Volume XI, Number 5, December 28, 2008

This will be the last article I write to the parish community before I begin my sabbatical leave on January 1. I'm writing on Tuesday afternoon, December 23. Decorating in the church is well underway - a small army of volunteers is hard at work. Even with greatly reduced expenditure, our flower guild has made extraordinary use of their resources - assisted by a few special donations. The church already looks great and they aren't finished yet. Brass has been polished today and Father Mead will "candle up" the altar tomorrow. The choir will be rehearsing tonight. The wonderful festival which is Christmas will be here very soon.

The celebrations of last Sunday are as much on my mind as anything - there's no time to think much about the sabbatical yet. Thank you so much for the receptions and the very generous gifts. I know December is not the easiest time to add anything to anyone's calendar. The wonderful receptions, the kind words and the warmth and affection you gave me I will not forget. In alphabetical order, I want to thank by name four people who provided the leadership for the celebration, MaryJane Boland, James Dennis, Thomas Jayne and Father Jay Smith. Family and friends were present as well as a wide cross-section of the parish community. It was really special.

It's not been an easy fall for anyone. The mismanagement of our economy by our political and corporate leaders has hit almost everyone very hard. All areas of our common life at Saint Mary's have been affected by it. In spite of the uncertainty of the new year, our doors remain open as they have been. The trustees and the church staff have all shown a great dedication in doing what needs to be done so that Saint Mary's can still be Saint Mary's. Your gifts really are what keeps the doors open. Saint Mary's continues to need your sacrificial financial support for 2008 and 2009. Help keep the doors to Saint Mary's open for all.

As I think about being away from the parish, I want you to know that I could not have more confidence in our trustees, our officers and my staff colleagues. On the temporal side, Jim Dennis is the vice-president of the trustees and will preside at its meetings in my absence. Steven Heffner is the treasurer of the board. Susan Wamsley is the secretary. The board's bylaws provide that the board's officers are its Executive Committee and that this committee can act as needed on its behalf. While a rector is away, the board of trustees is formally in charge of the parish.

On the spiritual side, I've asked Father Mead to take the lead on liturgy, maintenance and building management. I've asked Father Smith to take the lead in handling pastoral care and the parish office. James Kennerley will be working closely with the clergy. Sister Laura Katharine, Sister Deborah Francis and Dick Leitsch have been assisting in the parish office. Among the tasks before I leave is to begin telephone interviews for the new business manager for the parish. I have every confidence in the Executive Committee to complete the task.

This sabbatical is happening because of a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. The trustees have been insistent that I use the grant now - and that I not apologize for doing so. It's the first real sabbatical I have had in the twenty-five years I have been ordained. The primary purpose is to help me and the parish continue to grow in ministry - and not burn out. I say this to explain that it is the expectation of the Lilly Endowment and our board that I actually be away - no e-mails, no phone calls, no administration, no Saint Mary's for three months except for my prayers. I hope there will be many graces for me and for Saint Mary's from this break. I can't begin to imagine what I will feel on my first Sunday back, which will be Palm Sunday, April 5.

Now, back to Christmas. Every year is special. I do not know why Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services seem to go so quickly. There is little that is unfamiliar. Perhaps it is the great familiarity as much as the richness of the liturgies that allows God to speak and us to hear something we have not heard before. I hope you may be able to be with us at Saint Mary's. If you are elsewhere, I hope you will remember us in your own thoughts and prayers.   You will be in ours. Stephen Gerth

THIS WEEK AT SAINT MARY'S . . . 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 . . . Sunday, December 28, at 5:00 PM the church offers a service of Lessons & Carols . . . On Wednesday, December 31, the church building and parish offices closes at 2:00 PM for New Year's Eve . . . On Thursday, January 1, the church celebrates The Holy Name of Jesus. A Solemn Mass will be offered at 11:00 AM; Father Smith is the celebrant and preacher.

SUNDAY PRAYER LIST . . . Your prayers are asked for Vincent who is gravely ill, and for Jocelyn, Mimi, Ewan, Alan, Marcia, Murray, Richard, Deloris, Mary, Patricia, Gloria, Samuel, Russell, Frank, Stephen, Brooke, Donna, Laura, Madeleine, Marc, Janelle, 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 28: 1904 Mary Sturgenegger; 1923 Ethel Forline Lascelle; 1940 Anita Boos; 1953 Martha May Lewis; 1956 Julia H. Early.

A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS . . . We continue the Twelve Days of Christmas by singing carols, by hearing of God's promises in scripture come true for all the earth and by celebrating Emmanuel, God with us, in the mystery of the Mass and in the unity of Christian community. On December 28 at 5:00 PM the church will offer a service of nine lessons and carols. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols and hymns. The format was based on an Order drawn up by Edward White Benson, later archbishop of Canterbury, for Christmas Eve 1880 in Truro, Cornwall. It has since been adapted and used by other churches all over the world. Hymns are sung by the congregation and choir. Carols are sung by the Saint Mary's Singers.

STEWARDSHIP MATTERS . . . As of December 23, we have received pledges from 127 households.  The total amount pledged thus far is $356,220.00, which is 69% of our goal of $518,970.00.  We had a fairly 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 44% of those who pledged for 2008; and we would like to hear from a number of active friends and members, who did not, or were not able to, pledge in 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 if have questions, please speak with Father Jay Smith, MaryJane Boland, or Steven Heffner.

AROUND THE PARISH . . . Thank you to Jim Dennis, Jon Bryant, John Delves, and the sextons, for their hard work organizing and hosting the reception at Coffee Hour last Sunday . . . Many thanks to all who did so much to get us ready for Christmas, including those who helped decorate the church for Christmas, distributed publicity postcards to local hotels, donated food, fed the volunteers, worked on the lighting in the church, ran errands, helped out in the office, assisted the music director and worked on the organ, among many other tasks. It couldn't happen without you! 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 390.

FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR . . . 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. On December 28 at Solemn Mass, the prelude is the Nöel 'C'est le bon lever' byGuy Morançon (b. 1946). The setting of the Mass ordinary is Missa brevis by Andrea Gabrieli (c. 1510-1586). Gabrieli, uncle of the better-known composer Giovanni Gabrieli was, like his nephew after him, organist and chief composer at Saint Mark's in Venice. At the administration of Communion, the choir sings the motet Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child by Kenneth Leighton (1929-1988). The text recalls the Slaughter of the Innocents, in which Herod orders all male infants in Bethlehem to be killed. The lyrics of this haunting carol represent a mother's lament for her doomed child, a mood which is supported by Leighton's undulating compound-meter rhythm and the use of a solo soprano voice. The carol is the only one that has survived from a sixteenth-century mystery play called The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors, which depicts the Christmas story from the Gospel of Matthew, and was performed in Coventry (hence this carol's nickname Coventry Carol). Both the prelude and the postlude are in the form of Nöels, a French tradition of setting popular Christmas dance tunes as organ pieces, often in the form of theme and variations. They make use of the many colors available on the organ, such as the trompette, cromorne and cornet stops.  The Saint Mary's Singers rehearse on December 28 at 2:30 PM (please note the earlier time!) to prepare for the service of Christmas Lessons & Carols. We then meet on January 1 at 9:15 AM to sing for 11:00 AM Solemn Mass on New Year's Day. Please speak to me if you would like to join us!   James Kennerley

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! 

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.

A (VERY BRIEF) FESTIVAL FOR CHILDREN AT EPIPHANY . . . Join Deacon Jedediah Fox and the children of the Saint Mary's Sunday School for a wonderful (and short) festival for children the first Sunday after Epiphany at 10:40 AM at the Christmas Crèche. The service will feature a familiar song and the presentation of gifts by the children. All are invited!

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.

MISSION & OUTREACH . . . Saint Mary's has begun a cooperative relationship with the Food Pantry of Saint Clement's Church, 46^th Street. The Pantry serves between 400 and 500 households per week, most of them neighbors of our two parishes. Friends, visitors and parishioners are invited to bring non-perishable food items and place them in the basket at the back of the church or in Saint Joseph's Hall during Coffee Hour. Many of you have done so already. Thank you for your generous response. Beginning in January, we also hope to provide some volunteer help at the Pantry. Money donations are also gladly accepted. Please contact Father Jay Smith for more information.

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 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 PROPHETS . . . The Wednesday Night Dinner and Bible Study will resume on January 21, 2008 (please note the change of date from last week's Angelus!).  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 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 Mass, 10:00 AM Mass, 11:00 AM Solemn Mass, 4:40 PM Organ Recital, 5:00 PM Lessons and Carols.

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

This Week: Monday, Tuesday and Friday:

8:30 AM Morning Prayer, 12:00 PM Noonday Office, 12:10 PM Mass, 6:00 PM Evening Prayer, 6:20 PM Mass.  Please see the newsletter for service details for New Year's Eve and Day.

This Saturday:

12:00 PM Noonday Office, 12:10 PM Mass; 5:00 PM Evening Prayer, 5:20 PM Sunday Vigil Mass. Confessions are heard only by appointment during Christmastide.