Worship
Regular Sunday worship at All Souls' is the Holy Eucharist, also known as the Lord's Supper or the mass. We are a liturgically traditional parish that follows the 1979 Book of Common Prayer (Rite II) and observes seasons and rituals celebrated by Christians for nearly two millennia. We offer other styles of worship and devotion at other times of the week.
The service includes readings from Scripture, a sermon, and prayers. This leads to Holy Communion, where we share bread and wine, which is the real presence of Jesus Christ among us.
Our Services
Spoken Eucharist
Sundays at 8 am
This liturgy is quiet and reflective, with no music accompanying the service. Otherwise, this service is identical to the 10:15 Eucharist and usually lasts about 50 minutes. Coffee hour and fellowship follow every week.
Eucharist with Music
Sundays at 10:15 am
This liturgy is family-oriented, featuring congregational hymns and anthems sung by the choir with organ accompaniment. Many parents and grandparents bring their little ones to this service, which typically lasts about 70 minutes. Coffee hour and fellowship follow every week.
Morning Prayer
Tuesdays at 9:30 am
This service draws attendees from our parish, across the USA, and from the United Kingdom. We gather via Zoom for psalms, Scripture, and prayers in the classic Anglican tradition. Our time together usually lasts about 30 minutes.
Mid-Week Eucharist
Thursdays at 9:30 am
This is a quiet, spoken liturgy that varies very little throughout the year. Each week, we commemorate one of the many saints of the Church—ranging from biblical times to the 20th century—through readings and a brief homily. This service usually lasts about 30 minutes.
Celtic Mass
Saturdays at 5 pm
This 50-minute Celtic service emphasizes the goodness of God and all creations, including us! We read the Sunday lessons and engage in rich conversation instead of a formal sermon. Prayers are drawn from liturgical resources in Scotland, Ireland, and England.
Evensong
Quarterly on Sundays at 5 pm
Choral Evensong, based on the 1662 English Book of Common Prayer, is a traditional Anglican service. It includes psalms, hymns, scripture readings, prayers, and music sung by a choir, and is intended to conclude the day with prayer and thanksgiving. A light reception usually follows.
Music at All Souls'
Music is at the core of All Souls' worship life, rooted in the rich Anglican choral tradition, both ancient and modern, with an unwavering commitment to excellence. Through our musical heritage, we aim to inspire hearts and minds with God's glory while respecting our diverse congregation and community.
All Souls' is blessed with the musical leadership of two choirs. The Parish Choir, which includes several paid section leaders and many adult volunteers, performs most Sundays from September through May and rehearses on Thursday evenings. The Choristers, for children ages 8-16, rehearse on Wednesday afternoons, learning Anglican choral traditions, music theory basics, and choral performance techniques. The Choristers sing one Sunday each month during the school year.
Music Ministry Team
Ruben Valenzuela, Director of Music & Organist
Spencer Velky, Gouraud Assistant Organist
STAFF SINGERS
Anne Whattoff, Soprano
Anne-Marie Dicce, Soprano
Libby Weber, Soprano & Alto
Corey LeMaster-Hable, Alto
Brad Fox, Tenor
Samuel Buse, Tenor
Phil Simon, Bass
GOURAUD CHORAL SCHOLARS
Rose Dart, Soprano
Canyon Crest Academy, San Diego
Raphael Delgado, Tenor/Bass
Bishop's School, La Jolla
Ethan Modigh, Tenor
Sacraments
The Sacraments are outward and visible signs of the inward and spiritual grace of Christ. His grace is never absent or unavailable, but in the Sacraments we surely experience—recollect, abide in and are transformed by—God’s grace. Some Sacraments are one-time only; some are occasional; and some are frequent: But all are one and the same grace. If you have questions about the Sacraments or would like to learn how you may receive one, please contact Father Douglas.
Baptism
Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith in the Christian community, cleansing sin and initiating us into God's family through water and the Holy Spirit. It unites us with Christ and welcomes us into the Church, offering forgiveness and new life. Baptism is usually celebrated during the main Eucharist on Sundays, except in special circumstances. To schedule or prepare for Baptism, please contact Fr. Douglas. Whether considering baptism for yourself or your child, or simply wanting to learn more, we invite you to join our community and explore this transformative journey of faith.
Eucharist
The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper, is a central sacrament in the Episcopal tradition. Jesus instituted it at the Last Supper with his disciples, involving the partaking of his Body and Blood in the form of blessed bread and wine. Through the Eucharist, Episcopalians believe they participate in the real presence of Christ, receiving spiritual nourishment and unity with God and one another. All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion, as Baptism is full initiation into Christ’s Church. (If you do not eat bread or consume wine, it is considered full communion to partake of only one.) Others are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing from the priest.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a sacrament in which baptized individuals publicly affirm their commitment to Christianity and receive the Holy Spirit's presence. It strengthens their connection to the Church and marks a significant step in their spiritual journey. A bishop performs Confirmation during the annual parish visitation or at another time in the church year. Individuals confirmed in another Christian tradition can be received into the Episcopal Church by the bishop. Please speak with Fr. Douglas if you would like to learn more.
Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant between two individuals, witnessed by the faith community and blessed by God. It celebrates love, commitment, and mutual support, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church. Couples embark on a lifelong journey together, supported by their community and the Holy Spirit. In the Episcopal Church, the Sacrament of Marriage is available to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. All Souls' is honored to be a place where couples begin this holy commitment. Due to spiritual preparation, weddings are generally scheduled at least six months in advance, though exceptions may be made. Please contact Fr. Douglas for more information.
Reconciliation (Pendence)
Reconciliation is a sacrament in which individuals confess their sins to God and receive absolution through the ministry of a priest, offering spiritual healing and renewal. It provides an opportunity to reconcile with God, receive assurance and pardon, and experience His grace and forgiveness. Individuals who wish to receive Reconciliation may make an appointment with Fr. Douglas at any time.
Ministration to the Sick (Unction)
Ministration involves a priest’s laying on of hands and anointing with blessed oil for someone who is sick, whether in body, mind, or spirit. It provides God’s grace and calls upon the Holy Spirit’s healing, comforting, and sustaining powers. Ministration is appropriate for any situation where sickness (dis-ease) affects one’s life, not just when death approaches. If you would like to receive Ministration or arrange it for someone else, please contact Fr. Douglas.
Ordination
For individuals called to holy orders (as deacon, priest, or bishop) and whose calling has been confirmed by the Church, ordination is the Sacrament through which they receive authority from God. This authority is granted through prayer and the laying on of the bishop’s hands.
Burial
Although it is not a Sacrament in the Episcopal Church, Burial is a celebration of a Christian’s resurrection to eternal life through death. At its heart, it is an Easter liturgy, filled with joy and hope. However, death is also a time of loss and grief, as exemplified by Jesus weeping at the death of his friend Lazarus. Therefore, these rites not only honor the life of the departed but also seek to comfort and reassure those who mourn. If death seems imminent and it is possible, please contact Fr. Douglas as soon as possible. Otherwise, please reach out to him promptly after death has occurred to begin making appropriate arrangements.
Kids in Worship
Children of all ages are welcome at our services. All Souls' has a 'Prayground' area designed for toddlers and elementary school children, featuring a table in the front left side of the sanctuary with puzzles, coloring books, and other activities to keep little ones engaged during worship. This area is supervised by Ms. Alex, our Children, Youth, and Family Minister. Additionally, our children's chapel at 10:15 a.m. offers special lessons for kids during the sermon, after which they rejoin their families for communion.
We also provide nursery care for children up to age 6 every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., staffed by qualified professionals near the flagpole entrance of our Community Building.
1475 Catalina Blvd,
San Diego, CA 92107
(619) 223-6394