Devotional societies

INDIVIDUAL members of the parish participate in a number of Anglican devotional societies. For information about these societies and their role in parish life, please call 202.347.8161.

Confraternity of the
Blessed Sacrament

The oldest devotional society in the Anglican Communion, the confraternity promotes the honor due the Presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament of His Body and Blood. It also promotes the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament for communion and devotion.

The Ascension and Saint Agnes Chapter of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament holds devotions on a periodic basis. These devotions includethe Blessed Sacrament Beads and the Litany of the Blessed Sacrament. The Parish Chapter always meets for these devotions during Lent and Advent, the Feast of Corpus Christi, and the Feast of the Precious Blood as well as other times of the year. We also encourage everyone to spend time with
the Blessed Sacrament during the Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the watch at the Altar of Repose on Maundy Thursday.

Ecumenical Society of
the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Ecumenical Society of BVM "exists to advance the theological and pastoral understanding of the place of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Church and to promote ecumenical devotion." Scholarly papers and lectures are offered periodically in support of the society's objectives.

Guild of All Souls

This organization places pre-eminence in personal piety and devotion. The principal objective of the Guild is to promote the Church's teaching of intercessory prayer for the dying and for the repose of the souls of the departed. For the date and place of the Guild's annual meeting and Mass and for other information, please call 202.347.8161.

The Ascension and Saint Agnes Chapter of the Guild of All Souls holds devotions on a periodic basis. These devotions include the Rosary For the Dead, the Litany For the Faithful Departed, and the Office For the Dead. The Parish Guild always meets for these devotions during Lent and Advent and on All Souls Day as well as other times of the year.

Society of King Charles
the Martyr

Founded in England in 1894, the society witnesses to the "powerful intercession of the Royal Martyr Charles" and asks each member to honor the society's purpose to pray for the Anglican Communion, that it may continue devotion and honor to St. Charles, whose martyrdom occurred on 30 January 1649.

Society of Mary

Founded as an Anglican society to love and honor Mary, the society is dedicated to the glory of God in "honor of the Holy Incarnation under the invocation of Our Lady, Help of Christians." Originally founded in England, the society's membership is world wide. Its autonomous American Region has over 1,100 cells and wards throughout North America. Members pray for departed associates of the society and offer rosary devotion on Sundays and principal feasts of Our Lady.

The Parish Ward of the Society of Mary meets for devotions immediately following the High Solemn Mass on the first Sunday of every month. These devotions include the Dominican Rosary, the Scriptural Rosary, the Rosary of the Seven Joys (The Franciscan Crown), and the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows (The Servite Crown). The Parish Ward also sponsors annual pilgrimages to the Washington National Cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington, the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception also in Washington, and All Saints Convent in Catonsville, Maryland.

Order of St. Vincent

The Order exists to emphasize a world-wide fellowship of lay ministers associated with sanctuary service. We hold a common Rule of Life based on prayer and the Sacraments. We encourage knowledge, understanding and preservation of traditional rituals and proper liturgics. We promote mentorship among members of all ages to build a sound foundation of adult churchmanship. We pray that all lay ministers will consider their work a holy vocation. In order to accomplish these goals, we strive to promote holy living among our members and to promote loyalty, cooperation and support for our ecclesiastical leaders. We teach the complete Sacramental Faith of the Church. We encourage each other to regular attendance at the Holy Eucharist, and more careful preparation for Its reception. We promote unity and friendship among all lay ministers.