Episcopal is really Catholic lite?

[Anonymous]

I've read this phrase multiple times, not just on DCUM, but elsewhere as well. I'm a practicing Catholic and for the first time this weekend attended an Episcopal service while visiting friends in another city.

It was almost nothing like a typical Catholic Mass. It started with 20min of praise music led by the worship leader and his band, followed by multiple readings and a long sermon from a guy who introduced himself by first name as the "visiting leader" since their pastor was out of town. Communion, and then another 10min or so of praise music. Some of the church goers were sort of dancing to the music, raising their arms in the air while they sang.

People were chatting in back, and they were handing out cups of coffee and water as you arrived that you were welcome to take with you to your seat.

I'm not judging at all, I was just very surprised since based on things I've read I'd expected something much more ritual-based. Is this normal, and I'd just misunderstood, or is this unusual for an Episcopal church?

[Anonymous]

I've gone to Episcopal churches all over the country. While some are more formal than others, I've never been to a church like you are describing. I'm not saying it's not Episcopal (I'm sure there are really relaxed Catholic churches) but I would say that what you experienced is not "typical".

[Anonymous]

Not typical, but some Episcopal churches are moving in a more relaxed, egalitarian sort of direction. In general, though, Episcopal churches are the closest thing to a Catholic mass.

[Anonymous]

Whoa, that is nothing like I have experienced in my Episc. life. That said, if you are looking for the most similar experience, try an Episcopal church that is "High Anglican." Mass is virtually identical.

[Anonymous]

That doesn't sound like any Episcopal service I've ever been too.

[Anonymous]

So....it was too....much fun?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So....it was too....much fun?

Eh, I don't know. I'm Catholic and I really don't like the arm-waving, praise music kind of thing. It feels so disingenuous and forced to me. Not saying that it is those things, but that's how it feels to me and it makes me uncomfortable. I like the ritual of mass, and depending on the parish and the priest, the homily and music choices can bring levity or a celebratory feel without feeling too touchy feely for my taste.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So....it was too....much fun?

Eh, I don't know. I'm Catholic and I really don't like the arm-waving, praise music kind of thing. It feels so disingenuous and forced to me. Not saying that it is those things, but that's how it feels to me and it makes me uncomfortable. I like the ritual of mass, and depending on the parish and the priest, the homily and music choices can bring levity or a celebratory feel without feeling too touchy feely for my taste.

+1000. I was just trying to find the words to express this. I literally get red faces embarrassed at those hand waving insincere preacher stuff. Give me a dignified service or I will just pray at home. It's fine for others and not judging what others may like, but I would run out of that service.

Is it like the foregoing at national cathedral or the smaller St. Albans parish?

[Anonymous]

We tried the Episcopal Church for several months. The one we attended really was kind of Catholic Lite.

In the end we returned to the Catholic Church despite disagreeing with the Churches position on homosexuality. Most of the members of our parish are accepting of gays despite the Churches position. Even our priest is more of the don't ask don't tell type.

I liked the Episcopal church. The people were wonderful. But neither DH nor I could get past the feeling that something was just missing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So....it was too....much fun?

OP here. Not fun, per se, but way more casual than what I had anticipated. Far more casual than even the most liberal of Catholic masses that i've been to - including the small, intimate daily masses at my Catholic graduate school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So....it was too....much fun?

OP here. Not fun, per se, but way more casual than what I had anticipated. Far more casual than even the most liberal of Catholic masses that i've been to - including the small, intimate daily masses at my Catholic graduate school.

In fact, let me take that back. It wasn't the casual-ness. It was more the lack of ritual, the more "praise the Lord" aspect of the music, behavior and sermon.
Again, I'm not criticizing or judging. It was simply not at all what I was expecting considering how many times I've heard that Episcopal services are practically indistinguishable from Catholic. Other than the very brief Eucharistic portion of the service, this was not at all like any Catholic church I've attended.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So....it was too....much fun?

Eh, I don't know. I'm Catholic and I really don't like the arm-waving, praise music kind of thing. It feels so disingenuous and forced to me. Not saying that it is those things, but that's how it feels to me and it makes me uncomfortable. I like the ritual of mass, and depending on the parish and the priest, the homily and music choices can bring levity or a celebratory feel without feeling too touchy feely for my taste.

You want ritual? Try Orthodox.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We tried the Episcopal Church for several months. The one we attended really was kind of Catholic Lite.

In the end we returned to the Catholic Church despite disagreeing with the Churches position on homosexuality. Most of the members of our parish are accepting of gays despite the Churches position. Even our priest is more of the don't ask don't tell type.

I liked the Episcopal church. The people were wonderful. But neither DH nor I could get past the feeling that something was just missing.

Was it the homophobia?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So....it was too....much fun?

Eh, I don't know. I'm Catholic and I really don't like the arm-waving, praise music kind of thing. It feels so disingenuous and forced to me. Not saying that it is those things, but that's how it feels to me and it makes me uncomfortable. I like the ritual of mass, and depending on the parish and the priest, the homily and music choices can bring levity or a celebratory feel without feeling too touchy feely for my taste.

You want ritual? Try Orthodox.

There is a happy medium between the two extremes. It's called the Roman Catholic Church, and I like it just fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We tried the Episcopal Church for several months. The one we attended really was kind of Catholic Lite.

In the end we returned to the Catholic Church despite disagreeing with the Churches position on homosexuality. Most of the members of our parish are accepting of gays despite the Churches position. Even our priest is more of the don't ask don't tell type.

I liked the Episcopal church. The people were wonderful. But neither DH nor I could get past the feeling that something was just missing.

Was it the homophobia?

Really? Homophobia can be found amongst the leadership and doctrines of all the major religions. Grow up.