Our principle worship service is the celebration of Holy Eucharist (Lord’s Supper). On Sundays, our service includes vestments and hymns. The service is in two parts. In the Liturgy of the Word, we read from Scripture, including readings from the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and Gospels. A sermon or homily is offered, and we offer prayers for our selves, each other, and our community. In the Liturgy of the Table, we recall God’s work of salvation through Jesus Christ. As Jesus commanded us, we share Bread and Wine in remembrance of Christ. Our on-campus services are a bit simpler (no singing and fewer readings).

Our worship is “liturgical,” meaning we follow a common pattern of prayer that is found in The Book of Common Prayer. We also follow the liturgical calendar, which structures our prayers and Scripture readings around seasons based on the life of Jesus.

Our worship is centered on sacraments, which are outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual grace. “Grace is God’s favor toward us, unearned and undeserved; by grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our wills.” (BCP 858). We celebrate the two great sacraments given by Jesus — Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist. We also celebrate other sacramental rites which include confirmation (adult profession of faith), ordination (bishops, priests, deacons), holy matrimony (marriage),  reconciliation of a penitent (confession), and unction (anointing with healing oil).

We also have a tradition of daily prayer. This prayer is based on monastic traditions of hourly prayer that included reading scripture and praying the Psalms. Our Book of Common Prayer includes services for Morning and Evening prayer, and also an often used service of Compline (night prayer).