Frequently Asked Questions
What is our relationship to the Washington National Cathedral?
St. Alban’s is unique because of our location near the Washington National Cathedral, but we are a parish church like any other in the Episcopal Church. We are not connected to the Cathedral except by shared geography, history and respect. Our parish was established a half-century before the Cathedral was begun and provided space for its first services.
Is there such a thing as formal membership at St. Alban’s?
While the life and ministry of St. Alban’s are open to all, voting at our Annual Parish Meeting is governed by our bylaws. If you would like to become a full, voting member of St. Alban’s, you must be baptized and at least 15 years of age. We must have a record of your baptism on our books. To find out how to transfer your baptismal records to St. Alban’s, or if you don’t know how to find your records, contact the Parish Office at 202-363-8286.
What is a Vestry?
The Vestry is the governing body of an Episcopal Church, elected to represent the people of the Parish. At St. Alban’s, our vestry is made up of twelve Parish members, the Senior and Junior Warden (similar to President and Vice President) and the Rector. The Wardens and Vestry members are elected at the Annual Parish Meeting held each May, and serve three-year terms of office.
The Vestry is responsible for all church property and assets, approves the budget, and authorizes major expenditures. The Vestry calls (hires) the Rector, with the approval of the Bishop, and sets the Rector’s salary on the recommendation of the Wardens. The Rector, in turn, hires and supervises all other Clergy and church staff, and has canonical responsibility for the liturgy and worship programs of the Parish.
The Vestry meets monthly to discuss, reflect and take action on the many important aspects of Parish life. It consists of 12 members of the Parish, the Senior and Junior Wardens, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Rector. The Wardens and Vestry members are elected at the Annual Parish Meeting held each May, and serve three-year terms of office. It is important to the Vestry that all parishioners feel welcome to share their thoughts and ideas about God’s vision for us as a Christian community, and about your ideas for St. Alban’s. Parishioners are welcome to attend Vestry meetings, which are usually held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm in Nourse Hall.
Vestry Officers, Members and Liaisons »
What is a diocesan delegate?
St. Alban’s has five lay delegates to represent our Parish at all Diocesan Conventions, advise the Vestry and Parish of all resolutions to be taken up at each Convention, seek advice from the Vestry and Parish as to positions that might be taken, and report back to us after the Convention. The delegates are elected by the Parish membership at the Annual Meeting held in May.
Diocesan Convention Delegates »
What is a “free church”?
In the 1800’s, when St. Alban’s was founded, the term “free church” meant that there was no pew rent, the major source of funding for congregations in those days, and that all were welcome to sit anywhere they wished. Establishing a “free church” was a bold move a century and a half ago.
What is the Eucharist?
It is a re-enactment of the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples before his death on the cross, and the means by which we share in the mystery—and the hope—of his death and resurrection. We come together at the Lord’s table (the altar) in thanksgiving, to share in Christ’s body and blood (the bread and wine); this spiritual food (the sacramental meal) gives us the strength and courage we need to carry God’s love into the world in our daily lives. The Eucharist is also known as the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion and Mass.
What is an “open” communion?
An “open communion” or “open table” refers to the practice at St. Alban’s and at an increasing number of Episcopal churches of welcoming everyone—regardless of where they are on their faith journey—to share in our celebration of the Eucharist. This reflects our understanding that it is indeed the Lord’s Table at which we are celebrating, and as such all are welcome—just as all were surely welcomed by our Lord. It also represents a break from a church tradition in which only baptized Christians could receive Holy Communion.
What does liturgy mean?
Meaning literally “the work of the people,” the word liturgy refers to the structure, language and order of various worship services. The principal liturgies of the Episcopal Church are found in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer (www.justus.anglican.org), and include Morning, Midday and Evening Prayer, Compline, Holy Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage, Reconciliation of a Penitent, Burial of the Dead, and a number of additional liturgies for special days and occasions. A number of alternative liturgies approved for use in the Episcopal Church since 1979 have been published under separate cover as Enriching Our Worship I and Enriching Our Worship II.
What is a sacrament?
Episcopalians take part in certain regular acts of worship called sacraments, in which we realize the mystery of Christ’s presence and his divine love. The two principal sacraments for Episcopalians are Baptism and Holy Communion. The other five sacraments in which we share are Confirmation (the mature affirmation of one’s faith), Ordination to Holy Orders, Marriage, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick.
Sacraments are often called “outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual grace.” This reflects the Christian understanding that through the sacraments, which are freely given to us by God, our sins are forgiven, our minds are enlightened, our hearts stirred and our wills strengthened.
Each of these sacraments is experienced through the enactment of a particular liturgy found in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer.
What do you mean by Rite I and Rite II?
The 1979 Book of Common Prayer has two “styles” or “rites” of liturgical worship. Rite I liturgies use the more traditional language of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer (www.justus.anglican.org) and tend to have a slightly more penitential tone. Rite II liturgies use more contemporary language, and the Eucharist in particular tends to be more celebratory, or joyful, in tone.