Daily Chapel

As Parish lives out its mission and identity as an Episcopal school, our practice is to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. The word Eucharist translates to "giving thanks." When each division gathers for Eucharist (weekly Thursday service for 1st - 12th grade), our worship and reflection are centered around being a community that gives thanks to God – for our world, our lives, our loved ones, our gifts and talents, and above all, our faith.

As we come to understand what it means to be a community of God’s people gathered together in worship and in prayer, all students and adults are expected to come forward to receive either a prayer, a non-denominational blessing or the sacrament of bread and wine.

• Any student who has been baptized is welcome to receive the sacrament of bread* and wine with their hands extended and open.
• Any student who prefers a blessing will come forward with their arms crossed over their chests.
• Any student who prefers a prayer will come forward with their hands together in prayer.

During our service of Holy Eucharist, the peace of God is exchanged and partaking of the sacrament of wine is offered.

* Ener-G communion wafers (free of gluten, wheat, casein, dairy, yeast, egg, soy, nut, low/no sodium) are available for students with dietary issues or allergies.                               

Why does Parish hold Chapel every day? 
Parish is firmly rooted in living as a Christian community in the Episcopal tradition. It is anchored in the founder’s vision and the Board’s ongoing mission that the School maintains its identity. To many, it is this characteristic which gives the School much of its special strength. A school community that honors, celebrates and worships God as the center of life; Parish lives its tenets of Wisdom, Honor and Service by gathering in daily worship services.

What happens in a typical Chapel service at Parish? 
The Parish community gathers for daily, common prayer and reflection on God’s abiding presence and reconciliation through Jesus Christ with the whole human family. Chapel is our time of the day to gather as people of faith in prayer, song and reflection on the biblical writings of the Old and New Testaments, the Christian tradition, and a life of virtue and service to others. Our worship services conform to The Book of Common Prayer and the Anglican global traditions.

What is Eucharist? 
Eucharist literally means "giving thanks." In the Christian tradition, it is a sacrament given by Jesus Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death and resurrection, until his coming again. The bread and wine are visible signs of God’s grace. When Christians share in the sacrament of the Eucharist, they are united with Christ and renewed.

Does my child have to participate in Eucharist? 
All students, faculty and staff are expected to come forward to receive either a prayer, a non-denominational blessing or the sacrament of bread and wine. Any student who has been baptized is welcome to receive the sacrament of bread and wine with their hands extended and open. Any student who prefers a blessing will come forward with their arms crossed over their chests. Any student who prefers a prayer will come forward with their hands together in prayer.

How does Parish limit the exchange of germs during Eucharist?
With an understanding of current health concerns, we observe traditions in a way that sharing of germs is minimized. First, we speak the peace to one another (instead of shaking hands). Second, only the chalice bearers intinct/dip the bread for those who wish to receive the wine. All servers sanitize their hands before communion begins. Instruction is given during each service.

Who can I contact with a prayer request? 
The Chaplains are available to receive your prayer requests either by phone or email contact. Prayers are offered in daily chapel.