The Church of the Advent is an Anglo-Catholic parish. The Anglo-Catholic tradition in our Church is a result of the Oxford Movement of the 19th century, which sought to restore ancient customs of the Church which were abolished during the English Reformation of the 16th century. There are many references to the use of incense in Scripture, particularly when offerings to the Lord were made at the altar. In ancient times, it was believed that that the smoke from the incense could ritually purify the objects and people that were present at the Eucharist. We use it today to signify that our prayers are rising to God, and to maintain our connection to the rites of the ancient Church.
Music is prayer.
It is one of the ways that we offer praise to God. Our choir is well known for Gregorian and Anglican chant and for sacred music from the classical and contemporary repetoire. The Episcopal Church contains a cross-section of the community. While some of us are financially well-off , many are not. We are located in an urban area of San Francisco that is home to many working-class and poor people.