Frequently Asked Questions
The information presented in this FAQ is designed to help newcomers understand worship at St. Paul’s and is especially designed for those not familiar with Anglican traditions. We hope it will prove valuable to those who may experience dramatic differences in worship here compared to other churches—including other Episcopal churches! These FAQs are not meant to be a statement of corporate belief or practice. Each person must discern his or her own spirituality within our corporate expression of faith and is encouraged to formulate questions and seek answers. Seeking out knowledge through fellowship among parishioners enhances our communion; and of course, the best way to learn more about St. Paul’s is by becoming a part of it.
For more information, you are encouraged to explore this website and email the clergy with any questions. If you are a newcomer to the Episcopal Church, you might also want to review “An Outline of the Faith, or Catechism,” in the Book of Common Prayer starting on page 845, or the Episcopal Glossary of Liturgical Terms, many of which are found in this FAQ. For a more in-depth understanding, you may wish to consider joining Pilgrims in Christ. Finally, you may want to read a separate set of Frequently Asked Questions developed by a former St. Paul’s seminarian.
Q: What is the meaning of Anglo-Catholicism vs. Anglicanism vs. Episcopalian? How are these terms related to a “diocese”?
A: Anglicanism arose as distinct form of Christianity when Henry VIII declared the Church of England independent of the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation in the 16th Century. The Episcopal Church traces its roots to the Church of England and hence maintains itself as a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. St. Paul’s belongs to the Episcopal Church in the United States and the Anglican Communion, and is a congregation within The Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
For more information, you are encouraged to explore this website and email the clergy with any questions. If you are a newcomer to the Episcopal Church, you might also want to review “An Outline of the Faith, or Catechism,” in the Book of Common Prayer starting on page 845, or the Episcopal Glossary of Liturgical Terms, many of which are found in this FAQ. For a more in-depth understanding, you may wish to consider joining Pilgrims in Christ. Finally, you may want to read a separate set of Frequently Asked Questions developed by a former St. Paul’s seminarian.
Q: What is the meaning of Anglo-Catholicism vs. Anglicanism vs. Episcopalian? How are these terms related to a “diocese”?
A: Anglicanism arose as distinct form of Christianity when Henry VIII declared the Church of England independent of the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation in the 16th Century. The Episcopal Church traces its roots to the Church of England and hence maintains itself as a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. St. Paul’s belongs to the Episcopal Church in the United States and the Anglican Communion, and is a congregation within The Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
“Episcopal” is derived from the word meaning “bishop” in Greek. A diocese is the geographical area over which a bishop has jurisdiction. Each diocese is presided over by a “diocesan bishop” who may have help from a variety of other kinds of bishops.
An Episcopalian is a member of the Episcopal Church. Episcopalians celebrate the Holy Eucharist, or Mass, using traditions common to the Roman Catholic Church, but recognize the Book of Common Prayer as the authority for the collection of worship services that we pray together and around the world. Our common heritage with the Church of England provides our tangible connection through Apostolic succession to the original body of believers in Christ led by the twelve Apostles.
Anglo-Catholicism describes traditions of Anglicanism that emphasize the sacramental life of the Catholic tradition, especially the Holy Eucharist. St. Paul’s is noted for its celebration of the Catholic tradition within Anglicanism, by seeking a balance between Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions and by reflecting its understanding of the balance of authority through its devotion to scripture, tradition, and reason. Anglicanism reveres the historical authorities of scripture and traditional practices, while also affirming the possibility of discovering new understandings of Christian faith consistent with what it has received in the past. We acknowledge the Bible speaks to us in our own time and place and allows us to use reason to discern God’s will for us today.
Q: Who may receive the elements of communion at St. Paul’s?
A: All baptized Christians are welcome to receive communion at the Lord’s Table. If for any reason a person does not wish to receive communion, he or she is still invited to come to the communion rail for a blessing. The way to indicate that you would prefer a blessing and do not wish to receive communion is to cross your arms over your chest, making an “X.”
Q: How do I make a prayer request? Request communion? Make a confession? Receive Holy Unction?
A. Prayer requests may be phoned in or e-mailed to the parish. You may also request prayers using a card at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. If you are home- or hospital-bound and would like to receive the Holy Eucharist, please contact one of the clergy. If you would like to make a confession, please attend at the posted hours of confession as announced in our bulletins or contact one of our priests. Holy Unction may be coordinated by contacting the church or one of the priests directly; it is also available after the masses on Thursday and after each mass on the first Sunday of the month.
Q: What are the significant components of the Mass?
A: Below is a description of significant components and additional elements that may be used throughout the year (depending on the particular service). The first major part of the Mass is The Liturgy of the Word and the second major part is the Holy Communion. Click on the links to learn more about each component.
The Liturgy of the Word (Book of Common Prayer, page 323)
Q: Who may receive the elements of communion at St. Paul’s?
A: All baptized Christians are welcome to receive communion at the Lord’s Table. If for any reason a person does not wish to receive communion, he or she is still invited to come to the communion rail for a blessing. The way to indicate that you would prefer a blessing and do not wish to receive communion is to cross your arms over your chest, making an “X.”
Q: How do I make a prayer request? Request communion? Make a confession? Receive Holy Unction?
A. Prayer requests may be phoned in or e-mailed to the parish. You may also request prayers using a card at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. If you are home- or hospital-bound and would like to receive the Holy Eucharist, please contact one of the clergy. If you would like to make a confession, please attend at the posted hours of confession as announced in our bulletins or contact one of our priests. Holy Unction may be coordinated by contacting the church or one of the priests directly; it is also available after the masses on Thursday and after each mass on the first Sunday of the month.
Q: What are the significant components of the Mass?
A: Below is a description of significant components and additional elements that may be used throughout the year (depending on the particular service). The first major part of the Mass is The Liturgy of the Word and the second major part is the Holy Communion. Click on the links to learn more about each component.
The Liturgy of the Word (Book of Common Prayer, page 323)
The Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer, page 333)
Q: What types of worship services are scheduled at St. Paul’s and how are each different?
A: Please see Worship at St. Paul’s for a description of services and worship times.
Q: What rites and pastoral services are available?
A: The following are described in the Book of Common Prayer and are either available either at the Parish or through referral to other churches: Baptism, Holy Eucharist (Communion), Communion under special circumstances, Prayer, Confirmation, Celebration & Blessing of a Marriage, The Blessing of a Civil Marriage (referral), Reconciliation of a Penitent, Ministration to the sick, Extreme Unction, Ministration at the Time of Death, Burial of the Dead (Resurrection Mass or Requiem Mass), Ordination, and Celebration of a New Ministry.
Q: Why is everything so ornate?
A: Anglo-Catholics use all of our senses in our worship. Incense, bells, candles, chimes, vestments, art, architecture, and music are used in worship to facilitate the engagement of all of our senses. Engaging all the senses allows one to devote oneself to God with the whole self, not just with the mind or words.
The joyful use of incense during the service and in processions serves to remind individuals of different things. Incense was one of the three gifts that the wise men brought to the Christ Child; the use of incense indicates the presence of God. In biblical times, incense was used as a freshener when guests arrived, and thus is perceived as a welcoming invitation to the Holy Spirit. Incense is used to cleanse and create a sacred space that provides a sensual atmosphere for meditation and prayer. During mass, the altar, the offering, and the people are censed as offerings to God that are pleasing and vital to the worship—incense reminds us that we are set aside for God’s service. When the smoke of the incense wafts heavenward, it serves as a beautiful symbol that the prayers of the faithful are sent up to God and that the Grace of the Holy Spirit embraces them.
A bell is rung to announce the beginning of the service. The Sanctus bell is rung during the Eucharist to emphasize and call attention to particular moments in the liturgy. It is also rung during the institution narrative when the celebrant elevates the bread and wine to emphasize these moments in the Eucharistic prayer. The ringing serves as a reminder to congregants to focus on the liturgical action at the altar.
Candles are used extensively in our liturgical tradition. Candles symbolize the light of Christ to remind us that the worship space is sacred. The ceremonial lighting of the Paschal candle creates a solemn moment as we begin the Easter Vigil and is burned at all services from Easter Day through Pentecost.
Vestments on Display at Dedication 2008: Click to Enlarge (Photo: Matthew Welch)Distinct vestments worn by the celebrant, priest, and lay servers symbolize the position of the ordained and laity within the church and much of the clothing resembles the garb of the imperial Roman society of the early church. They are visually appealing and based on the liturgical color of the day or season to help us reflect on the celebration at hand.The stained glass windows, architectural elements, symbols and other works of art aid our reflection and meditation and enrich worship. All of these elements are quite beautiful and thought-provoking and may evoke powerful emotions, providing a place of refuge for worship and meditation. There is meaning behind everything. Information regarding the stained glass windows, for example, is printed in a brochure and is available at the tract rack in the back of the church. When worshiping at St. Paul’s, you will discover many architectural features that enhance the spirituality of the worship. If you have questions about the architectural elements, art or symbols within the church please ask for more details.
Reflecting on and participating in the beautiful music of our service helps bring us into God’s presence. The music of each service gathers together diverse traditions and includes selections from the Hymnal and other sources. While our choir sings with musical excellence, the largest choir in the church is the congregation. In fact, St. Paul’s in known for its robust congregational singing. Listening to the choir, the organ, and singing with the congregation helps evoke the presence of the Holy Spirit and our communion with God. Our music fosters an environment of transcendent worship.
Q: Can you suggest some appropriate prayers to be prayed before/after Mass?
A: Selected Prayers (including Anima Christi) are located at the back of the Mass booklet located in the pews. Additional Prayers and Thanksgivings are listed in Book of Common Prayer, starting on page 810.
Q: What postures and gestures should be used? Why? When? Why do we genuflect during the Nicene Creed?
A: See Our Worship Customs for more information on our postures of worship.
Q: What is meant by “incarnation”?
A: The doctrine of the incarnation of Christ is the belief that God the Son became flesh when he was conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary of the Holy Spirit. It indicates our belief that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, begotten from the Father, not made.
Q: What are the sacraments?
A: The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace. Grace is God’s favor towards us, unearned and undeserved. By grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our will. The two great sacraments given by Christ to his Church are Holy Baptism and the Holy Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer, pages 857-858).
Q: What is a sin? How is sin harmful? How do I recognize sin? How can I be forgiven for my sins?
A: Sin is the seeking of our own will instead of the will of God, thus distorting our relationship with God, with other people, and with all creation. The harm is in the damage caused by one's relationships with God and others. We may recognize our sin and need for redemption more clearly through the Ten Commandments (Book of Common Prayer, pages 847-848). The services for the Holy Eucharist and the Daily Offices all include forms for confession of sins (Book of Common Prayer, pages 41-42, 62-63, 79-80, 116-117, 330-332, 360). Reconciliation of a Penitent is a sacramental rite of the Episcopal Church (Book of Common Prayer, pages 447-452). Forgiveness of sins concerns not just the removal of guilt but the restoration of personal relationships with God and others.
Q: What is meant by everlasting life?
A: By everlasting life, we mean a new existence, in which we are united with all the people of God, in the joy fully knowing and loving God and each other (Book of Common Prayer, page 862).
Q: Speaking of everlasting life, can I give you my own funeral plans?
A: Yes. All parishioners are encouraged to review the “Burial Information and Scripture Readings” booklet, complete the “Burial and Funeral Arrangements” form at the end of the booklet and return it to a Priest. The Parish is happy to store other important documents, such as Living Wills, or Last Wills and Testaments, or bequests the Parish through our Legacy Society, if desired. If you need spiritual guidance on any of these topics, please contact one of the Parish Priests.
Q: What types of educational programs are available at St. Paul’s?
A: Please visit the Christian Formation at St. Paul’s section of our website for more information. Additional educational programs and ministries may be under consideration and development. If you have a special interest not mentioned on the website, please contact the Rector or Curate to express your interests.
Q: What is the “Three-Legged Stool?”
A: The Three-Legged Stool is a metaphor which reflects balance in its devotion to three sources of authority in Anglicanism, namely Scripture, Tradition, and Right Reason. The Scriptures are the books of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, which are read in worship, together with selections from the Deuterocanonical books. Tradition refers to that which has been handed down to the Church from the prophets and the apostles concerning belief in God and God's redemptive work in Christ. It includes the oral teaching of the Apostles and their successors formed the Christian tradition, and now the authorized teaching of Church councils and commonly accepted creedal formulations. Right reason is more than calculation and logic, but also draws upon the entirety of human understanding and experience. Right reason interprets scripture and tradition and allows itself to be corrected and enlarged by them.
Q: What is the Newcomers’ Forum?
A: The Newcomers’ Forum is held on two consecutive Sundays twice during the year between the 9:00 and 11:15 services. The main objective of the Forum is to introduce newcomers to St. Paul's by providing an introduction and overview of the church and what it offers. It is an opportunity to ask questions and meet other newcomers, as well as some current parishioners. For those who are interested, it is also a place to find out how to participate in the life of the parish. Be sure to fill out a yellow visitor’s card or let the greeters know that you are new so we can invite you to attend the forum. But you don’t have to wait for an invitation to this event to get to know us. Please join us for the coffee hour immediately after each service. We are glad you are here and want to get to know you.
Q: Who partakes in the Ministries at St. Paul’s?
A: There are many important roles in the life of this parish, including: acolytes, altar guild members, bishops, cantors, celebrant, choral singers, curate, deacons, laity, lectors, maintenance manager, music directors, organists, parish administrator, parking attendants, priests, rector, seminarians, treasurer, visiting clergy, committees, the Vestry, and so forth. If you are curious about any of them, ask the clergy and they will connect you with the right people.
Q: What is a Vestry? Are its meetings open?
A: The Vestry is the governing board of St. Paul’s, and its meetings are open. See The Vestry’s page for more information.
Q: Speaking of budgets and all that, do you expect me to give you my money?
A: Not all of it, but yes, the parish depends on the tithing and sacrificial pledges of this community to fulfill our mission and ministry. Meeting our pledge goal ensures the clergy and staff are compensated, the building, organ, and physical plant are maintained, and that the parish missions and ministries are adequately supported. St. Paul’s needs your support. Tithing your income is the Biblical standard. If you are unable to tithe, please give whatever you can. Through your generosity, St. Paul’s will continue to build its mission and ministry. You can find out more by going to the Stewardship page.
Q: What is the “Grate Patrol”?
A: The Grate Patrol is St. Paul’s major outreach program for our homeless neighbors. See the Grate Patrol page for more information.
Q: What is the Walsingham Pilgrimage and why do you have a Shrine to Our Lady of Walsingham in this parish?
A: Please visit our page devoted to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham to read all about it.
Q: What is a devotional society?
A: Please see our Devotional Societies page for more information.
Q: What are the Stations of the Cross?
A: The Stations of the Cross refers to the depiction of the final hours of Jesus and the devotion commemorating the Passion. Relief sculptures of each Station are hung at intervals on the walls as on both sides of St. Paul’s. The word station comes from the Latin word that means to stand. One may go for a walk; every point along the way where we stop and pray is a station. It may be done at any time, but is most commonly done in the Season of Lent, especially on Good Friday and on Friday evenings during Lent. The object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer to the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings. The Episcopal Diocese of Washington has several examples of meditations for the Stations on their Spirituality Site.
Q: What is a feast and how is it celebrated at St. Paul’s?
Feast Days, or Holy Days, celebrate or commemorate sacred mysteries and events recorded in the history of our redemption, in memory of the Virgin Mother of Christ, or of His apostles, martyrs, and saints. The major feasts and the dominical feasts (of our Lord) are listed in the Calendar (Book of Common Prayer, page 19) and in the annual Ordo Kalendar. You may also wish to view the online Liturgical Calendar.
A: Not all of it, but yes, the parish depends on the tithing and sacrificial pledges of this community to fulfill our mission and ministry. Meeting our pledge goal ensures the clergy and staff are compensated, the building, organ, and physical plant are maintained, and that the parish missions and ministries are adequately supported. St. Paul’s needs your support. Tithing your income is the Biblical standard. If you are unable to tithe, please give whatever you can. Through your generosity, St. Paul’s will continue to build its mission and ministry. You can find out more by going to the Stewardship page.
Q: What is the “Grate Patrol”?
A: The Grate Patrol is St. Paul’s major outreach program for our homeless neighbors. See the Grate Patrol page for more information.
Q: What is the Walsingham Pilgrimage and why do you have a Shrine to Our Lady of Walsingham in this parish?
A: Please visit our page devoted to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham to read all about it.
Q: What is a devotional society?
A: Please see our Devotional Societies page for more information.
Q: What are the Stations of the Cross?
A: The Stations of the Cross refers to the depiction of the final hours of Jesus and the devotion commemorating the Passion. Relief sculptures of each Station are hung at intervals on the walls as on both sides of St. Paul’s. The word station comes from the Latin word that means to stand. One may go for a walk; every point along the way where we stop and pray is a station. It may be done at any time, but is most commonly done in the Season of Lent, especially on Good Friday and on Friday evenings during Lent. The object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer to the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings. The Episcopal Diocese of Washington has several examples of meditations for the Stations on their Spirituality Site.
Q: What is a feast and how is it celebrated at St. Paul’s?
Feast Days, or Holy Days, celebrate or commemorate sacred mysteries and events recorded in the history of our redemption, in memory of the Virgin Mother of Christ, or of His apostles, martyrs, and saints. The major feasts and the dominical feasts (of our Lord) are listed in the Calendar (Book of Common Prayer, page 19) and in the annual Ordo Kalendar. You may also wish to view the online Liturgical Calendar.
Q: Why do some Episcopalians eat fish on Friday?
A: Eating fish on Fridays comes from the Roman Catholic tradition. Following this practice is a matter of personal devotion to deny oneself, by fulfilling their obligations more faithfully and by observing abstinence from red meat. Others may do some act of penance each Friday. This is particularly practiced during Lent.
Q: Who do the statues above the altar represent?
A: Immediately surrounding Jesus on cross are statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John the Divine (Apostle and Evangelist). Starting in upper left hand corner, going in a clockwise direction are: St. James (Bishop of Jerusalem, Brother of Our Lord), St. Ignatius (Bishop of Antioch), St. Cyprian (Bishop of Carthage), St. Athanasius (Bishop of Alexandria), St. Columba (Abbot of Iona), St. Augustine (First Archbishop of Canterbury), The Right Reverend Samuel Seabury (First Bishop of the Episcopal Church), The Right Reverend Alfred Harding (Second Bishop of Washington, DC, Third Rector of St. Paul’s).
Q: I had a question but you didn’t answer it. Why not?
A: If you have any other questions of suggestions for future additions to this site, please contact one of the Clergy and Staff.