Guidance, prayers, and liturgies for congregations and communities of the Diocese of Los Angeles. English and Spanish editions are linked where available.
Eucharistic guidance
Recent pastoral letters and guidance for worship, available in English and Spanish.
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Pastoral Letter on Eucharistic Practice · April 2025
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Communion from Reserved Sacrament
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Current Guidelines on Distribution of Communion
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Pastoral Letter on Holy Eucharist · July 2023
Resources from The Episcopal Church
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Resources for Common Prayer
Authorized liturgical resources, answers to frequently asked questions, and related links.
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Spanish and French Prayer Book translations
Certified translations of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, called for by the 2018 General Convention and prepared under the supervision of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music.
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Existing Liturgies
Links to liturgies authorized or published by The Episcopal Church, including inclusive marriage rites approved for trial use.
Resources from the Diocese of Los Angeles
Healing after wildfire devastation
In response to the devastation across the diocese in the wake of the January fires, the Commission on Liturgy & Music is compiling and creating liturgical resources for prayer, reflection, and healing for individuals, communities, and congregations. To offer prayers, liturgies, or reflections for inclusion, contact Canon Susan Russell at srussell@ladiocese.org.
Blue Christmas
A Blue Christmas service offers comfort and support to people experiencing grief, loss, or sadness during the holiday season. These liturgies create space for reflection, healing, and remembrance.
Prayers for Peace in a Time of War
Compiled by the Commission on Liturgy & Music.
Juneteenth
The 2021 meeting of Diocesan Convention adopted a resolution establishing Juneteenth as a diocesan observance beginning June 19, 2022. The resolution also directed the Los Angeles deputation to General Convention to work toward including the holiday in Lesser Feasts and Fasts. Read about the 2023 diocesan celebration.
LGBTQ+ resources
Resources to enhance worship with the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and throughout the year.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Prayers and liturgies for the annual observance on November 20.
Season of Creation
Many communities across the Anglican Communion celebrate a Season of Creation in the fall, often including the feast of St. Francis. With Bishop Taylor’s permission, the diocese offers resources curated by the Creation Care Leadership Circle of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts and authorized for use by several Episcopal bishops. Other resources are available from the Church of England and the Anglican Church of South Africa. These liturgies encourage worship that centers “this fragile earth, our island home.”
Independence Day
An Independence Day Service of Lessons & Carols, offered by the Very Reverend Kay Sylvester of St. Paul’s, Tustin.
Bishops United Against Gun Violence
Liturgical resources to pray in remembrance, lament, mourning, and hope for peace.
Commemoration of the Ordination of the Philadelphia Eleven · July 29
The Episcopal Church marks the ordination of the first women priests on its liturgical calendar each July 29. These resources provide a description of the commemoration with suggested prayers and lessons. The Lectionary Page also lists the feast day.
Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead
Christians in parts of Mexico and Central America keep All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) with special devotions to honor and pray for the dead. These practices have spread into other languages and cultures. Communities observing the tradition for the first time are encouraged to adapt it to their needs and talk with people who have experience with it.
Communities observing El Día de los Muertos may consider these principles:
- Adorn an altar or sacred space in a home, church, or cemetery to remember the dead. Photographs of those remembered are traditionally displayed. Provide a nearby place for prayer.
- Offer prayers and thanksgivings for the dead. The burial rites and propers for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day offer prayer resources.