In the Episcopal Church, all baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion.
The service is found in the Prayer Book (the red book with the gold cross on the cover) beginning on page 323 Rite I – 8 AM) or page 355 Rite II – 10:30 AM). Weddings, funerals and other rites are also part of the Eucharist. If so, they will be announced by the officiate or will be outlined in a service bulletin.
Our bulletin contains information as to how to follow the liturgy and you may want to follow carefully (in which case the information at the bottom will help), or you may simply want to listen and watch, allowing the words, movement and color to direct your devotion and meditation. Either way is a way to God.
We hope that your time with us will be a way for you to find God. If we can help further, please speak to a parishioner or one of the clergy. You may also call the Parish Office (570-825-6653) Monday – Thursday between 9 AM and 3 PM.
A Guide to the Eucharist:
1. The Liturgy begins on either page 323 (Rite I) or 355 (Rite II)
2. Readings: The first section of the bulletin contains the days lessons. Usually two or three are read
3. A psalm may be read or sung after the first reading.
4. A homily or sermon follows the readings
5. Nicene Creed is said by all
6. The prayers of the people follow. This form is found in the bulletin. During the silences you are welcome to add (silently or aloud) the names of those for whom you would like to pray
7. A confession of sin may follow.
8. Following the absolution, we greet each other at the Peace
9. After the altar has been prepared, and the gifts of the people have been received, we continue with the Great Thanksgiving
10. The Lord’s Prayer is said
11. The Liturgy ends with Holy Communion, a prayer after communion, the blessing, and closing hymn followed by the dismissal
How to receive Communion
When you come forward for communion, you receive the Bread by coming forward to the communion station. Place your hands together, palms up, cradling your right hand in your left the priest will place the host in your hand.
You may receive with Wine in one of two ways:
1. Consume the bread and sip from the chalice, guiding it with your hands.
2. Or you may carefully dip the bread in the wine when the Eucharistic minister comes to you.
If you wish to receive “in one kind” only (that is, to not take from the Cup), consume the bread and you may cross your arms in front of your chest as the Eucharistic minister approaches, than return to your seat.
If you do not wish to receive communion, you can still participate: when you come to the rail, simply fold your arms across your chest and the priest will offer you a blessing prayer.
Spiritual Communion from St. Augustine’s Prayer Book The Book of Common Prayer reminds us that if one is unable to actually consume the consecrated bread and wine due to extreme sickness or disability, the desire is enough for God to grant all the benefits of communion. When being present at a celebration of the Eucharist is absolutely impossible, this act of prayer and meditation can provide the means by which you can associate yourself with the Eucharistic Action and open yourself to God’s grace and blessing.
“Come Lord Jesus, and dwell in my heart in the fullness of your strength; be my wisdom and guide me in right pathways; conform my life and actions to the image of your holiness; and, in the power of your gracious might, rule over every hostile power thatthreatens or disturbs the growth of your kingdom, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.”
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