Regular Events

The Episcopal Church at Princeton University meets for worship regularly twice a week. For special events that may be planned, check out our calendar. If you have general questions about how we "do" worship as Episcopalians and as the Episcopal Church at Princeton specifically, check out our worship frequently asked questions.

Note to Evangelicals: If you are involved in one of the many evangelical Christian groups at Princeton you may also wish to experience liturgical worship as a way of complementing your spiritual journey. You will find that liturgical worship in the catholic tradition is biblically grounded, deeply reverent and also quite joyful. It is also very structured and primarily directed toward God - as opposed to our own needs and wants. The Bible readings (one Old Testament lesson, a Psalm, a New Testament lesson, and the Gospel reading) follow a three-year cycle so that we read nearly the entire Bible in church every three years (the daily prayer cycle of Bible readings is a two-year cycle during which we also read the entire Bible). The liturgy is divided into two parts: The Proclamation of the Word of God (Bible readings and a sermon) and The Great Thanksgiving (the communion). It's all based on the Bible. We think you'll like it and find it enriching. And you don't have to choose between evangelical worship and worship with us - you can do both!

Note to people with no church background: If you're searching for a church we welcome you to visit us and experience Christian worship in a form that goes back to the earliest days of the Christian movement. In addition to ancient forms and prayers of worship, we use music from the 16th century to the present, usually accompanied by the University Chapel's magnificent organ. The best way to understand who we are is to worship with us because we "pray what we believe and we believe what we pray." You will be warmly welcomed and no one will pressure you in any way.

Sunday Night

9:00 PM Holy Eucharist (also known as the Mass or Holy Communion) - University Chapel

This service usually follows Rite II of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. There is always hymn singing and usually two choral pieces sung by our wonderful choir. Those from the evangelical tradition will be pleased to see the heavy use of scripture throughout our services and those from the catholic tradition will enjoy the formal worship and the emphasis on the Eucharist. The service is followed by a time of fellowship with refreshments. There is a strong emphasis on orderly reverent worship using ancient formulas and prayers. It is focused on the joyful celebration of God's presence to us in the bread and wine of the communion. While we believe there is a place for free-form praise worship, our expression of Christian worship is orderly and pleasingly predictable - but no less joyful. We also have a choir (called LUX) which anyone can join - just show up an hour early to rehearse. Everyone is welcome!

Shopping for a church? If you are keep the "Rule of Three" in mind. We suggest that you return to a new place of worship at least three times unless a particular church turns you completely off on the first visit. Why three times? Churches have their own "personalities" and it takes a little time to get to know how things work. Until a place of worship becomes somewhat familiar, you probably will not feel completely comfortable, especially if you are experimenting with a form of worship quite different from what you are used to. By the third time you will begin to feel more comfortable and familiar with how things work.

Monday Afternoon

4:00-5:00 Bible Study - East room, Murray-Dodge Hall

Tuesday Afternoon

4:30-5:30 Holy Eucharist - Marquand Transept in the University Chapel

This is a brief, intimate service of Holy Communion with a short homily.

Tuesday Night

9:00-9:30 Night Prayer - University Chapel

This is a brief service of Compline (from the Latin word "complete"). A perfect way to end your day "in the beauty of holiness." A joint service of The Episcopal Church at Princeton, The Aquinas Institute (Roaman Catholic), and the Concordia Society (Lutheran).

Wednesday Evening

5:30 PM Evening Prayer or Holy Eucharist; 6:00 Dinner & Discussion - Procter House, 53 University Place (click here for map)

This is a very casual, informal gathering that begins with Evening Prayer or Holy Eucharist. The experience of the Eucharist in an informal home setting is quite different from what you may have experienced in a church where the Eucharist tends to be more formal. Worship is followed by a buffet dinner prepared by student chefs. We also have either a presentation or an informal discussion ending by 7:00 PM (see our calendar for topics). If you can't make the whole evening, come when you can, leave when you must. You're always welcome.

Celebrate the joy of Christian community. Please visit us!