Deputy Diary: Daily Eucharists

From Charles Geer:

As an Episcopalian in the Anglocatholic tradition I am naturally drawn to the daily Eucharists. It has been invigorating to go to mass daily and see and hear the different presentations. Psalmody in its various chants, hymns of praise (many old favorites) for the Gloria, multiple settings for the Sanctus, and the different Eucharistic prayers which are robust in meaning and wording.

It was particularly thrilling to go the service on Thursday morning where the Bishop of the Dominican Republic presided and the music of the DR accompanied. I can't imagine what today's service will bring!

All of this in the setting of traditional ceremonial and vestments (including mitres). I missed the bells and incense, but that is acceptable for a daily mass given the excitement of the variety.

Sermons were centered in one way or another on the Five Marks of Mission in the Episcopal/Anglican tradition. If you don't know the Five Marks of Mission, look them up.

Preludes, communion music, and postludes included: gospel music by the Voorhees and St. Augustine college choirs, the Kenshin Taiko Drummers, Lux Singers singing a capella, native American drumming and flute, and a jazz ensemble which, with organ, presented and unforgetable Widor postlude following a jazz mass.

All of this, and communion served to over a thousand in less than an hour.

Thanks be to God,

Charles

Charles Geer at the June 26 daily Eucharist at General Convention.