PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 29 April 2018

Detail of Apse Mosaic, 12th Century
San Clemente, Rome

FROM THE RECTOR

In the Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Our Lord likens himself to a vine of which we, the members of his Church, are the branches. This organic image reminds us that he is our life: apart from him we wither and die; united with him, we flourish and bear much good fruit. Please join us this Sunday as we continue the Eastertide celebration of eternal life in Christ. 
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B 

Psalm 22:24-30

Acts 8:26-40

1 John 4:7-21

John 15:1-8

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC 

Everett Titcomb (1884-1968) — Missa Sanctae Crucis 

J. S. Bach (1685-1750) — Singet dem Herr nein neues Lied, BWV 225 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Saint Philip & Saint James, Apostles (May 1) – a major Holy Day, will be celebrated at Low Mass on Tuesday at 12:10 pm, preceded by Noonday Prayer at 12:00 noon. 

Society of Mary – The Our Lady of Providence Ward of SOM will gather at 10:30 am this Saturday, 5 May, for Holy Rosary followed by coffee in the Great Hall following the regularly scheduled 10 am Mass. All are welcome and invited to attend! 

Episcopal Ministry at Brown & RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR continues this evening in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm. 

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, Redeemer, and Saint Stephen’s) on Thursday 10 May at Saint Martin’s Church, 50 Orchard Avenue, at 7 pm. Fr. Alexander will be the preacher. 

May Procession of Our Lady – will be Sunday 13 May (fittingly, Mother’s Day) at the 10 am Mass. We need volunteers to carry the statue of Our Lady and to assist the ushers in directing traffic. Please call the parish office or speak to one of the clergy if you would like to help. 

Coffee Hour Rota – We need someone to take over the responsibility of organizing the rota of Coffee Hour hosts. Please speak to Fr. Alexander if you might be interested. 

The Parish Barbecue – is scheduled for Sunday 5 June (the Solemnity of Corpus Christi), which will also be the last regular choir Sunday of the season, and Sunday School Recognition. We need lots of volunteers to help with the setup, cooking, serving, and cleanup. Please call or email Susan in the parish office to sign up to help. 

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

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

Birthdays this week: Jacob Ihnen (Wednesday 5/2) and Robyn Noble (Thursday 5/3). 

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Charles N. Williams, Sr. (3 May 1999), Sarah Volante (3 May 2014), and John Herbert Allen (5 May 1991). 

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem & The Middle East: The Most Rev’d Suheil Dawani, Archbishop, Jerusalem & the Middle East & Archbishop in Jerusalem; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the people and clergy of Church Beyond the Walls. 

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC R Noble; Subdeacon D Malo; Thurifer F Pisaturo; Crucifer J Ihnen; Torches C Sylvia, G Benziger 

Lector – T Oakes 

Ushers – Nancy Gingrich and Tom Bledsoe 

Coffee Hour – Tom and Cathy Bledsoe 

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 

Saturday 5 May 

Society of Mary 10:30 am (Lady Chapel / Great Hall) 

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S 

Friday 4 May 

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

Saturday 5 May 

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall) 

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE 

29 April 

THE FIFTH 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 

Daily Office Lectionary: Easter V, Year Two 

Daily Mass Lectionary: Easter V 

30 April 

Monday in Easter V (W) 

Catherine of Siena, Mystic, Teacher, Patron of Europe, 1380 

Holy Abbots of Cluny, 10th—11th centuries 

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm 

Low Mass 6:00 pm 

1 May 

SAINT PHILIP AND SAINT JAMES, APOSTLES (R) 

Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon 

Low Mass 12:10 pm 

2 May 

Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, Teacher, 373 (W) 

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm 

Low Mass 6 pm 

3 May 

Thursday in Easter V (W) 

Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon 

Low Mass 12:10 pm 

4 May 

Friday in Easter V (W) 

English Saints and Martyrs of the Reformation Era 

Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon 

Low Mass 12:10 pm 

5 May 

Saturday in Easter V (W) 

Morning Prayer 9:30 am 

Low Mass 10:00 am 

Holy Rosary 10:30 am 

6 May 

THE SIXTH 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 (6 May) 

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B 

Psalm 98

Acts 10:44-48

1 John 5:1-6

John 15:9-17

PARISH NOTES Sunday 22 April 2018

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 22 April 2018

Jesus as the Good Shepherd, mosaic, 5th c. Galla Placidia Mausoleum, Ravenna

FROM THE RECTOR

The Fourth Sunday of the Easter Season focuses our attention on the image of the Good Shepherd. In the Old Testament, David went from tending his father Jesse’s flocks to become King of Israel, the shepherd of the nation. Other biblical passages such as Psalm 23 envision God himself as the Shepherd of his people. In John’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims, “I am the Good Shepherd.” The Church’s bishops and clergy receive a share in the responsibility of shepherding the flock; the word “pastor” means “shepherd.” Join us this Sunday as we reflect with gratitude on our membership in the flock of Christ. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B

Psalm 23
Acts 4:5-12

1 John 3:16-24

John 10:11-18

THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC

David Conte (b. 1955)— Missa Brevis

Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611)— Surrexit pastor bonus

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Flowers at the High Altar – are given by Bruce Lennihan to the glory of God and in loving memory of Jeannine Lennihan Firestone.

The Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist (April 25) – a major feast day of the church year, will be celebrated this Wednesday with Low Mass at 6:00 pm, preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm.

Rector’s Vacation – Fr. Alexander is still away this Sunday (April 22), and is scheduled to be back in the Parish Office Tuesday 24 April. During his absence, Fr. Pearson may be contacted at 610-513-2548 for any urgent pastoral needs.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown & RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR continues this evening in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm.

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: Elizabeth, Richard, Norman, John, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, Lynne, William, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Elizabeth, Sally, Sandy, John, Phebe, Ed, Gregory, Richard, Colin, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Jonathan, Zac, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Betsy, Rhoda, William, James, and Louis.

Birthdays this week: Gail Finch (Sunday 4/22) and Leonard Gaucher (Monday 4/23).

The faithful departed:  Year’s Mind: King David Stamps (22 April 1985), William Brazil (24 April 1995), Kenneth Raymond (24 April 2010), Hazel G. Wyss (25 April 1991), and Jeannine Lennihan Firestone (25 April 2013). Recently Departed: Sandy McClatchy.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for The Nippon Sei Ko Kai (The Anglican Communion in Japan): The Most Rev’d Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu, Primate of The Nippon Sei Ko Kai & Bishop of Hokkaido; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the people and clergy of San Jorge’s, Central Falls and for the leadership and students of St. George’s School, Newport and for the people and clergy of St. Mark's, Warwick, and Good Shepherd, Pawtucket.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo; Subdeacon NONE; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer J Ihnen; Torches D Malo, K Rejto

Lector – W Dilworth

Ushers – Patricia Barnes and Tom Oakes

Coffee Hour – Susan Rozzero

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 27 April

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

Saturday 28 April

Epiphany Soup Kitchen  2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

22 April

THE FOURTH 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

Daily Office Lectionary: Easter IV, Year Two

Daily Mass Lectionary: Easter IV

23 April

George, Martyr, Patron of England, c. 304 (W)

Evening Prayer  5:30 pm

Low Mass  6:00 pm

24 April

Tuesday in Easter IV (W)

Mellitus, Bishop of London, first Bishop at Saint Paul’s, 624

Noonday Prayer  12:00 noon

Low Mass  12:10 pm

25 April

SAINT MARK THE EVANGELIST (R)

Evening Prayer  5:30 pm

Low Mass  6 pm

                                      

26 April

Thursday in Easter IV (W)

Cletus, Pope and Martyr, c. 89

Noonday Prayer  12:00 noon

Low Mass  12:10 pm

27 April

Friday in Easter IV (W)

Christina Rossetti, Poet, 1895

Noonday Prayer  12:00 noon

Low Mass  12:10 pm

28 April

Saturday in Easter IV (W)

Peter Chanel, Religious, Missionary in the South Pacific, Martyr, 1841

Morning Prayer  9:30 am

Low Mass  10:00 am

29 April

THE FIFTH 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 (29 April)

       

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B

Psalm 22:24-30
Acts 8:26-40

1 John 4:7-21

John 15:1-8

PARISH NOTES Sunday 15 April 2018

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 15 April 2018

Apparizione a porte chiuse by Duccio di Buoninsegna (1255-1319),
Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana del Duomo

FROM THE RECTOR

The appearances of the Risen Jesus to the disciples during the forty days between his Resurrection and Ascension prepare the Church for its mission to the world. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples “that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his Name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” Two millennia later, we continue in this same mission, gathering on the first day of each week to proclaim the Good News of Christ. Please join us as the Eastertide celebration continues. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Third Sunday of Easter, Year B  

Psalm 4
Acts 3:12-19

1 John 3:1-7

Luke 24:36b-48

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)— Missa in illo tempore à 6

Marcel Dupré (1886-1971)— Laudate, Op. 9

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Rector’s Vacation – Fr. Alexander is away this Sunday (April 15) and next Sunday (April 22), and is scheduled to be back in the Parish Office Tuesday 24 April. During his absence, Fr. Pearson may be contacted at 610-513-2548 for any urgent pastoral needs.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown & RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR continues this evening in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm.

Commemoration of April Departed – of this parish whose year’s mind falls during April will be included in the Low Mass tomorrow, 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 the parish office at:
office@sstephens.necoxmail.com.

Guild of All Souls: St. Stephen, Proto-Martyr Branch – S. Stephen’s celebrates a parish Requiem Mass on the First Monday of most months at the 6:00 pm Mass. Departed members of the parish whose anniversaries fall during the month are remembered in prayer, and anyone may submit additional names of the departed.

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

Birthdays this week: Rhoda Steinhart (Monday 4/16), Frank Pisaturo (Thursday 4/19), and Barbara Osborne (Friday 4/20).

The faithful departed:  Year’s Mind: Cristine Marie Parrillo (17 April 1989), John Rankin Laird (19 April 1991), Winifred D. Bonner (20 April 1983), and Frances Cecilia Jarvis Hall (20 April 1987). Recently Departed: Sandy McClatchy.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for The Church of Ireland: The Most Rev’d Richard Lionel Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland and Metropolitan; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for those called to serve God and God’s people as deacons and the many ministries that they support.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo; Subdeacon NONE; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer J Ihnen; Torches L Verdelotti, K Rejto

Lector – P Martin

Ushers – Chris Martel and Karl Benziger

Coffee Hour – Modu and Family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Monday 16 April

Epiphany Soup Kitchen Board Meeting  7:00 pm (Great Hall)

Friday 20 April

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

Saturday 21 April

Epiphany Soup Kitchen  2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

15 April

THE THIRD 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

Daily Office Lectionary: Easter III, Year Two

Daily Mass Lectionary: Easter III

16 April

Monday in Easter III (W)

Evening Prayer  5:30 pm

Low Mass  6:00 pm

17 April

Tuesday in Easter III (W)

Noonday Prayer  12:00 noon

Low Mass  12:10 pm

18 April

Wednesday in Easter III (W)

Evening Prayer  5:30 pm

Low Mass  6 pm

                                      

19 April

Thursday in Easter III (W)

Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1012

Noonday Prayer  12:00 noon

Low Mass  12:10 pm

20 April

Friday in Easter III (W)

Noonday Prayer  12:00 noon

Low Mass  12:10 pm

21 April

Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, Teacher, 1109 (W)

Morning Prayer  9:30 am

Low Mass  10:00 am

22 April

THE FOURTH 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 (22 April)

       

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B

Psalm 23
Acts 4:5-12

1 John 3:16-24

John 10:11-18

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 8 April 2018

Maerten de Vos, The Incredulity of Thomas (1574)
Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp, Belgium

FROM THE RECTOR

Easter is not just a day but a season lasting fifty days (or, some say, forty days). Join us this Sunday as we continue the celebration of Christ's Resurrection with the wonderful story of "Doubting Thomas" who declared that he would not believe unless he could touch the Risen Lord's wounds. Once his request was met, the Lord asked Thomas, "Have you believed because you have seen? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe!" -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

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

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC 

Healey Willan (1880-1968)—Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

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. 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. 

Episcopal Ministry at Brown & RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR resumes this evening in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm.

The Feast of the Annunciation – will be celebrated at S. Stephen’s tomorrow, 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.) This is one of our series of joint celebrations with Saint John’s, Newport, whose Rector Fr. Nathan Humphrey will be the preacher.

Society of Mary – The Our Lady of Providence Ward of SOM will gather at 10:30 am this Saturday, 14 April, for Holy Rosary followed by coffee in the Great Hall following the regularly scheduled 10 am Mass. All are welcome and invited to attend!

Commemoration of April Departed – of this parish whose year’s mind falls 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: Elizabeth, Richard, 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, Betsy, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Kathleen Lester (Wednesday 4/11), John Chamberlin (Thursday 4/12), Korrie Elizabeth Hooks (Thursday 4/12), Fr. John Alexander (Saturday 4/14), and Brian Ehlers (Saturday 4/14).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Paul Joseph Conley (8 April 2000), Carl Randolph (11 April 1983), Doris Johnson (13 April 2004), Marie Lopez (14 April 1983), and Steele Wade Martin, Priest (14 April 2005). Recently Departed: Gerald Ducette.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for The Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean: The Most Rev’d James Richard Wong Yin Song, Archbishop, Province of Indian Ocean & Bishop of the Seychelles; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Bishop and members of his staff.

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC D Malo; Subdeacon NONE; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer F Pisaturo; Torches C Sylvia, G Benziger
Lector – RG Noble
Ushers – Joy D’Ambra and Bruce Lennihan
Coffee Hour – Ed and Leana Hooks

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Saturday 14 April

Society of Mary 10:30 am (Lady Chapel / Great Hall)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S 

Friday 13 April

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

Saturday 14 April
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

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

Daily Office Lectionary: Easter II, Year Two

Daily Mass Lectionary: Easter II

9 April
THE ANNUNCIATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (W) (Transferred from 3/25)
Evensong/Sung Mass 5:30 pm

10 April
Tuesday in Easter II (W)
William Law, Priest, Spiritual Writer, 1761
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

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

12 April
Thursday in Easter II (W)
Zeno, Bishop of Verona, Martyr, 371
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

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

14 April 

Saturday in Easter II (W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am
Holy Rosary 10:30 am

15 April
THE THIRD 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 (15 April)

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