FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About the Episcopal Church
1. What is an Episcopalian?
A person who belongs to the Episcopal Church is called an “Episcopalian.” The word “Episcopal” means a church governed by bishops. We call our local churches “parishes,” which are governed by an elected “vestry” of ordinary people who help lead the church and make important day-to-day decisions. The pastor of an Episcopal church is usually called a “priest.” In the Episcopal Church, priests are allowed to marry and women may also serve as priests.
A person who belongs to the Episcopal Church is called an “Episcopalian.” The word “Episcopal” means a church governed by bishops. We call our local churches “parishes,” which are governed by an elected “vestry” of ordinary people who help lead the church and make important day-to-day decisions. The pastor of an Episcopal church is usually called a “priest.” In the Episcopal Church, priests are allowed to marry and women may also serve as priests.
2. Do you have to be an Episcopalian to go to an Episcopal Church?
No. All people are welcome here, regardless of background. Many of our members come to us from other faith traditions and denominations. You’ll find a friendly community of people united by their faith in God and eagerness to serve others.
No. All people are welcome here, regardless of background. Many of our members come to us from other faith traditions and denominations. You’ll find a friendly community of people united by their faith in God and eagerness to serve others.
3. Where did the Episcopal Church come from?
The Episcopal Church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion; derived from the Church of England and sharing with it traditions of faith and order as set forth in its Book of Common Prayer. Before the American Revolution, we were known as the Church of England in America. After the Revolution, we became the Episcopal Church – a self-governing faith community affiliated with the worldwide Anglican tradition. The word “Anglican” means in the tradition of the Church of England. Today, more than 80 million people around the world are part of the Anglican faith tradition: every continent except Antarctica has Anglican churches today. For example, if you travel to Australia or Argentina, you’ll find an Anglican churches that worship in the same style as the Episcopal Church in America.
The Episcopal Church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion; derived from the Church of England and sharing with it traditions of faith and order as set forth in its Book of Common Prayer. Before the American Revolution, we were known as the Church of England in America. After the Revolution, we became the Episcopal Church – a self-governing faith community affiliated with the worldwide Anglican tradition. The word “Anglican” means in the tradition of the Church of England. Today, more than 80 million people around the world are part of the Anglican faith tradition: every continent except Antarctica has Anglican churches today. For example, if you travel to Australia or Argentina, you’ll find an Anglican churches that worship in the same style as the Episcopal Church in America.
4. Is the Episcopal Church Protestant or Catholic?
Yes. Both. Neither. All of the above. In the Episcopal Church (Anglican tradition), we embrace aspects of both the Protestant and Catholic traditions, in terms of worship styles, beliefs and actions. Some people refer to the Anglican tradition as a “bridge” between Protestants and Catholics. We are independent of the Catholic hierarchy and we don’t report to the Pope or anyone else in Rome. At the same time, we share a liturgical and Apostolic tradition with the Catholic Church. As you’ll read below, the Episcopal Church’s beliefs are also rooted in many Protestant traditions. This explains why so many people from different faith backgrounds feel comfortable worshiping in the Episcopal Church today.
Yes. Both. Neither. All of the above. In the Episcopal Church (Anglican tradition), we embrace aspects of both the Protestant and Catholic traditions, in terms of worship styles, beliefs and actions. Some people refer to the Anglican tradition as a “bridge” between Protestants and Catholics. We are independent of the Catholic hierarchy and we don’t report to the Pope or anyone else in Rome. At the same time, we share a liturgical and Apostolic tradition with the Catholic Church. As you’ll read below, the Episcopal Church’s beliefs are also rooted in many Protestant traditions. This explains why so many people from different faith backgrounds feel comfortable worshiping in the Episcopal Church today.
About St. Alban's
1.. Where should I park?
Parking is permitted in the Meadowbrook Drive bike lane on Sunday during service times. You may also park on Scott Avenue, but please adhere to the even-odd parking regulations.
2. What is a service like at St. Alban's?
The Episcopal Church worships in the “liturgical style,” which means all Episcopal churches follow a relatively common order of service. Being with a community of believers inspires us, nurtures us, encourages us, and comforts us.
Our Sunday services throughout the year usually include an opening procession, singing, Bible readings, prayers for ourselves and others, time for meditation, a sermon or pastoral message, and Communion (Holy Eucharist) where we share bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus Christ and the Last Supper. All people are welcome to approach the front of the church during the Communion portion of the service, even if you’re not an Episcopalian. Anyone who has been baptized (in any tradition) is invited to share in the bread and wine. Unbaptized persons are welcome to come forward for a special blessing.
We use three central texts during our services:he Bible, the Book of Common Prayer (contains calendar of Church year, order of Bible readings, orders of services, and some of the most beautiful prayers ever written), and the Hymnal. At St. Alban's, we include the Bible readings and relevant portions of the Book of Common Prayer in our Bulletin so it is all in one place!
Parking is permitted in the Meadowbrook Drive bike lane on Sunday during service times. You may also park on Scott Avenue, but please adhere to the even-odd parking regulations.
2. What is a service like at St. Alban's?
The Episcopal Church worships in the “liturgical style,” which means all Episcopal churches follow a relatively common order of service. Being with a community of believers inspires us, nurtures us, encourages us, and comforts us.
Our Sunday services throughout the year usually include an opening procession, singing, Bible readings, prayers for ourselves and others, time for meditation, a sermon or pastoral message, and Communion (Holy Eucharist) where we share bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus Christ and the Last Supper. All people are welcome to approach the front of the church during the Communion portion of the service, even if you’re not an Episcopalian. Anyone who has been baptized (in any tradition) is invited to share in the bread and wine. Unbaptized persons are welcome to come forward for a special blessing.
We use three central texts during our services:he Bible, the Book of Common Prayer (contains calendar of Church year, order of Bible readings, orders of services, and some of the most beautiful prayers ever written), and the Hymnal. At St. Alban's, we include the Bible readings and relevant portions of the Book of Common Prayer in our Bulletin so it is all in one place!