If you are planning your first visit to an Episcopal Church, you might be wondering: “What should I expect?” Hopefully this page will answer some of your questions.
The Cathedral is located at 815 South Second Street (corner of 2nd and Lawrence) two blocks south of the State Capitol. Parking is available behind the Cathedral complex. There are entrances on Second Street, the West side, and on the South side between the Catherdral and the Dioceses of Spingfield office.
Yes. The handicapped parking and accessible entrance are on the south side of the complex. There is a ramp to the communion rail on the north side of the sanctuary. The elevator to the second floor is located in the atrium.
Whatever is comfortable. You will see people in dresses and suits, and you will see people in shorts and jeans. What matters is that you are here.
Upon entering, you will be greeted by an usher. If you have any initial questions, this is the person to ask. Please sign our guest book located at either entrance to the sanctuary. The usher will give you the day's bulletin. After this, you may take a seat anywhere you like . . . there are no assigned seats!
The Episcopal Church uses two main books at any given service. Both will be found at your seat. These books are the blue Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and the red Hymnal 1982. Page numbers will be printed in your bulletin and/or on the hymn board at the front and middle of the church. You may ask, "Where is the Bible?" All services include scripture readings from the Bible, but these readings are usually found on a separate sheet included in your bulletin. The purpose of this is to make it easier for the congregation to follow along and to limit the number of books we have to juggle. Bibles are available at the end of each pew or if you would like to bring your own Bible to church, please feel free!
At first, following along with the Episcopal Service may be a little difficult; but remember, most services follow the same order, so once you've been through it a few times, it will feel natural. If you get lost, don't hesitate to ask someone where we are!
Guidance is given in the Book of Common Prayer; but in general, we stand when we sing, praise, or read the Gospel; we sit during all other Bible readings, and during the Sermon; and we kneel to pray. During the blessing of the bread and wine at communion (The Eucharistic Prayer), either standing or kneeling is appropriate. If you’re not sure, just follow the example of the people around you. If you are unable to stand or kneel for long periods of time, please feel free to remain seated.
All baptized Christians are welcome at the Lord's Table. Come forward to the altar rail as the ushers direct you and take the next available place. You may kneel or stand, though the custom for most of our parishioners is to kneel. Receive the communion bread from the Priest in your open right palm. You may then take the bread to your mouth, or, if you wish to receive by intinction (dipping), place the communion bread between the thumb and index finger of your right hand and hold the bread over your open left palm. This lets the Priest or Chalice Bearer know that you wish to instinct. You may also choose to receive the wine directly from the chalice by gently guiding it to your lips as the Chalice Bearer presents it to you. If you choose not to receive the wine, you may return to your seat after receiving the wafer. The Church has long held that the Sacrament is effectual even when only one of the elements is received. If it is physically difficult for you to come to the altar rail, please indicate this to an usher and the Priest will bring Communion to you where you are seated. Wheelchair accessibility to the altar rail is located on the north side of the sanctuary.
No, but please introduce yourself to those sitting near you. At the sharing of The Peace you will likely be greeted by many news friends. A handshake and the words “Peace be with you” are appropriate. After the service, be sure to come to coffee hour in the Cafe’ for light refreshments and to meet the congregation!
Children are certainly welcome. There are art supplies available, just ask your usher. The nursery is also open from 7:45 a.m. until noon.
For specific questions, please feel free to contact the Cathedral Office at (217) 544-5135 (M-F 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or by e-mail stpaulepca@comcast.net