PARISH NOTES

Sunday 2 April 2017

Giovanni di Paolo, The Raising of Lazarus (Detail), 1426
Walters Art Museum, Baltimore

FROM THE RECTOR

The Gospel of John's account of the raising of Lazarus, read on the Fifth Sunday of Lent in Year A, emphasizes the mounting tension between Jesus and the religious authorities that will soon lead to his betrayal, arrest, crucifixion, and death. One crucial point is that Jesus suffers not for wrongdoing, but for having done good deeds. This highlights not only that his suffering and death is unjust, but also that the price of doing what is right can be high indeed. Still, our Lord assures us that if we follow him faithfully, he will remain faithful to us, and bring us through whatever trials we must undergo on account of our obedience to him.
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Lent 5, Year A
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 130
Romans 8:6-11
John 11:1-45

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lenten Supper and Series – Our series of presentations on “Charles Chapman Grafton and the Genesis of America Anglo-Catholicism” concludes this evening. Following Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm, and Supper at 6, Phoebe Pettingell will give a talk entitled “Grafton and Father Fiske: S. Stephen’s, Sisterhoods, and Ritualism.” We will conclude by 8 pm.

Commemoration of April Departed – Those on the parish Year’s Mind list whose anniversaries fall during April will be prayed for at the Mass tomorrow evening, Monday 6 April at 6 pm. If you have names of departed family or friends to be remembered, please send them to Fr. Alexander at rector@sstephens.necoxmail.com and come join us if you can.

Stations of the Cross – concludes this Friday evening. We gather in the Lady Chapel at 6 pm. All are welcome and cordially invited to participate in this moving devotion as we prepare for Holy Week.

Bring your bells – Traditionally, bells are rung at the beginning of the Gloria in excelsis at the liturgies of both Maundy Thursday and Easter Vigil. If you have a bell at home, please bring it and join in.

Vigil at the Altar of Repose – There is a signup sheet in the narthex for the Vigil at the Altar of Repose, which begins on Maundy Thursday, 13 April, after the completion of the 7:30 pm Liturgy, and ends at midnight. Come watch with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane.

Easter Vigil Reception – Trays of ready-to-serve savory and sweet treats are needed for the reception following Easter Vigil (15 April) in the Library. If you can prepare something, please contact Cory MacLean at 421-6702, ext.1, or send email to the parish office at office@sstephens.necoxmail.com.

Easter Flowers – If you would like to make a flower offering at Easter – in thanksgiving or in memoriam - please fill out the enclosed envelope and either put it in the offering plate or return it to the parish office no later than Tuesday 4 April.

Acolyte Rehearsals for Holy Week and Easter – The schedule of rehearsals is as follows. Acolytes: please check your assignments on the rota and make sure to mark on your calendars the following rehearsal days and times:

   Liturgy                    Date of Service        Rehearsal
   Palm Sunday            4/9/17                    Sat. 4/8 at 10:00 am
   Maundy Thursday     4/13/17                  Mon. 4/10 at 6:30 pm
   Good Friday             4/14/17                  Weds. 4/12 at 6:30 pm
   Easter Vigil              4/15/17                   Sat. 4/15 at 9:00 am
                                                                 (Includes helping set up)
   Easter Day               4/16/17                   Sun. 4/16 at 9:00 am

Robert Hale Ives Jr. Legacy Society – We are pleased to report that so far we have received enrollments from the following individuals: Fr. Norman and Zulette Catir; Brian Ehlers; Beverly Myers; Phoebe Pettingell; Frank R. Pisaturo II. If you submitted an enrollment form and your name does not appear in the foregoing, please accept our apologies and let Fr. Alexander know right away. Brochures explaining the Society's purpose with the enrollment forms are available in the Narthex.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Mark, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Katherine, Sally, John, Ed, Virginia, Kirsten, Beverly, Deborah, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Carlos, Rhoda, Ned, William, and James.

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Roy Sumner Bent, Sr. (4 April 1986), Kathryne Farnum Ripley (6 April 1990), and Paul Joseph Conley (8 April 2000); Recently Departed: Jeannie Duquette, Joy Swatos, and the Rev. Douglas Woodridge, SSC.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Mityana (Uganda): The Rt. Rev’d Stephen Kaziimba; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Bishop and members of his staff.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo SD R Noble; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer S Brazil; Torches G Benziger, C Sylvia
Lector – P Pettingell
Ushers – C Martel, S Newby
Coffee Hour – M Johnson and family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 2 April 

Lenten Series (following 5:30 Evening Prayer and 6 pm dinner)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Monday 3 April
Epiphany Soup Kitchen Board Meeting 7 pm

Saturday 8 April
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

April 2

FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT (V)

Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office Lectionary: Week of Lent V, Year One
Daily Mass Lectionary: Week of Lent V

April 3

Monday in V Lent (V)

(Richard, Bishop of Chichester, 1253)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass (with Commemoration of April Departed) 6 pm

April 4

Tuesday in V Lent (V)

(Isidore, Archbishop of Seville, Teacher, 636)
(Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil Rights Leader, Martyr, 1968)

Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

April 5

Wednesday in V Lent (V)

(Vincent Ferrer, Priest, Dominican Friar, Missionary, 1419)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

April 6

Thursday in V Lent (V)

Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

April 7

Friday in V Lent (V)

(Tikhon, Patriarch of Russia, Confessor, 1925)
(John Baptiste de la Salle, Priest, Educational Reformer, 1719)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Stations of the Cross 6 pm

April 8

Saturday in V Lent (V)

(William Augustus Muhlenberg, Priest, 1877)

Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

April 9

THE SUNDAY OF THE PASSION: PALM SUNDAY (R)

Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Liturgy of the Palms & Low Mass 8 am

Liturgy of the Palms & Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Passion 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

*EMBR=Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (April 9 – PALM SUNDAY)

Liturgy of the Palms

Matthew 21:1-11
Psalm 118:19-29

Liturgy of the Word
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11
Matthew 26:36—11:54

-->

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 26 March 2017

Christ Healing the Man Born Blind
Russian (?) Wall Painting, location & date unknown

FROM THE RECTOR

The Fourth Sunday in Lent is variously known as Laetare ("Rejoice") Sunday, Rose Sunday, Mid-Lent Sunday, and Mothering Sunday. The mood of the liturgy lightens a bit as we pause before the final weeks of Lent leading up to Holy Week. The Gospel narrative of the Healing of the Man Born Blind emphasizes that Christ is the source of all true enlightenment and understanding. It is a great joy and privilege to be able to join in the Church's worship; let's make every effort to take advantage of the opportunity to do so. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year A 
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Psalm 23
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lenten Series – continues today with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm, Supper at 6, and the series “Charles Chapman Grafton and the Genesis of America Anglo-Catholicism.” Tonight we are joined by Richard J. Mammana, Jr., Archivist of The Living Church Foundation and Director of Project Canterbury; who will give a talk entitled “Grafton and the Blessed Sacrament: A Transatlantic Chapter.” Each evening will conclude by 8 pm. For the remaining weeks, please let the parish office know if you plan to attend by calling 421-6702, ext. 1 or by email. If you are able to help with set-up, clean-up, and food preparation, please fill in the sign-up forms available at each evening. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Stations of the Cross – continues this Friday evening. We gather in the Lady Chapel at 6 pm. All are welcome and cordially invited to participate in this moving devotion.

Society of Mary – will meet this Saturday 1 April for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, and recitation of the Rosary. Everyone is invited.

Easter Flowers – If you would like to make a flower offering at Easter – in thanksgiving or in memoriam - please fill out the enclosed envelope and either put it in the offering plate or return it to the parish office no later than Tuesday 4 April.

Acolyte Rehearsals for Holy Week and Easter – The schedule of rehearsals is as follows. Acolytes: please check your assignments on the rota and make sure to mark on your calendars the following rehearsal days and times:

     Liturgy                   Date of Service        Rehearsal
     Palm Sunday           4/9/17                     Sat. 4/8 at 10:00 am
     Maundy Thursday    4/13/17                   Mon. 4/10 at 6:30 pm

     Good Friday            4/14/17                   Weds. 4/12 at 6:30 pm
     Easter Vigil             4/15/17                   Sat. 4/15 at 9:00 am

                                                                   (Includes helping set up)

     Easter Day               4/16/17                  Sun. 4/16 at 9:00 am

Robert Hale Ives Jr. Legacy Society -- We are pleased to report that so far we have received enrollments from the following individuals: Fr. Norman and Zulette Catir; Brian Ehlers; Beverly Myers; Phoebe Pettingell; Frank R. Pisaturo II. If you submitted an enrollment form and your name does not appear in the foregoing, please accept our apologies and let Fr. Alexander know right away. Brochures explaining the Society's purpose and containing enrollment forms are available in the Narthex.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Mark, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Katherine, Sally, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Kirsten, Beverly, Deborah, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Carlos, Rhoda, Ned, William, James, and Weldon.

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Bette Drayton (26 March 2004), Dorothy Adams Bellman (27 March 2005), Mary Weis (29 March 1993), Charles John McCloughan (30 March 1998), Elizabeth Kershaw (31 March 2007), and Richard Sherman Nutt (1 April 2006); Recently Departed: Jeannie Duquette, Joy Swatos, and the Rev. Douglas Woodridge, SSC.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Mexico: The Rt. Rev’d Carlos Touche-Porter; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for those called to serve God and God’s people as deacons and the many ministries that they support.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC S Brazil SD D Malo; Thurifer Z Painter; Crucifer R Noble; Torches L Rejto, R Callanan
Lector – M Johnson
Ushers – F Pisaturo, B Lennihan
Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 26 March
Lenten Series (following 5:30 Evening Prayer and 6 pm dinner)

Saturday 1 April
Society of Mary (following Mass & Recitation of the Rosary)

Sunday 2 April
Lenten Series (following 5:30 Evening Prayer and 6 pm dinner)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 1 April
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 26 March
THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT (Rose)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office Lectionary: Week of Lent IV, Year One
Daily Mass Lectionary: Week of Lent IV

Monday 27 March
Monday in IV Lent (V)
(Charles Henry Brent, Bishop of the Philippines, and of Western New York, 1922)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 28 March
Tuesday in IV Lent (V)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 29 March
Wednesday in IV Lent (V)
(John Keble, Priest, Tractarian, 1866)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 30 March
Thursday in IV Lent (V)
(Innocent of Alaska, Bishop, 1879)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 31 March
Friday in IV Lent (V)
(John Donne, Priest, Poet, 1631)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Stations of the Cross 6 pm

Saturday 1 April
Saturday in IV Lent (V)
(Frederick Denison Maurice, Priest, Teacher, 1872)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Holy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 2 April

THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

*EMBR=Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (2 April)

Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 130
Romans 8:6-11
John 11:1-45

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 19 March 2017

Guercino, Christ and the Samaritan Woman at the Well, 1640-1641

FROM THE RECTOR

In the traditional Rite of the Western Church, during the Season of Lent, the Gospel readings were taken from the Gospel according to St. John and involved themes of repentance, enlightenment, conversion, and new life. Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary follows this ancient pattern, giving us on the Third Sunday of Lent St. John's account of Our Lord's meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well. After her conversation with Jesus, she tells the townsfolk of her city: "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did." The encounter with Jesus is life-changing. Come, see ... -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Lent 3, Year A

Exodus 17:1-7

Psalm 95

Romans 5:1-11

John 4:5-42

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Guest Preacher – This morning we welcome the Rev'd Steve Rice, Rector of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Fr. Rice gave the addresses at our Lenten Quiet Day yesterday. We are very glad to have him with us.

Lenten Series – Our Lenten Series continues today with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm, Supper at 6, and the series “Charles Chapman Grafton and the Genesis of America Anglo-Catholicism.” Tonight we are joined by the Rev'd Andrew C. Mead, Rector Emeritus of St. Thomas Fifth Avenue, NYC. Fr. Mead served as Rector of the Church of the Advent, Boston, from 1985 to 1996; and his talk is on "Grafton the Parish Priest: Native Son of Boston and Fourth Rector of the Advent 1872-1888." Each evening concludes by 8 pm. For future weeks, please let the parish office know if you plan to attend by calling 421-6702, ext. 1 or by email. If you are able to help with set-up, clean-up, and food preparation, please fill in the sign-up forms available at each evening. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The Annunciation (March 25) – This Saturday morning, March 25th we will offer Sung Mass for the Feast of the Annunciation at 11 am. (Please note that Morning Prayer will be said at 9 am as usual, but 9:30 Low Mass will be replaced by the 11 am service.)

Stations of the Cross – continues this Friday evening. We gather in the Lady Chapel at 6 pm. All are welcome and cordially invited to attend and participate in this moving devotion.

Easter Flowers – If you would like to make a flower offering at Easter – in thanksgiving or in memoriam - please fill out the enclosed envelope and either put it in the offering plate or return it to the parish office no later than Tuesday 4 April.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Jeannie, Mark, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Katherine, Sally, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Kirsten, Beverly, Deborah, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Carlos, Rhoda, Ned, William, James, and Weldon.

Birthdays this week: Betty Jane Berberian (21 March), Ernest Drew III (22 March), and Barbara Viti (22 March).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Edna Brazil (19 March 2008), Richard A. Mayforth (22 March 1998), Corinne Esther Joslin (23 March 1984), and Virginia Marie Disley (24 March 1990). Recently Departed: Joy Swatos.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Mbale (Uganda): The Rt. Rev’d Patrick Gidudu; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of the Church of the Beloved, Pascoag.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC  F Pisaturo; SD W Dilworth; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches K Rejto, C Sylvia 

Lector – RG Noble

Ushers – L Verdelotti, S Brazil

Coffee Hour – P Fuller, T Oakes, K Williams

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 19 March

Lenten Series (following 5:30 Evening Prayer and 6 pm dinner)

Sunday 26 March

Lenten Series (following 5:30 Evening Prayer and 6 pm dinner)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 18 March
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 19 March
THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT (V) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Solemn Mass 10 am

Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office Lectionary: Week of Lent III, Year One
Daily Mass Lectionary: Week of Lent III

Monday 20 March
SAINT JOSEPH (Transferred) (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 21 March

Tuesday in III Lent (V)

(Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1556)
Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 22 March

Wednesday in II Lent (V)

(James de Koven, Priest, 1879)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm 

Thursday 23 March

Thursday in III Lent (V)

(Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop and Missionary of Armenia, c. 332)
Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 24 March

Friday in III Lent (V)

(Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvator, Martyr, 1980)

(Gabriel, Archangel)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Stations of the Cross 6 pm

Saturday 25 March
THE ANNUNCIATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W or Blue)

Morning Prayer 9 am

Sung Mass, 11 am

Sunday 26 March

THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT (Rose) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Solemn Mass 10 am

Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

*EMBR=Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (19 March)

Lent 4, Year A

1 Samuel 16:1-13
Psalm 23
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 12 March 2017

Patriarch Abraham
Wall or ceiling panel, provenance unknown

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday's readings emphasize the theme of faith and belief. At the Lord's Word, Abram goes out from his own country, trusting in God's promise that he will be the ancestor of a great nation in whom all the nations of the earth will be blessed. Paul comments, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." And Jesus himself declares: "God gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." The life of the Church is a journey of faith that we undertake together, in love for God and one another, and with hope in God's promise of eternal life for those who believe. Come walk with us on the journey.  --  Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Lent 2, Year A

Genesis 12:1-4a

Psalm 121

Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

John 3:1-17

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lenten Series – Our Lenten Series continues today with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm, Supper at 6, and the series “Charles Chapman Grafton and the Genesis of America Anglo-Catholicism.” Tonight we are joined by Canon Matthew Payne, Historiographer of the Diocese of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, who will give a talk entitled “Grafton and Fond du Lac: Catholicity, Prayer, Will Power, and Money.” Each evening will conclude by 8 pm. For future weeks, please let the parish office know if you plan to attend by calling 421-6702, ext. 1 or sending email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. If you are able to help with set-up, clean-up, and food preparation, please fill in the sign-up forms available at each evening. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Stations of the Cross – continues this Friday evening. We gather in the Lady Chapel at 6 pm. All are welcome and cordially invited to attend and participate in this moving devotion.

Lenten Quiet Day – On Saturday 18 March, we will offer our annual Lenten Quiet Day, with meditations by The Rev. Steve Rice, Rector of Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The day begins with Morning Prayer at 9 am, followed by Low Mass and a light breakfast. Silence begins at 10:30 am with Fr. Rice’s first meditation. Following a second meditation we will celebrate Angelus and Noonday Prayer at 12:15, followed by luncheon, a final meditation and tea and discussion at 2 pm. The suggested donation is $15 per person, payable on the day. Please let the parish office know in advance if you plan to attend; via phone 421-6702, ext. 1 or email office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Easter Flowers – If you would like to make a flower offering at Easter – in thanksgiving or in memoriam - please fill out the enclosed envelope and either put it in the offering plate or return it to the parish office no later than Tuesday 4 April.

The Annunciation (March 25) – On Saturday morning, March 25th we will offer Sung Mass for the Feast of the Annunciation at 11 am. (Please note that Morning Prayer will be said at 9 am as usual, but 9:30 Low Mass will be replaced by the 11 am service.)

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Jeannie, Mark, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Katherine, Sally, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Kirsten, Beverly, Deborah, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Carlos, Rhoda, Ned, James, and Weldon.

Birthdays this week: Jon Berberian (18 March). 

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: George Freemont Bliven (13 March 1983), Elizabeth Grinnell Allen (13 March 1985), Eleanor Retallick (15 March 2009), and Betty Louise Claunch (18 March 1990). 

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Maseno South (Kenya): The Rt. Rev’d Francis Abiero; Maseno West (Kenya): The Rt. Rev’d Joseph Wasonga; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for clergy widows and widowers of the Diocese.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC D Malo SD F Pisaturo; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer S Brazil; 

Torches V Johnson, L Rejto

Lector – J Steiny

Ushers – TBA

Coffee Hour – K & K Benziger

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 12 March

Lenten Series (following 5:30 Evening Prayer and 6 pm dinner)

Tuesday 14 March

Vestry Meeting 7 pm

Saturday 18 March

Lenten Quiet Day – 9 am to 2 pm

Sunday 18 March

Lenten Series (following 5:30 Evening Prayer and 6 pm dinner)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 18 March

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 12 March

THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT (V) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Solemn Mass 10 am

Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office Lectionary: Week of Lent II, Year One

Daily Mass Lectionary: Week of Lent II

Monday 13 March

Monday in II Lent (V)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 14 March

Tuesday in II Lent (V)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 15 March

Wednesday in II Lent (V)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm 

Thursday 16 March

Thursday in II Lent (V)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 17 March

Friday in II Lent (V)

(Patrick, Bishop of Armagh, Patron of Ireland, c. 460)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Stations of the Cross 6 pm

Saturday 18 March

Saturday in II Lent (V)

(Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem, 386)

(Edward, King and Martyr, 978)

Morning Prayer 9 am

Low Mass 9:30 am

Angelus & Noonday Prayer 12 noon

Sunday 19 March

THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT (V) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Solemn Mass 10 am

Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

*EMBR=Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (19 March)

Lent 3, Year A

Exodus 17:1-7

Psalm 95

Romans 5:1-11

John 4:5-42

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 5 March 2017

The Temptation of Christ, from the St. Alban's Psalter
(Hildsesheim), 1120-1145

FROM THE RECTOR

The Season of Lent affords an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the basic spiritual practices of the Christian life: coming to Mass, saying our prayers, studying Scripture and the lives of the Saints, helping those in need. Our Lenten programs at S. Stephen's are designed to provide multiple opportunities for spiritual renewal and enrichment. If you have fallen away, this is your invitation to rejoin us as we undertake the Lenten journey. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

First Sunday in Lent, Year A
Genesis 2:15-17,3:1-7
Psalm 32
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commemoration of March Departed – Those on the parish Year’s Mind list whose anniversaries fall during March will be prayed for at the Mass tomorrow evening, Monday 6 March at 6 pm. If you have names of departed family or friends to be remembered, please send them to Fr. Alexander at rector@sstephens.necoxmail.com and come join us if you can.

Lenten Series – begins this evening. Join us for Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm, Supper at 6, and the series “Charles Chapman Grafton and the Genesis of America Anglo-Catholicism.” Fr. Alexander will launch the series with a talk entitled “Grafton and Religious Orders.” Each evening will conclude by 8 pm. For future weeks, please let the parish office know if you plan to attend and if you are able to help with set-up, clean-up, and food preparation, by calling 421-6702, ext. 1 or by email. All are welcome and invited to attend.

Stations of the Cross – continues this Friday evening. We gather in the Lady Chapel at 6 pm. All are cordially invited to attend and participate in this moving devotion.

Society of Mary – will meet this Saturday 11 March for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, and recitation of the Rosary. Everyone is invited.

Lenten Quiet Day – On Saturday 18 March, we will offer our annual Lenten Quiet Day, with meditations by The Rev. Steve Rice, Rector of Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The day begins with Morning Prayer at 9 am, followed by Low Mass and a light breakfast. Silence begins at 10:30 am with Fr. Rice’s first meditation. Following a second meditation we will celebrate Angelus and Noonday Prayer at 12:15, followed by luncheon, a final meditation and tea and discussion at 2 pm. The suggested donation is $15 per person, payable on the day. Please let the parish office know in advance if you plan to attend; via phone 421-6702, ext. 1 or by email. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Rector’s Book – After Mass Fr. Alexander will have copies of his recently published book of Lenten weekday homilies, Springtime of the Spirit, for sale at $10 each. (Cash is welcome, or please make checks payable to “John D. Alexander” – thanks.)

Easter Flowers – If you would like to make a flower offering at Easter – in thanksgiving or in memoriam - please fill out the enclosed envelope and either put it in the offering plate or return it to the parish office no later than Tuesday 4 April.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Jeannie, Mark, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Katherine, Sally, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Kirsten, Beverly, Deborah, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Carlos, Rhoda, Ned, James, and Weldon.

Birthdays this week: George Ryan (6 March), Bill Dilworth (9 March), and Tom Oakes (11 March).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Josephine Garrett Brown (7 March 1989), Hilda Grace Stevens (7 March 1991), Ruth Hannah Godfrey (9 March 1987), Donald S. Chase (11 March 1998), and Frank Chace (11 March 1993). Recently Departed: Sally Hunt Cooper.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Marathwada (North India): The Rt. Rev’d Madhukar Kasab; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for those who are preparing to serve God as ordained ministers in the church.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC R Noble SD Z Painter; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer S Brazil; Torches K Rejto, C Sylvia
Lector – E Alexander
Ushers – B Lennihan
Coffee Hour – L Latimer & E Hooks

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 5 March
Lenten Series (following 5:30 Evening Prayer and 6 pm dinner)

Saturday 11 March
Society of Mary (following Mass and Recitation of the Rosary)

Sunday 12 March
Lenten Series (following 5:30 Evening Prayer and 6 pm dinner)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 11 March
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 5 March
THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office Lectionary: Week of Lent I, Year One

Daily Mass Lectionary: Week of Lent I

Monday 6 March
Monday in I Lent (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass (with Commemoration of March Departed) 6 pm

Tuesday 7 March
Tuesday in I Lent (V)
(Perpetua, Felicity, and Companions, Martyrs at Carthage, 202)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 8 March
Wednesday in I Lent (V)
(Edward King, Bishop of Lincoln, 1910)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 9 March
Thursday in I Lent (V)
(Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, c. 394)      
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 10 March
Friday in I Lent (V)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Stations of the Cross 6 pm

Saturday 11 March
Saturday in I Lent (V)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Holy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 12 March
THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

*EMBR=Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (12 March)

Second Sunday in Lent, Year A
Genesis 12:1-4a
Psalm 121
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
John 3:1-17