Rite I

A portion of the Book of Common Prayer which contains worship services using the traditional worship language of the Church from as used from the 1600's until 1976.

Rite I liturgies in the Episcopal Church is based on the old English language form. At present time, the service is spoken and has a contemplative nature where worshipers can participate through spoken responses and prayers. There is no music at this service.

 

Rite II

A portion of the Book of Common Prayer containing worship services which use more modern language and place importance on a different theological emphasis than traditional Episcopal worship.

This service is the most festive of the celebratory services held each Sunday with worshipers joining in the singing of hymns, sung responses and prayers. It is also the largest gathering and reflects the diversity of the church family. Rite II is the liturgy that is used at this service.

Rite II uses wording that is in contemporary or every day English. The choir leads the sung portions of the service which include hymns, a psalm and an offertory anthem.

 

Eucharist

Literally means a "good gift" or "thanksgiving." The current usage in the Episcopal Church to refers to the entire Communion service. According to the current prayer book, the Eucharist is intended to be the principal service on a Sunday.