A Place of Worship for All People
Are you new to the Chelsea area? Unfamiliar with the Episcopal Church or with Christianity? You are welcome here.
Whoever you are, wherever you are in your spiritual journey, the people of St. Catherine’s hope that your experience with this church will encourage and strengthen you.
As you browse our website, you might consider:
- visiting St. Catherine’s for a worship service on Sunday mornings
- stopping by St. Catherine’s for Morning Prayer, Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 am
- making an appointment to meet with the Rector over a cup of coffee or tea
- participating in one of our Sunday school classes
- subscribing to our e-mail list to receive weekly reminders and links to our monthly newsletter
- getting involved with one of our several outreach ministries
Do as much or as little as you like. There are no “requirements” for being a part of this community of faith. If you wish to be baptized or confirmed or to become a member of St. Catherine’s, please contact our Rector, Father Eric Mancil. Everything we do, everything we offer, is open to all, regardless of whether you are a “member” of this church. If you are here, you belong.
What to Expect
When you come to St. Catherine’s for the first time on Sunday morning, you will be greeted and handed materials for worship as you enter the church. If you have questions like, “Where is the nursery?” or “Where are the bathrooms?” the greeters will be glad to assist you.
At the 8:00 Folk Mass service, you will be given two items: a music book called Alleluia III and a scripture sheet that contains all of the readings from Scripture and a list of the songs that we will be singing during the service. In the backs of the pews, you will find copies of The Book of Common Prayer, the red books with a gold cross on the front. This is the book that we will use for our order of worship.
At the 10:30 service of Holy Eucharist, you will receive a service bulletin that contains all of the readings from Scripture, the prayers, and a listing of hymns for the day. Most of the hymns that we sing can be found in The Hymnal 1982, which you will find in your pew. Under the pew in front of you will be a kneeler that is used during certain parts of the service. The bulletin will also guide you when to stand, sit, or kneel – presuming you are able. During the Offertory, a plate will be passed around for those who would like to make a contribution to the church for the purpose of supporting our various ministries.
In the Episcopal Church, all baptized Christians are welcome and encouraged to receive Holy Communion, including those who have been baptized in other denominations. If you have not yet been baptized or if you would rather not receive Communion, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. You may indicate your preference for a blessing by crossing your arms over your chest. If you are physically unable to come to the Altar, please indicate this to one of the greeters, and the priest will come to where you are seated. If you would like to learn more about the sacrament of Holy Baptism or if you would like to learn more about the Episcopal tradition, please speak with the Rector.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I sit?
You are welcome to sit anywhere except the choir pews next to the organ. Pews are never reserved except for the family members at weddings, baptisms, and funerals, at which time they will be marked.
What opportunities are there for children?
To find out about our programs for children, please visit our Children and Families page, where you will find information about our Nursery and Children’s Chapel.