People often ask us….

Q: How do people dress for your services? Is there a dress code?

A: There is not a dress code. Most people dress casually.

Q: Are you a Catholic church?

A: People often ask this for a number of reasons: our minister is a priest, he is often called by the honorific “Father,” or they see pictures of our sanctuary. The Episcopal Church is an Anglican church, which stems, historically, and is in communion with the Church of England. Our theology has some elements in common with Roman Catholics as well as some Protestants; while trying to maintain “a middle way” that learns from both, and other Christian traditions.

Q: Why do your ministers wear robes?

A: The vestments used for Holy Eucharist are steeped in Christian tradition and symbolism. They are not necessary for worship to be valid or sincere, but we value the meaning in them and so chose to use them.

Q: Are children welcome in the service?

A: Yes, they may participate fully. We have “quiet bags” for busy hands too.

Q: Where should I sit when I visit?

A: Any open pew is fair game.

Q: Do I need to get there early to get a seat?

A: Most Sundays, no. Any time before 10:00 you should be fine.

Q: May I take Communion?

A: All are called to the table for blessing. Our understanding of the Sacrament leads us to ask that only those who have been Baptized, in any Christian tradition, receive the Bread and Cup.

Q: Why is your service called “Holy Eucharist?”

A: “Eucharist” is Greek for Thanksgiving. Each Sunday is an opportunity give thanks to God for all he has done, is doing, and will do.

Q: Do you use real wine?

A: Yes. We believe that Christ is present in either form of bread and wine. For those who chose to abstain from alcohol or the cup for any other reason, may rest assured of Christ’s full presence in the taking of the bread. (Also: our ministers have been trained to distribute and clean the common cup such that it is sanitary as possible.)

Q: Could we hold our wedding at your church? Could your priest marry us?

A: We ask that for the wedding to take place in Holy Family, at least one party is a Baptized Christian and that the wedding is a Christian ceremony.  If the priest is to officiate, they must consult with the priest and arrange some form of pre-marital counseling. Our priest will also ask the couple to choose a form of blessing from the Book of Common Prayer.

Q: Could your priest officiate a funeral for non-parishioners?

A: Yes, provided there is some prior relationship or conversation with the bereaved family and that they accept that funerals at Holy Family will follow the Book of Common Prayer.

Q: How does your church understand the Bible?

A: The scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God in that they are inspired by the Holy Spirit and contain all things necessary for salvation.

Q: Why do you baptize infants?

A: Children of believers are holy, according to the New Testament, that is, consecrated to God for nurture in righteousness. Children are full participants in God’s covenant with humanity, which baptism signifies. The parents and sponsors are expected to raise the children to know and serve the Lord and one day, in God’s time, seek the Sacrament of Confirmation, when they will make their own, unique, mature commitment to Christ.

Q: I am a long-time Anglican/Episcopalian, who would you describe your parish’s piety.

A: “Prayer Book Catholic” would describe the majority of the members and our worship style.

Q: I am not Episcopal, but I have heard the Episcopal church is “liberal?” Why is that? Is Holy Family “conservative” or “liberal?”

A: Neither. While acknowledging that all Christians have a role in responsible action in the public sphere, we do not define our life by the ever-changing definitions of political labels. We take no pride in such descriptors given by those who put great stock in giving these labels. We want to first claim “citizenship” in the “kingdom of God” that Jesus taught; our life is “hid in Christ,” and that here (on earth) the people of God have “no continuing city.”

We take more seriously the judgement described in Matthew 25 than in making value judgements about people’s political affiliations. If we give generously to help the poor and someone calls that liberal, so be it.  If take seriously the warnings against sin as found in Scripture, and someone calls that conservative, so be it. The more important thing is to live and serve and pray as Christ did.