First Anglican Use Experience

Yesterday evening I attended my first Anglican Use liturgy for the Vigil of the Ascension with some friends who just moved back into the area. My first reaction was that this liturgy is absolutely recognizable as being within the Roman liturgical tradition. There were a few differences of course. For instance the readings were read (I have come to hate the word 'proclaimed') facing the congregation and the Gospel was read by the priest in the middle of the nave. They used the "Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again" thing that was inserted in our English Novus Ordo Masses.

One thing I liked was that instead of a Responsorial Psalm in place of the Gradual, they sang an entire Psalm. (Huzzah for Coverdale!) The choir did the singing but the congregation was allowed to sing along. Having a Responsorial Psalm in some way makes the congregation sing their part, rather than allowing them to participate as the Anglican Use liturgy does. The Novus Ordo forces them to. You may participate -vs- You will participate. At least this was my impression of that part of the liturgy.

The people were friendly and there seems to be a good zeal for evangelism at the parish. This was a good experience and I look forward to returning.

Four Years!

I just realized that today is the fourth anniversary of my Confirmation. Deo Gratias!