The Ritual Reason Why: Bells

The use of bells for liturgical purposes is an ancient one that dates from as early as the fifth century. It has been customary for centuries to use bells to call the faithful to worship or to announce other events. Such ringi11g may include the "passing bell" when a parishioner dies, or the daily ringing of the Angelus at noon_

The use of bells during the celebration of the Eucharist is also an old custom. The Sanctus bells are rung during the singing or recitation of the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts). The sacring bells are rung during the elevation of the Host and the cup during the Eucharistic canon. At the Church of the Holy Communion, as well as most churches, the Sanctus bells and the sacring bells are one in the same set of bells.

The bells mark both reverent and joyful periods of our liturgy. For example, the bells are rung constantly during the singing of the Gloria in the liturgy of Maundy Thursday. The organ then falls silent (technically) until the first Mass of Easter at the Vigil. Practically however the organ is used sparingly. One example is the music for the sacred procession to the altar of repose on Maundy Thursday

Bells, in our liturgy as well as our lives, ring for times that are especially important and tell us that we should pay attention.

Fr. Glen

The Ritual Reason Why: Candles

The word candle, (candela, from Candeo, to burn) was introduced into the English language as an ecclesiastical term, probably as early as the 8th century. Candles denoted any kind of taper in which a wick, not uncommonly made of a strip of papyrus, was encased in wax, or animal fat. Like so many things that were imported into the church, the use of candles was no exception. It is highly probable that the candles which were borne before a Bishop when he went into procession to the sanctuary, or the candles that accompanied the transport of the book of Gospels, were nothing more than a adaptation of a similar secular practice.

The use of a multitude of candles and lamps was undoubtedly a prominent feature of the celebration of the Easter Vigil dating from Apostolic times.

The large Pascal candle gets its name from the Pasch, which is the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. The church used to be very specific about the amount of beeswax that a candle should contain, and this percentage was always over 75% ranging all the way to 100% pure beeswax. This was predicated upon the idea that the wax represented the body of Jesus and the wick of the Pascal candle his soul. The flame represents the Divinity that absorbs and consumes them both. The Pascal candle represents Christ, "the true light" and the smaller candles are representative of each individual Christian who strives to reproduce Christ in his/her life.

At one time in the church the acolyte was a minor, but ordained, order. In conferring the minor order to the acolyte the candidate had delivered to him "a candlestick with a candle". We know that these candles were carried from the seventh century and probably earlier. Originally these candlesticks were placed on the pavement of the sanctuary and later on the altar. The six candles behind the altar on the retable are lit for every high Mass or at the offices, such as Morning or Evening Prayer and others. Two candles are lit for all other Masses.

You will notice that during Lent the oil candles that are normally present have been replaced by 100% unbleached beeswax. Because they are not bleached they are a beautiful dark color, and if you have a sensitive nose, you will note the wonderful odor of the burning candles. A candle burning out its life to give us light is symbolic of both prayer and sacrifice.

Fr. Glen

On Being an Episcopalian

The Episcopal Church is often described using the metaphor of a three-legged stool, each leg being necessary to support the stool. These three supporting structures of our Church are:

• scripture,
  
• tradition, and
  
• reason

Episcopalians are members of the wider Anglican Communion, a communion made up of 38 self-governing churches consisting of 70 million adherents in 161 countries. Though made up of varied races and cultures, we are unified through our history, our theology, our worship, and our relationship to the See of Canterbury.

Celebration of the Holy Eucharist is central to our form of worship. Our Book of Common Prayer is a unifying text while offering variety within the text.

Our parents were the Roman Catholic Church and the English Reformation. This heritage has lead to a wide spectrum of worship traditions, some being referred to as Anglo-Catholic and others referred to as being very Protestant. The tradition leg of our stool seems to be the most variable leg. In some churches incense is used; candles are prominent; Holy Water is available at the entrance; flowers decorate many surfaces; vestments range from plain to very ornate. The variety is a strength of the Episcopal Church, not a weakness.

It is with this in mind that some new additions are being offered at CHC in response to those who have requested them. You may choose to enjoy them or to ignore them, but you need not fear them. Church of the Holy Communion has been gifted with several items which are being made available to those who wish to use them as part of their personal worship practices.

Holy Water stoops are in place near the front and back entrances to the nave of the church. Holy Water helps remind Christians of the water of Baptism and is used upon entering and exiting the church. The symbolism on the Holy Water stoops includes an early symbol of Christians (the fish), a symbol of the Holy Spirit (the dove), and a symbol of Jesus' death and resurrection (a cross). A supply of blessed Holy Water will be kept in the sacristy.

A forty-lamp pricket (votive light stand) is to the left of the door exiting the nave. It has glassware that is of the correct liturgical color for the season, and each glass contains an eight-day candle. The light from the candles reminds us of the light of Christ, and the burning of the wax reminds us that our lives are being consumed by earthly time. The act of lighting a candle as a memorial in remembrance of loved ones, present or those who have gone before us, is an ancient custom very similar to the act of giving flowers in remembrance of loved ones.

Proper annunciator bells are in place in the sanctuary at the entrance to the sacristy and are used to announce the beginning of the service.

A crucifix titled "Gift of the Holy Spirit" has been placed over the altar in Mc Neil Hall. This crucifix shows Jesus nailed to the cross, yet still showing His strength and His love for His people, as He gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit as symbolized by a dove. It is a powerful symbol that needs to be viewed to be truly appreciated.