Rite 3

The nickname given to “An Order for Celebrating the Holy Eucharist” (BCP, pp. 400-405). This rite is in the form of an outline that allows the participants to prepare many of the liturgical texts that will be used in the eucharistic celebration while maintaining the same basic structure of the eucharistic liturgy that is found in other rites. The other eucharistic liturgies are designated “Rite 1” (traditional) or “Rite 2” (contemporary). “Rite 3” liturgies are “not intended for use at the principal Sunday or weekly celebration of the Holy Eucharist” (BCP, p. 400). The outline format of the rite allows flexibility that may be very appropriate for special occasions such as small weekday celebrations of the eucharist, and liturgies with a particular thematic emphasis or concern. The BCP provides two forms for the Great Thanksgiving in the Order for Eucharist. The BCP also allows flexibility in the services for marriage and burial. Outlines for these services are provided by “An Order for Marriage” (p. 435) and “An Order for Burial” (p. 506).