What We Believe
As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.
St. Joseph’s is a member of The Episcopal Church, a multi-national denomination with around 1.7 million members in 111 dioceses across 22 countries or territories and part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being. We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.
At St. Joseph’s, we believe that "If it’s not about love, it’s not about God!" (Presiding Bishop Michael Curry). We strive to be a church rooted in love, where everyone is welcome.
As a community of faith, our lives revolve around worship and prayer. Through these sacred practices, we are empowered to live out God's call to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). The best way to understand what we believe is to join us in worship. In the Episcopal Church, we say "lex orandi, lex credendi," meaning that the way we pray reflects what we believe.
If you’re curious about our beliefs, our clergy are always ready to engage in meaningful conversation. They may not have every answer, but they’re always eager to walk alongside you in the journey of faith.
The Bible
“Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 236).
The Scriptures, comprised of the Old and New Testament, as well as some apocryphal texts, were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
This is our foundation, understood through tradition and reason, containing all things necessary for salvation. Our worship is filled with Scripture from beginning to end.
The Book of Common Prayer
The Book of Common Prayer is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations, but it is also the primary symbol of our unity. We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer.
All Episcopal services whatever their style (and they vary from simple spoken ceremonies to elaborate sung ones) follow those laid out in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. It ultimately traces its history back to the first Prayer Book of the English church, produced in 1549, following its split with Rome. Services involve participation from the congregation and follow almost exactly the same essential forms.
This means that on any given Sunday an Episcopalian can walk into any Episcopal church in the land and take part in the service.
Holy Communion
“We thank you … for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 366).
It goes by several names: Holy Communion, the Eucharist (which literally means “thanksgiving”), mass. In our worship service, we celebrate God with us through water, bread and wine. Jesus shared bread and wine with his first followers. Through it we receive the forgiveness of our sins and a strengthening of our union with God and one another as we remember Christ’s life, death and resurrection.
All persons who have been baptized are welcome to share in this meal.
Holy Baptism
“Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church” (1979 Book of Common Prayer, p. 298).
In the waters of baptism, we are lovingly adopted by God into God’s family, which we call the Church, and given God’s own life to share and reminded that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ.
The Episcopal Church believes that through baptism, in any Christian denomination, we become brothers and sisters in God’s family. Episcopalians therefore welcome and encourage all those who have been baptized, in whatever church, to join us in taking communion.
The Cathecism
“We understand the meaning of the Bible by the help of the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church in the true interpretation of the Scriptures” (Book of Common Prayer (1979), p. 853-4).
Often called the Outline of the Faith, The Cathecism can be found in the Book of Common Prayer and is designed in a question-and-answer format.
The Creeds
“The Creeds are statements of our basic beliefs about God” (1979 Book of Common Prayer, p. 851).
We will always have questions, but in the two foundational statements of faith, the Apostles’ Creed used at baptism and the Nicene Creed used at communion, we join Christians throughout the ages in affirming our faith in the one God who created us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us.