PARISH NOTES

Sunday 1 October 2017

Early 18th-century Russian Icon
of King Solomon with a model of the Temple

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday we welcome back the Schola Cantorum after the summer to begin the 2017-2018 Choir Season. And what better occasion to do so than the official celebration of the Anniversary of the Dedication of S. Stephen's current church building 155 years ago. (Just as the Queen of England has an "official" Birthday in the summer separate from her actual birthday, so with the Bishop's permission we take advantage of the ancient custom of celebrating the Dedication on the first Sunday in October, since the actual anniversary usually falls in Lent.) 

In the Old Testament reading appointed for the feast, King Solomon dedicates the Temple in Jerusalem, asking "But will God indeed dwell on earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain thee, much less this house which I have built." Still, as the Ancient Preface of the Dedication reminds us, "these visible buildings are but the figures" of the true heavenly Temple where Angels and Saints offer unceasing praise to God Almighty. Come join in the celebration this Sunday! 

-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

The Feast of the Dedication

1 Kings 8:22-30

Psalm 84:1-6

1 Peter 2:1-5, 9

Matthew 21:12-16

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome Back – to the Schola Cantorum, which begins its 2017-2018 choir season at today's 10 am Mass. Brochures listing the liturgical music of the program year were mailed out several weeks ago and extra copies are available in the narthex. Please take and distribute them freely.

Recital for Organ and Voice – On Sunday 22 October, there will be a recital for organ and voice featuring our own James Busby and a visiting voice artist, Maggie Finnegan. Flyers for the event are included in this Sunday’s Kalendar. Please take these flyers and distribute them freely. 

Episcopal Relief and Development – In the past month we've witnessed the devastating effects of Hurricanes Harvey and Maria on the Gulf Coast, Florida, and the Caribbean, as well as repeated earthquakes in Mexico. Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) aids people and congregations in disaster zones where help is most needed. Please visit their website by following this link to learn how you can help with donations designated for particular areas. Thank you for your care and generosity.

Nave Flooring Project – We are pleased to announce that over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule; but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

New Lights – Meanwhile, overhead, you may notice new lights shining in the hanging lanterns in the nave. These LED bulbs give increased light at greatly reduced energy usage and cost. We hope they make an improvement.

October Requiem – for the repose of the souls of the Departed whose anniversaries fall during the month will be offered Monday 2 October at 6 pm in the Lady Chapel. If there is anyone you would like remembered, please email Fr. Alexander.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Norman, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, William, Gerald, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Robert, Katherine, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays: Mason Butler-Rose (Tuesday 10/3), James Busby (Thursday 10/5), Devan Latimer (Friday 10/6), Devon Callanan (Saturday 10/7), and Joy D’Ambra (Saturday 10/7).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Daniel Webster Latham (4 October 1986), Madge Lillian Hover Holmes (4 October 1992), and Lawrence W. Seamans (5 October 1987); Recently Departed: Derek Hall.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Southern Philippines: The Rt Revd Danilo Labacanacruz Bustamante; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of St. Francis, Coventry.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo; Subdeacon R Noble; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches V Johnson, C Sylvia

Lector – RG Noble

Ushers – Chris Martel and Patricia Barnes

Coffee Hour – Susan, Nancy, and Louis

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Monday 2 October

Frank Pisaturo Parish Discernment Team Meeting 7:00 pm

Saturday 7 October 

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 1 October

THE FEAST OF THE DEDICATION (W)

Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am

Solemn Mass 10:00 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Proper 21, Year One

Monday 2 October

The Holy Guardian Angels

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Requiem Mass 6:00 pm (Black)

Tuesday 3 October

FERIA (G)

Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 4 October

Francis of Assisi, Friar, Deacon, Founder of the Friars Minor, 1226 (W)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm 

Low Mass 6:00 pm 

Thursday 5 October

FERIA (G)

Noonday Prayer 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 PM

Friday 6 October

Bruno, Founder of the Carthusian Order, 1101 (W)

Noonday Prayer 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 7 October

Our Lady of the Rosary (Blue)

Morning Prayer 9:30 am

Low Mass 10:00 am

Holy Rosary 10:30 am

Sunday 8 October

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G) 

Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am

Solemn Mass 10:00 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (8 October)

The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost – Proper 22, Year A

Isaiah 5:1-7

Psalm 80:7-14

Philippians 3:4b-14

Matthew 21:33-46

-->

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 24 September 2017

The Prophet Jonah Asleep under the Vine
Detail of Manuscript Illumination
Menologion of Basil II, Eleventh Century

FROM THE RECTOR

God's generosity can be outrageous, even scandalous. That's how the prophet Jonah sees things in this Sunday's Old Testament reading when God forgives the inhabitants of Nineveh and spares them destruction for their sins. The workers who have toiled all day in the vineyard in this Sunday's Gospel similarly grumble at their employer's generosity to those who worked only part of the day. These readings explore the balance between God's justice and God's mercy, and warn us against envy at God's blessings bestowed on others. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 20, Year A
Jonah 3:10-4:11
Psalm 145:1-8
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Choir Season – begins on Sunday 1 October with the Feast of the Dedication. Brochures listing the music of the 2017-2018 Choir Season were mailed out this past week. Extra copies are available in the narthex. Please take and distribute them freely.

Recital for Organ and Voice – On Sunday 22 October, there will be a recital for organ and voice featuring our own James Busby and a visiting voice artist, Maggie Finnegan. Flyers for the event are included in this Sunday’s Kalendar. Please take these flyers and distribute them freely.

Hurricane Harvey and Irma Relief – to contribute to the Episcopal Church's relief operations on the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast and in Florida, we are invited to donate directly online via the Episcopal Relief and Development by following this link. Alternatively, checks may be written payable to "Episcopal Charities Fund of RI" with "Hurricane Harvey Relief" or “Hurricane Irma Relief” in the memo line and mailed to Episcopal Charities, 275 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903. Thank you for your generosity in helping those afflicted.

Mexico Earthquake Relief – Episcopal Relief & Development has reached out to church partners after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake rocked the central part of Mexico on Tuesday, September 19, causing major damage and destruction. This is the second major earthquake to hit Mexico this month. Donations to the International Disaster Response Fund will help Episcopal Relief & Development support people impacted by these two earthquakes in Mexico. You can donate by following this link.

Epiphany Soup Kitchen (ESK) Fundraiser – a gathering to generate publicity for ESK and raise funds towards purchase of a new freezer will be held at the Portuguese-American Social Club, 32 Sheldon Street, Providence, Thursday 28 September from 6 pm to 8 pm. The event includes appetizers and cash bar. Tickets are $20 and are available today from Susan Brazil or Bruce Lennihan.

Nave Flooring Project – We are pleased to announce that over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule; but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

New Lights – Meanwhile, overhead, you may notice new lights shining in the hanging lanterns in the nave. These LED bulbs give increased light at greatly reduced energy usage and cost. We hope they make an improvement.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Norman, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, William, Gerald, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Robert, Katherine, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays: William Ripley (Saturday 9/30)

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Ernest A. Elderkin (24 September 1991), Ann Marie Starks (25 September 2010), and Donald B. Ward (26 September 1996); Recently Departed: Derek Hall.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Southeast Florida: The Rt Revd Peter David Eaton; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of St. Michael's, Bristol.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC R Noble; Thurifer Z Painter; Torches K Retjo, G Benziger
Lector – J Steiny
Ushers – Frank Pisaturo and Louis Verdelotti
Coffee Hour – Ed, Leana, and Family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 30 September
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 24 September

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Sung Mass 10:00 am

Monday 25 September
Sergei of Radonezh, Russian Monastic Reformer, Teacher, 1392 (G or W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

Tuesday 26 September
Lancelot Andrewes, Bishop of Winchester, Spiritual Writer, 1626 (G or W)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 27 September
Vincent de Paul, Founder of the Congregation of the Mission (Lazarists), 1660 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

Thursday 28 September
Wenceslaus, Duke of Bohemia, Martyr, 929 (G or R)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 PM

Friday 29 September
SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS (W)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 30 September
Jerome, Translator of the Scriptures, Teacher, 420 (W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am

Sunday 1 October
THE FEAST OF THE DEDICATION (W)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Solemn High Mass 10:00 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (1 October)

The Feast of the Dedication
1 Kings 8:22-30
Psalm 84:1-6
1 Peter 2:1-5, 9
Matthew 21:12-16

-->

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 17 September 2017

Icon of the Patriarch Joseph

FROM THE RECTOR

Forgiveness is one of the most challenging demands of the Christian life. How do we overcome the instinct to seek retribution for injuries suffered? In this Sunday's Old Testament reading the Patriarch Joseph forgives his brothers who sold him into slavery in Egypt many years before. In the Gospel Jesus tells Peter that he must be willing to forgive "not seven times, but seventy times seven," and then tells the parable of the Unforgiving Servant as a warning against failure to forgive. Please join as at Mass this Sunday as we explore this theme together. 

-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 19, Year A 

Genesis 50:15-21

Psalm 103:8-13

Romans 14:1-12

Matthew 18:21-35

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Choir Season – begins on Sunday 1 October with the Feast of the Dedication. Brochures listing the music of the 2017-2018 Choir Season were mailed out this past week. Extra copies are available in the narthex. Please take and distribute them freely.

Hurricane Harvey and Irma Relief – to contribute to the Episcopal Church's relief operations on the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast and in Florida, we are invited to donate directly online via the Episcopal Relief and Development by following this link. Alternatively, checks may be written payable to "Episcopal Charities Fund of RI" with "Hurricane Harvey Relief" or “Hurricane Irma Relief” in the memo line and mailed to Episcopal Charities, 275 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903. Thank you for your generosity in helping those afflicted.

Epiphany Soup Kitchen (ESK) Fundraiser – a gathering to generate publicity for ESK and raise funds towards purchase of a new freezer will be held at the Portuguese-American Social Club, 32 Sheldon Street, Providence, Thursday 28 September from 6 pm to 8 pm. The event includes appetizers and cash bar. Tickets are $20 and are available today from Susan Brazil or Bruce Lennihan.

Nave Flooring Project – We are pleased to announce that over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule; but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

New Lights – Meanwhile, overhead, you may notice new lights shining in the hanging lanterns in the nave. These LED bulbs give increased light at greatly reduced energy usage and cost. We hope they make an improvement.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Norman, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, William, Gerald, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Robert, Katherine, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Virginia, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays: Dolores Bliss (Friday 9/22)

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Hana Widmer (21 September 2010) and June M. Gaudet (23 September 2000); Recently Departed: Derek Hall, Phebe E.A. Jacobs, and Stephen Powers, Priest.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Sodor & Man (York, England): The Rt Revd Peter Eagles; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of Sts. Matthew and Mark, Barrington and of St. Matthew's, Jamestown.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC S Brazil; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Torches G Benziger, V Johnson

Lector – M Johnson

Ushers – Phoebe Pettingell and Zac Painter

Coffee Hour – Modu and Family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 23 September 

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 17 September

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)

Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am

Sung Mass 10:00 am

Monday 18 September

Edward Bouverie Pusey, Priest, Tractarian, 1882 (G or W)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6:00 pm 

Tuesday 19 September

Theodore of Tarsus, Archbishop of Canterbury, 690 (G or W)

Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 20 September

John Coleridge Patteson, First Bishop of Melanesia, and Companions, Martyrs, 1871 (G or R)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm 

Low Mass 6:00 pm 

Thursday 21 September

SAINT MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (R)

Noonday Prayer 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 PM

Friday 22 September

FERIA (G)

Noonday Prayer 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 23 September

Linus, Pope, c. 78 (G or W)

Morning Prayer 9:30 am

Low Mass 10:00 am

Sunday 24 September

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)

Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am

Sung Mass 10:00 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (24 September)

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 20, Year A 

Jonah 3:10-4:11

Psalm 145:1-8

Philippians 1:21-30

Matthew 20:1-16

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 10 September 2017

The Prophet Ezekiel
Theophanes of Crete
Fresco, 1535-1536, Pantrokrator Monastery, Mount Athos

FROM THE RECTOR

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, we have a good opportunity to recommit ourselves to faithful attendance at Sunday Mass during the coming program year. This Sunday's readings address the theme of reconciliation. The Prophet Ezekiel is sent to call the People of Israel to be reconciled to God. Jesus gives his disciples instructions on reconciliation when one brother or sister sins against another member of the Body. The Church is called to the work of the reconciliation of all people to God and to one another. No task is more urgent in our time.

-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost  – Proper 18, Year A
Ezekiel 33:7-11
Psalm 119:33-40
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hurricane Harvey Relief – to contribute to the Episcopal Church's relief operations on the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast, we are invited to donate directly online via the Episcopal Relief and Development by following this link. Alternatively, checks may be written payable to "Episcopal Charities Fund of RI" with "Hurricane Harvey Relief" in the memo line and mailed to Episcopal Charities, 275 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903. Thank you for your generosity in helping those afflicted.

Monthly Requiem – for the departed of this parish whose year’s mind falls during September will be offered Monday 11 September at 6 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.

Weekday Mass Cancellations this Week -- Fr. Alexander will be out of town Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week attending (and giving the meditations at) the annual Synod of the Society of the Holy Cross in Belleville, Illinois, so the regularly scheduled Masses at S. Stephen's on those days regrettably must be canceled. However, lay officiants will conduct Noonday Prayer on Tuesday (the 12th) and Thursday (the 14th) at 12 noon; and Evening Prayer on 5:30 pm on Wednesday (the 13th). Those desiring to attend Mass for Holy Cross Day on Thursday 14 September are invited to St. John's, Newport, for Evening Prayer and Mass beginning at 5:30 pm.

Epiphany Soup Kitchen (ESK) Fundraiser – a gathering to generate publicity for ESK and raise funds towards purchase of a new freezer will be held at the Portuguese-American Social Club, 32 Sheldon Street, Providence, Thursday 28 September from 6 pm to 8 pm. The event includes appetizers and cash bar. Tickets are $20 and are available today from Susan Brazil or Bruce Lennihan.

Nave Flooring Project – We are pleased to announce that over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule; but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

New Lights – Meanwhile, overhead, you may notice new lights shining in the hanging lanterns in the nave. These LED bulbs give increased light at greatly reduced energy usage and cost. We hope they make an improvement.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Norman, John, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, Mark, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Robert, Katherine, Sally, John, Ed, Virginia, Kirsten, Beverly, Deborah, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, George, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Mary J. Seamans (10 September 1987), Michele Leighton (11 September 2009), James F. Littlefield (13 September 1986), Margaret Chase (13 September 1998), and George R. Finch (13 September 2009); Recently Departed: Stephen Powers, Priest, and Phebe E.A. Jacobs.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for The Most Revd James Richard Wong Yin Song, Archbishop, Province of Indian Ocean & Bishop of the Seychelles; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of Holy Cross, Middletown and of Church of the Redeemer, Providence.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo; Thurifer Z Painter; Torches R Callanan, L Retjo
Lector – E Alexander
Ushers – Bruce Lennihan and George Ryan
Coffee Hour – Karl and Klara

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS, & MEETINGS

Wednesday 13 September
Frank Pisaturo Parish Discernment Team 7 pm (Library)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 15 September
Reformed University Fellowship 5 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 16 September
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 10 September
FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

Monday 11 September
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Requiem Mass 6 pm (Black)

Tuesday 12 September
John Henry Hobart, Bishop of New York, 1830 (G or W)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon

Wednesday 13 September
John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, Teacher, 407 

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Thursday 14 September
HOLY CROSS DAY
Noonday Prayer 12 noon

Friday 15 September
Our Lady of Sorrows (G or Blue)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 16 September
Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage and Martyr, 258, and Cornelius, Pope and Martyr, 253 (R)
Ninian, Bishop of Galloway, Apostle of the Picts, c. 432
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10 am

Sunday 17 September
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (17 September)

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 19, Year A
Genesis 50:15-21
Psalm 103:8-13
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35

-->