Letter to Parishioners, 4/3/22

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

On Friday I posted to you information regarding the sudden death of Ronald “Ronnie” Carson. … I bid you pray for the repose of Ronnie’s soul, but also for continued support for his brother.

_HOLY WEEK AND EASTER_
SUNDAY, 10 APRIL 10:00 a.m.
Distribution of Palms and Celebration of Holy Eucharist

MAUNDY THURSDAY, 14 APRIL , 7:00 p.m.
Celebration of Holy Eucharist

EASTER DAY, SUNDAY, 17 APRIL, 10:00 a.m.
Celebration of Holy Eucharist

Please enter these dates and times into your personal diary. Should you not be able to attend any of these in-person liturgies, personal visits can be arranged and are gladly offered. A visit during Easter Week is appropriate. NB.: Because of the pandemic, just as we have not during these last two years, so shall we this year not celebrate an agape meal prior to the traditional Maundy Thursday evening Celebration of the Last Supper and stripping of the altars.

Note, please, as well: As we suspended for two years the Good Friday liturgy, so shall we not observe that liturgy. I have accepted an invitation from Church of the Advent – Boston to share reflections of the Seventh Word of Christ from the Cross during the traditional three hour Good Friday liturgy. Church of the Advent and I invite you to accompany me to their location on Brimmer Street on Beacon Hill, downtown Boston. Also, for the foreseeable future, I shall be the celebrant on Monday at Daily Mass, 9:00 a.m., in order to lend collegial assistance during the leave of absence, for family matters, of its rector.

Of your charity, I bid you pray:
For those who mourn:
Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the future of the Human Race:
O God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and made us stewards over all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you, and those whom you love, for ever. Amen.

Your fellow traveler on The Way,
CEB+