You may receive either kneeling or standing. You should cup your hands in front of you to receive the bread. If you wish, you may dip your bread in the wine and receive both together. The hangings and vestments of our churches change color from season to season, and the Bible readings, hymns and sermons reflect the special themes of each time in the year. The Church year is a drama.
Advent is a time of special prayer, fasting and other spiritual disciplines.
Lent is a time of fasting, prayer and penitence that culminates in Holy Week and that greatest of all festivals, the Feast of the Resurrection, commonly called Easter. For devout Episcopalians, the rhythm of the Church year becomes a part of their lives, informing their spirituality at every step. Despite the dictates of popular culture, both Pentecost and Easter are regarded as more important feasts than Christmas. Because commercial Christmas culture so intrudes into Advent, many Episcopalians are beginning to make a special effort not to hang their Christmas decorations or start playing Christmas carols until Christmas Eve, or at least Christmas Week. At St. Ann's, we ask that all adults who wish to become full members participate in the Catechumenal Process.