The Purpose of the Society

The purpose of the Anglican Use Society is to promote the usage of the liturgical practices contained in The Book of Divine Worship and evangelical outreach to members of the Anglican Communion seeking union with the Roman Catholic Church as provided in the special pastoral provision for the Anglican Use.

The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council 1962-1965 spoke with genuine appreciation of the legitimate elements of the patrimony of piety of many of our separated brethren, and expressed the hope that these elements would eventually find a home in the future, reunited Church. The Anglican Use, provided for by Pope John Paul II, seeks to realize that hope, and the Anglican Use Society exists to further it.

The Anglican Use Society seeks to promote an understanding of the special pastoral provision both within and outside of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pastoral Provision for Anglicans in the Catholic Church provides for the erection of common identity personal parishes preserving the distinctive character of Anglican worship and parish life. 

The Society seeks to promote the usage of The Book of Divine Worship as approved for the use of common identity congregations in the Catholic Church in this country.  This book combines elements of the 1928 and 1979 American Book of Common Prayer with some prayers from the Sacramentary used in the Catholic Church.  The use of this book is what is commonly referred to as the Anglican Use.  It includes the Mass, the Daily Office, The Psalter, The Daily Office Lectionary, The Litany, Propers, and Offices for Baptism, Matrimony, and Burial.

The Anglican Use Society will also encourage among its members the regular use of The Book of Divine Worship as part of their private prayers by incorporating the forms from Morning and Evening prayer on a daily basis.

The Society also seeks to join with both Catholics and Anglicans to promote the Anglican Use as a way to facilitate union with Rome among members of the Anglican Communion.