1. What is the church
like?
When you walk into Our Lady of Sorrows Church where we
worship, you get a distinct feeling of the presence of the Lord. Indeed He is
present in the Blessed Sacrament. Upon entering one becomes immediately
"worshipful" in manner and upon entering one is given to silence.
2. How is the liturgy
celebrated?
Whether the congregation is small or large, everything is
dignified, and reverent as the "Lord of Hosts is with us". The vestments are rich and beautiful,
often handmade. Then the solemn
manner in which sacred ministers, cantors, servers, altar guild and readers
perform their part in the eternal drama, absolutely contributes to the piety of
all. This tone and manner is shared by the congregation, who fully participate.
3. What kind of music
is used?
Probably the most dramatic contribution to the Anglican
Patrimony is its hymnody. Magnificent music planned and directed by Dr. Bruce
Prince-Joseph our organist, sung in the most venerable traditions, shared by a
congregation singing to the rafters literally lifts the soul to the heavenly
throne.
4. How do the people receive communion?
We receive communion in the traditional manner, kneeling at
the altar rail. Those who cannot
kneel are welcome to stand. Some receive the sacrament on the tongue. But most
make a simple, humble "throne" of the left hand for the right,
whereon is placed the precious Sacrament. From there, the Body untouched is
raised to the mouth of the communicant.
5. Are the people
reverent?
Such things as bowing the head at Our Lord's name, making
the sign of the cross at timely points of prayer, genuflecting at the
Incarnatus in the creed, acknowledging the Lord at the elevation of the Host at
the time of consecration - all these "engage" the faithful in the act
of worship. The faithful are not only involved, but their participation lends
to their understanding and their personal piety. They help us to present
ourselves as a "living sacrifice." They help to shape a humble,
contrite, awe-inspired heart when we come before Him. That reverent
participation is also a part of the Anglican Way.
5. Why not use
everyday English?
The language of the liturgy is Elizabethan English, as in
most traditional parishes. Its formality, poetry, and beauty add a special
dignity, and once again reverence, to the order of worship and contribute to
the piety of the people. It helps to establish in a unique way, a humble,
separate, not presumptuous, relationship between creature and Creator. It
doesn't put off, but rather gathers together reverently. Formal expression can
be inspiring. Therefore those prayers and hymns employing that formal language
tend to put the faithful in a reverent attitude before the Holy of Holies.
6. How is the liturgy
related to the Anglican Prayer Book?
The Book of Common Prayer is itself a work of great
spiritual and practical genius, a rich gift to the faithful. Anglicans know it
as well as they know their Bibles. Anglicans throughout the world can pick it
up and know they are "at home.
All of those familiar with the prayer book tradition will be soon right
at home with the Catholic “Book of Divine Worship” used in Ordinariate
liturgies. Catholics will
immediately recognize the familiar structure of the Mass, enriched with
historic Anglican devotion.
7. Who can receive
communion?
Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the
Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship,
members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily
not admitted to Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by
other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the
diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law. . . . "
(Many thanks to Marthat Eischen, "Anglican Patrimony or the Anglican Way," published in VirtueOnline, June 29, 2011.)
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