PARISH NOTES

Sunday 26 February 2017

Transfiguration Apse Mosaic (detail)
Saint Catherine's Monastery, Sinai, c. 565-566

FROM THE RECTOR

In the 1979 Prayer Book calendar and the Revised Common Lectionary, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday (known in older traditions as Quinquagesima) commemorates the Transfiguration of Christ. Before we start down the road of Lent, the readings, prayers, and hymns for this Sunday remind us of the glory that awaits us at the end of the journey. In a time of anxiety and concern about the future, we need this reminder of our final destination. The glory revealed on the holy mountain is promised to us as well. Provided that we persevere in the faith, we shall see ultimately Christ as he is; and be transformed into his likeness from glory to glory. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

The Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A
Exodus 24:12-18
Psalm 2 or 99
2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Flowers at the High Altar – are given today by Fr. John & Elizabeth Alexander in thanksgiving for God’s many blessings, and in loving memory of Harold R. Alexander.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Our annual pancake supper will be this Tuesday 28 February from 5:30 – 7 pm in our Great Hall. Tickets are $5 apiece, available at the door. Please let us know if you plan to attend by calling the parish office at 401-421-6702, ext. 1 or via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. All are welcome. Come enjoy a final culinary indulgence before Lent, and join in the burning of last year’s palms to make new ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday Services (March 1) – Morning Prayer & Blessing of the Ashes will be celebrated at 8 am in the Lady Chapel. (You may receive ashes at this service.) Solemn Mass will be celebrated with the Imposition of Ashes at 6 pm in the main church.

Stations of the Cross – will be offered on Fridays in Lent at 6 pm, beginning this Friday 3 March. We gather in the Lady Chapel. All are welcome and cordially invited to attend and participate in this moving devotion.

Society of Mary – will not meet this Saturday, but will meet Saturday 11 March for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, and recitation of the Rosary. Everyone is invited.

Rector’s Book – After Mass Fr. Alexander will have copies of his recently published book of Lenten weekday homilies, Springtime of the Spirit, for sale at $10 each. (Cash is welcome, or please make checks payable to “John D. Alexander” – thanks.)

Lenten Series – Our Lenten Series begins next Sunday evening 5 March. Join us for Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm, Supper at 6, and the series “Charles Chapman Grafton and the Genesis of America Anglo-Catholicism.” Fr. Alexander will launch the series with a talk entitled “Grafton and Religious Orders.” Each evening will conclude by 8 pm. Please let the parish office know if you plan to attend and if you are able to help with set-up, clean-up, and food preparation for the coming weeks, by calling 421-6702, ext. 1 or email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. All are welcome and invited to attend.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Jeannie, Mark, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Katherine, Sally, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Kirsten, Beverly, Deborah, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Carlos, Rhoda, Ned, James, and Weldon.

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Dorothy Belden (23 February 1997), Barbara Albee (26 February 2012), Robert Cartwright (28 February 1992), Jane Graves Raymond (29 February 1998), Flora Hilda Harding (2 March 1994), Alice Hunt (2 March 1998), and Mary Chase (2 March 1992).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Marathwada (North India): The Rt. Rev’d Madhukar Kasab; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for those who are preparing to serve God as ordained ministers in the church.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC Z Painter SD W Dilworth; Thurifer L Hooks; Crucifer F Pisaturo; Torches K Rejto, L Rejto
Lector – P Martin
Ushers – L Verdelotti, G Ryan
Coffee Hour – Alison Huff

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Tuesday 28 February
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 5:30 - 7 pm

Sunday 5 March
Lenten Series (following 5:30 Evening Prayer and 6 pm dinner)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 4 March
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 26 February
THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office Lectionary – Week of Last Sunday after Epiphany, Year One

Daily Mass Lectionary – Week of Last Sunday after Epiphany, Year One, and Lenten Weekdays following Ash Wednesday

Monday 27 February
George Herbert, Priest, Poet, 1633 (G or W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 28 February
Founding of the Society of the Holy Cross, 1855 (G or W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 1 March
ASH WEDNESDAY (V)
Morning Prayer & Blessing of the Ashes 8 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Solemn Mass with Imposition of Ashes 6 pm

Thursday 2 March
Thursday after Ash Wednesday (V)
Chad, Bishop of Lichfield, c. 602
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 3 March
Friday after Ash Wednesday (V)
John and Charles Wesley, Priests, 1791, 1788
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Stations of the Cross 6 pm

Saturday 4 March
Saturday after Ash Wednesday (V)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 5 March
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT (V)
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 (5 March)

The First Sunday of Lent, Year A

Genesis 2:15-17,3:1-7
Psalm 32
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11

PARISH NOTES
Sunday 19 February 2017

Carl Heinrich Bloch, Sermon on the Mount, 1877

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday's readings juxtapose two parallel sayings. In Leviticus, the Lord tells Moses, "Say to all the congregation of the people of Israel, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." And in the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus says to his disciples, "You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." That may seem quite a challenge: to be like God. The underlying presupposition is that all the principles, rules, and precepts of Jewish and Christian ethics are predicated on the character of God, who alone is completely holy and perfect. To be in relationship with God, to belong to God's people, is to enter on a journey of being remade in God's image so that one comes more and more to reflect God's holiness and perfection in one's own life. This Sunday at the 10 am Mass, we welcome Noah Butler-Rose as he begins that journey in Holy Baptism. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Epiphany 7, Year A
Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18
Psalm 119:33-40
1 Corinthians 3:10-11,16-23
Matthew 5:38-48

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Altar Flowers – today are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the baptism of Noah Butler-Rose, by parents Christopher Butler and Bobby Rose.

Visit to Christ Church, New Haven – Frank Pisaturo and Fr. Yost have organized a pilgrimage to Christ Church, New Haven, to attend their Compline service. Compline is a prayer office found in our Book of Common Prayer, typically done in the late evening. Christ Church is known for its beautiful sung services held throughout the semester. We plan to travel to New Haven this afternoon by car pool. We will leave S. Stephen's around 5:30pm, leaving ample time for travel. Compline service is at 9pm. If you are interested in joining, and/or assisting with carpooling, please see Frank.

George Washington’s Birthday (February 20) – As on all public holidays falling on Monday, Low Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 am, preceded by Morning Prayer at 9.

Saint Matthias the Apostle (February 24) – a major Holy Day, will be celebrated on Friday with Low Mass at 12:10 pm, preceded by Angelus at noon.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Our annual pancake supper will be Tuesday 28 February from 5:30 – 7 pm in our Great Hall. Tickets are available at the door. Please let us know if you plan to attend by calling the parish office at 401-421-6702, ext. 1 or via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. All are welcome. Come enjoy a final culinary indulgence before Lent, and join in the burning of last year’s palms to make new ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday Services (March 1) – Morning Prayer & Blessing of the Ashes will be celebrated at 8 am in the Lady Chapel. (You may receive ashes at this service.) Sung Mass will be celebrated with the Imposition of Ashes at 6 pm in the main church.

Rector’s Book – After Mass Fr. Alexander will have copies of his recently published book of Lenten weekday homilies, Springtime of the Spirit, for sale at $10 each. (Please make checks payable to “John D. Alexander” – thanks.)

Lenten Series – Plan on joining us on Sunday evenings In Lent for Evening Prayer, Supper, and the series “Charles Chapman Grafton and the Genesis of America Anglo-Catholicism” featuring various distinguished speakers – more details to follow.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Ketti, Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Jeannie, Mark, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Katherine, Sally, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Kirsten, Beverly, Deborah, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Carlos, Rhoda, Ned, James, and Weldon.

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Frederick A. Starks, Sr. (19 February 1985). Recently Departed: Robert J. C. Brown, Priest, Kenneth Okkers, Priest, and Deacon Timothy Rice.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Madi & West Nile (Uganda): The Rt. Rev’d Joel Obetia; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership, staff, and residents of Hallworth House.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC R Noble SD D Malo; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches R Callahan, George Benziger
Lector – T Oakes
Ushers – J Steiny, J Chamberlin
Coffee Hour – Cancelled due to floor renovations

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Tuesday 21 February
Vestry Meeting 7 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 25 February

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 19 February
THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass with Holy Baptism 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary for VII Epiphany (Year One)

Monday 20 February
Feria (G)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Tuesday 21 February
John Henry Newman, Priest, Theologian, 1890 (G or W)
Peter Damian, Monk, Bishop, Teacher, 1072
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 22 February
The See of Peter the Apostle (Saint Peter’s Chair at Antioch) (G or W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 23 February
Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr, c. 155 (R)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 24 February
SAINT MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE (R)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 25 February
Ethelbert and Bertha, King and Queen of Kent, 616, c. 612 (G or W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 26 February
THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
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 (26 February)

Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A
Exodus 24:12-18
Psalm 2 or 99
2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9

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PARISH NOTES

Sunday 12 February 2017

Sermon on the Mount
Contemporary Icon

FROM THE RECTOR

Years ago, an experienced older priest was addressing a group of clergy at a retreat. He offered one memorable bit of advice: "Sunday morning should be the day to which you look forward more than any other day of the week. When you wake up on Sunday, you should feel excited as you anticipate getting up, going to church, and worshiping with your parish community. The morning you don't feel that sense of joy that it's finally Sunday again, you know that something's gone wrong in your spiritual life that needs to be addressed." I'm happy to report that even after twenty-four years of priestly ministry, I still feel that sense of joyful anticipation every Sunday morning. Even when it's a bit muted by lack of sleep or worry about this or that situation--or even the odd "spiritually dry patch"--nonetheless it's still always there at some level. But that priest's advice holds good for all of us, lay and ordained alike. The ability to gather for worship on the Lord's Day is a great privilege, an incomparable joy, never to be taken for granted but always cherished as we faithfully take our part in the Church's offering of praise and thanksgiving to God the Holy Trinity. -- Fr. John D. Alexander 

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Epiphany 6, Year A
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 or Sirach 15:15-20
Psalm 119:1-8
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Matthew 5:21-37

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Altar Flowers – today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Alan Reniere by Brian Ehlers.

Great Hall Floor – Beginning tomorrow, Monday 13 February, we will be having the Great Hall floor refinished. Epiphany Soup Kitchen will serve sandwiches to go on the 18th, and there will be no Coffee Hour following the 10 am Mass on the 19th. By Sunday 26 February the room should be back in full use.

Eucharistic Adoration – This Saturday 18 February, 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.

Compline at Christ Church, New Haven – Frank Pisaturo and Fr. Yost are organizing a pilgrimage to Christ Church, New Haven, to attend their Compline service. Compline is a prayer office found in our Book of Common Prayer, typically done in the late evening. Christ Church is known for its beautiful sung services held throughout the semester. We plan to travel to New Haven on Sunday 19 February by car pool. We will leave S. Stephen's around 5:30pm, leaving ample time for travel. Compline service is at 9pm. If you are interested in joining, and/or assisting with carpooling, please email Frank at pisaturof@gmail.com.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Our annual pancake supper will be Tuesday 28 February from 5:30 – 7 pm in our Great Hall. Tickets are available at the door. Please let us know if you plan to attend by calling the parish office at 401-421-6702, ext. 1 or via email. All are welcome. Come enjoy a final culinary indulgence before Lent, and join in the burning of last year’s palms to make new ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday Services (March 1) – Morning Prayer & Blessing of the Ashes will be celebrated at 8 am in the Lady Chapel. (You may receive ashes at this service.) Sung Mass will be celebrated with the Imposition of Ashes at 6 pm in the main church.

Lenten Series – Plan on joining us on Sunday evenings In Lent for Evening Prayer, Supper, and the series “Charles Chapman Grafton and the Genesis of America Anglo-Catholicism” featuring various distinguished speakers – more details to follow.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Martha, Donald, Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Michael, Richard, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, John, Ed, Virginia, Shane, Jan, Richard, Jerry, Joel, Sandra, Emily, Beverly, Deborah, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Katherine, Sally, Carlos, Loretto, Rhoda, Ned, Michael, James, Michael, Peter, and Weldon.

Birthdays this week: Alison Huff (12 February), Elizabeth Schumann (13 February), The Rev. M. P Schneider (14 February), and Lucas Bledsoe (17 February).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Thomas Greene Cure, Priest (13 February 2001), Alan Edward Reniere (15 February 2013), Christopher Dunstan (16 February 1994), Gary Lee Stamps (17 February 1991), James W. Randolph (17 February 1985), and John Walker (18 February 2008). Recently Departed: Kathleen Anderson, Robert J. C. Brown, Priest, Kenneth Okkers, Priest, and Deacon Timothy Rice.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Lusaka (Central Africa): The Rt. Rev’d David Njovu; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for retired clergy of the Diocese.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC S Brazil SD F Pisaturo; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer R Noble; Torches DO Latimer, V Johnson
Lector – J Steiny
Ushers – T Bledsoe, P Pettingell
Coffee Hour – Rejto/Elliot Family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 18 February
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 12 February
THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary Epiphany 6 (Year One)

Monday 13 February
Absalom Jones, Priest, 1818 (G or W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 14 February
Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries to the Slavs, Patrons of Europe, 869, 885 (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 15 February
Sigfrid, Bishop, Apostle of Sweden, 1045 (G or W)
Thomas Bray, Priest, Missionary, Founder of the SPCK, 1730
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 16 February
Feria (G)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 17 February
Janani Luwum, Archbishop of Uganda, Martyr, 1977 (G or R)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 18 February
Simeon of Jerusalem, 1st century (G or W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Eucharistic Adoration 10 am

Sunday 19 February
THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass with Holy Baptism 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

*EMBR=Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS

Epiphany 7, Year A
Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18
Psalm 119:33-40
1 Corinthians 3:10-11,16-23
Matthew 5:38-48

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PARISH NOTES

Sunday 5 February 2017

Holman Hunt, Light of the World
(Manchester Version), 1851-1856

FROM THE RECTOR

"You are the salt of the earth ... You are the light of the world." In the section of Sermon on the Mount included in this Sunday's Gospel, our Lord speaks these words to remind his disciples of their high calling. How might God be calling us as the Church to be salt and light today?

-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Epiphany 5, Year A

Isaiah 58:1-9a(9b-12)

Psalm 112:1-9 (10) 

1 Corinthians 2:1-12(13-16)

Matthew 5:13-20

THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC 

(at the 10 am Mass)

Messe pour le Port Royal -- Marc-Antoine Charpentier

Oratio Patris Condren: O Jesu Vivens in Maria -- Ned Rorem

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Monthly Requiem – for the departed of this parish whose year’s mind falls during February will be offered tomorrow, Monday 6 February 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 or Fr. Yost. 

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Our annual pancake supper will be Tuesday 28 February from 5:30 – 7 pm in our Great Hall. Tickets are available at the door. Please let us know if you plan to attend by calling the parish office at 401-421-6702, ext. 1 or via email. All are welcome. Come enjoy a final culinary indulgence before Lent, and join in the burning of last year’s palms to make new ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday Services (March 1) – Morning Prayer & Blessing of the Ashes will be celebrated at 8 am in the Lady Chapel. (You may receive ashes at this service.) Sung Mass will be celebrated with the Imposition of Ashes at 6 pm in the main church.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Avis, Virginia, Martha, Donald, Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Michael, Richard, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, John, Ed, Virginia, Shane, Jan, Richard, Jerry, Joel, Sandra, Emily, Beverly, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Katherine, Sally, Carlos, Loretto, Rhoda, Ned, Michael, James, Michael, Peter, and Weldon.

Birthdays this week: Sharon Lloyd Clark (9 February) and Christopher Butler (10 February).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Mary L. Starks (5 February 1999), Paul David Ross (6 February 1996), Mildred Dunlop (8 February 1987), Madeline Nason (9 February 1985), and Madeline Thatcher Howes (10 February 1986). Recently Departed: Kathleen Anderson, Robert J. C. Brown, Priest, Kenneth Okkers, Priest, and Deacon Timothy Rice.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Lomega (Loryko, Sudan): The Rt. Rev’d Paul Yugusuk; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for our seminaries and our schools for deacons as they prepare our postulants and candidates for Holy Orders.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC W Dilworth; SD Z Painter; Thurifer R Noble; Crucifer D Malo; Torches L Rejto, E Benziger

Lector – M Johnson

Ushers – S Newby, S Brazil

Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 11 February

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 5 February

THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Solemn Mass 10 am

Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary for the Week of Epiphany 5 (Year One)

Monday 6 February

The Martyrs of Japan, 1597 (R)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Requiem Mass 6 pm (Black) 

Tuesday 7 February

Cornelius the Centurion, 1st century 1888 (G or W)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 8 February

Jerome Emiliani, Priest, Founder of the Somaschi Fathers, 1537 (G or W)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm 

Thursday 9 February

Feria (G)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 10 February

Scholastica, Abbess, c. 543 (G or W)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 11 February

Our Lady of Lourdes (G or Blue)

Morning Prayer 9 am

Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 12 February

THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G) 

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 (12 February)

Epiphany 6, Year A

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 or Sirach 15:15-20

Psalm 119:1-8

1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Matthew 5:21-37

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PARISH NOTES

Sunday 29 January 2017

Sermon on the Mount
Vasiliy Myazin (1936-2008)

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday's Gospel consists of the opening section of the Sermon on the Mount known as the Beatitudes: nine sayings in which our Lord declares "Blessed" the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and so forth. As we embark upon our Annual Meeting following the 10 am Mass, we do well to reflect on the ways in which we are blessed as a parish. And how well do we fit the profile of those whom Jesus calls "blessed"? I look forward to seeing you there. --  Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Epiphany 4, Year A

Micah 6:1-8

Psalm 15

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Matthew 5:1-12

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Annual Meeting – Please join us this morning after the 10 am Mass for the 179th Annual Meeting of the parish. All are welcome and invited to attend, although only active adult parishioners in good standing may vote. (If you have questions about your status as a parishioner, please ask Fr. Alexander. According to the canons of the Episcopal Church adults are 16 years old and older.) Child care is available through the luncheon and meeting.

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

Evensong & Sung Mass for Candlemas – This Thursday 2 February at 5:30 pm, we will celebrate the feast of The Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple (also known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Candlemas), with Evensong and Sung Mass in the Lady Chapel. All are welcome and invited to attend.

Society of Mary – will meet this Saturday 4 February for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, and recitation of the Rosary. Everyone is invited.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions have been nominated for election at the Annual Parish Meeting today: one vestry member (four-year term): Zachary Painter; two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term): Richard Noble and Frank Pisaturo; two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell and John Chamberlin; Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell, and Treasurer (one-year term): George Ryan.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Kathleen, Avis, Virginia, Martha, Donald, Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Michael, Richard, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, John, Ed, Virginia, Shane, Jan, Richard, Jerry, Joel, Sandra, Emily, Beverly, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Katherine, Sally, Carlos, Loretto, Rhoda, Ned, Michael, James, Michael, Peter, and Weldon.

Birthdays this week: Thomas Bledsoe (30 January), Nathan Callanan (1 February), and Charles O’Boyle (2 February).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Florence Matilda Colvin (30 January 1994), Anna Waterman Jackson McCoy (30 January 1985), Ronald Parks Conner, Priest (30 January 2011), and Henry Francis Tingley, Jr. (4 February 1884). Recently Departed: Frederick Lockwood.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Lichfield (Canterbury, England): The Rt. Rev’d Michael Ipgrave, Shrewsbury: The Rt. Rev’d Mark James Rylands, Stafford: The Rt. Rev’d Geoffrey Peter Annas, and Wolverhampton: The Rt. Rev’d Clive Gregory; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for Episcopal Charities and the ministries and agencies they support.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC D Malo; SD R Noble; Thurifer L Hooks; Crucifer S Brazil; Torches G Benziger, C Sylvia

Lector – P Pettingell

Ushers – P Barnes, K Benziger

Coffee Hour – 179th Annual Meeting and Luncheon

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 29 January

179th Annual Meeting (following 10 am Solemn Mass)

Saturday 4 February

Society of Mary (following Low Mass & Recitation of the Rosary)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 4 February

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 29 January

THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Solemn Mass 10 am

Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary: Epiphany 4 (Year One)

Monday 30 January

Charles, King and Martyr, 1649 (R)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm 

Tuesday 31 January

John Bosco, Founder of the Salesians, 1888 (W)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 1 February

Brigid, Abbess of Kildare, 523 (W)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm 

Thursday 2 February

THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE (W)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Evensong 5:30 pm

Sung Mass 6 pm

Friday 3 February

Anskar, Archbishop of Hamburg, Missionary in Denmark and Sweden, 865 (W)

Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste, Martyr, 316 

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 4 February

Gilbert of Sempringham, Founder of the Gilbertine Order, 1189 (G or W)

Morning Prayer 9 am

Low Mass 9:30 am

Hoy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 5 February

THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G) 

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 (5 February)

Epiphany 5, Year A

Isaiah 58:1-9a(9b-12)

Psalm 112:1-9 (10) 

1 Corinthians 2:1-12(13-16)

Matthew 5:13-20

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 22 January 2017

Jesus Calls Peter and Andrew, 6th century Mosaic
Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna

FROM THE RECTOR

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined" (Isaiah 9:2). This Sunday's Old Testament reading records words spoken by the prophet Isaiah at the time when the Assyrians have conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and carried away its ten tribes -- henceforth known as the "lost tribes." It is seemingly a time of utter hopelessness for "the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali ... Galilee of the nations." Yet the prophet's words reveal that in and through the present deep darkness, God is preparing a bright and glorious future -- of which we glimpse the beginnings in this Sunday's Gospel when Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to be his disciples. A message running consistently through Scripture is that even in the times when we're most tempted to despair, when all seems lost, we must never give up hope, for God is always working in hidden ways to bring joy out of sadness, light out of darkness, life out of death. We proclaim and celebrate that hope at every Mass. Please join us. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Epiphany 3, Year A
Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 5-13
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle (January 25) – a major feast of the Church year, will be kept on Wednesday with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm, followed by Low Mass at 6 pm.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown & RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR resumes next Sunday evening, 29 January, at 5:30 pm.

Evensong & Sung Mass for Candlemas – On Thursday 2 February at 5:30 pm, we will celebrate the feast of The Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple (also known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Candlemas), with Evensong and Sung Mass in the Lady Chapel. All are welcome and invited to attend.

Nominations – Candidates for the following positions have been nominated for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 29, 2017: one vestry member (four-year term): Zachary Painter; two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term): Richard Noble and Frank Pisaturo; two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell and John Chamberlin; Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell, and Treasurer (one-year term): George Ryan.

Annual Meeting – Please join us next Sunday 29 January, after the 10 am Mass for the 179th Annual Meeting of the parish. Please contact Cory MacLean in the parish office if you can help. All are welcome and invited to attend, although only active adult parishioners in good standing may vote. (If you have questions about your status as a parishioner, please ask Fr. Alexander. According to the canons of the Episcopal Church adults are 16 years old and older.) Child care is available through the luncheon and meeting.

Annual Meeting Luncheon – If you can provide food, beverages, or assistance with clean-up for this year’s Annual Meeting, please contact Cory MacLean in the parish office. We are looking for light luncheon fare; sandwiches, salads, desserts, and cold beverages.

Parish Sponsorship of The Living Church — We need some generous individuals to step forward and help fund S. Stephen’s contribution to the fortnightly Episcopal magazine The Living Church for 2017. Published in Milwaukee with a national circulation, The Living Church provides a venue for responsible reporting and serious theological and spiritual reflection on the Church's life and mission in the world today. For an annual contribution of $3,000 we receive mention in each issue as a sponsoring parish, with a write-up in one issue describing our parish’s life and ministry. In addition to this great publicity, we also receive a bundle of copies of each issue to distribute in the narthex. Owing to our need to streamline expenses, we can no longer make our contribution from the parish operating budget, and instead are relying on the generosity of parishioners and friends. $2,500 has already been pledged towards our contribution for 2017; we can meet our goal if, say, one more person contributes $500, or two people $250 each, or even five people $100 each. If you are moved to help in this worthwhile endeavor with any amount, please contact Fr. Alexander.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Kathleen, Avis, Virginia, Martha, Donald, Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Michael, Richard, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, John, Ed, Virginia, Shane, Jan, Richard, Jerry, Joel, Sandra, Emily, Beverly, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Katherine, Sally, Carlos, Loretto, Rhoda, Ned, Michael, James, Michael, Peter, and Weldon.

Birthdays this week: Danielle Malo (22 January).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Gordon Bramwell (22 January 2002), Claire B. Bentley (25 January 1984), L'Marie Blunt (25 January 1994), and Sterling C. Poitier (28 January 1996). Recently Departed: The Rev. Henry Turnbull, and Frederick Lockwood.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Lake Rukwa - (Tanzania): The Rt. Rev’d Mathayo Kasagara; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Center for Reconciliation and all who seek to be reconcilers in our state, nation and world; and for leadership and people of St. Paul’s, North Kingstown, St. Paul’s, Pawtucket, and St. Paul’s, Portsmouth.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo; SD S Brazil; Thurifer Z Painter; Crucifer D Malo; Torches V Johnson, K Rejto
Lector – R G Noble
Ushers – N Gingrich, T Oakes
Coffee Hour – Karl & Klara Benziger

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 29 January
179th Annual Meeting (following 10 am Solemn Mass)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 28 January

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 22 January
THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass with Holy Baptism 10 am

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary for the Week of Epiphany 3, Year One

Monday 23 January
Feria (G)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 24 January
Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, 1622 (G or W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 25 January
THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 26 January

Timothy and Titus [and Silas], Companions of Saint Paul (R)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 27 January
Feria (G)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 28 January
Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Doctor, 1274 (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 29 January
THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
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 (29 January)

Epiphany 4, Year A
Micah 6:1-8
Psalm 15
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Matthew 5:1-12

PARISH NOTES

Sunday15 January 2017

Fr. Raphael Pfisterer, OSB, Lamb of God surrounded by the four Evangelists 

Detail from mural (1927-1931) at Saint Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday, we welcome back the Schola Cantorum after a brief break. Those who missed church last week on account of the snow have the opportunity this week at the 10 am Mass not only to come and hear the choir, but also to be present for the Baptism of Elliott Randall, son of Grant and Alissa Randall. Grant joined the Schola Cantorum in 2012, and Elliott played the role of baby Jesus at the pageant last month on Christmas Eve. Please join us for this blessed occasion if you are able. 

-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Epiphany 2, Year A

Isaiah 49:1-7

Psalm 40:1-12

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

John 1:29-42

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Holy Baptism – Today at the 10 am Solemn Mass we welcome into the Body of Christ Elliott Timothy, son of Grant and Alissa Randall. Grant joined the Schola Cantorum in 2012, and baby Elliott served as our baby Jesus at the 2016 children’s pageant.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 16) – As on all public holidays falling on Monday, Low Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 am, preceded by Morning Prayer at 9.

The Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle (Saint Peter’s Chair at Rome) (January 18) – a major Holy Day, will be celebrated at Low Mass on Wednesday evening at 6 pm, preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm. This feast begins the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Inauguration Eve Prayers — on Thursday evening 19 January at 6 pm, the Great Litany and Supplication will be offered in the Lady Chapel with special intention for the President-elect and the nation.This traditional Anglican service from the Book of Common Prayer is especially appropriate in times of national division and anxiety. All are welcome to attend and participate.

Eucharistic Adoration – This Saturday 21 January, 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. 

Epiphany Soup Kitchen – Our next opportunity for members of our parish to serve is this Saturday 21 January. If you can help, please contact Bruce Lennihan at michelleisgreat@comcast.net.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions have been nominated for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 29, 2017: one vestry member (four-year term): Zachary Painter; two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term): Richard Noble and Frank Pisaturo; two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell and John Chamberlin; Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell, and Treasurer (one-year term): George Ryan.

Annual Meeting – Please join us on Sunday 29 January, after the 10 am Mass for the 179th Annual Meeting of the parish. Please contact Cory MacLean in the parish office if you can help. All are welcome and invited to attend, although only active adult parishioners in good standing may vote. (If you have questions about your status as a parishioner, please ask Fr. Alexander. According to the canons of the Episcopal Church adults are 16 years old and older.) Child care will be available through the luncheon and meeting.

Annual Meeting Luncheon – If you can provide food, beverages, or assistance with clean up for this year’s Annual Meeting, please contact Cory MacLean in the parish office. We are looking for light luncheon fare; sandwiches, salads, desserts, and cold beverages.

Parish Sponsorship of The Living Church — We need some generous individuals to step forward and help fund S. Stephen’s contribution to the fortnightly Episcopal magazine The Living Church for 2017. Published in Milwaukee with a national circulation, The Living Church provides a venue for responsible reporting and serious theological and spiritual reflection on the Church's life and mission in the world today. For an annual contribution of $3,000 we receive mention in each issue as a sponsoring parish, with a write-up in one issue describing our parish’s life and ministry. In addition to this great publicity, we also receive a bundle of copies to distribute in the narthex. Owing to our need to streamline expenses, we can no longer make our contribution from the parish operating budget, and instead are relying on the generosity of parishioners and friends. $2,500 has already been pledged towards our contribution for 2017; we can meet our goal if, say, one more person contributes $500, or two people $250 each, or even five people $100 each. If you are moved to help in this worthwhile endeavor with any amount, please contact Fr. Alexander.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Avis, Virginia, Martha, Donald, Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Michael, Richard, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, John, Ed, Shane, Jan, Richard, Jerry, Joel, Sandra, Emily, Beverly, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Sally, Carlos, Loretto, Rhoda, Ned, Michael, James, Michael, Peter, Weldon, Dianne, and Elizabeth.

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: John Arthur Clark (20 January 2008), Ellsworth E. R. Wallace (21 January 1987), and Ruth B. Bodell (21 January 1985). Recently Departed: The Rev. Henry Turnbull.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Kyushu - (Japan): The Rt. Rev’d Luke Ken-ichi Muto; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for our retired Bishops, George Hunt and Geralyn Wolf.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC Z Painter; SD W Dilworth; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer L Hooks; Torches E Benziger, R Callanan

Lector – E Alexander

Ushers – TBA

Coffee Hour – Karl & Klara Benziger

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 21 January

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 15 January

THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (W) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Solemn Mass with Holy Baptism 10 am

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary 2 Epiphany (Year One)

Monday 16 January

Richard Meux Benson, Monk, Founder of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, 1915 (G or W)

Charles Gore, Bishop, Teacher, Founder of the Community of the Resurrection, 1932

Morning Prayer 9 am

Low Mass 9:30 am

Tuesday 17 January

Anthony, Abbot in Egypt, 356 (W)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 18 January

THE CONFESSION OF SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE (W)

(SAINT PETER’S CHAIR AT ROME)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm 

Thursday 19 January

Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester, 1095 (G or W)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm
Great Litany and Supplication  6 pm

Friday 20 January

Fabian, Bishop of Rome, Martyr, 250, and Sebastian, Martyr at Rome, c. 288 (G or R)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 21 January

Agnes, Martyr at Rome, 304 (R)

Morning Prayer 9 am

Low Mass 9:30 am

Eucharistic Adoration 10 am

Sunday 22 January

THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Solemn Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (22 January)

Epiphany 3, Year A

Isaiah 9:1-4 

Psalm 27:1, 5-13 

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Matthew 4:12-23

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