What are services like?
In following Jesus, our call and duty is to worship God in spirit and truth, in the beauty of holiness. Our worship to the Glory of God is both Catholic and Evangelical, sacramentally centered in the celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice of Jesus, commonly called the Mass. We are a traditional Anglican Church centered on the liturgy found in the Book of Common Prayer. On Sunday, Low Mass (without music) and Sung or Solemn Masses are celebrated with the assistance of organ and choir, including plainsong chant, minor propers, anthems, and service music. On Major Holy Days, the liturgy is a Solemn Mass with special music and incense. Mass is also celebrated daily in the Chapel of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, except Thursday evenings, when it is in the Parish House All Souls’ Chapel. The Sacrament of Holy Unction is administered at the Mass on first Thursdays, and confessions are heard on Saturdays & Sundays. Our Parish Church has six shrines with votive lights: the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of the Apostles, St. Paul the Apostle, our Lady of Walsingham, St. Joseph and St. Michael the Archangel.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION WELCOME YOU!
The Episcopal Church U.S.A. is one of the 39 provinces of the Anglican Communion, a part of Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. You are welcome and invited to share in this international family of faith.
Historically we are heirs of the Church of England, rooted in a common life of prayer under the primacy of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The 99th Archbishop of Canterbury described the beliefs of Anglicans as a church that has “no creeds of its own, no sacrament of its own, no faith or doctrine of its own. We have only the creeds, faith, sacraments and doctrine of Christ’s One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.”
Visitors are always warmly welcomed. The canons allow all baptized Christians who are admitted to communion, who are truly sorry for and repentant of their sins, and who believe in the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament of Jesus’ body and blood to receive the Eucharist.
To become a member of the Episcopal Church, you must be baptized and confirmed or received by the Bishop from another branch of the Catholic (Orthodox) Church. To join St. Paul's, you may transfer from another Episcopal or Anglican parish. Or, if you are a Christian from another denomination, you may attend instruction and receive the Sacrament of Holy Confirmation by a Bishop in the Apostolic Succession. If you are a non-Christian, you may join by the Catechumenate (adult instruction) and receiving Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
What is the community like?
A WARM WELCOME FOR YOU!
Founded in 1882 in the Anglican tradition of the Episcopal Church, St. Paul's Church by-the-Lake is a small but caring parish family serving the northeast side of Chicago known as Rogers Park. Our spiritual home is located on the northwest corner of Estes Ave. and Ashland Ave. It is a quiet residential area just three blocks from Lake Michigan. St. Paul's is a neighborhood church seeking to meet the spiritual needs of a diverse community.
A PLACE TO FELLOWSHIP
We are a compassionate and caring group of spiritual travelers who would love to have your companionship on the journey. We share our stories, hopes and dreams, and our joys and concerns at coffee hour on Sundays after both Masses. In addition, a group often goes out for coffee or breakfast after the weekday Masses.
Our fellowship includes many projects throughout the year. Members of the parish regularly help with the maintenance of the building and grounds, or planting flowers. The Episcopal Church Women of the Parish meet on the first Sunday of each month hold bake sales, a Christmas Bazaar and other events.
Other fellowship times include many parish meals, such as the Annual Anniversary Lunch, a Caribbean Luncheon, a Mardi Gras dinner, and Sunday School Ice Cream Socials & Picnics. In all events, our parish theme is “here we care and invite you to share.”
A PLACE TO LEARN
This parish is a place where people study the Catholic faith of historic Christianity and share their own faith. Our basic religious education program begins at 11:30sm every Sunday from September through June for children 4-12.
Our Sunday School Program starts at 11:30am so children can go to the 10:30am Mass with their families. It focuses on teaching the basics of our Christian faith, through scripture of the Mass, stories, games and songs. Special emphasis is placed on learning about and celebrating liturgical seasons and the lives of the saints.
Special education events occur periodically, such as First Communion Class, Inquirer’s Class, Quiet Days, and special Lenten Friday sessions.
A PLACE TO REACH OUT
St. Paul’s is a place to put words into action. We seek ways to make life a little kinder to all God’s creatures. Our outreach begins with an awareness that our baptism is the foundation and source of grace to be the people of God, ministers of His faith and love.
Some examples include collecting food and staples for local pantries, including collecting money on “Souper” Bowl Sunday for our local soup kitchen. At Christmas, we adopt a needy family to provide holiday cheer, food, clothing and gifts. We open our doors for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings when there is a need.
What if I'm not a Christian?
You are welcome to visit and perhaps one day join us in following Jesus.
