Hour / Place in Liturgy

Action / Movement

9:30 am

Choir rehearsal begins in Chancel

10:15 am

Sexton or ushers should make sure that the doors to the church are open.

Contemplative atmosphere in Nave.

Greeters and Ushers are present. Ushers ensure that:

1. Collection plates are in Nave
2. Basket of programs are in Nave
3. Usher’s pew is roped off
4. Lincoln Street doors are open and programs are placed in the rack. In bad weather outer doors are not opened fully and one Usher remains at the side doors to assist parishioners.

10:20 am  

Acolytes light candles, then take processional crosses and/or banner to Choir room.

(Father Joel would like to light the Eucharistic Candles at the passing of the peace and to have pavement candles in stands (which we don’t have) during the ministry of the word).

10:25 am

Choir and Altar Party meet Celebrant in the Choir room for a prayer. All take the outside route to the front doors to begin procession.  (Father Joel would like to arrive earlier to greet people as the come to church.  Eventually he would like choir and congregation to rehearse together at 10:00 am).

10:30 am

Sexton rings the church bells 3 x 3 times.  We need to learn some new ring patterns.

At the Narthex

Organ introduction begins the processional hymn. Crucifer moves to first gaslight and stops. The procession begins when the singing starts. The procession order is:

A-I, Choir, A-II, Chalice Bearers, Clergy.

In inclement weather, entrance is through the sanctuary door and the hymn will start when all are in place.

If an Introit is sung, Choirmaster will give specific instructions to A-I who will being the procession as above, following the Introit.

Ushers close inner nave doors and inner Lincoln Street doors. Outer nave doors on the left side (facing out) are left open. Outer Lincoln Street doors are left ajar. More programs are added to the rack if needed.

On special occasions, when there will be four Acolytes, the procession order will be:

A-I, A-III x2 (on either side of A-I), Choir, A-II, Chalice Bearers, Clergy.

At the Sanctuary Gate

Members of the Altar Party position themselves in an equidistant symmetrical pattern before the Altar, depending on the number in the Altar Party and either bow or genuflect.  Those with crosses and banners do not bow or genuflect. 

A-I processes to the Sanctuary Gate, then turns to the left, moves to the farthest brass rail post (in line with the 2^nd window), then stops and faces the Altar. If there are Torch Bearers, they will follow, one beside A-I and one beside A-II. The Choir takes its place in the Choir pews. A-II processes to the Sanctuary Gate, turns to the right, moves to the farthest rail post (in line with the 4^th window), then stops and faces the Altar. The Altar Party follows, taking their places, alternately beside each other until all are in place, with Celebrant being the last in place in the middle. The entire Altar Party reverences the Altar together. (Torch Bearers never bow or nod while holding candles). (Illustration 1)

Altar Party all turn together and peel off as follows: A-I and A-II place crosses/banner in their respective holders then move to their assigned seats (A-I sits at the inside seat of Clergy pew on the Choir side and A-II sits at the inside seat of Clergy pew on the piano side. Chalice Bearers move to their assigned seats (CB-I at the outside seat of Clergy pew on the Choir side and CB-II at the outside of Clergy pew on piano side). Celebrant moves to the Clergy chair. (If there are Torch Bearers the will follow A-I and A-II and process to the left and out of the Chancel into the Altar Guild Sacristy, extinguish the flames, place the Torches in their holders and process back to additional seating provided. If there is a Concelebrant, they will follow the Chalice Bearers to additional seating that will be provided). The Celebrant is the last seated (illustration 2).

Old Testament Lesson

Lector will proceed to the Lectern for the reading of the Old Testament lesson. If there is no Lector assigned, CB-I will read the lesson.

Psalm

During the months of September through July the Choir sings the Psalm. In August (or when the Choir is absent) CB-I will lead the congregation in the reading of the Psalm. Being by saying “The Psalm appointed for this morning is Psalm ___ found on the lesson insert”.

New Testament Lesson

CB-II will proceed to the Lectern for the reading of the New Testament lesson.

At the reading of the Gospel

At Gospellers’s discretion, the Gospel Book may be carried out either by the Gospel Bearer or Gospeller (Father Joel prefers the latter; that is, to carry the Gospel Book out himself).

At the beginning of the last verse of the Sequence Hymn (get cue from the Choirmaster),

Gospel Bearer (or Gospeller) processes to the middle of the Altar, steps to the left, secures the Gospel Book, steps to the right back to the center of the Altar, turns and processes to the first pew, carrying the Gospel Book with both hands overhead.

As the Gospel Bearer (or Gospeller) passes the rail, the Crucifer takes the cross to the center, turns to face the congregation and proceeds to the second gaslights and turns to face the alter. The Gospel Bearer follows the Crucifer, the Gospeller follows Gospel Bearer. Gospel Bearer stops in front of the Crucifer and turns to face the Gospeller at which time the Gospel Bearer receives the Gospel Book from the Gospeller (if he is in possession). Gospel Bearer holds the Gospel Book at chest level from which the Gospeller reads.

(If there are Torch Bearers, they will retire to the Altar Guild Sacristy, retrieve and light torches, return and take their places on either side of the Sanctuary Gate, facing each other. When Gospel Bearer exits the Chancel, Torch Bearers step toward each other, turn and follow Gospel Bearer to the first pew, turn toward each other and step back. During the reading of the Gospel, rest torches on the floor for balance)

Gospeller opens gospel book, reads and closes the Book. After the reading of the Gospel the final verse of the Sequence Hymn is sung, at which time the Gospeller hands the Gospel Book to the Gospel Bearer who holds the Gospel Book overhead, processes back to the Altar, stops at the center, steps to the left, returns the Gospel Book to the Altar, steps back to the right, stops at center, turns and processes back to their assigned seat. Ath the same time, the Gospeller, if also the Preacher, proceeds to the pulpit. If Gospeller is not the Preacher, Gospeller will follow Gospel Bearer back to their assigned seats. (If there are Torch Bearers, they will follow Gospel Bearer to the Sanctuary Gate, turn to the right, exit to the Altar Guild Sacristy, extinguish torches and return to their assigned seats). Preacher proceeds to the pulpit as Gospel Bearer and Gospeller are seated.

At the Creed

After the sermon, CB-I stands and moves to the center of the Chancel, facing the congregation to lead the saying of the Creed. CB-I begins by saying “We stand for the Nicene Creed beginning on page…” or preferably reads the words written in the black binder. After the Creed CB-I turns and returns to their assigned seat and is seated as CB-II stands. If CB-I possesses black binder containing the Creed and Prayers of the People, he should hand it off to CB-II now.

At the Prayers of the People

Following the Creed, and as CB-I is being seated, CB-II stands and moves to the center of the Chancel, facing the congregation to lead the Prayers of the People. CB-II reads the weekly altar flower and sacramental bread dedications, the Diocesan and Anglican Cycle of Prayers facing the congregation. When finished, CB-II proceeds down the aisle to the second gaslight, turns to face the altar, and reads the Prayers of the People from the black binder.

Concluding Collect

The Celebrant reads the concluding Collect. CB-II remains in the aisle.

Confession of Sin

The Altar Party kneels at the altar rail. CB-II finds the nearest empty pew.

The Peace

All stand for the exchanging of the Peace.

Announcements

The Celebrant leads the announcements.

At the Offertory

Celebrant speaks Offertory sentences turns to face the Altar and is joined by the rest of the Altar Party: Celebrant at center, flanked by Concelebrant (if present), CB-I on the left, CB-II on the right, A-II (if present) to the left of CB-I and A-I to the right of CB-II. See illustration #3.  Chalice bearers help the Celebrant adjust the chasuble and double check if microphone is on.

Oblation Bearers pick up the Oblations and stand in the aisle at the center of the church. Ushers pick up the offertory plates and stand in the aisle at the very back.

Altar Party enters the Sanctuary as follows: Celebrant moves to the center of the Altar, turns to the left and proceeds around the other side of the Altar facing the congregation. CB-I moves to the center of the Altar, turns to the left and proceeds to the left (Gospel) end of the Altar, stops, turns, and faces the Altar. CB-II moves to the center of the Altar, turns to the right, proceeds to the right (Epistle) side of the altar opposite CB-I, stops, turns and faces the Altar and CB-I. If present, the Concelebrant will proceed next, in like fashion, taking their place beside Celebrant, if not celebrating they will remain seated. A-II, if present, moves to the center of the altar, turns to the left and proceeds to their place beside the wall between CB-I and Celebrant, just to the left of the American flag, turns and faces inward toward Celebrant. A-I moves to the center of the Altar, turns to the right and proceeds to their place against the wall between CB-II and Celebrant at the Credence Table, turns and faces inward toward Celebrant. See Illustration #4

A-I then moves to Sanctuary Gate and faces congregation to receive the Oblations. Oblation Bearers come forward with bread and wine and give them to A-I, turn and move to each side of the Chancel, facing each other. Ushers follow the Oblation Bearers at a respectful distance, stop in front of the first pew and wait until the Oblation Bearers pass them on their way back to their seats. A-I turns and passes Oblations to Celebrant, turns to the right and moves to Credence Table to assist Celebrant in preparing the altar, including ablutions.

Oblation Bearers then move toward each other, turn toward congregation and process to their seats in the congregation. As the Oblation Bearers pass the Ushers, the Ushers bow toward the altar, turn and gather the offerings, stopping at the very back pew. When the congregation begins singing the Doxology, CB-I (or A-II, if present) retrieves the Alms Basin, proceeds to the Altar rail and holds the Alms Basin to his chest. At the same time, the Ushers walk up the aisle with the offering plates and lower them into the Alms Basin.

CB-I (or A-II, if present) hands the Alms Basin to the Celebrant and returns to their position. Ushers bow to the Altar, one Usher closes the Altar rail, then Ushers return to their seats in the back pew.

At the Invitation

Ushers stand at the back aisle and wait for the Choir to proceed to the Altar rail. Ushers process together to the front of the congregation and stop at the first gaslight and bow. After the first Choir member has finished communion and begins returning to their seat, Usher I moves to their position at the base of the Chancel steps to assist communicants. Usher II begins moving back through the congregation, row by row inviting people to proceed to the Altar rail. Usher II should ensure there are no more than 10-12 communicants waiting at the Chancel steps before inviting another row. Usher II should also note any parishioners who wish to receive communion at their seat.

Administration of Communion

Chalice Bearers and Acolytes receive communion after Celebrant. Acolytes remain in place while Celebrant and Chalice Bearers administer communion, first to the Choir and then to the congregation. (If there are Torch Bearers, they will take communion before the Choir).

Lay Eucharistic Visitors (EVs), if present, follow the last person in line to the Altar Rail, stand at either end of the Altar Rail and face the opposite wall.

Ushers follow EVs to the Altar Rail and receive communion. When rail communion is complete, Ushers open the Sanctuary Gate then process together down the aisle. Usher II directs Celebrant toward all parishioners who are to receive communion at their seat. Celebrant and CB-I process into the congregation to administer communion, then return to the Sanctuary.

Following Administration of communion

LEVs move to the center of the Altar Gate and face Altar. Celebrant retrieves the communion kit, faces EVs at the Sanctuary Gate, utters a verbal charge and transfers communion kit to EVs. EVs turn and process out of the church.

Blessing

The Celebrant gives the Blessing after which Celebrant or Deacon recites the dismissal.

Recessional

Altar Party exits the Sanctuary as follows:

A-I (Crucifer) exits, retrieves Cross and stands in position facing the opposite wall (toward the piano); A-II (Clergy Cross/Banner Bearer) exits, retrieves Cross/Banner and stands in position facing the Crucifer; (if there are Torch Bearers, they retire to the Altar Guild Sacristy, retrieve and light torches, return to Chancel taking their places beside and a little behind A-I and A-II, facing the Altar); CB-I exits, turns to the Gospel side facing the Altar; CB-II exits, turns to the Epistle side facing the Altar; Celebrant exits and turns to face the Altar. Altar Party and Choir reverence the Altar together. Altar Party then turn to face the congregation (see Illustration #5).

Choirmaster signals Crucifer to begin the departure. Crucifer goes to the center of the Chancel, turns towards the Altar and raises the cross for a count of 3, then turns toward the congregation and begins the recessional. Torch Bearers, if present, follow Crucifer, then the Choir, A-II, Chalice Bearers,  Concelebrant (if present) and Celebrant.

Choir processes to the back two pews to finish the singing of the recessional hymn.

Dismissal

CB-II recites the dismissal following the last verse of the recessional hymn. Altar Party then continues to exit the Sanctuary.

Acolytes return Crosses and Banners to their racks then extinguish the Altar candles. If there are Torch Bearers, they will extinguish the Altar candles while Acolytes return their Crosses and Banners.

Ushers record the offering, place it in the secure pouch and drop it in the safe.