Grace celebrates medieval Mass

Talk about it

Everyone is invited to lighten up the Dark Ages by celebrating a medieval Mass and eating a medieval banquet at 5 p.m. March 31 at Grace Episcopal Church.

“Our building looks medieval, and our church is ultimately based on a church from England (that) draws a lot of inspiration from the Middle Ages,” said the Rev. Kevin Goodrich, Grace’s pastor. “… and it’s fun. There’s not necessarily a deep theological reason for it.”

The idea came to Grace a few years ago, and the church decided to give the medieval event a try this year for the first time, Goodrich said.

Tim Bratton, a historian and professor at Jamestown College, will speak about what life in the Middle Ages was like.

The Mass itself will include elements of a typical medieval service, although it will be in English rather than Latin.

Back then, Goodrich said, people leading the worship service faced the altar, not the congregation, and there will probably be some incense.

The prayers said will be ones used during that time period, and vestments and robes will be similar to what would have been worn during the medieval age.

The order of the service will also be the same as it was in the Middle Ages — some of it hasn’t actually changed that much, Goodrich noted.

The meal will include some foods, such as stews, that would have been eaten during the medieval period, and there will be historical trivia at the tables.

Attendees are encouraged to wear medieval costumes, like they would for a Renaissance festival, though historical accuracy is certainly not a requirement. Costumes aren’t required, either.

“It’s going to be eclectic as far as what people wear,” Goodrich said. “I’ve seen Harry Potter outfits at Renaissance fairs.”

A group of dancers has been tentatively scheduled, and there may be period music, too.

“We’re just trying it this year. We could see it evolving” into a larger event, Goodrich said. “It’s just an opportunity for people to have a good time.”

Anyone interested in volunteering to help or provide era-appropriate music or performance, can call the church office at 252-4499, or e-mail graceepisco

paloffice@yahoo.com.

“Everybody can come. It is an actual worship service,” Goodrich added. “No belief is required to participate.”

Sun reporter Kari Lucin can be reached at 701-952-8453

or by email at klucin@jamestownsun.com

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