The New Year 2006

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Schedule for week of January 1st

Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphant gladness

Those of you who missed the events of the Triduum (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil) do not know what you have missed.

Of course, the music was superb, the liturgy solemn, reverent and worshipful. But all these things only serve to bring us into full participation in the mysteries which they bespeak. They are the vehicles which transport us into the realms of Mystery and the Holy.

I continue to be struck with the awe and majesty of all the Holy Week liturgies, but of the Great Vigil in particular. No other service of the Church’s year of Grace so fully speaks of all that defines us in our Faith. No other liturgy proclaims so well those strains of triumphant gladness.

The vigil is a long liturgy - that in itself scares some people away. Originally it was an all-night event. It started at about the midnight hour. It began then, as now, with the kindling and blessing of a new fire. From that fire is lit the Paschal Candle which burns throughout the Great 50 Days as a symbol of the Risen Christ. The symbolism of that flame is so powerful. Its praises are sung in the glorious hymn-prayer called the “Exultet.” In that hymn of praise it is extolled as being the pillar of fire which led the people of Israel through the desert. It is the light which scatters the darkness of the night of our sin and despair. It is the Dayspring rising in the East - foretelling the coming of the Day that will never see night again.

After this, we recount the history of our redemption - from the sin of Adam through the Exodus event up to the coming of the Son of Man. Stops are made along the way to recount the valley of dry bones - a foreshadowing of the Resurrection of the Lord and the general resurrection to come.

Having heard again the stories of our redemption, the Baptismal Font is blessed. Easter water is made with the Oil of Catechumens (those who are studying for admission into the Church) and the Chrism which is used in the anointing of Confirmation, Holy Orders and Monarchy. “Ye are a Holy Nation, a Royal Priesthood, a People set apart.” Those who have prepared themselves over the 40 days of Lent are then brought to the Saving Font and Baptized into the Mystical Body of the Risen Lord.

All then process from the Font to the High Altar where the first Mass of Easter is then celebrated. The organ and bells, which have been silent since the Gloria of Maundy Thursday, now peal out in joy at the angelic hymn, “Glory be to God on high!” Alleluias flood the Mass parts and the Tabernacle, which has been absent the presence of the Lord since Good Friday’s service, once again becomes the dwelling place of God among His people.

Give thought to attending next year all of the services of the Triduum. But, in particular, plan on being present on that night “in which heaven and earth are wed,” the Great Vigil of Easter.

Now, the queen of seasons, bright with day of splendor, with the royal Feast of feasts, comes its joys to render.

How Sweet it Is

These words of the late, great comic, Jackie Gleason came to mind as I was eating some Easter candy. As I reflected on the sweetness of the candy, it came to me that it is but little when compared to the sweetness of life since the Resurrection of Our Lord. Death is conquered, we are free from all of our old terrors. Indeed, how sweet it is!

We take this occasion to welcome officially to the parish two new members.

Renee Rita Rochelle Rust (better known as Rennie) is the daughter of Myron and Annette Rust. She comes to us by way of Baptism, done at the Great Vigil of Easter.

Also baptized at the Easter Vigil was Melissa Nicole Hattam. She is the daughter of John and Michelle Hattam who were married last year by the Rector.

“We receive you into the Household of God.”

High Tea and Solemn Evensong

One of the great traditions of this parish has long been its celebration of the office of Evening Prayer. Since the coming of our current Director of Music, this Office has been transformed quarterly into a celebration with superb music, sumptuous food and most-pleasant fellowship.

It is a pity that these events are populated more by outsiders than they are by parishioners. Perhaps the old saying is true that familiarity breeds, if not contempt, at least a certain amount of taking for granted.

Mark your calendars now and plan to be in attendance at the next High Tea and Solemn Evensong.

Sunday, May 21st Tea beginning at 4:30 Evensong at 5:30

May Crowning

The annual crowning of Our Blessed Lady as Queen of the May will take place on Sunday, May 14th. This day is know in the secular calendar as Mother’s Day - an especially appropriate day to honor the Mother of Our Lord and Mother of the Church as well.

This day will mark one other event as well. For several years plans have been under way to beautify the church grounds by the addition of a garden and shrine to our Lady on the West side of the church. Major funding for this garden would come from memorial monies. It appears this project may be well towards completion by the day of the May Crowning.

The proposed garden has benefits beside the aesthetic. A look at the West wall of the Undercroft will alert you to the fact that we have had water damage. Work on the garden will allow us to alter the slope of the land in this area, thus allowing water to drain away from the building and not seep into the walls.

Included in the garden plans is a six-foot high wrought-iron fence. This will give security to the garden area and will also provide a buffer area to protect the valuable stained-glass windows on that side of the building.

A glorious statue of Our Lady will be the crowning glory of this place of rest and meditation.

Mr. David Gash, a son of this parish and also son of Norma Morehouse, is the landscape artist and general contractor for the project.