Rachel Evans
Anglo-Catholicism is a movement that emphasizes the Catholic heritage of the Anglican Communion. It emerged in the 19th century from the Oxford Movement, which sought to renew Catholic thought and practice in the Church of England. Anglo-Catholic parishes exist in all branches of American Anglicanism, from TEC to ACNA to the Continuum, and can be identified by their priests, who are often part of the Society of the Holy Cross (SSC). While there is no exact formula for forming an Anglo-Catholic parish, conviction and constancy are key. This involves a belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist and a commitment to following his teachings, such as caring for the unloved and the poor. Liturgy is also important, with many Anglo-Catholic parishes using the Anglican Missal or Thomas Cranmer's Book of Common Prayer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liturgy | Thomas Cranmer's Book of Common Prayer (BCP) or the Anglican Missal |
| Vestments | Chasubles |
| Worship | Candles on the altar, bowing or genuflecting, incense, coloured stoles |
| Beliefs | Communion with saints, Blessed Virgin Mary, Purgatory |
| Theology | Emphasis on Catholic heritage of Anglican Communion |
| Practices | Working with the poor and unchurched |
| Worshippers | Conservatives, socialists, Democrats, Republicans, independents, all genders, rich, poor |
| Priests | Part of the Society of the Holy Cross (SSC) |
Other notable points
- Anglo-Catholics have accepted the ordination of women, the use of inclusive language, and progressive attitudes towards homosexuality and same-sex unions.
- Anglo-Catholics are sometimes called "high churchmen" due to their emphasis on the importance of the episcopal form of church government, the sacraments, and liturgical worship.
- Anglo-Catholic parishes may use the Gregorian Mass, the Anglican Missal, or the Roman Missal, but will retain traditional vestments, gestures, and rituals.
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What You'll Learn
Encourage the use of incense, chanting and vestments
Incense, chanting, and vestments are all important aspects of Anglo-Catholic worship and can be encouraged and incorporated into parish practices in several ways.
Firstly, it is essential to understand the role and significance of these elements in Anglo-Catholic liturgy. Incense, for instance, has a long history in religious ceremonies and is often used to symbolise prayer, purification, and the sacredness of an act or place. Chanting, or Gregorian chant, is a traditional form of monophonic sacred music used in Catholic liturgy, consisting of unaccompanied vocal melodies with Latin texts. Vestments, or liturgical vestments, are the traditional clothing worn by clergy during religious services, and their use underscores the solemnity and importance of the liturgical rites.
To encourage the use of incense, it can be incorporated into various liturgical rites and ceremonies within the parish. For example, incense can be used during processions, such as those involving icons or the Eucharist, as a way to sanctify the space and objects involved. Incense can also be burned at the altar during Mass, symbolising the prayers of the congregation rising to heaven. Additionally, encouraging the use of incense during moments of adoration or benediction can enhance the sense of reverence and devotion.
Regarding chanting, the adoption of traditional Gregorian chants during Mass can be encouraged. This may include the Introit (opening Psalm chant), the Gradual (chant before the Gospel reading), and the "Behold the Lamb of God," as mentioned in Thomas Cranmer's liturgy. Chanting can also be incorporated beyond the Mass, such as during daily prayers or benedictions, fostering a sense of continuity and solemnity in the parish's worship.
Finally, to promote the use of vestments, it is important to understand the different types and their significance. Vestments can include the chasuble, stole, alb, and cincture, each carrying symbolic meaning and contributing to the overall solemnity of the liturgy. Clergy can be encouraged to wear traditional vestments during Mass and other liturgical rites, emphasising their importance and connection to the historical continuity of the Church.
By encouraging the use of incense, chanting, and vestments, your parish can embrace and embody the Anglo-Catholic tradition, creating a multisensory worship experience that engages the congregation and deepens their connection to the liturgy and the Church's historical Catholic roots.
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Focus on the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints
The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints are important figures in Anglo-Catholic belief and practice. Many Anglo-Catholics have a special devotion to Mary, asking for her intercession. They believe that Mary and all the recognised Saints, as well as those who are yet to be recognised, are present and can be communicated with. This belief is encapsulated in the phrase "I believe in the communion of saints", with communion implying presence.
The importance of Mary and the Saints in Anglo-Catholic belief can be traced back to the historical continuity between the English (Anglican) Church and Catholic Christianity. Anglo-Catholics have emphasised the Catholic elements in their worship and theology, and one way this is manifested is through their liturgy. Thomas Cranmer's Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is a key text in Anglican worship, but many Anglo-Catholic parishes in the United States prefer to use the Anglican Missal, which reintroduces elements of the ancient Mass that were edited out by Cranmer. These include the Introit, the Gradual, private prayers, and the "Behold the Lamb of God".
The use of incense, chanting, and vestments are also associated with Anglo-Catholic worship and can be part of creating a sacred space that honours Mary and the Saints. While some see these practices as simply too Catholic or too religious, they are an important part of Anglo-Catholic identity and can be traced back to the influence of the Caroline Divines, a group of 17th-century Anglican theologians who favoured elaborate liturgy and aesthetics.
In addition to their devotion to Mary and the Saints, Anglo-Catholics have a strong focus on social justice and serving the poor and unchurched. This aspect of their faith is also an important part of their identity and can be seen as an extension of their devotion to these holy figures. The daily adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, for example, can lead to a greater sense of community and care for others, as can the act of praying for the dead.
Anglo-Catholic parishes can vary widely in their specific beliefs and practices. For example, some Anglo-Catholic parishes do not accept women priests, while others fully include women and LGBT people in all areas of parish life. Ultimately, the focus on Mary and the Saints in Anglo-Catholic belief is about expressing a deep conviction in the Catholic faith and following the example of holy figures.
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Celebrate a Gregorian Mass
A Gregorian Mass, also known as a Gregorian Requiem Mass, is a series of Holy Masses traditionally offered on 30 consecutive days as soon as possible after a person's death. The custom recognises that few people are immediately ready for heaven after death and that a soul can be continually perfected in grace through the infinite intercessory power of Christ's sacrifice, enabling it to enter into union with God. Gregorian Masses are named after Saint Gregory the Great, who contributed to the spread of the pious practice of having these Masses celebrated for the deliverance of souls from purgatory.
The specific regulations for Gregorian Masses were laid out by the Sacred Congregation for Indulgences on August 24, 1888. As 30 consecutive Masses are required, they are often held in monasteries, seminaries, or by retired priests due to their incompatibility with the Mass schedules of Catholic parishes. The Masses can only be said for a single person at a time who is in purgatory, and if the soul of the intended person is already in Heaven or Hell, the indulgences will aid a different soul in need.
The Masses must be said consecutively without interruption, and if interrupted, even for one day, the process must begin again from the start. The only exception is during Holy Week, when the Masses may be stopped and resumed on Easter Sunday. Gregorian Masses are traditionally celebrated in Latin, but some parishes may offer them in English.
To celebrate a Gregorian Mass in an Anglo-Catholic parish, one can follow the traditional Latin Mass or use the Anglican Missal, which reintroduces elements from the ancient Mass that were edited out of Thomas Cranmer's Book of Common Prayer. These elements include the Introit, the Gradual, private prayers, and the "Behold the Lamb of God." By using the Anglican Missal, Anglo-Catholic parishes can offer a more traditional and ceremonial worship experience while still conducting the Mass in English.
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Emphasise the importance of apostolic succession and episcopal polity and structure
Anglo-Catholics are sometimes referred to as "high churchmen", as they place great importance on the episcopal form of church government, the sacraments, and liturgical worship. This term was first used around the end of the 17th century to describe this emphasis within the Church of England.
The Caroline Divines, a group of influential Anglican theologians active in the 17th century, stressed the importance of apostolic succession, episcopal polity, and the sacraments. They also favoured elaborate liturgy and aesthetics, and their influence led to a revival in the use of images and statues in churches. The leaders of the Anglo-Catholic revival in the 19th century drew heavily from the works of the Caroline Divines.
The Anglo-Catholic movement emphasizes the Catholic rather than the Protestant heritage of the Anglican Communion. It emerged from the 19th-century Oxford Movement, which sought to renew Catholic thought and practice in the Church of England. The term "Anglo-Catholic" was first used by the leaders of this movement to emphasize the historical continuity of the English (Anglican) Church with Catholic Christianity.
Anglo-Catholics have a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and often ask for her intercession. They believe in the "communion of saints", which implies that Mary, all the officially recognized saints, and those who have yet to be recognized as saints are present and can communicate with believers. This belief in the communion of saints is an important aspect of Anglo-Catholic theology.
Anglo-Catholic parishes can be found in all branches of American Anglicanism, and one way to identify them is to look for priests who are part of the Society of the Holy Cross (SSC), the world's largest fraternity for Anglo-Catholic priests. These parishes may also be identified by their use of liturgy and ritual, such as the weekly celebration of Communion, the use of candles on the altar, bowing or genuflecting during the service, and the use of incense.
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Welcome women and LGBT+ people
To make your parish more welcoming to women and LGBT+ people, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, it is important to recognise that many Anglo-Catholic parishes have already accepted the ordination of women and have taken on more progressive attitudes towards homosexuality and the blessing of same-sex unions. This shift has been influenced by liberal theology, resulting in the emergence of "Liberal Catholics". These parishes are represented by organisations such as Affirming Catholicism and the Society of Catholic Priests.
One key step is to ensure that your parish is inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. This can be achieved by creating specific programs and initiatives to welcome and support LGBTQ+ members, as seen in various Christian denominations. It is important to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all, refraining from any form of discrimination or exclusion. Additionally, you can advocate for the legal protection of same-gender couples and their families, as well as support the ordination of LGBTQIA+ clergy.
Another step is to embrace the ordination of women within your parish. This may involve encouraging and providing opportunities for women to take on leadership roles, such as priests or deacons. It also includes using inclusive language in Bible translations and liturgy, ensuring that all references are gender-neutral and non-discriminatory.
Furthermore, you can foster an environment that values and respects diverse gender identities and expressions. This includes recognising and supporting transgender and non-binary individuals within your parish. While there may not be an official policy regarding transgender individuals in your denomination, you can ensure that all people, regardless of their gender identity, are treated with dignity and respect.
Lastly, education and dialogue are essential. Provide resources and organise discussions within your parish to promote understanding and empathy. This can involve inviting speakers or facilitators who can share their experiences and expertise on creating inclusive spaces. By actively engaging in these conversations, your parish can become a place of welcome and acceptance for women and LGBT+ people.
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Frequently asked questions
Anglo-Catholic parishes are known for their emphasis on the Catholic heritage of the Anglican Communion, including the revival of religious orders, the use of incense, chanting, vestments, and rituals, as well as the importance of apostolic succession, episcopal polity, and the sacraments. They also tend to focus on social justice issues, such as serving the poor and unchurched.
One way to identify an Anglo-Catholic parish is to look for priests who are part of the Society of the Holy Cross (SSC), the world's largest fraternity for Anglo-Catholic priests. Additionally, Anglo-Catholic parishes often have icons and statues of saints and holy figures, such as Blessed Bernard Mizeki.
It is important to have conviction and constancy in your beliefs and practices. This includes a strong belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist and a commitment to holiness. Additionally, Anglo-Catholic parishes often emphasize liturgy and ritual, such as the use of candles on the altar, bowing or genuflecting during service, and the celebration of Communion weekly.
