What does
Episcopal mean?
Literally,
“episcopal” means "of bishops". The Episcopal Church is led and
governed by Bishops in Apostolic succession. This means we can trace our
ordained ministry back to the very early Church.
What is you principal means of worship?
The HOLY EUCHARIST,
also called the Mass. These services consist of Scripture,
Psalms, Gospel, Sermon (Homily) Prayers, Absolution, and COMMUNION.
What are your services most like in terms of what denomination it is closest to?
Our
services resemble those of the Roman Catholic Church. Our services are
sacramental, with an emphasis on the Eucharist (Holy Communion) as the basic
expression of faith.
How are
you different from the Roman Catholic Church?
We are
not under the authority of the Pope. Although we are Hierarchal like the
Roman Catholics, having Bishops, Canons (Monsignors), Priests and Deacons (and
Monks and Nuns), we, like the United States of America, operate as a
representative democracy – free and equal representation of people. We elect a
Vestry to govern the individual Parishes. The Vestry is made up of parish
members who make decisions by majority vote. The essence of this
democracy is that daily control of the local church is by its members, who have
a free and equal right to participate in decision-making processes.
What do
you call your Eucharist Minister?
Our
minister is called a Priest and we may refer to him
as Father, or her as Mother, although that is a personal decision.
Do you
have an altar call?
Each time
we come forward to receive communion we are making a profession of faith. We
are heeding Christ’s command, “As often as you do this, do this in memory of
me.”
Do you
believe in confession?
We
believe reconciliation is essential to our Christian journey, thus we have a
general confession during every celebration of the Eucharist. If you have a
particularly troubling concern, you may request a private confession with a
priest.
Who may
receive communion?
All
baptized Christians, no matter their age or home Church, are welcome at Christ’s
table.
Do you
have First Holy Communion?
Some
Churches do, others do not. It is a local choice. At Grace Church, we will
administer communion at the discretion of a child’s parents.
Do you
administer confirmation?
Yes we
do. Preparation for Confirmation begins around age 12. If you have been
confirmed in another denomination, you may formally affirm your commitment to
the Episcopal Church by a process called “Acceptance”. This is NOT
required, but a personal matter between you and God.
Are you born again?
We are born again through Baptism. We are evangelical in that we
are charged by Christ to spread the Good News of Salvation.
How
does one become a Bishop?
Our
Bishops are freely elected. Representatives of the priesthood and the laity who
meet to interview and cast their votes for candidates. The candidate is then
confirmed by the House of Bishops.
Do you
have a Pope?
No, we do
not have a Pope. But we do have a freely elected head of our National
Church, a first among equals, called the Presiding Bishop. Presently our
Presiding Bishop is Katharine Jefferts Schori.
Are you
Evangelical?
Yes, we
proclaim the “good news” of Christ in Scripture, Gospel and in the acceptance
of All God’s Children as worthy members of His flock. Grace Episcopal
Church is all inclusive and does not discriminate based on race, nationality,
gender or sexual orientation.
How do
you ensure the safety of children?
We rely
on awareness training and adherence to the set of protocols contained in ”Safeguarding
our Children”. We hold Sunday school in our basement, next to our newly
refurbished nursery. Once a month we have a children’s mass where the kids
participate in the readings and singing songs. Children are brought up to
receive communion at the fraction (blessing of the Host). On the third
Sunday of each month the kids perform the readings, serving the altar or acting
as ushers at the Mass if they are willing to do so.
How do
you become member?
First, we
welcome you to come to worship with us and see what we are all about. To become
a member of our Church all you would have to do is present a Certificate of
Baptism to the Rector. To become a member you can elect to formally transfer or
simply fill out a name card. In order to receive Communion in our Church you
must be baptized, but not necessarily at Grace Church. We recognize all
Christian Baptisms. If you have not been baptized you may arrange for Baptism
with the Rector.
Do you
have dues?
No. The
Episcopal Church operates on the principal of free-will giving. After becoming
a member, you may be asked to complete an estimate of giving or pledge card
indicating that you wish to support the church in whatever amount you choose.
How are
priests assigned?
Priests
are not assigned. We select our priests from a field of likely candidates
vetted by the Diocese. Then candidates are interviewed by an elected
Search Committee and is confirmed as Rector or Vicar by the Vestry.
How do
you govern your Church?
On the
Diocesan level, we are represented by Council, a body of clergy and laity which
is elected by the annual Diocesan convention. Each Parish sends representatives
to the annual convention to participate in this election. In addition, Parish representatives vote on the Diocesan budget,
and changes to policies and Canons (church laws). We are truly governed by
ourselves. On the Parish level, we are governed by an elected
Vestry which is empanelled at out annual meeting.
What is
the status of women in the Episcopal Church?
Always and everywhere women
and men are treated as equals in the Episcopal Church. Both can be called
to the priesthood and aspire to become Canons (Monsignor) suffragan
Bishops, or Bishops. In fact our Presiding Bishop is a woman, Katharine
Jefferts Schori. Laity serve as Vestry members, Acolytes (altar
attendants), or Eucharistic Ministers.
