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 your 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. Children are brought up to receive communion at the fraction (blessing of the Host).
How do you become a 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 our 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.
