PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 1 April 2018 

Fra Angelico, Noli me tangere, 1440-1442
Convent of Saint Mark, Florence

FROM THE RECTOR

Easter Day: or more precisely, the Sunday of the Lord's Resurrection. The discovery of the empty tomb and the subsequent appearances of the Risen Lord together signify a new reality, a new future, a new hope, a new joy. For those who receive the eyewitness testimony of the women and the disciples, nothing can ever be the same again. This changes everything. Whether you are an occasional visitor to S. Stephen's or a regular worshiper in our community, we welcome you to this joyous celebration of the Queen of Feasts. Christ is risen, truly risen. Alleluia. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Easter Day, Year B
Psalm 118:1-2,14-24
Acts 10:34-43
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
John 20:1-18

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC 

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)—Missa Cellensis (Mariazeller-Messe), Hob. XXII.8

Edward C. Bairstow (1874-1946)—Sing ye to the Lord

Robert White (1538-1574)—Regina caeli

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Easter Egg Hunt – Any children wishing to participate in an egg hunt, please meet in the library immediately following the 10:00 am Solemn Mass.

Parish Magazine – The Easter 2018 issue of The S. Stephen is available for viewing and downloading here. You should have received a physical copy in the mail by this time. If you have not received a copy, extra copies are available in the Narthex. If you are not on our mailing list, please email the parish office with your details; we will be glad to hear from you.

Susan Brazil Month’s Mind – We shall be offering a Mass of the Resurrection for Junior Warden Susan Brazil (April 18, 1958 – March 8, 2018) on Saturday in Easter Week (7 April) at 10 am at S. Stephen’s. We hope that all parishioners and friends who knew and loved Susan will make a point of attending.

The Feast of the Annunciation – will be celebrated at S. Stephen’s on Monday 9 April with Sung Evensong and Mass at 5:30 pm. (In accordance with the Prayer Book rubrics, the feast has been transferred from March 25, which was Palm Sunday this year.)

Commemoration of April Departed – Prayers for those of this parish whose year’s minds fall during April will be included in the Low Mass on Monday 16 April at 6:00 pm (preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm). If you have any names to add to the list of those remembered, please email Fr. Alexander.

The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ – Please mark your calendars for a joint celebration by the three Episcopal parishes of the East Side of Providence (Saint Martin’s, Church of the Redeemer, and Saint Stephen’s) on the evening of Thursday 10 May at Saint Martin’s Church at 7 pm. More details to follow.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Geoff, Rollin, Norman, John, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, Lynne, William, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Elizabeth, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Gregory, Richard, Colin, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Jonathan, Zac, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Richard Noble (Wednesday 4/4).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Richard Sherman Nutt (1 April 2006), Roy Sumner Bent, Sr. (4 April 1986), and Kathryne Farnum Ripley (6 April 1990). Recently Departed: Gerald Ducette, Susan Brazil, Fr. LeSeure.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are mindful that: Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo; Subdeacon J Ihnen; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches K Rejto, R Callanan

Lector – E Alexander

Ushers – Phoebe Pettingell, Tom Bledsoe, George Ryan, and Bruce Lennihan (counter

Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS, & MEETINGS

Sunday 1 April
Acolyte Rehearsal (for Easter Day) 9:00 am

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 6 April
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) 7:00 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 7 April
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

1 April
SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION: EASTER DAY (Gold)
Morning Prayer 8:00 am
Low Mass 8:10 am
Solemn Mass and Procession 10:00 am

Daily Office Lectionary: Easter Week, Year Two

Daily Mass Lectionary: Easter Week

2 April
Monday in Easter Week (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

3 April
Tuesday in Easter Week (W)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

4 April
Wednesday in Easter Week (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

5 April
Thursday in Easter Week (W)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

6 April
Friday in Easter Week (W)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

7 April
Saturday in Easter Week (W)
Morning Prayer 9:00 am (Please note change in time)
Solemn Mass of the Resurrection for Susan Brazil 10:00 am

8 April
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Morning Prayer 8:00 am
Low Mass 8:10 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR 5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (8 April)

Second Sunday of Easter, Year B
Psalm 133
Acts 4:32-35
1 John 1:1-2:2
John 20:19-31

GOOD FRIDAY PARKING UPDATE

We regret to report that this year we have been unable to secure emergency no-parking on George Street for our Good Friday liturgy at 12 noon on March 30.

However, Brown University has offered us free use of the Upper Level of the Parking Garage at 111 Power Street (at Thayer and Power Streets, about a three-block walk from the Church). Our hope is that this accommodation will make it possible for many to attend. (But get there early!)

Parking for Maundy Thursday and the Easter Vigil (both at 7:30 pm) is not affected; and it being Spring Break the parking situation after working hours is pretty favorable on the streets around the Church.

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 25 March 2018

Duccio Buoninsegna, Entry into Jerusalem
Panel in Maesta Altar, Siena, Italy, 1308

FROM THE RECTOR

Palm Sunday ushers in the holiest week of the Christian Year. On this day, we celebrate two liturgies: the Liturgy of the Palms (in the Lady Chapel), and the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion (in the main Church). The two are connected by a Procession symbolically re-enacting Our Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a colt and acclaimed by the crowds as the Son of David, the King of Israel. The mood then turns somber. The Liturgy of the Lord's Passion features the solemn chanting of the Passion Gospel -- this year, that of Saint Mark -- by cantors and choir. (The Passion Gospel on Palm Sunday is always taken from the Synoptics, rotating among Matthew, Mark and Luke in the three-year cycle, whereas the Passion Gospel on Good Friday is always that of John.) The intentional irony of Palm Sunday is that the same crowds who acclaim Jesus with Hosannas at his entry into the Holy City subsequently turn against him and cry "Crucify him" at his trial before Pilate. Therein lies the question for us. We may well acclaim him as our King when all seems to be going well, but will we then turn against him when the going gets rough? The day's liturgy challenges us to examine ourselves and repent -- while there's still time -- of the many ways in which we have betrayed him and continue to do so. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Palm Sunday, Year B

Liturgy of the Palms:
Psalm 118:19-29
Mark 11:1-11

Liturgy of the Passion:
Psalm 31:9-16
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Philippians 2:5-11
Mark 14:1-15:47

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Thomas Weelkes—Hosanna to the Son of David

Plainchant—Missa II (Kyrie fons bonitatis)

Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611)—Vere languores nostros

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

Parish Magazine – The Easter 2018 issue of The S. Stephen is in the mail, and is available for viewing and downloading by clicking here.

Lenten Series – This year’s Lenten Series concludes this evening 25 March from 6 pm to 8 pm with supper and the adult education program “Growing a Rule of Life,” developed by the Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE). We conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the Lady Chapel at 8 pm.

The Triduum Sacrum, (“Sacred Three Days”) – culminating in Easter Day, is the holiest time in the Church Year. Please mark the following services in your calendars and make a point of attending:

—Maundy Thursday Liturgy – 29 March 7:30 pm

—Good Friday Liturgy – 30 March 12 pm

—Great Vigil of Easter – 31 March 7:30 pm

Maundy Thursday Watch – a sheet is available in the Narthex to sign up to spend an hour (or half an hour) in prayer before the Altar of Repose following the Maundy Thursday Liturgy. For more information on what is involved, please ask Fr. Alexander or Fr. Pearson.

Good Friday Parking – Please see the new announcement above.

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:

Maundy Thursday Wed. 3/28 at 6:30 pm
Good Friday Fri. 3/30 at 10:00 am
Easter Vigil Sat. 3/31 at 10:00 am (Includes helping set up)
Easter Day Sun. 4/16 at 9:00 am

Episcopal Ministry at Brown & RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR continues this evening in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm. Please join us in the Great Hall after for supper and the last installment of our Lenten series at 6:00 pm.

Susan Brazil Month’s Mind – We have scheduled a Mass of the Resurrection for Junior Warden Susan Brazil (April 18, 1958 – March 8, 2018) on Saturday in Easter Week (7 April) at 10 am at S. Stephen’s. We hope that all parishioners and friends of the parish who knew and loved Susan will make a point of attending.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Geoff, Rollin, Norman, John, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, Lynne, William, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Elizabeth, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Gregory, Richard, Colin, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Jonathan, Zac, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: John F. Brazil (26 March 1982), Bette Drayton (26 March 2004), Dorothy Adams Bellman (27 March 2005), Mary Weis (29 March 1993), Charles John McCloughan (30 March 1998), and Elizabeth Kershaw (31 March 2007). Recently Departed: Gerald Ducette, Susan Brazil, Fr. LeSeure.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the peace of Jerusalem All glory, laud and honor, To Thee, Redeemer, King, To Whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring: The Most Rev’d Suheil Dawani, Archbishop, Jerusalem & the Middle East & Archbishop in Jerusalem.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC J Ihnen; Subdeacon F Pisaturo; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer D Malo; Torches V Johnson, R Noble
Lector – W Dilworth
Ushers – Tom Oakes and Simon Newby (counter)
Coffee Hour – Rejto Family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS, & MEETINGS

Sunday 25 March
Lenten Discussion & Video Series  6:00-8:00 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 31 March
Orchestra Rehearsal 12 noon
Reception (following the 7:30 pm Easter Vigil)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 30 March
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) 7:00 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 31 March
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

25 March
THE SUNDAY OF THE PASSION: PALM SUNDAY (R)
Low Mass with Liturgy of the Palms 8:00 am
Liturgy of the Palms & Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Passion 10:00 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR 5:30 pm
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 8:00 pm

Daily Office Lectionary: Holy Week, Year Two

Daily Mass Lectionary: Holy Week (Year B)

26 March
MONDAY IN HOLY WEEK (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

27 March
TUESDAY IN HOLY WEEK (R)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

28 March
WEDNESDAY IN HOLY WEEK (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

29 March
MAUNDY THURSDAY (W)
Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Footwashing, Stripping of the Altars, and Procession to the Altar of Repose 7:30 pm

30 March
GOOD FRIDAY (Black/Violet)
Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, Solemn Collects, Veneration of the Cross, and Mass of the Presanctified 12 noon

31 March
HOLY SATURDAY (Violet/Gold)
Great Vigil of Easter: Lighting of the New Fire, Prophecies, Blessing of the Font, and First Mass of Easter 7:30 pm

1 April
SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION: EASTER DAY (Gold)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:10 am
Solemn Mass and Procession 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (1 April)

Easter Day, Year B
Psalm 118:1-2,14-24
Acts 10:34-43
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
John 20:1-18

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 18 March 2018

The Prophet Jeremiah
Mosaic, Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy, 6th Century

FROM THE RECTOR

The Old Testament readings this Lent have taken us through a series of Covenants that God made with his people in ancient times: the Covenant with Noah; the Covenant with Abraham; the Covenant with Moses. Throughout, God remains faithful to his promises even when his people do not. This Sunday, the last before Holy Week, we have the Prophet Jeremiah foretelling a "New Covenant" that God will write on his people's hearts. As Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is the mediator of this New Covenant, put into effect by his Death and Resurrection, and written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Come join us as we meditate on our hope in God's promises in preparation for Holy Week and Easter. 

-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year B
Psalm 51:1-13
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Hebrews 5:5-10
John 12:20-33

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC 

Plainchant—Missa XV (Dominator Deus)
Thomas Morley (1557-1602)—De profundis clamavi

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Saint Joseph (March 19th) – a major feast day of the church year, will be celebrated on Monday with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm and Low Mass at 6:00 pm. 

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.

Lenten Series – This year’s Lenten Series continues on Sunday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm with supper and the adult education program “Growing a Rule of Life,” developed by the Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE). Remaining dates are 18 and 25 March. We conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the Lady Chapel at 8 pm.

Stations of the Cross – concludes this Friday evening 23 March. We gather in the Lady Chapel at 6 pm. All are welcome and cordially invited to attend and participate in this moving devotion. 

Holy Rosary – as an extra Lenten devotion, we are reciting the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary on Saturdays in Lent following the 10 am Low Mass. All welcome: no prior experience needed! (Remaining date: this Saturday 24 March.)

Episcopal Ministry at Brown & RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR continues this evening in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm. Please join us in the Great Hall after for supper and our Lenten series at 6:00 pm.

Easter Flowers – If you would like to make a flower offering at Easter – in thanksgiving, in memoriam, or for any other intention - please fill out the enclosed envelope and either put it in the offering plate or return it to the parish office no later than Friday 23 March. Offerings and their intentions will be acknowledged in the Easter Kalendars.

Holy Week Services – the Triduum Sacrum, (“Sacred Three Days”), culminating in Easter Day, is the holiest time in the Church Year. Please mark the following services in your calendars and make a point of attending:

—Maundy Thursday Liturgy – 29 March 7:30 pm

—Good Friday Liturgy – 30 March 12 pm

—Great Vigil of Easter – 31 March 7:30 pm

Volunteers Needed – As Holy Week approaches, we need to hear from those who are willing and able to assist in the following ways: (1) have feet washed at the Maundy Thursday liturgy; (2) read one of the lessons at the Easter Vigil; (3) help organize and plan the reception following the Easter Vigil. To indicate your interest, please contact Susan Rozzero in the parish office by phone at 401-421-6702, ext. 1; or by email.

Maundy Thursday Watch – a sheet is available in the Narthex to sign up to spend an hour (or half an hour) in prayer before the Altar of Repose following the Maundy Thursday Liturgy. For more information on what is involved, please ask Fr. Alexander or Fr. Pearson.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Geoff, Rollin, Norman, John, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, Lynne, William, Gerald, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Elizabeth, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Gregory, Virginia, Richard, Colin, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Jonathan, Zac, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Jon Berberian (Sunday 3/18), Betty Jane Berberian (Wednesday 3/21), Ernest Drew III (Thursday 3/22), Barbara Viti (Thursday 3/22).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Betty Louise Claunch (18 March 1999), 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: Susan Brazil, Fr. LeSeure, Chris Steinhardt.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui: The Most Rev’d Paul Kwong, Archbishop of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui & Bishop of Hong Kong Island; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of Church of the Beloved, Pascoag.

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC TBA; Subdeacon F Pisaturo; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches R Noble, J Ihnen

Lector – J Steiny

Ushers – Chris Martel and Patricia Barnes

Coffee Hour – Tom and Cathy

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS, & MEETINGS

Sunday 18 March 

Lenten Discussion & Video Series 6:00-8:00 pm (Great Hall)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 23 March
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) 7:00 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 24 March
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

18 March 

FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT (LA)
Morning Prayer 8:00 am
Low Mass 8:10 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR 5:30 pm
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 8:00 pm

Daily Office Lectionary – Lent V, Year Two

Daily Mass Lectionary – Lent V

19 March
SAINT JOSEPH (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

20 March
Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary, 687 (W)
Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells, 1711
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

21 March
Wednesday in Lent V (V)
Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1556
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

22 March
Thursday in Lent V (V)
James de Koven, Priest, 1879
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 PM

23 March
Friday in Lent V (V)
Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop and Missionary of Armenia, c. 332
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Stations of the Cross 6:00 pm

24 March
Saturday in Lent V (V)
Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, Martyr, 1980
Gabriel, Archangel
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am
Holy Rosary 10:30 am

25 March
THE SUNDAY OF THE PASSION: PALM SUNDAY (R)
Low Mass with Liturgy of the Palms 8:00 am
Liturgy of the Palms & Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Passion 10:00 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR 5:30 pm
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 8:00 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (25 March)

Palm Sunday, Year B

Liturgy of the Palms:
Psalm 118:19-29
Mark 11:1-11

Liturgy of the Passion:
Psalm 31:9-16
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Philippians 2:5-11
Mark 14:1-15:47

SUSAN BRAZIL MEMORIAL MASS

Susan Beth Brazil (April 18, 1958 -- March 8, 2018) was a lifelong member of S. Stephen's Church. She served in a variety of roles in Church and community, including as Junior Warden of the parish for the past five years. Her unexpected and untimely death causes us all great sorrow.

At S. Stephen's we have scheduled a Month's Mind Solemn Mass of the Resurrection for Susan on Saturday in Easter Week (April 7) at 10 am. Please mark it in your calendars; all are cordially welcome and invited to attend.

Jesus Mercy, Mary Pray

Fr. John D. Alexander
Rector

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 11 March 2018

Moses and the Bronze Serpent
(Numbers 21:4-9)

FROM THE RECTOR

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is known variously as "Mid-Lent Sunday," "Mothering Sunday," "Refreshment Sunday," and "Rose Sunday." Whatever beginning we have made of our Lenten pilgrimage, it is a time to pause, regroup, and regather ourselves for the final stages of the journey towards Holy Week and Easter. Please join us this Sunday as we take strength from Word and Sacrament, holy food and drink, for the road ahead. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year B
Psalm 107:1-3,17-22
Numbers 21:4-9
Ephesians 2:1-10
John 3:14-21

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC 

Plainchant—Missa IX (Cum jubilo)
Johannes Brahms (1833 -1897)—Geistliches Lied, Op. 30

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Susan Brazil Funeral Mass – With shock and deep sadness we must report that Susan Brazil was found dead at her home early Thursday afternoon. A lifelong member of S. Stephen's, Susan served faithfully and with distinction in a variety of parish ministries, including as Acolyte, organizer of the New Year's Day Dinner, member of the Vestry, and, for the past five years, Junior Warden. She was a well-loved and irreplaceable part of our life together. The Requiem will be at S. Stephen's this Wednesday, March 14, at 10:00 am with Interment to follow at North Burial Ground. Please keep Susan, her family, and the parish in your prayers. Jesu mercy, Mary pray.

Lenten Series – This year’s Lenten Series continues on Sunday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm with supper and the adult education program “Growing a Rule of Life,” developed by the Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE). Remaining dates are 11, 18, and 25 March. We conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the Lady Chapel at 8 pm.

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.

Holy Rosary – as an extra Lenten devotion, the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary will be recited on Saturdays in Lent following the 10 am Low Mass. All welcome: no prior experience needed!

Episcopal Ministry at Brown & RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR continues this evening in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm. Please join us in the Great Hall after for supper and our Lenten series at 6:00 pm.

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 Friday 23 March. Offerings and their intentions will be acknowledged in the Easter Kalendars.

Epiphany Soup Kitchen (ESK) – S. Stephen’s next turn to provide the volunteers for the Epiphany Soup Kitchen is Saturday March 17. Our attendance has been picking up with 90 guests on the last Saturday in February and 60 last week. Please let Bruce Lennihan know if you can help. If you have any friends who might want to help, feel free to invite them. We arrive around 2:00 and finish up around 5:00.

Holy Week Services – the Triduum Sacrum, (“Sacred Three Days”), culminating in Easter Day, is the holiest time in the Church Year. Please mark the following services in your calendars and make a point of attending the following:

--Maundy Thursday Liturgy – 29 March 7:30 pm
--Good Friday Liturgy – 30 March 12 pm
--Great Vigil of Easter – 31 March 7:30 pm
  
Volunteers Needed – As Holy Week approaches, we need to hear from those who are willing and able to assist in the following ways: (1) have feet washed at the Maundy Thursday liturgy; (2) read one of the lessons at the Easter Vigil; (3) help organize and plan the reception following the Easter Vigil. To indicate your interest, please contact Susan Rozzero in the parish office by phone at 401-421-6702, ext. 1; or by email. 

Maundy Thursday Watch – a sheet is available in the Narthex to sign up to spend an hour (or half an hour) in prayer before the Altar of Repose following the Maundy Thursday Liturgy. For more information on what is involved, please ask Fr. Alexander or Fr. Pearson.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Geoff, Rollin, Norman, John, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, Lynne, William, Gerald, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Gregory, Virginia, Richard, Colin, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Jonathan, Zac, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Thomas Oakes (Sunday 3/11).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Donald S. Chase (11 March 1998), Frank Chace (11 March 1993), George Freemont Bliven (13 March 1983), Elizabeth Grinnell Allen (13 March 1985), Ransom Widmer (13 March 2016), and Eleanor Retallick (15 March 2009). Recently Departed: Susan Brazil and Chris Steinhardt.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for The Church of England: The Most Rev’d and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for clergy widows and widowers of the Diocese.

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC R Noble; Subdeacon D Malo; Thurifer F Pisaturo; Crucifer J Ihnen; Torches C Sylvia, K Rejto
Lector – M Johnson
Ushers – George Ryan and Karl Benziger
Coffee Hour – Nancy and Louis

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS, & MEETINGS

Sunday 11 March
Lenten Discussion & Video Series 6:00-8:00 pm (Great Hall)

Tuesday 13 March
Vestry 7:00 pm (Library)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Monday 12 March
ESK Board Meeting 7:00 pm (Great Hall)

Friday 16 March
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) 7:00 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 17 March
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

11 March
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT (LA)
Morning Prayer 8:00 am
Low Mass 8:10 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR 5:30 pm
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 8:00 pm

Daily Office Lectionary – Lent IV, Year Two
Daily Mass Lectionary – Lent IV

12 March
Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, 604 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

13 March

Tuesday in Lent IV (V)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

14 March
Wednesday in Lent IV (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

15 March
Thursday in Lent IV (V)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 PM

16 March
Friday in Lent IV (V)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Stations of the Cross 6:00 pm

17 March
Patrick, Bishop of Armagh, Patron of Ireland, c. 460 (W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am
Holy Rosary 10:30 am

18 March
FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT (LA)
Morning Prayer 8:00 am
Low Mass 8:10 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR 5:30 pm
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 8:00 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (18 March)

Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year B
Psalm 51:1-13
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Hebrews 5:5-10
John 12:20-33