Practices in an Anglo-Catholic Service If you are new to St. George's, the following will help you to understand the practices and why Anglicans to what they do.
Posture The general rule is: kneel to pray, sit to be instructed, and stand to give praise. Follow the rubrics, when they require otherwise, e.g. at the service of Baptism and Holy Matrimony, the congregation stands even during prayers because you act as a witness.

Rubrics The fine print instructions in the Prayer Book are called rubrics because they were once printed in red. The rubrics should be followed unless otherwise instructed by the celebrant.

The Infirm The sick or the infirm may sit while others kneel or stand. You may stand at the altar rail if you cannot kneel. If you cannot go to the altar rail, please ask an usher to request that the priest bring the Blessed Sacrament to you.

At the Priest's Entrance and Exit Stand when the priest and other ministers enter at the beginning of the service, and when they leave. Stand at the opening sentences of a funeral. Stand when the bride enters at a wedding. Stand during processions.

Gestures of Reverance have been left to the piety and discretion of the individual. Gestures when they are used reflect the courtesy and protocol of service in the court of a king, in this case, the King of kings.

 The sign of the Cross is marking of someone or something with the Cross of Christ. It was once a secret sign amongst persecuted Christians. Now it is a public announcement of someone or something that belongs to Christ.

When to make the sign of the Cross

  • On entering and leaving a church
  • At the end of the Gloria in Excelsis
  • Before the Gospel on forehead, lips, and heart
  • At "Pardon and deliver you" in the Absolution
  • At the words "and the Life of the world to come" in the Creed
  • At the invocation of the Holy Trinity
  • At the beginning of the Benedictus, "Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord"
  • At the elevation of the paten and chalice during the Consecration
  • Before and after receiving the Blessed Sacrament
  • At the Benediction
  • At the end of the service

Please also see notations on participation during the Holy Eucharist