LITURGICAL PRACTICES

Liturgical Life

The Episcopal tradition invites worshippers of all ages and backgrounds to experience faith through sacred rhythms, symbols, and practices that connect us with Christians across centuries.

Worship at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church is rich in meaning, beauty, and tradition. Our services follow ancient Christian practices that draw us closer to God through movement, symbol, and prayer. Whether you’re new to the Episcopal Church or a lifelong member, you’ll find our worship both reverent and welcoming.

Processions
Our services often begin and end with a joyful procession led by the cross, symbolizing our journey from death to new life in Christ. The Gospel book may be carried to remind us that God comes to us in Jesus. Some worshippers trace a small cross on their forehead, lips, and chest as a prayer that God’s Word may live in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts.

Offertory
During the offertory, gifts of bread, wine, and monetary offerings are brought to the altar. These gifts sustain our church and its ministries, uniting us in service as the body of Christ in the world.

The Sign of the Cross
Making the sign of the cross is an ancient practice that reminds us of our baptism and God’s steadfast love. Many cross themselves upon entering the church, during prayers, or before and after communion—a simple act that connects body and spirit.

Postures in Worship
We worship with our whole selves—standing, sitting, kneeling, bowing, or lifting our hands. Each posture expresses reverence, humility, or openness to God. You’ll notice a variety of expressions; we encourage you to follow along in whatever way feels most comfortable.

Colors of the Church Year
The colors in our worship space—on vestments, altar hangings, and banners—reflect the rhythm of the Christian year and its spiritual themes:
 Blue – Advent, a season of hope and expectation
White/Gold/Silver – Christmas and Easter, seasons of joy and celebration
 Green – Epiphany and Pentecost, times of growth and renewal
 Black – Ash Wednesday, a day of repentance
 Purple/Sackcloth – Lent, a time of penitence and preparation
 Scarlet – Holy Week and martyrs’ commemorations
Orange / Red – Pentecost, ordinations, and celebrations of the Holy Spirit
 No color – Good Friday, when the church is stripped bare in solemn remembrance

Vestments
Our worship leaders wear traditional vestments rooted in centuries of Christian practice. Each carries a rich symbolic meaning:
 Alb – A white robe representing the purity of baptism
 Stole – A long band of fabric symbolizing priestly service
 Dalmatic – Worn by deacons, signifying servanthood
Chasuble – Worn by the presiding minister, representing God’s embrace
 Cope – A ceremonial cape used in festive processions

Incense
At times, the sweet scent of incense rises through the sanctuary, symbolizing our prayers ascending to God. Its fragrance reminds us of the sacredness of worship and connects us with centuries of Christian devotion, inviting our senses fully into praise.