Friday, April 24, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
26 April 2015

Christ the Good Shepherd
5th Century Mosaic, Ravenna, Italy

FROM THE RECTOR

By tradition the Fourth Sunday of Easter is Good Shepherd Sunday. The imagery of shepherding runs deep in the Christian tradition. Clergy are considered shepherds; their congregations are their flocks. The Bishop's crosier or staff is a stylized shepherd's crook. The kings of ancient Israel were considered shepherds of the people, after the model of David the shepherd-king. On the Fourth Sunday of Easter each year we consider a selection from the tenth chapter of Saint John's Gospel in which Jesus describes himself as "the Good Shepherd." The defining characteristic of the Good Shepherd is, above all, that he lays down his life for the sheep, unlike the hired servants who run away at the first sign of danger. On Good Shepherd Sunday, then, we rejoice that we have a Shepherd who has laid down his life for us, and taken it up again, that he might bring us, his flock, to everlasting life. -- Fr. John D. Alexander


THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B
Acts 4:5-12,  Psalm 23,  1 John 3:16-24,  John 10:11-18


ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Feast of Saint Philip and Saint James (1 May) – a major feast day of the church year, will be celebrated this Friday with Angelus at 12 noon and Low Mass at 12:10 pm.

Rector Away – Fr. Alexander will be visiting the United Kingdom beginning this Tuesday, April 28, and will return on Thursday May 14th. During his absence, please contact Fr. Sawicky for any pastoral needs.

Society of Mary – The Society of Mary will meet this Saturday 2 May for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, then recitation of the Rosary, followed by breakfast. Everyone is invited.

Organ Recital – Join us next Sunday May 3 at 5:30 pm for a recital by international concert organist Rich Spotts (Bucks County, Pennsylvania), playing selections from l'Orgue Mystique of Charles Tournemire, with the Gentlemen of the Schola Cantorum, co-sponsored by the American Guild of Organists, Rhode Island Chapter. A reception follows in our Great Hall.

May Year’s Mind – Departed parishioners whose anniversaries fall during May will be prayed for at the Low Mass next Monday 4 May at 6 pm, preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30. If you have any additional names to be remembered, please let Fr. Sawicky know.

Volunteer Opportunity – anyone who is good with a sewing machine, and would like to help make dust covers for our Altars, please be in touch with Phoebe Pettingell. We have the fabric all ready; we just need someone to cut them to the proper sizes and hem them.

Ascension Day – On Thursday 14 May, we will keep the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord in the Lady Chapel with Evensong at 5:30 pm and Sung Mass at 6 pm. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Votive Candles – Someone has been extinguishing lighted candles in the votive candle stands in the Lady Chapel and at the S. Stephen Altar. Whoever is doing this: please stop. The candles are intended to burn continuously once people light them for their prayer intentions.


FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Joyce, Nicholas, Patricia, Jonno, Townsend, Norman, Andrea, Marion, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Bernice, Richard, Angela, Sally, Rhoda, Edwin, Henry, James, and Dianne.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church in New Jersey - (II, The Episcopal Church): The Rt. Rev’d William Stokes; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Mark's, Warwick, and of Church of the Good Shepherd, Pawtucket.

Please pray also for the Faithful Departed: Recently Departed: Patrick Brown.


THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Armidon; SD W Dilworth Thurifer D Latimer; Cr L Bledsoe; Torches C Sylvia, E Benziger.
Lector – T Oakes
Ushers – N Gingrich, S Newby
Coffee Hour – The Rejto / Elliot Family


THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 26 April
Young People's Confirmation Class 9 am

Saturday 2 May 
Society of Mary (following Mass and Recitation of the Rosary)

Sunday 3 May 
Young People’s Confirmation Class 9 am
Organ Recital – Richard Spotts 5:30 pm (reception following)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 2 May 
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 26 April 
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Daily Office Lectionary: Week of 4 Easter, Year 1
Daily Mass Lectionary: week of 4 Easter


Monday 27 April 
Monday in 4 Easter (W)
Christina Rossetti, Poet, 1895
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 28 April 
Tuesday in 4 Easter (W)
Peter Chanel, Religious, Missionary in the South Pacific, Martyr, 1841
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 29 April 
Wednesday in 4 Easter (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 30 April 
Thursday in 4 Easter (W)
Catherine of Siena, Mystic, Teacher, Patron of Europe, 1380
Holy Abbots of Cluny, 10th—11th centuries
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 1 May 
SAINT PHILIP AND SAINT JAMES, APOSTLES (R) 
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 2 May 
Saturday in 4 Easter (W)
Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, Teacher, 373
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Holy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 3 May 
THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY’S READINGS

The Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B (RCL)
Acts 8:26-40  Psalm 22:24-30 1 John 4:7-21  John 15:1-8

Thursday, April 16, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
Sunday 19 April 2015

Fra Angelico, c. 1395-1455, Saint Peter Preaching on Pentecost

FROM THE RECTOR

During the Easter Season, the first reading at Mass is taken from the Acts of the Apostles rather than from one of the books of the Old Testament. Saint Luke wrote Acts as a sequel to his Gospel. Dealing with the first generation of the Christian Church, Acts has been described as a history of the Risen and Ascended Christ acting through his Body on earth. It vividly depicts the difference the Resurrection makes in the lives of believers. This Sunday's reading from Acts contains an excerpt from the Apostle Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Just fifty days after the crucifixion of Jesus at Passover, Peter, who had three times denied Jesus in fear for his life, now proclaims to the people of Jerusalem that Christ is risen. Both his life and the lives of the other Apostles have been transformed by Christ's Resurrection. So can ours be today as well. -- Fr. John D. Alexander


THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

The Third Sunday of Easter, Year B
Acts 3:12-19,  Psalm 41  John 3:1-7,  Luke 24:36b-48


ANNOUNCEMENTS

Saint Mark the Evangelist (April 25) – a major feast day of the church year, will be celebrated this Saturday with Morning Prayer at 9 am and Low Mass at 9:30 am.

Rector Away – Fr. Alexander will be visiting the United Kingdom from Tuesday April 28th through Wednesday May 13th. During his absence, please contact Fr. Sawicky for any pastoral needs.

Organ Recital – Join us on Sunday May 3 at 5:30 pm for a recital by international concert organist Rich Spotts (Bucks County, Pennsylvania), playing selections from l'Orgue Mystique (Eastertide Suites) of Charles Tournemire, with the Gentlemen of the Schola Cantorum, co-sponsored by the American Guild of Organists, Rhode Island Chapter. A reception follows in our Great Hall.

Ascension Day – On Thursday 14 May, we will keep the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord in the Lady Chapel with Evensong at 5:30 pm and Sung Mass at 6 pm. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Votive Candles – Someone has been extinguishing lighted candles in the votive stands in the Lady Chapel and at the S. Stephen Altar. Whoever is doing this: please stop. The candles are intended to burn continuously once people light them for their prayer intentions.

Parish Retreat Cancelled – We regret that we’ve had to cancel the retreat scheduled for Friday 24 April through Sunday 26 April at Glastonbury Abbey since the number of people who reserved places by the deadline of Friday 10 April fell far short of the minimum required. We will try again in future years.


FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Joyce, Nicholas, Patricia, Jonno, Patrick, Townsend, Norman, Andrea, Marion, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Bernice, Richard, Angela, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Henry, James, Richard, and Dianne.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: John Rankin Laird (19 April 1991), Winifred D. Bonner (20 April 1983), Frances Cecilia Jarvis Hall (20 April 1987), King David Stamps (22 April 1985), William Brazil (24 April 1995), Kenneth Raymond (24 April 2010), Hazel G. Wyss (25 April 1991), and Jeannine Firestone Lennihan (25 April 2013); Recently Departed: Edward Winsor, Priest.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church in Nebbi - (Uganda): The Rt. Rev’d Alphonse Watho-kudi; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of San Jorge’s, Central Falls and for the leadership and students of St. George’s School, Newport


THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Armidon; SD S Brazil; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer R Himes; Torches L Rejto, K Rejto.
Lector – P Pettingell
Ushers – G Ryan, W Dilworth
Coffee Hour – L Latimer, E Hooks


THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 19 April -- Young People's Confirmation Class 9 am
Sunday 26 April -- Young People's Confirmation Class 9 am


EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 25 April -- Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm


LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 19 April
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Daily Office Lectionary: Week of 3 Easter, Year 1
Daily Mass Lectionary: Week of 3 Easter


Monday 20 April
Monday in 3 Easter III (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 21 April
Tuesday in 3 Easter (W)
Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, Teacher, 1109
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 22 April
Wednesday in 3 Easter III (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 23 April
Thursday in 3 Easter (W)
George, Martyr, Patron of England, c. 304
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 24 April
Friday in 3 Easter (W)
Mellitus, Bishop of London, first Bishop at Saint Paul’s, 624
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 25 April
SAINT MARK THE EVANGELIST (R)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 26 April
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (April 26)

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B
Acts 4:5-12,  Psalm 23,  1 John 3:16-24,  John 10:11-18

Friday, April 10, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
Sunday 12 April 2015

Christ Showing His Wounds, 
Swedish Early 16th Century Altarpiece
Strängnäs Cathedral

FROM THE RECTOR

Easter is not a day but a season lasting fifty days. (Some say forty days, and count Ascensiontide as a separate season, but that is a small matter.) The Sundays and weekdays after Easter Day afford us the opportunity to explore the mystery of Christ's Resurrection from the dead from a number of different angles. The Second Sunday of Easter -- commonly called "Low Sunday" -- traditionally focuses on the much-beloved figure of "doubting Thomas" and his need to touch the Risen Christ's wounds before he will believe. Jesus accommodates his wish, but also declares, "Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe." Come join us this Sunday as we continue our Eastertide celebration of the Lord's Resurrection. -- Fr. John D. Alexander


THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

The Second Sunday of Easter: Low Sunday – Year B (RCL)
Acts 4:32-35   Psalm 133  1 John1:1-2:2   John 20:19-31


ANNOUNCEMENTS

April Year’s Mind – Departed parishioners whose anniversaries fall during April will be prayed for at the Low Mass on Monday 13 April at 6 pm, preceded by evening prayer at 5:30. If you have any additional names to be remembered, please let Fr. Alexander know.

Eucharistic Adoration – This Saturday 18 April, the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament will sponsor approximately an hour of silent prayer and meditation in the Lady Chapel before the Blessed Sacrament, beginning shortly after the end of the 9:30 am Mass, and concluding by 11 am. All are welcome and invited to participate.

Parish Retreat Cancelled – We regret that we've had to cancel the retreat scheduled for Friday 24 April through Sunday 26 April at Glastonbury Abbey since the number of people who reserved places by the deadline of Friday 10 April fell far short of the minimum required. We will try again in future years.


FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Joyce, Nicholas, Patricia, Jonno, Patrick, Townsend, Norman, Andrea, Marion, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Bernice, Richard, Angela, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Henry, James, Richard, and Dianne.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Doris Johnson (13 April 2004), Marie Lopez (14 April 1983), Steele Wade Martin, Priest (14 April 2005), and Cristine Marie Parrillo (17April 1989); Recently Departed: Zane Wesley Gordy, Priest

Birthdays this week: Fr. John Alexander, & Brian Ehlers (April 14), Rhoda Steinhart (April 16), Sue Brazil (April 18)

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church in Morogoro - (Tanzania): The Rt. Rev’d Godfrey Sehaba; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for retired clergy of the Diocese.


THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Noble; SD R Himes; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer D Callanan, Torches V Johnson, C Sylvia
Lector – J Chamberlin
Ushers – L Verdelotti, R Viti
Coffee Hour – R Noble, M Johnson


THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Tuesday 14 April
Vestry Meeting 7 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 18 April
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 12 April
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Daily Office Lectionary: Week of 2 Easter, Year 1
Daily Mass Lectionary: Week of 2 Easter

Monday 13 April
Monday in 2 Easter (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass (with prayers for April departed) 6 pm

Tuesday 14 April
Tuesday in 2 Easter (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 15 April
Wednesday in 2 Easter (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 16 April
Thursday in 2 Easter (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 17 April
Friday in 2 Easter (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 18 April
Saturday in 2 Easter (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Eucharistic Adoration 10 am

Sunday 19 April
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm


NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (April 19)

The Third Sunday of Easter, Year B
Acts 3:12-19,  Psalm 4, 1  John 3:1-7,  Luke 24:36b-48

Friday, April 3, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
Sunday 5 April 2015 (Easter Day)

The Resurrection, Contemporary Greek Orthodox Icon

FROM THE RECTOR

The annual celebration of the Lord's Resurrection on Easter Day is the high point of the Christian year. It is also one of the most complex and elaborate of our Sunday liturgies. From the Solemn Procession at the beginning of the service, to this year's Mozart Mass setting, sung by the choir and accompanied by the St. Dunstan Consort, we "pull out all the stops" in the conviction that the Risen Lord deserves the very best we are capable of offering in our worship. We warmly welcome the visitors and guests who will be with us this Sunday. And we urge the members of our regular congregation to make an extra effort to share the parish's hospitality with those who may not be totally familiar with our customs and practices. It is a great opportunity to say "hello," to offer a word of assistance and encouragement, and to begin to make new friends. -- Fr. John D. Alexander


THIS SUNDAY'S READINGS

Easter Sunday, Year B (Revised Common Lectionary)
Low Mass 8 am
Exodus 14:10-31  Romans 6:3-11  Mark 16:1-8
Solemn Mass 10 am
Acts 10:34-43  1 Corinthians 15:1-11  Mark 16:1-8


ANNOUNCEMENTS

Easter Egg Hunt – On Easter Sunday (April 5th) there will be an Egg Hunt following the 10 am Mass for young children (pre-K through grade 3). Please meet in the library immediately after the service.

Society of Mary – The Society of Mary will meet this Saturday 11 April for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, then recitation of the Rosary, followed by breakfast. Everyone is invited.

Parish Retreat – Our annual parish retreat is scheduled for Friday 24 April through Sunday 26 April at Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham, Massachusetts. Deacon Buck Close will be giving the meditations. The cost is $140 per person. To reserve a place on the retreat please write a check for $70 payable to S. Stephen’s, with the notation “Retreat” in the memo line, and give (or mail) it to Father Alexander so that he receives it no later than Friday, April 10. (If the retreat is canceled this deposit will be refunded to you.) Don’t miss this opportunity to get away for some Eastertide quiet time with our Lord!


FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Joyce Alexander, Nicholas Andrews, Patricia Barnes, Jonno Boyer-Dry, Patrick Brown, Townsend Cass, The Rev. Norman Catir, Andrea Dassori, Marion Dry, Sue Farley, Hannah Flanagan, Kaitlyn Flanagan, Mary Flanagan, The Rev. Gus Franklin, The Rev. Harrington Gordon, Kate Henwood, Davaughn Hooks, Bernice Howe, The Rev. Dr. Richard Cornish Martin, Angela Rose, Sally Saunders, Rhoda Steinhart, The Rev. Edwin. S. S. Sunderland, The Rev. Henry Turnbull, The Rev. James Verdelotti, Richard Viti, and Dianne Werner.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Kathryne Farnum Ripley (6 April 1990), Paul Joseph Conley (8 April 2000), and Carl Randolph. (11April 1983); Recently Departed: Anthony Fargnoli, Sr.


THE SUNDAY ROTA

Coffee Hour: Society of Mary
Ushers: P Pettingell, T Bledsoe, R Widmer
Lector: RG Noble
Servers: SD: R Armidon; MC: W Dillworth; Th: R Noble; Cr: R Himes; T: R Callanan, L Rejto


THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 5 April
Acolyte Rehearsal (for Easter Day) 9 am

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


EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 10 April
Brown Madrigal Concert 7 pm

Saturday 11 April 
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm


LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 5 April
THE SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION: EASTER DAY (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass of the Resurrection 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Weekday Office Lectionary: Easter Week, Year OneWeekday Mass Lectionary: Easter Week, Year B

Monday 6 April
MONDAY IN EASTER WEEK (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 7 April 
TUESDAY IN EASTER WEEK (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 8 April
WEDNESDAY IN EASTER WEEK (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 9 April
THURSDAY IN EASTER WEEK (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 10 April
FRIDAY IN EASTER WEEK (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 11 April
SATURDAY IN EASTER WEEK (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Holy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 12 April
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm


NEXT SUNDAY’S READINGS

The Second Sunday of Easter: Low Sunday – Year B (RCL)
Acts 4:32-35   Psalm 133  1 John1:1-2:2   John 20:19-31