FROM THE RECTOR: HOLY COMMUNION AND COVID-19

In 2010, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori was celebrant and preacher here for the Feast of the Annunciation. After Mass she greeted the congregation at the door and spent a very generous amount of time in the parish hall. At one point, I sensed that the time had come for her to sit down. She and I walked to the rectory, and she followed me into the kitchen. We kept talking, but as I began to wash my hands, she did the same thing. It was a moment I remember. Both of us have served in a profession in which we shake many people’s hands. On more than one occasion, I’ve spoken to someone who’s taken my hand while telling me that they are sick. I suspect I’ve caught a cold more than once from such encounters over the years. In New York City, we worship, work, and travel in crowded spaces. Not everybody takes the same precautions or thinks clearly about these issues, and, so, it makes sense to take preventive measures.

I know that stress can weaken one’s immune system and make one more vulnerable to a viral infection. I work really hard not to share a cold if I am sick. That said, I know I do not live and work in a sterile environment. I try really hard never to touch my eyes or my nose with my hands. As a member of the clergy, I’ve been consuming what’s left in the chalice at Mass since June 11, 1983. I have never had the sense that I’ve caught anything disease or infection by drinking from the chalice. Back in the day, my predecessor, Father Wells, was known for saying that if one could catch HIV from drinking from the chalice there would be no Episcopal clergy left in Manhattan. Still, at the present moment, we are facing something that is not fully understood. It is reasonable to take precautions.

This past Wednesday afternoon the medical group for three of my physicians at Caremount Medical sent out an e-mail to their clients about COVID-19. Their message was pretty straightforward and cautious about what is known and what is not known about the virus—reading it helped lower my anxiety. It summarized the information available on the website of the Centers for Disease Control. Our bishops have written about the challenges the virus has presented for our worship, as has the dean and chapter of the cathedral.

Yesterday at the regular meeting of the Manhattan Midtown Clericus (the clergy from Saint Mary’s and neighboring parishes: Church of the Good Shepherd, Church of the Holy Apostles, Church of the Incarnation, St. Bartholomew’s Church, St. Clement’s Church, St. Thomas Church, Church of the Transfiguration) questions about our rituals of worship and the ministration of communion came up. To summarize the conversation: First, if you are sick, if at all possible, please stay home. Say your prayers. Read your Bible. Use your Prayer Book. Give us a call, or have someone call for you, if you develop a serious illness. Use common sense. Don’t feel guilty. And come back to church as soon as you are able.

There is widespread concern about shaking hands with others. In New Testament times, people kissed only their relatives. There were no handshakes as a sign of Christ’s peace. Christians kissed each other (real kisses) because they regarded themselves as sisters and brothers in Christ. It’s an old custom. Still, if we refrain from shaking hands or embracing—and that is what I would like us to do—until we have a better grip on this virus, God will understand. The stylized ritual of the vested clergy (bending arms 90 degrees and touching each other’s vested elbows) is probably okay, but I don’t advocate anyone else taking up this practice. A smile and a nod or wave to a neighbor will still be appropriate.

It is permissible to receive only the Bread at Mass—and we always have consecrated gluten-free Bread in the tabernacle. It is permissible to receive only the Wine at Mass. The sacramental theologians are all in agreement: Communion in one kind, whether bread or wine, is in no way deficient. Most important, in order to avoid the transmission of the virus, communion by intinction will be suspended here at Saint Mary’s until the threat of this epidemic is over. Bread will only be given into a person’s hands to avoid a minister touching a person’s mouth. No one should think less of anyone else if they leave the rail without drinking from the chalice.

As I write on Friday morning, March 6, instead of saying, “Please stand” after praying the absolution for the confession of sin, the celebrant or I will make an announcement about these changes. I will conclude by saying, “Please stand.” Then the celebrant will say, “The peace of the Lord be always with you.” —Stephen Gerth

YOUR PRAYERS ARE ASKED FOR Kristie, Shalim, John, Naquann, Ronald, Pat, Sharon, Marilouise, MaryHope, Luis, Margaret, Carlos, Ken, May, Willard, Alexandra, Karen, Takeem, Michael, and Emil; for Todd, religious; Gene, Gaylord, Louis, and Edgar, priests; for the members of our Armed Forces on active duty, especially Edward; for all the benefactors and friends of this parish; and for the repose of the soul of Martha Brown Apgar . . . GRANT THEM PEACE: March 8: 1916 Julia Allen Draper Kent; 1947 Howard Noble Place.

IN THIS TRANSITORY LIFE . . . Martha Brown Apgar died on Saturday, February 28, 2020, at her home in North Redington Beach, Florida. She was ninety-one years old. She, and her sister, Louise Garmy, were great friends and supporters of Saint Mary’s. Martha often visited Saint Mary’s and worshipped with us before she moved to Florida some years ago. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, March 28, at 2:00 PM, at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, Saint Petersburg, Florida. Please keep Martha, her family and friends, and all who mourn in your prayers.

THE WEEKDAYS OF LENT AND OF HOLY WEEK, except for the feast of the Annunciation, are observed by special acts of discipline and self-denial. Good Friday and all other Fridays of the year, except for Fridays in the Christmas and Easter seasons, and any Feasts of our Lord which occur on a Friday, are also observed as days of special devotion in commemoration of the Lord’s crucifixion.

AROUND THE PARISH . . . Royal Family Productions, our resident theater company, is performing two theater pieces in repertory this month, Women on Fire: Stories from the Frontlines and Gen Z on Fire: Loud and Clear. Both were compiled and written by Royal Family’s artistic director, Chris Henry. A new play by Rob Bell, We’ll Get Back to You will have performances in the third-floor theater in the Parish House later this month, on March 25 and 26. Royal Family specializes in supporting, developing, producing, and presenting new work. Visit the theater company’s website for more information and to purchase tickets . . . Angeline Butler, a good friend of Saint Mary’s, who often worships with us on Sundays, has had a long musical career as a singer and an actor. She was active in the civil-rights movement of the 1960s. She is an adjunct instructor in the department of Africana Studies at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She recently performed at Parnell’s Pub and Restaurant on the East Side. Congratulations, Angeline. We are very proud of your many accomplishments . . . Parishioner John Conner had a cardiac procedure done at a hospital in New Jersey this week. He is now at home recuperating. Please keep him in your prayers . . . If you would like to make a donation in support of our Hospitality Ministry, please speak to Father Jay Smith or contact Chris Howatt in the parish office during business hours, Monday–Friday . . . Flowers are needed for the Sundays after Easter. We also welcome donations to help with the decoration of the church for Holy Week and Easter Day. Please be in touch with Chris Howatt in the parish office if you would like to make a donation in order to help with this ministry . . . Attendance at all Offices and Masses: Last Sunday 203.

DOORWAYS TO SAINT JOSEPH’S HALL . . . One of four springs in the door closers for the door between the narthex and Saint Joseph’s Hall is broken. Nicholas Hopkins, a conservator at Fifty Three Restorations, has discovered that the a replacement spring of the right kind is unavailable. A new solution will be found. The door will be left open on Sundays during all services. Saint Joseph’s Hall can also be accessed by the doorways between the pulpit and the organ console in the chancel.

THIS WEEK AT SAINT MARY’S . . . Sunday, March 8, Daylight Saving Time begins. Clocks should be set ahead one hour . . . Sunday, March 8, 2020, The Second Sunday in Lent, Sung Matins 8:30 AM; Mass 9:00 & 10:00 AM; Adult Education 10:00 AM; Solemn Mass 11:00 AM, Solemn Evensong and Benediction 5:00 PM . . . Wednesday, March 11, Weekday of Lent, Sung Mass 12:10 PM; Wednesday Afternoon Grab-and-Go, 2:00 to 3:00 PM in the church narthex; The Wednesday Night Bible Study Class meets at 6:30 PM in Saint Benedict’s Study . . . Thursday, March 12, Mass with Healing Service 12:10 PM . . . Friday, March 13, Evening Prayer 6:00 PM, Stations of the Cross 6:30 PM, Centering Prayer Group 7:00 PM in the Morning Room . . . Saturday, March 14, Lenten Quiet Day, 9:30 AM–3:00 PM.

LENTEN QUIET DAY . . . There will be a Quiet Day here at Saint Mary’s on Saturday, March 14, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. The day will be led by our resident Franciscan friars, Brother Damien Joseph SSF and Brother Thomas Steffensen SSF. The Brothers will lead the group in an exploration of ways to read and contemplate the Gospels and other scriptures, using an Ignatian “active imagination” method. Using lectionary readings, art, guided imagery, and the individual imagination, the brothers will encourage those attending the Quiet Day to seek and to find deeper connections to Christ in scripture as well as applications for their daily lives. A donation of $15.00 is encouraged, and scholarships are available. Please contact Father Smith, if you would like to attend. (All are welcome. We just need to know the approximate numbers in order to plan for lunch.)

OUTREACH AT SAINT MARY’S . . . Our next Drop-in Day will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2:00–4:00 PM, in the Mission House basement and in the Narthex of the church. Please contact me, if you would like to know more or if you would like to volunteer for this monthly outreach effort. —Br. Damien Joseph SSF

AWAY FROM THE PARISH . . . Parishioner Cooki Winborn drew our attention this week to an event that takes place at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine on Friday, March 6, 2020, 7:30 PM: A reading of James Weldon Johnson’s poetry cycle “God’s Trombones.” The reading will include traditional African-American spirituals and gospel songs sung by the Cathedral Choir.

A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS . . . The members of the Flower Guild are always happy to welcome those who wish to join their ranks, either on a regular basis, or during Advent and Holy Week, when preparations take place for Christmas and Easter. If you would like to help with Easter decorations this year, please contact Brendon Hunter. You don’t need to be a designer in order to volunteer! Brendon is also looking for help with a variety of altar-guild duties, working with candles, vestments, altar linens, and the sacred vessels. Work in the sacristy can be a prayerful and satisfying ministry. Please contact Brendon if you have questions or would like to serve in this way.

ABOUT THE CHORAL AND ORGAN MUSIC ON SUNDAY, MARCH 8 . . . The setting of the Mass on Sunday morning was composed in 2018 by Robert Pound (b. 1970), professor of music at Dickinson College and director of the Dickinson Orchestra in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Mr. Pound received degrees from the University of North Texas and New York’s Juilliard School, and his career has included several residencies with orchestras, universities, and music centers across the country for which he has both conducted and composed. He has received commissions from such distinguished ensembles as the Corigliano Quartet, the Timaeus Ensemble, Alarm Will Sound, the Florestan Recital Project, and the Murasaki Duo. His works have also been featured by the Verge Ensemble, the New Juilliard Ensemble, and at the Fondation Bemberg in Toulouse, France.  His recently composed Lenton Ordynary is a setting of the Rite II Kyrie (English), Credo, Sanctus & Benedictus, and Agnus Dei for unaccompanied four-voice choir. Dr. Pound has written the following about his setting:

“Lenton Ordynary is the first of a series of Masses to be composed for the complete liturgical calendar of the major feasts and occasions. A pure diatonic, modal palette strictly circumscribes the Mass’s Renaissance choral style to convey a staid, undecorated affect for the great penitential season of Lent. Word sounds and musical pitches are intricately entwined through relations established in an original plainchant setting of the psalm for Ash Wednesday (Psalm 51), which prefaces this Mass. This work was created to the glory of God and in honor of, and in gratitude to, Joseph Golden, organist and choirmaster of Trinity Episcopal Church, Columbus, Georgia.” Lenton Ordynary, minus its Creed, receives its New York premiere at Saint Mary’s on Sunday.

Bob Chilcott (b. 1955) has had a long and deep involvement in choral music. He was a chorister and choral scholar at King’s College, Cambridge. He also was a member of The King’s Singers for twelve years. Much of his work is for young singers, and he has conducted choral festivals worldwide. John 3:16 is arguably one of the most frequently quoted verses in the New Testament. Musical settings of this text, in various languages, have been frequent for centuries. Of all the settings of this text from the Gospel of Saint John, that of Sir John Stainer (1840–1901) from his 1887 Passion Cantata (The Crucifixion) is almost as familiar to many English-speaking Christians as the scripture verse itself. Chilcott’s 1999 setting of this beloved scripture verse, sung today as the Communion motet, was commissioned in memory of Dan and Pat Jacobson for the Lovers Lane United Methodist Sanctuary Choir, Dallas, Texas. Curiously, it imitates Stainer by repeating the word “believeth” in the course of the text. This sort of word repetition, presumably to accommodate a predetermined musical idea, was a typical liberty taken by Victorian composers but critiqued by a later generation. However, perhaps in part because of this familiar resonance with Stainer, and also because of its simple and expressive beauty, Chilcott’s setting of God so loved the world has taken a place of prominence among musical settings of this familiar and much-loved scriptural verse. —David Hurd

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION . . . The Wednesday Night Bible Study Class meets next on March 11 at 6:30 PM in Saint Benedict’s Study. This term the class is reading Saint Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. The class is led by Father Jay Smith. Newcomers are always welcome . . . On March 8, Father Peter Powell will continue his series on the prophets in the Adult Forum on Sundays at 10:00 AM. The series will take place on all the Sundays in Lent and on Palm Sunday . . . After Eastertide, on most of the Sundays in May, the Franciscan friars will be leading the Sunday Adult Forum—exact title and topic to be announced shortly.

COMING UP . . . Thursday, March 19, Saint Joseph . . . Wednesday, March 25, The Annunciation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary . . . April 5, The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday . . . The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, will be the celebrant and preacher here at Saint Mary’s on Maundy Thursday, April 9, 2020, at 6:00 PM. We look forward to welcoming Bishop Curry for this, his first visit to Saint Mary’s as presiding bishop . . . April 10, 2020, Good Friday . . . April 11, 2020, Easter Eve . . . April 12, 2020, Easter Day.

AT THE MUSEUMS . . . The New York City Archives—officially the New York City Department of Records & Information Services—is located downtown at 31 Chambers Street. The archives often hosts exhibits related to life in New York, both past and present. One such exhibit, produced in cooperation with the Museum of American Finance, opened this week at the archives: Ebb & Flow: Tapping into the History of New York City’s Water, which explores the history of the effort to bring clean water to New York City, while highlighting the story of the Manhattan Company.

The Calendar of the Week

The Complete Service Schedule for 2020