Volume XI, Number 4, December 21, 2008

From the Rector: Mostly Christmas

This coming Sunday is the last Sunday of Advent. The focus of the day is our final Sunday preparation for the great festival of Christmas. Sunday is the ancient, weekly celebration of the resurrection. By the end of the first century, a Sunday in the spring comes to be celebrated as the Sunday of the Resurrection, which we English speakers call "Easter." By the beginning of the fourth century, a celebration of Jesus' birth has emerged near the shortest day of the year. We English speakers call this feast "Christmas Day" - the day of the Christ Mass. In the darkness of the year, the true Light comes into the world.

We have two wonderful Christmas Eve services and one very special Mass on Christmas Day. The 5:00 PM Sung Mass on Christmas Eve begins in a sense with Christmas music at 4:30 PM. A special gift has been received for brass players and singers for this service. This relatively new service for us has proved to be a good time for many, especially for families with children. The parish choir sings. The service lasts just over an hour.

Our principal Christmas Eve celebration is the 11:00 PM Solemn Mass. Christmas music is offered at 10:30 PM. Come for the music if you can - you will be sure to get a good seat for the Mass. This service includes the chanting of the "Proclamation of the Birth of Christ" and a procession of an image of the Christ child from the altar to the crèche. Vaughan Williams's Mass in G minor is the setting for the Mass ordinary. No service of the year seems to be over so quickly. I can't explain it, but it's just that way, year after year.

On Christmas Day, Saint Mary's has a wonderful tradition of the congregation and clergy processing to the crèche during the final hymn of the service. At the crèche, we recite the Angelus and are dismissed. The readings and hymns are different from Christmas Eve. Christmas is a feast when one should be present for the Eucharist on the eve or on the day - and it's wonderful to come on the eve and the day!

This year, December 21 is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Most years it is the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle. In 1983 it was a Wednesday when I was ordained priest at the Church of the Incarnation, Dallas, where I was serving. Often newly ordained priests preside at the Eucharist for the first time the day after their ordination. My rector, the Reverend Paul Pritchartt, thought it would be wonderful for my first celebration to be the 11:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass. It was. And it tied my vocation to the liturgy in a quiet but significant way.

I didn't have much time on Christmas Eve 1983 to think about very much; I was worried about getting it right. The newly ordained priest at the altar wasn't the focus of the service. It was Christmas. As much as the work of a priest can put him or her in the spotlight, the Christ Mass was the center of everything. It was an experience of being servant of the assembly that continues to shape my understanding of the priesthood and of life.

The Solemn Mass at Saint Mary's on Christmas Eve begins with the ancient chant, "The Lord said to me: 'You are my Son, this day have I begotten you.' " Twenty-five years ago, it would never have occurred to me that, because of Jesus, these words were as much about you and me as they are about Jesus. I'd like to think I would have come to understand this whether I was a priest or not, but it has been because people have given me the privilege of being their pastor that these words live for me. I cannot imagine my life without the gift of your trust. Thank you. Merry Christmas. Stephen Gerth

THIS WEEK AT SAINT MARY'S . . . Please join us for the Solemn Mass this Sunday to celebrate the Rector's anniversary of ordination. The Board of Trustees will host a reception in Saint Joseph's Hall after the Mass. There will also be a special celebration of Solemn Evensong on Sunday. The Reverend Dr. Louis Weil will preach at Evensong - and there will be another reception! . . . Father Gerth will hear confessions on Saturday, December 20. The parish priests do not sit for confessions on the Saturdays in Christmastide. If you wish to make a confession during the Christmas Season, please call to make an appointment . . . The last Mass of Advent is celebrated on Wednesday, December 24, at 9:00 AM . . . Christmas Eve: Music 4:30 PM, Sung Mass 5:00 PM, Music 10:30 PM, Procession & Solemn Mass 11:00 PM . . . Christmas Day: Solemn Mass & Procession to the Crèche 11:00 AM . . . December 28: Christmas Lessons & Carol 5:00 PM.

SUNDAY PRAYER LIST . . . Your prayers are asked for Alan, Marcia, Murray, Richard, Deloris, Mary, Roseanne, Patricia, Gloria, Samuel, Russell, Frank, Stephen, Brooke, Donna, Laura, Madeleine, Marc, Janelle, Joanne, Jennie, William, Gert, Mary, Terry, Daisy, Rozalind, Connie, Rick, and Charles, Priest; and for the members of our Armed Forces on active duty, especially Christopher, Omar, Curtis, Timothy, Benjamin, Marc, Keith, Dennis, Terrance, Steven, Patrick, Andrew, and Brendan . . . GRANT THEM PEACE . . . December 21: 1881 Reuben Chester Barrows; 1885 Louis M. Schmidt; 1887 Christopher Dixon Varley; 1889 Rose Schmidt; 1896 Harvey Lamb Lufkin; 1914 Ida Blume; 1943 Martha Gilbert Dickinson Bianchi; 1976 David Bruce Kennedy.

STEWARDSHIP MATTERS . . . As of December 16, we have received pledges from 117 households. The total amount pledged thus far is $342,865.00, which is 66.07% of our goal of $518,970.00. We had a good week in our stewardship campaign (thank you to all who sent their pledges in this past week!), but we are still waiting to hear from 48% of those who pledged for 2008. Our church is an important part of the community and, we hope, an important part of your life. We join in God's love and sacrifice for us by our personal sacrifices for others. Your help is needed. If you need another pledge card or have questions, please speak with Father Jay Smith.

AROUND THE PARISH . . . Volunteers are needed to decorate the church for Christmas on Saturday, December 20, from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM and on Tuesday, December 23, from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Please contact either Dale Bonenberger or MaryJane Boland for more details or to confirm that you can help . . . Flowers are needed for many Sundays and feast days following Christmas. If you would like to donate the flowers for any one of these days, please contact Father Mead . . . Attendance: Last Sunday 331.

THROUGH THE SMOKE: RITUAL AND CEREMONY IN WORSHIP . . .  Part three of the class on Ritual and Ceremony will conclude this Sunday, December 21 at 10:00 AM.  The Class will be led by Father Mead.

FROM THE DECEMBER 15, 2008, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES . . . The by-laws of the parish require the board to meet annually within the octave of the patronal feast. At this meeting, the normal rotation among the ten members of the trustees takes place. Larry Green and Thomas Jayne completed their four-year terms of service and were recognized by the board for their service. James Dennis was elected to complete the term of service of Michael Innis-Jiménez who has moved. Jim will serve until December 2011. Robin Landis and Leroy Sharer were elected to four-year terms. The officers of the board are elected annually at this December meeting. Jim Dennis was elected vice-president of the board. Steven Heffner was re-elected treasurer and Susan Wamsley was re-elected secretary. Earlier this year the board established the position of assistant treasurer. This office can be held by a member of the parish who is not currently a trustee. Barbara Klett has graciously agreed to serve again. The board adopted a budget for 2009 and reviewed plans for its work in the new year. There will be a general report on the budget in next week's Angelus. The annual meeting of the congregation will be held on Sunday, May 3, following the Solemn Mass. Susan Wamsley, secretary

SPECIAL NOTES FOR TAX YEAR 2008 . . . If you are 70½ years or older, you can instruct your IRA trustee to distribute funds directly to Saint Mary's for tax years 2008 and 2009. You will not have to report the withdrawal as income for tax purposes. This distribution will also count toward your mandatory withdrawal amount. Please contact Steven Heffner or Barbara Klett to discuss how to make this special contribution. Both Steven and Barbara can be reached by e-mail at financeoffice@stmvnyc.org . . . Contributions are deductible in the year made. Thus, donations charged to a credit card before the end of the year count for 2008. This is true even if the credit-card bill isn't paid until next year. Also, checks count for 2008 as long as they are mailed this year. For further details, please see the IRS web page (www.irs.gov) and consult your tax professional.

FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR . . . The prelude at Solemn Mass this Sunday is Chorale by William Mathias (1934-1992). The setting of the Mass ordinary is Benjamin Britten's (1913-1976) Missa Brevis, and was written in 1959 for the boys of Westminster Cathedral Choir, London. The communion Motet is a setting of the Eucharistic hymn O salutaris Hostia by French organist-composer Jean Langlais (1907-1991). On December 24, at 5:00 PM, the choir sings Missa Resurrectionis (1976) by Gerre Hancock (b. 1934), and a selection of carols by Rutter, Willcocks, and Warlock, accompanied by the Saint Mary's Brass. At 11:00 PM, the setting of the Mass ordinary is the ethereal Mass in G minor by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). During the prelude before the service, the choral music will include works by Tavener, Howells, and Pearsall. At Solemn Mass on Christmas Day, the choir sings Missa "Dixit Maria" by Hans Leo Hassler (bapt. 1564-1612) and Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck's (1562-1621) rousing setting of the antiphon Hodie Christus natus est . . . The Saint Mary's Singers rehearse on December 21 at 3:00 PM (please note the earlier time!) to sing for Solemn Evensong, and to rehearse Christmas music. On December 28, we will sing a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols, with a rehearsal at 2:30 PM. Please contact me if you are interested in singing - we would love you to join us! James Kennerley

CONCERTS AT SAINT MARY'S . . . Saint Mary's offers a wide variety of concerts each year.  In addition to concerts offered by our music department, we also host a number of outside groups who offer concerts in the church. See below for upcoming concerts at Saint Mary's . . .Every Sunday, 4:40 PM (October - June): Before Sunday Evensong & Benediction Saint Mary's offers a weekly organ recital by a visiting musician. For more details, please see the current music schedule HERE . . . Sunday, December 28, 2008, 5:00 PM: Christmas Lessons & Carols, The Saint Mary's Singers, James Kennerley, Organist & Music Director . . . Saturday, January 31, 2009, 8:00 PM: A Royal Christening and Musical Banquet, Piffaro, The Renaissance Band, Parthenia, A Consort of Viols, Vox Vocal Ensemble . . . Saturday, February 14, 2009, 8:00 PM: Songs of Love, Lust, and Lamentation, Vox Vocal Ensemble, George Steel, conductor . . . Saturday, April 2, 2009, 8:00 PM: Music for Double Choir, The Tallis Scholars, Peter Phillips, director.

COME AND SING WITH US! . . . Saint Mary's Singers is looking for members.  We are a group of parishioners and non-parishioners who now sing twice a month at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Times Square.  The church has one of the finest acoustics in the city, as well as one of the city's greatest organs.  Why don't YOU consider taking a break from school work on Sunday afternoons to come sing and socialize with a group of fellow students and parishioners. (Trips to the local pubs and restaurants of Hell's Kitchen immediately follow the rehearsals and performances!) If you are able to match pitch and have a desire to sing, especially some of the great Anglican choral repertoire, why not consider being part of our new choir? We promise that you will have fun! The only time commitment is Sunday afternoons with rehearsals from 3:00-4:30 PM and the Evensong service from 5:00-6:00 PM. If interested, please contact the Music Director, Mr. James Kennerley.

CHILDREN AT SAINT MARY'S . . . Children are always welcome at Mass at Saint Mary's. The Rector encourages families with children to sit at the front of the church - so the children can see easily and clearly. Childcare for younger children is available in the Saint Benedict's Nursery & Playroom which is open and available every Sunday from 8:45 AM until 12:45 PM.

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN . . . Sunday School for children meets on Sunday's during the academic year at 10:00 AM, in the Morning Room (follow the blue signs in Saint Joseph's Hall to the Morning Room). Sunday School is led by Deacon Jedediah Fox and Sister Deborah Francis.

OUTREACH & MISSION . . . The Mission and Outreach Committee met in Saint Joseph's Hall on Sunday, December 14, and discussed current outreach projects, plans for the future, and the need to encourage lay leadership of the Committee and wider participation on the Committee by members of the parish. James Ross Smith

SAINT CLEMENT'S FOOD PANTRY PROJECT . . .  Members and friends of the parish are urged to bring in non-perishable food items and place them in the basket at the back of the church, on the ushers' table, before Mass (or in Saint Joseph's Hall during Coffee Hour). Suggested food items are: canned soups, beans, vegetables, tomato/spaghetti sauce, tuna fish; pasta or rice; Parmalat milk, coffee, peanut butter, jelly, etc.  It is also possible to donate lightly used clothing items, which should be placed in the basket in Saint Joseph's Hall. The Food Pantry serves between 400 and 500 households each Saturday morning, except the first Saturday of the month, and the vast majority of the households are neighbors of our two parishes.  It is also possible to make cash donations to the Food Pantry (speak to Father Smith about how to do that). 

HONDURAS MISSION . . .  The Committee agreed to continue to  provide financial support to the parish of San Juan Evangelista, Villanueva, Honduras.  No mission team will be traveling to Villanueva this year.  At the next meeting of the Committee (January 11, 1:00 PM, in Saint Joseph's Hall), we will hear a report on the history of giving to the Honduras parish and the current projects at the parish.  Also at the next meeting, we will hear reports about several other possible projects, including one in South Africa and a shelter here in Manhattan. Stay tuned! For more information, if you would like to join the Committee or receive e-mail notices about the Committee, or if you are interested in volunteering at Saint Clement's on Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings, please speak to Father Smith.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION & EDUCATION FOR ADULTS . . . All classes meet in the Arch Room on the Second Floor of the Mission House (133 West 46^th Street).  Sunday classes meet at 10:00 AM and feature delicious donuts and hot coffee.  The Wednesday Night Bible Study and other weeknight classes meet at 7:00 PM.  Detailed information on upcoming classes is below.  All are welcome at every class.  Matthew Mead

THE PROPHETS . . . The Wednesday Night Dinner and Bible Study will resume on January 14, 2008.  The class, led by Father Mead, has been studying the narrative accounts of the prophets in the Books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles.  We will conclude that portion at the start of January and begin reading prophetic books, beginning with the Book of Amos.  A (minimum) $5 donation is requested from all who attend to cover the cost of dinner. 

THE REVELATION ACCORDING TO JOHN . . . On Sundays during Epiphany Season (January 11, 18, 25 & February 1, 8, 15 & 22) Father Mead and Father Smith will lead a class examining the most famous apocalyptic book of the Bible. 

THE PSALMS . . . The Reverend Peter Powell will lead a class on the Psalms in Lent 2009 (Sundays, March 1, 8, 15, 22).   Father Powell is the president of the Interfaith Housing Corporation, Westport, Connecticut. He is a graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary and holds advanced degrees from Princeton and the University of the South.

AWAY FROM SAINT MARY'S: At the Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street, New York, NY: Special Exhibition, The Dead Sea Scrolls: Mysteries of the Ancient World: September 21, 2008-January 4, 2009: The museum website has this to say about the exhibition, "In 1947, a significant discovery of ancient Jewish texts was made in a cave near the Dead Sea. These and other Dead Sea Scrolls found later have shed light on the major transformations and debates that occurred...[during] the development of early Judaism and Christianity. The exhibition will present six Dead Sea Scrolls...Three of the scrolls have never been exhibited, including a portion of one of the three earliest copies of the Hebrew Bibles in existence, and three others have never been shown in New York."

The Parish Clergy 

The Reverend Stephen Gerth, rector.

The Reverend Matthew Mead, curate.

The Reverend James Ross Smith, curate.
The Reverend John Merz, assisting priest.

The Reverend Canon Edgar F. Wells, rector emeritus.

Saint Mary's Mission House
Sister Deborah Francis, C.S.J.B.
Sister Laura Katharine, C.S.J.B.
The Community of St. John Baptist

The Parish Musicians
Mr. James Kennerley, organist and music director.

Mr. Robert McDermitt, associate organist.
Mr. Lawrence Trupiano, organ curator. 

Other Staff with Email Addresses
Finance Office, finance office.
Mr. Hector Rojas, building mechanic. 

Questions about the Angelus newsletter

Sunday: 8:30 AM Sung Matins, 9:00 AM Sung Mass, 10:00 AM Said Mass, 10:00 AM Christian Education & Sunday School, 11:00 AM Solemn Mass, 4:40 PM Organ Recital, 5:00 PM Solemn Evensong & Benediction.

Childcare is available from 8:45 AM until 12:45 PM every Sunday.

Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM Morning Prayer, 12:00 PM Noonday Office, 12:10 PM Mass, 6:00 PM Evening Prayer, 6:20 PM Mass. 

The Wednesday 12:10 PM Mass is sung.

Thursday Masses include anointing of the sick.

Saturday: 11:30 AM Confessions, 12:00 PM Noonday Office, 12:10 PM Mass, 4:00 PM Confessions, 5:00 PM Evening Prayer, 5:20 PM Sunday Vigil Mass.