Sunday Mass

On Sundays at St. Paul’s, we assemble to offer worship to God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

This divine worship is called The Holy Eucharist, which means the holy thanksgiving. It is known by many other names as well: Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, the Divine Liturgy, and the Mass.

For thousands of years, Christians have gathered to hear God’s Word and to receive the Sacrament—the Body and Blood of Christ. It’s the reason we gather Sunday after Sunday. Scripture tells us that the disciples knew the Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread. And this is how we know him still.

At St. Paul’s the Eucharist includes an elaborate set of rituals, engaging all of the senses. At times we may stand or kneel; we bow and make the sign of the cross; at the choral mass, incense is burnt and bells are rung. You are invited to participate to the extent that is comfortable to you. It is right and good to take up these customs, even if you do not fully understand them. In time, you may find they have become your own.

Our order of worship is according to The Book of Common Prayer, 1979. At the choral mass, hymns and service music are from The Hymnal, 1982 and Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal.