Anglo-Catholicism within the Episcopal Church is rooted in the Oxford and Ritualism Movements of the 19th century, the Slum Priest Movement in the decades of rapid industrialization, and the Liturgical Movement of the mid 20th century. Perhaps Anglo-Catholicism is best summed up by what a bishop said a century ago: One cannot claim to worship Christ in the tabernacle while ignoring him in those sweating in the streets. At All Saints' we strive to worship and work this way. We are, and have been for decades, deeply involved in our Haight-Ashbury parish community as resource and solace for people who spend much of their lives on streets and sidewalks and in doorways. Father Dan, our rector and parish priest, spends part of every day walking in the parish and meeting people where they are. 

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The term "parish" is an important one in Anglo-Catholicism. Our members - the people on the rolls and who regularly attend and give - belong to the congregation. The parish is the geographical area where the church sits, and parishioners, therefore, are the people who live within these bounds. This means we have an intentional interest in the lives and interests of our neighbors. People who otherwise would never consider entering the church building often engage with Father Dan and consider him their priest.  Many of these neighbors live stable and prosperous lives; others live on the edge. We consider all of them important. 

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Finding the Body of Christ in our neighbors, especially the disinherited and dispossessed, helps give life to the way we worship God within our church building. Our Anglo-Catholic way of worship involves all the senses, is deeply sacramental, and rooted in Gospel justice. The sacrifice of the Mass is central to our identity, so we gather six days a week to share in the Body and Blood of Christ. The Daily Offices of Morning and Evening Prayer feed us with the psalms, the scriptures, and the time-tested canticles and collects. We take time for personal devotional prayer and contemplative practice during Holy Hour.

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Father Dan is a member of the Society of Catholic Priests of North America - a body within the Episcopal Church (and the Anglican Church of Canada) who commit to live into the beliefs and practices listed above. His understanding of the priesthood, and All Saints' long tradition of Anglo-Catholicism, is what impels us to offer such a robust calendar of services and to encourage him to spend a goodly amount of time ministering on the streets of our parish. 

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