Our Anglican tradition is rooted in worship and a belief in God’s presence with us when we gather. It is strongly sacramental – both in the sense of valuing the official sacraments of the church, chiefly Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist, and in celebrating the holy in ordinary things and ordinary people. Our liturgies (forms of worship) represent a communal response to and participation in the holy life of God through activities reflecting praise, thanksgiving, remembrance, supplication, and repentance.
The Anglican Church of Canada primarily uses the Book of Alternative service. At All Saints Cathedral we also use various liturgies from across the Anglican Communion such as the New Zealand Prayer Book, liturgies from the ecumenical Christian community, the Iona Community, and liturgies written by our own people. At the Friday eucharist and occasional other service we also use the Book of Common Prayer of the Anglican Church of Canada.
Each week, members of the congregation read Scriptures aloud and one of our priests, deacons, or a guest shares a homily (a sermon or reflection) based on that Sunday’s readings. Readings are taken from the Anglican Church of Canada’s adaptation of the Revised Common Lectionary. Lay people and deacons from the church community lead us in prayer for one another and the world.
What Should I Wear?
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable – suits or dresses, jeans or shorts, t-shirts or blouses – you’ll see an array of attire in the pews. Our clergy and servers will usually wear liturgical vestments.