Historic Common Courtesies During Shared Worship Times

Any necessary conversation before Mass probably needs to be held very quietly in a subdued voice, always mindful that other worshipers are also preparing in heart and mind and solitude to ready themselves for the worship of God, and would likely deeply appreciate a reasonably quiet time.

At Communion itself: if you do not wish to receive, cross your arms prominently over your chest, so the priest will know at-once that you desire a blessing and not the Communion. When we intinct, very special care must be taken not to touch the actual Sacred Blood with our fingers, out of respect to the Lord, and in consideration of others who will be drinking from the common cup. After we receive, it was always gracious to wait until the person directly next to us has finished receiving, as a small symbolic sign that we make our Communion together, united as the People of God.

Be reassured that any posture of our bodies, as dictated by our needs, and condition, is appropriate, reverent, and not to be commented upon or even rightly noticed by others. It is the posture of the heart, mind and soul that concerns God, and only that is of any importance. Do not make yourselves uncomfortable over anything except your sins and shortcomings.

Devotional gestures and acts, such as genuflecting, crossing oneself, the kissing of holy objects, and bowing are to be seen as important personal and individual decisions - there is no absolutely right or wrong or better way to conduct oneself ceremonially during worship. Conduct and behavior that is reverent as well as observant and considerate is surely commendable, but specific acts of piety are at the discretion of each Christian. Some will do more things, others less or in a different way - we are all here together, worshipping and serving as best we can, confidently expressing our accustomed ritual acts, but not immodestly deciding for others what they should or should not be doing or expressing in worship.

All baptized Christians are welcome to receive the Sacrament, regardless of age, subject only to the discretion of the parent or supervising family member of any extremely young children - out of pastoral concern. But sacramentally, all Christians, regardless of age, experience, or wisdom are entitled to receive Holy Communion.

Volunteer Opportunities

All ministries in the Church depend upon willing volunteers to fully staff all of the opportunities. Please volunteer as you wish and choose - most things are open to all, young and old, long-time members and newcomers, with minimal and easily-arranged training. Please talk to the priest, or anyone you know to be a member of the Guild or service group, who will advise you of all the particulars. The gifts we all have are precious, God-given, and are to be used for our delight and the good of God's People - as Jesus' Parable of the Buried Talent pointedly reminds us.

General Policies and Procedures in the Episcopal Church, and Specifically at St. Mary's Church.

Welcome and Inclusion

Most of us are familiar with the easily recognized blue and white signs: The Episcopal Church Welcomes You along the roadside of so many towns and villages. It is meant, it is our mission, it is our deep conviction, and daily delight. All - all are welcome in the Episcopal Church, without any god-less distinctions drawn in regard to race, sex, ethnic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, physical, mental or psychological limitations, or age. We try to make special provision for all those who are at all differently-abled - if there is an omission or oversight in any way in this place, please bring it to the priest's immediate attention. It will be corrected.

Worship 

We worship according to, and only in accordance with, the authorized Book of Common Prayer 1979, or alternatives duly approved by General Convention. Our priest, like all priests of this Church, vowed before God at his ordination to abide by the provisions and rubrics of that Document, faithfully, and under penalty of deposition for any violation. We make use of a variety of authorized songbooks, but most prominently and consistently drawing our music from the The Hymnal 1982. The Book of Common Prayer 1928, and the American Missal remain authorized for discreet use and are very occasionally used here from time to time, as pastorally needed. The Bishop may always permit any other special Rites.

Anglo-Catholicism

Members, friends and visitors at St.. Mary's cannot help but see the frequently noted references to ourselves as An Anglo-Catholic Community of the Faithful, and you will see worship and customs overwhelmingly conformed to Anglo-Catholic usage and style. We are not fanatical about this, nor are we foolishly defensive. It was the reason our parish was founded in 1956. It was to meet the needs, pastoral and liturgical, of Anglo-Catholic men and women that Bishop Kinsolving authorized the founding of this new congregation in West Phoenix. This piety and expression in the Episcopal Church has a long, heroic, and highly honorable tradition, though it currently has a clouded present, with some clarifications now needed. Here at St. Mary's we are in full conformity to the teaching and authority of all the General Conventions of the Episcopal Church and in joyful, full Communion with our Bishop, and respectful of, and devoted to, his authority and leadership. It is our conviction here that Anglo-Catholics make up indeed the most - not the least - loyal, committed, positive, affirmative, and devoted of movements in this our contemporary Episcopal Church.

In addition to our online link What is Anglo-Catholicism? there is a pamphlet available in the Narthex and in our parish hall (Holy Name Hall) with full explanations of the Anglo-Catholic way of life and worship, its history, development, ceremonies and rites, and their rationale and meaning.