Welcome to St. Joseph of Nazareth Anglican Church in Bramalea! We are delighted you found our website and we hope you’ll join us at one of our services. Please note that the information below has changed due to COVID restrictions and lockdowns.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to help you:
Q. Which service should I attend if I have children?
A. While you are more than welcome to attend any service, you may find the 10:30 a.m. service more to your liking. We have a nursery for very young children, as well as Sunday School for those a little older.
Q. What happens when I arrive?
A. When you enter the church, a greeter (also called a sidesperson) will give you a bulletin with the details of the service. You can ask any questions you might have.
You may sit wherever you feel comfortable. In the pew, you will find prayer books (the Book of Alternative Services or the Book of Common Prayer), which includes the words of the service and prayers. There are page numbers in the bulletin to help you follow along.
You will also see a blue hymn book, which includes the words and music to the hymns we sing together. The hymn numbers are printed in the bulletin and listed at the front of the church.
Q. How will I know what to do at the service?
A. As a general rule, we sit to listen, stand to sing or proclaim, and kneel to pray (as you are able). Some people bow or cross themselves at certain times, but this is a personal choice. Above all, do what feels comfortable for you.
We sing at many points in the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service, led by our choir. If you don’t feel comfortable joining in, don’t worry – you won’t be the only one not singing.
If you feel lost, feel free to ask someone near you. We’re happy to help!
Q. Can I receive Holy Communion? What do I do?
A. All baptized Christians are invited to receive the bread and wine at communion. Everyone, baptized or not, can ask for a blessing – just cross your arms over your chest when the priest approaches you. You can also choose to stay in your pew during this part of the service. If you are physically unable to come forward, you may receive the sacrament at your pew.
The sidespeople will stand in the centre aisle and direct people to go forward to the altar for communion. At the front of the church, you may kneel or stand at the altar rail. The priest will speak a short prayer and place a communion wafer in your palm.
After you’ve received the bread, you will be offered wine from a common cup or chalice. Feel free to touch or steady the cup as you take a sip. You can also choose to receive only the wafer. Cross your arms over your chest when the cup approaches you, or leave the communion rail once you’ve received the wafer.