Below is a list of questions and answers commonly asked of us. If you have a question that is not answered here, do not hesitate to ask us.
To which diocese does St. Margaret of Antioch Anglican Church belong?
SMAC is a member of the Diocese of Trinidad & Tobago in the Province of the West Indies.
What is the Book of Common Prayer? What version do we use?
The Book of Common Prayer is a guidebook that Anglicans use to support both corporate and individual worship. There are a few copies of the Book of Common Prayer, as well as Hymnals, available for guests to use during our church services.
What do Anglicans mean when they say:
Rector - Head-pastor of a local parish church.
Vestry - The ruling board of a Church made up of elected members plus the Rector.
Eucharist - Derives from a Greek word meaning “to give thanks”; often used to describe Holy Communion.
The Book of Common Prayer is a guidebook that Anglicans use to support both corporate and individual worship. There are a few copies of the Book of Common Prayer, as well as Hymnals, available for guests to use during our church services.
What if I don't know what to do during a service?
Don’t worry. You won’t be embarrassed or singled out. We provide a “service bulletin” during each Sunday service. It guides you through the service and provides basic instructions for participation. Once you’ve been to a few services, it will seem like second nature to you.
Is real wine used during the Communion part of the service?
Yes. We use consecrated wine in remembrance of Christ’s instructions during the Last Supper.
What do Anglicans believe?
There are three basic sources of the Anglican Church beliefs:
- Scripture (the primary source)
The Old and New Testaments contain the essence of Christian doctrine. They reveal God to humankind, and tell of our response to God in history. The Bible helps us to know God’s will, revealed supremely through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The Scriptures are the word of God, proclaiming that Jesus – both God and human being – is Christ, the Messiah. - Reason (gifts of the Holy Spirit)
The Episcopal Church does not control interpretation and practice. Instead, members are encouraged to use reason to explore and comprehend God’s works; to make responsible moral decisions under the guidance of Scripture, the ordained ministry and in response to sincere prayer. - Tradition (wisdom of generations past)
Tradition helps us to interpret Scripture; lets us share experiences of early Christians and believers of every era; preserves hymns, prayers, etc., that keep our faith alive; strengthens our faith. Through its continuity and consistency, tradition helps preserve essential truths through the liturgy.