ONLINE PARISH NOTES

SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER 2015

Master of Saint Francis, 13th Century
Fresco of Bishop Consecrating Altar, Subiaco, Italy

FROM THE RECTOR

By an old English tradition, parish churches with no record of the date of their dedication are permitted to celebrate the putative Anniversary of the Dedication on the first Sunday in October. Here at S. Stephen's, we do know the date of our Dedication -- February 27, 1862 -- which almost always falls during Lent, when we cannot celebrate the Anniversary of the Dedication on a Sunday. So, the first Sunday in October seems a good day to do so; and that tradition has built up here in recent years. This Sunday always falls near the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels on September 29. The two observances are not unrelated. On the Anniversary of the Dedication, we celebrate the setting aside of our church building as a consecrated place of worship: where we offer our praise and thanksgiving, "joining our voices with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven." 

-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Feast of the Dedication
I Kings 8:22-30

Psalm 84:1-6 

1 Peter 2:1-5, 9 

Matthew 21:12-16

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Altar flowers today are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for S. Stephen’s Church.

Solemn Evensong & Benediction – This evening at 5:30 pm, we will celebrate the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels (transferred from September 29) with Solemn Evensong and Benediction. A reception follows in our Great Hall.

Extra Chanting Today – Owing to the special festal nature of today’s observance, both the Epistle and the Prayers are being chanted instead of being said as is our customary practice.

Mark Your Calendars – for a parish brunch to take place following the 10 am Mass on Sunday 25 October. More details will be forthcoming soon.

Goodwill Industries – There is a clothing collection box in the Great Hall for the next few weeks on behalf of Goodwill Industries. One of their objectives is helping people in need find employment, and to that end, they are accepting donations of clothing suitable for job interviews. If you have anything at home you can spare, please bring it.

Votive Candles – When lighting them please take great care NOT to drop burned matches or pieces of the lighter sticks into the candle holders. Doing so can create a hazardous condition and damage the glass. If you inadvertently do this, please notify one of the clergy immediately. Thank you for your care and cooperation.

Flower Memorial Opportunities – If you would like to order flowers for the High Altar or the statue of our Lady in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving for blessings received, the cost per vase for the High Altar is $80 (both vases $160), and $65 for a vase at the Statue of our Lady. Please send a check to the parish office for the amount, and let Cory MacLean know the intentions for which the flowers are offered.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Nicholas, Patricia, Jonno, Nancy, Townsend, Norman, Elva, Ethel, Andrea, Marion, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Bernice, Ondre, Ellen-Jean, Richard, Maureen, Sandy, Richard, Stephen, Angela, Bobby, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Henry, James, and Dianne.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Daniel Webster Latham (4 October 1986), Madge Lillian Hover Holmes (4 October 1992), Lawrence W. Seamans (5 October 1987), Lester Wilkinson (9 October 1983), and Elizabeth A. Olsen (10 October 1999); Recently Departed: Sister Margaretta Kraft, SHN.

Birthdays this week – James Busby (October 5) and Devon Callanan (October 7).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church in Sunyani (Ghana, West Africa): The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Festus Yeboah-Asuamah; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Francis Coventry.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC W Dilworth SD R Noble; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer S Brazil; Torches R Callanan, C Sylvia
Lector – P Pettingell
Ushers – R Viti, L Verdelotti
Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 4 October
Evensong Reception (following 5:30 pm Solemn Evensong)

Tuesday 6 October
Special Vestry Meeting 7 pm

Saturday 10 October
Society of Mary (following Mass & Recitation of the Rosary)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 10 October
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 4 October
FEAST OF THE DEDICATION (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Solemn Evensong and Benediction 5:30 pm (reception following)

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary: Proper 22, Year 1

Monday 5 October
Feria (G)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 6 October
Bruno, Founder of the Carthusian Order, 1101 (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 7 October
Our Lady of the Rosary (Blue)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 8 October
Feria (G)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 9 October
Denys, Bishop of Paris, and Companions, Martyrs, c. 258 (R)
Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln, 1253
Angelus 12 Noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 10 October
Paulinus, Bishop of York, Missionary, 644 (W)
Thomas Traherne, Poet, Spiritual Writer, 1674
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Holy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 11 October
TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR 5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (October 11)

Proper 23, Year B (RCL)
Amos 5:6-7 10-15 

Psalm 90:12-17

Hebrews 4:12-16

Mark 10:17-31