Friday, April 29, 2016

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 1 MAY 2016

William Titcomb (1858-1930), Rogation Procession in St. Ives, Cornwall

FROM THE RECTOR

The Sixth Sunday of Easter is also known as Rogation Sunday: a time of prayer for the planting of crops, gentle rains, and fruitful seasons. At this point in Eastertide, also, we begin to anticipate the Risen Lord's Ascension into heaven after forty days of appearances to his disciples. In the Gospel appointed for the Sunday, he promises them that after he departs from them, he will send the Holy Spirit to be their Paraclete -- a word variously translated as "Advocate," "Counselor," "Helper," or "Comforter." In a sense the traditional practice of Rogationtide processions and prayers for fruitful seasons offer natural parallels to these themes in biblical history: our prayers ascend to heaven calling down gentle rains to make the land fruitful, just as Jesus ascends to his Father in heaven to send down the Holy Spirit to make the Church fruitful and give it growth. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C
Acts 16:9-15
Psalm 67
Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5
John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Altar Flowers today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Sarah Jane Volante, by the Volante Family.

Flowers at the Shrine of Our Lady are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of William, Edna, and John Brazil, by Susan Brazil.

Rector Away – Fr. Alexander is in Denver, Colorado this weekend to attend the Annual Meeting and Mass of the Society of Mary, and to preach on Sunday at the Church of Saint Michael and All Angels. He will be back in the parish office on Tuesday.

Seven Times Salt – The Boston-based early music ensemble specializing in the music of the 16th and 17th centuries will perform in the Great Hall this afternoon at 4 pm, in conjunction with the Shakespeare’s First Folio Exhibit at Brown University. For more information, visit their website at www.seventimessalt.com.

The Feast of Saint Philip and Saint James (transferred  from 1 May) – a major feast day of the church year, will be celebrated on Monday (2 May) with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm and Low Mass at 6 pm.

May Year’s Mind – Departed parishioners whose anniversaries fall during May will be prayed for at the Mass tomorrow, Monday 2 May at 6 pm, preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30. If you have any additional names to be remembered, please let Fr. Alexander or Fr. Yost know.

Ascension Day – This Thursday 5 May, we will keep the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord in the Lady Chapel with Sung Evensong at 5:30 pm and Sung Mass at 6 pm. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please note that Morning Prayer will be offered as regularly scheduled at 8 am, but Mass is postponed until the evening.

Society of Mary – will meet this Saturday 7 May for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, and recitation of the Rosary. Everyone is invited.

Annual Memorial Recital – At 5:30 pm next Sunday 8 May, James Busby will play his annual memorial recital. He is joined by harpist Megan Sesma, tenor Jason Connell, and Kevin Darrow on English Horn, in a program which includes works by J. S. Bach, Gerald Finzi, Marcel Grandjany, Maurice Ravel, and Leo Sowerby. A reception follows in our Great Hall. All are welcome and invited to attend.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Adam, Raymond, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Patricia, Townsend, Norman, John, Elva, Ethel, Peter, Michael, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Edith, Davaughn, Bernice, Richard, Ellen-Jean, Sandy, Thom, Stephen, Michael, Beverly, Angela, Bobby, Robert, Laura, Loretto, Sally, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

Birthdays this week: Robyn Noble (May 3), Paul Ricci (May 4).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Charles N. Williams, Sr. (3 May 1999), John Herbert Allen (5 May 1991), Robert Hale Ives Goddard (6 May 2003), and Edna Rawlings (6 May 2015); and Sarah Jean Volante (3 May 2013), in whose memory altar flower are given; and William Brazil (24 April 1995), Edna Brazil (19 March 2008), and John Brazil (27 March 1982), in whose memory flowers at the statue of Our Lady are given; Recently Departed: Andrea Dassori.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Noble; SD S Brazil; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer J Rice; Torches L Hooks, DO Latimer
Lector – E Alexander
Ushers – R Viti,
Coffee Hour – T & C Bledsoe

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Saturday 7 May
Society of Mary (following Mass and Recitation of the Rosary)

Sunday 8 May
Memorial Recital 5:30 pm (Reception following)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Sunday 1 May
Seven Times Salt Concert 4 pm (Great Hall)

Monday 2 May
Epiphany Soup Kitchen Board Meeting 7 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 1 May
THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Weekday Office Lectionary: Easter VI, Year Two
Weekday Mass Lectionary: Easter VI

Monday 2 May
SAINT PHILIP AND SAINT JAMES, APOSTLES (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass (with prayers for May departed) 6 pm

Tuesday 3 May
Tuesday in Easter VI (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 4 May
Wednesday in Easter VI (W)
English Saints and Martyrs of the Reformation Era
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 5 May
ASCENSION DAY (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Sung Evensong 5:30 pm
Sung Mass 6 pm

Friday 6 May
Friday in Easter VI (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 7 May
Saturday in Easter VI – Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles (Blue)
Harriet Starr Cannon, Founder of the Community of Saint Mary, 1896
John of Beverley, Monk, Bishop, 721
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Holy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 8 May
THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass and Procession 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

*EMBR=Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (May 8)

Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year C
Acts 16:16-34
Psalm 97
Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20-21
John 17:20-26

Friday, April 22, 2016

PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 24 APRIL 2016


FROM THE RECTOR

On Sunday 24 April, we welcome the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, Thirteenth Bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island, on his bi-annual Episcopal Visitation to S. Stephen’s Church. It is always a great joy to welcome the successor of the Apostles in our midst. Our joy this year is compounded by those receiving the Sacrament of Holy Confirmation: Emese Benziger, George Benziger, and Zachary Painter, and also by one individual being formally received into the Episcopal Church, Thomas Bledsoe. Hearty congratulations to all! -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C
Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Altar Flowers today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Jeannine Lennihan Firestone, by Bruce and Sharon Lennihan.

The Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist (April 25) – a major feast day of the church year, will be celebrated this Monday with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm and Low Mass at 6.

Seven Times Salt – The Boston-based early music ensemble specializing in the music of the 16th and 17th centuries will perform in the Great Hall at S. Stephen’s next Sunday May 1 at 4 pm, in conjunction with the Shakespeare’s First Folio Exhibit at Brown University. For more information, visit their website at www.seventimessalt.com.

Ascension Day – On Thursday 5 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.

Annual Memorial Recital – At 5:30 pm on Sunday 8 May, James Busby will play his annual memorial recital. He is joined by harpist Megan Sesma, tenor Jason Connell, and Kevin Darrow on English Horn, in a program which includes works by Bach Finzi, Grandjany, Ravel, and Sowerby. A reception follows in our Great Hall. All are welcome and invited to attend.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Adam, Raymond, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Patricia, Townsend, Norman, John, Elva, Ethel, Peter, Michael, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Edith, Davaughn, Bernice, Richard, Ellen-Jean, Sandy, Thom, Stephen, Michael, Beverly, Angela, Bobby, Robert, Laura, Loretto, Sally, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Cristine 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: David Brooks, Wendell Pols, and Andrea Dassori

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Armidon; SD D Malo; Thurifer R Noble; Crucifer K Hooks; Torches G Benziger, R Callanan
Lector – W Dilworth
Ushers – T Bledsoe, P Pettingell
Coffee Hour – N Gingrich, L Verdelotti, S Brazil

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Sunday 1 May
Seven Times Salt Concert 4 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 24 April
THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Weekday Office Lectionary: Easter V, Year Two
Weekday Mass Lectionary: Easter V


Monday 25 April
SAINT MARK THE EVANGELIST (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 26 April

Tuesday in Easter V (W)
Cletus, Pope and Martyr, c. 89
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

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

Thursday 28 April
Thursday in Easter V
Peter Chanel, Religious, Missionary in the South Pacific, Martyr, 1841
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 29 April
Friday in Easter V (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 30 April
Saturday in Easter V
Catherine of Siena, Mystic, Teacher, Patron of Europe, 1380
Holy Abbots of Cluny, 10th—11th centuries
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 1 May
THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
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 (May 1)

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Saturday, April 16, 2016

MEMORIAL RECITAL

Sunday 8 May 2016, 5:30 pm

James Busby
Organ
Kevin Darrow
English Horn


















Megan Sesma
Harp




Jason Connell
Tenor












J.S. Bach, Fantasie und Fuge in G Minor, BWV 542
Marcel Grandjany, Aria in Classical Style
Gerald Finzi, Dies Natalis
Maurice Ravel, Introduction and Allegro
Leo Sowerby, Ballade for English Horn and Organ
Leo Sowerby, Toccata



S. Stephen's Church
114 George Street
Providence, RI 02906
(401) 421-6702

Thursday, April 14, 2016

PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 17 APRIL 2016

Christ the Good Shepherd
19th Century Mosaic, St. Lawrence outside the Walls, Rome

FROM THE RECTOR

On the fourth Sunday in Easter, the Gospel reading is always taken from that part of the tenth chapter of John's Gospel in which Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd. This Sunday affords us the opportunity to celebrate the great joy of belonging to the flock of Christ.
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C
Acts 9:36-43
Psalm 23
Revelation 7:9-17
John 10:22-30

THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC

Aton Bruckner, Messe in C-dur "Windhaagermesse", WAB 25 for alto solo and French horns
John Taverner, Christe Jesus, pastor bone

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Episcopal Visitation – Next Sunday 24 April the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, XIII Bishop of Rhode Island, will be visiting S. Stephen’s and celebrating and preaching at both the 8 am and 10 am Masses. Please plan on attending and helping us welcome our bishop.

Seven Times Salt – The Boston-based early music ensemble specializing in the music of the 16th and 17th centuries will perform in the Great Hall at S. Stephen’s on Sunday May 1 at 4 pm, in conjunction with the Shakespeare’s First Folio Exhibit at Brown University. For more information, visit their website at www.seventimessalt.com.

Ascension Day – On Thursday 5 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.
Annual Memorial Recital – At 5:30 pm on Sunday 8 May, James Busby will play his annual memorial recital. He is joined by harpist Megan Sesma, tenor Jason Connell, and Kevin Darrow on English Horn, in a program which includes works by Bach Finzi, Grandjany, Ravel, and Sowerby. A reception follows in our Great Hall. All are welcome and invited to attend.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Adam, Raymond, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Patricia, Townsend, Norman, John, Elva, Ethel, Peter, Andrea, Michael, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Edith, Davaughn, Bernice, Richard, Ellen-Jean, Sandy, Thom, Stephen, Michael, Beverly, Angela, Bobby, Robert, Laura, Loretto, Sally, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

Birthdays this week: Susan Brazil (April 18).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Cristine Marie Parrillo (17 April 1989), John Rankin Laird (19 April 1991), Winifred D. Bonner (20 April 1983), Frances Cecilia Jarvis Hall (20 April 1987), and King David Stamps (22 April 1985); Recently Departed: David Brooks, Wendell Pols.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Armidon; SD Z Painter; Thurifer D Malo; Crucifer J Rice; Torches L Rejto, K Rejto
Lector – J Steiny
Ushers – T Oakes, K Benziger
Coffee Hour – A Huff

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 17 April
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Weekday Office Lectionary: Easter IV, Year Two
Weekday Mass Lectionary: Easter IV


Monday 18 April
Monday in Easter IV (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 19 April
Tuesday in Easter IV (W)
Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1012
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 20 April
Wednesday in Easter IV (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

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

Friday 22 April
Friday in Easter IV (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 23 April
Saturday in Easter IV
George, Martyr, Patron of England, c. 304 (R)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 24 April
THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
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 (April 24)

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C
Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35

Friday, April 8, 2016

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 10 APRIL 2016

Appearance of the Risen Christ at Lake Tiberias
After Duccio di Buoninsegna, c. 1308-1311

FROM THE RECTOR

The Gospel readings for the Third Sunday of Easter emphasize the link between the appearances of the Risen Christ and the Church's mission. Christ appears to Saul on the Road to Damascus and calls him to conversion and a new life as Apostle to the Gentiles. Christ appears to the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) and commissions Peter to "feed my sheep." As our celebration of Easter continues, we contemplate the ways in which the Risen Christ calls us to mission in our own time. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Third Sunday of Easter, Year C
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
Psalm 30
Revelation 5:11-14
John 21:1-19

ANNOUNCEMENTS

April Year’s Mind – Departed parishioners whose anniversaries fall during April will be prayed for at the Mass tomorrow, Monday 11 April at 6 pm, preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30. If you have any additional names to be remembered, please let Fr. Alexander or Fr. Yost know.

Eucharistic Adoration – This Saturday 16 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.

Episcopal Visitation – On Sunday 24 April the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, XIII Bishop of Rhode Island, will be visiting S. Stephen’s and celebrating and preaching at both the 8 am and 10 am Masses. Please plan on attending and helping us welcome our bishop.

Seven Times Salt – The Boston-based early music ensemble specializing in the music of the 16th and 17th centuries, will perform in the Great Hall at S. Stephen’s on Sunday May 1 at 4 pm, in conjunction with the Shakespeare’s First Folio Exhibit at Brown University. For more information, visit their website at www.seventimessalt.com.

Annual Memorial Recital – At 5:30 pm on Sunday 8 May, James Busby will play his annual memorial recital. He is joined by harpist Megan Sesma, tenor Jason Connell, and Kevin Darrow on English Horn, in a program which includes works by Bach Finzi, Grandjany, Ravel, and Jongen. A reception follows in our Great Hall.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Adam, Raymond, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Patricia, Townsend, Norman, John, Elva, Ethel, Peter, Andrea, Michael, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Edith, Davaughn, Bernice, Richard, Ellen-Jean, Sandy, Thom, Stephen, Michael, Beverly, Angela, Bobby, Robert, Laura, Loretto, Sally, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

Birthdays this week: John Chamberlin & Korrie Hooks (April 12), Fr. John Alexander & Brian Ehlers (April 14), Rhoda Steinhart (April 16).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Carl Randolph (11 April 1983), Doris Johnson (13 April 2004), Marie Lopez (14 April 2004), and Steele Wade Martin, Priest (14 April 2005); Recently Departed: Nancy Bredbeck

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC D Malo; SD R Armidon; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer R Noble; Torches V Johnson, E Benziger
Lector – P Pettingell
Ushers – S Brazil, J Steiny
Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

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

Weekday Office Lectionary: Easter III, Year Two
Weekday Mass Lectionary: Easter III

Monday 11 April
Monday in Easter III (W)
George Augustus Selwyn, first Bishop of New Zealand, 1878
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 12 April
Tuesday in Easter III (W)
Zeno, Bishop of Verona, Martyr, 371
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 13 April
Wednesday in Easter III (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 14 April
Thursday in Easter III (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 15 April
Friday in Easter III (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 16 April
Saturday in Easter III (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Eucharistic Adoration 10 am

Sunday 17 April
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
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 (April 17)

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C
Acts 9:36-43
Psalm 23
Revelation 7:9-17
John 10:22-30