your loved ones, and your faith in the Lord.
“Attending Mass”
Liturgical worship can seem slightly overwhelming to visitors. It may feel awkward initially until you get the hang of it. Don’t worry! Our parishioners are happy to help you, or you are welcome to listen and watch, and participate when you are ready.
Our standard worship service is the Mass or Holy Eucharist, we use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, which we supplement with additional prayers and feasts from the Anglican Missal. (The Anglican Missal is effectively an English translation of the pre-1955 Roman Missal). The Missal with its additional prayers gives us the ability to draw on the fullness of the broader Wester Liturgy of the ancient church. Although this may seem confusing at first, after a few repetitions everything will come together and the service will become second nature.
As a visitor, we do not expect you to know all the gestures and postures. You are a guest in Christ’s church, feel free to just sit back and enjoy the service. Do not stress or feel out of place if you are not sure whether you are to sit, stand or knee.
The Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) is divided into two parts. The first part of the service centers on God’s Word spoken to us through the passages of Scripture and given application to our lives through the homily.
The second part of the service centers on the Altar and the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood through the consecrated elements of bread and wine. Generally, those who have been Baptized and Confirmed, are repentant of their sins, and believe in Christ’s Real Presence are welcome to receive with us.
If you have any questions about receiving communion, just ask one of the Pastors. If it is your first visit and you will not be receiving Holy Communion, we welcome you to the altar rail for a blessing. Simply kneel with the others and cross your arms over your chest. The priest will give you a blessing. This is referred to as a “spiritual” communion for those not quite ready or prepared to receive the Holy Eucharist.
Again, the clergy at St. Andrew’s are happy to answer your questions regarding reception of Holy Communion. Call, email, or just stop by the office for a chat.