What does it mean to be a church in the “Anglo-Catholic” tradition? At St. Ann Chapel it means that we practice Catholic Christianity in its English expression. Our liturgical practices trace back to the recovery of English Catholicism just after the Oxford Movement in the nineteenth century.
WE observe all the seven sacraments—Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance, Holy Orders, Matrimony, and Unction (Anointing) of the Sick—in their original, biblical, and Catholic forms. Central to our worship and devotion is the Eucharist, which we celebrate each Sunday and on certain Holy days.
Our approach to worship, prayer, and study is not casual or superficial. We seek to honor God in the fullness of his glory by observing the ancient rites in reverence and beauty. The preaching and teaching at St. Ann Chapel embrace biblical truth; a call into a deeper, intellectual understanding of scripture; and a challenge to consider the greatness of God’s glory, mercy, and redemption in everyday life. Anglo-Catholic worship is rich in music, symbolism, and history. We invite all to come and share this experience with us!
For Anglo-Catholics, the Thirty-Nine Articles are viewed as a historical document rather than a strict confessional standard. While they represent a particular moment in the English Reformation, Anglo-Catholics interpret them in a way that emphasizes continuity with the early, undivided Catholic Church. This approach contrasts with the stricter adherence of more Protestant-minded Anglicans.
The Thirty-nine Articles can be divided into eight sections based on their content:
- Articles 01–05: The Doctrine of God
- Articles 06–08: Scripture and the Creeds
- Articles 09–18: Sin and Salvation
- Articles 19–21: The Church and its Authority
- Articles 22–24: Errors to be avoided in the Church
- Articles 25–31: The Sacraments
- Articles 32–36: The Discipline of the Church
- Articles 37–39: Christians and Civil Society