FROM BROTHER THOMAS STEFFENSEN, SSF: TO SEE THE PATH GOD HAS LAID OUT FOR US

This January, I was once again offered the opportunity to work with the Episcopal Service Corps. Each year, a handful of individuals move from different parts of the United States to New York for a year of intentional community, service, spiritual growth, and social justice in a program that is supported in part by the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Fellows who are participating in the program this year have come from Kentucky, North Carolina, Illinois, and New York to live and serve together in an intentional community setting. Through their internship sites they are able to work with different programs, non-profit organizations, and churches to help serve those in need throughout the city in a variety of ways.

A large component of their program year is focused on spirituality. Each fellow meets with a spiritual director and every week we gather as a community for formation. This semester, I have had the distinct privilege of being the formation leader for this group as well as one of the spiritual directors for the community.

Formation to me is not so much about shaping someone into who you want them to be. To me it is about journeying along with someone as they are formed into who they were created to be. In order to do that, we have tried to construct a program that offers opportunities to explore different dimensions of who they are, of how they connect with God, of how they interact with each other in community and with the world around them. We engage in conversations about poverty and spirituality, about telling our stories and how we purposefully look at the world around us. We listen to each other and to individuals like Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, and Óscar Romero. We process experiences and ask questions, engage with the city, the people, and wonder about how it all fits together. Formation to me is less about finding right answers and more about the courage to ask good questions.

So, each week we gather at Saint Mary’s for a couple hours for formation and then to help with the Neighbors in Need program We read and laugh and ask questions. And then the fellows help fold and sort clothes to give out at the Neighbors in Need days. And all the while, through all of this, they ponder about what is next for them. Especially at this time of the year, the fellows begin to think about what that “next” might be. In July they will move on to their next thing. For some, it is going back home or on to grad school. For some, they are hired by their internship sites, and they make the transition into a more permanent life in New York. And for some it is something only imagined with the help of the Holy Spirit. The work of our formation program is really for this point, for the discernment of what lies ahead. Of how, when all of our experiences and questions and hopes and prayers mix together, we are able to see the path that God has laid out before us.

The Episcopal Service Corps is not an easy thing to do. It challenges the fellows in so many areas, and yet it also offers so much at the same time—a chance to experience and learn, explore, and discern. And by being a part of Saint Mary’s and allowing the Episcopal Service Corps to meet here for formation means you are a part of their journey too. And for that I thank you. — Thomas Steffensen, SSF

The Diocese of New York’s Episcopal Service Corps program is known as the New York Service and Justice Collaborative. To learn more, visit their website here. Father Matt Jacobson is on the program’s advisory board and also would be happy to answer any questions. Information will be posted soon in the Angelus about their annual benefit reception that will take place in the city on June 22.

THE PARISH PRAYER LIST

We pray for the sick and for all those who asked us for our prayers. We pray for those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this week; for those who are traveling; for the unemployed and for those seeking work; for the incarcerated; for those living with drought, storm, frigid weather, flood, fire, and earthquake.

We pray for all who are in pain and trouble and all who suffer from injustice and oppression of any kind. We pray, too, that God may forgive us for the wrongs we have done: for our blindness to human need and suffering, and our indifference to injustice and cruelty.

We pray for peace throughout the world, and especially for the people of Ukraine, South Sudan, Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Yemen, and Myanmar.

We pray for the members of the Episcopal Service Corps in New York City and for their mentor, Brother Thomas Steffensen, SSF.

We pray for Mark, Keith, Brent, Carl, Barbara, Phoebe, Thomas, James, Jennifer, Susan, Sylvia, Harka, Bethel, Gigi, Catherine, Julie, Carole, Suzanne, Sharon, Pat, Liduvina, José, Carmen, Lauren, Theo, Opal, Debbie, Carlos, Christopher, Greta, Quincy, Ava Grace, Willard, Karl, Margaret, Phyllis, Jim, Bob, Lina, Charlotte, Bruce, Barbara, Robert, Abe, Gypsy, Hardy, Margaret, Derek, and Allan, priest; give them courage and hope in their troubles and bring them the joy of your salvation.

MATINS
by John O’Donahue (1956–2008)

1
Somewhere, out at the edges, the night
Is turning and the waves of darkness
Begin to brighten the shore of dawn
The heavy dark falls back to earth
And the freed air goes wild with light,
The heart fills with fresh, bright breath
And thoughts stir to give birth to color.

2
I arise today
In the name of Silence
Womb of the Word,
In the name of Stillness
Home of Belonging,
In the name of the Solitude
Of the Soul and the Earth.
I arise today
Blessed by all things,
Wings of breath,
Delight of eyes,
Wonder of whisper,
Intimacy of touch,
Eternity of soul,
Urgency of thought,
Miracle of health,
Embrace of God.
May I live this day
Compassionate of heart,
Clear in word,
Gracious in awareness,
Courageous in thought,
Generous in love.

O'Donohue, John, To Bless the Space Between Us,  pp. 7–9
The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

THIS WEEK AT SAINT MARY’S

Our regular daily liturgical schedule, Monday through Friday, is Morning Prayer 8:00 AM, Mass 12:10 PM, and Evening Prayer at 5:00 PM. Holy Hour is offered on Wednesday at 11:00 AM and Thursday’s Mass includes a Healing Service. On Saturdays, Mass is celebrated at 12:10 PM and Evening Prayer is prayed at 5:00 PM. On Sundays, Solemn Mass is offered at 11:00 AM and Evening Prayer at 5:00 PM.

Commemorations during the Week of April 23:

Monday, April 24, Genocide Remembrance Day
Eve of Saint Mark the Evangelist

Tuesday, April 25, Saint Mark the Evangelist

Saturday, April 29, Catherine of Siena, 1380
Eve of the Fourth Sunday of Easter

READ THESE! NEWS, NOTICES AND REQUESTS FOR HELP

Thank you to all who stuck around after Coffee Hour last Sunday to dismantle flower arrangements and “undecorate” the church. Energy was high and the members of the crew were in good spirits, even though it was a bit sad to see the flowers go away. Young Lilly Slusky-Sterbin’s efforts were noteworthy: she squeezed the water out of great mounds of old oasis, standing on a footstool in the parish kitchen, assisted by her mother, Reha Sterbin. Lilly’s energy and drive were an inspiration to some of the more mature among us. We have a good community here at Saint Mary’s, from the youngest to the oldest. We are grateful to all the members of this community who give so generously of their time and talent. — JRS

The Adult Education Forum returns this Sunday, April 23, at 9:30 AM in the parish hall. After a brief Easter break, adult education resumes this week, and we will continue our year-long series on the Holy Eucharist, which has been alternating with Fr. Pete’s course on the disputed Pauline Epistles. On April 23 and 30, and May 7 and 14, Father Matt will look at the Eucharist from the perspective of several fourth-century texts that record Easter Week addresses about the sacraments which were delivered to the newly baptized, who had just been baptized at the Easter Vigil. We’ll begin with some background on the Church in the fourth century and then turn to the writings of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem. We’ll stay in Jerusalem with Cyril for week two and then move west to examine some of the writings from Saint Ambrose of Milan. All are welcome!

Do you have experience in graphic design? The Rector Search Committee would love to hear from anyone in the parish with graphic design expertise who would be willing to help the committee with the layout of the Parish Profile. We hope to have a final text sometime next week. If you have questions or would like to discuss the project, please contact Mark Risinger.

Saint Mary’s Book Club. On Sunday, April 23, at 1:00 PM, Father Jay Smith will lead a discussion of Pat Barker’s 1993 novel, Regeneration. The book is set in England during the Great War, and is focused on Siegfried Sassoon, poet and war hero, who has spoken out against the war and, as a result, been committed to an institution for “rest and rehabilitation.” The novel portrays the relationship between Sassoon and a psychiatrist, who has been assigned the morally ambiguous task of returning Sassoon and other young men, shattered in mind, body, and spirit to the front. The novel is well written and explores the difficult interplay between nationalism, patriotism, virility, psychiatry, and modern technological warfare. In some sense, World War I “changed everything” in the Western world. Barker puts a human face on those changes. We’d love to have you join the discussion in April. We are a small group, but we have lots of ideas and opinions. Come share your opinions with us! — JRS

Sunday, April 30, Holy Land Presentation. On the Fifth Sunday of Easter, April 30, towards the end of Coffee Hour, around 1:00 PM in Saint Joseph’s Hall, there will be an informal presentation and discussion of the recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land, led by Father Sammy and Renee Wood. Members of the parish who joined the Woods on the pilgrimage will be present to answer questions and join in the discussion.

Sunday, May 7: May Crowning & Annual Meeting of the Parish: On the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Solemn Mass ends with devotions at the Shrine of Our Lady. Immediately following Mass that day, the parish’s Annual Meeting will convene in Saint Joseph’s Hall. Reports from guilds and members of staff will be received. Members of the parish will nominate two parishioners to serve as delegates to the 247th convention of the Diocese of New York, which will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. Reports should be delivered to the Parish Office by noon on Monday, May 1.

AIDS Walk 2023: Sunday, May 21: We had a great week this week. Our team grew from twelve to eighteen members, and we raised over five thousand dollars! We are now at $35,988. Help us to keep this Eastertide momentum going and beat our goal of $40,000. To join or to contribute to the Team, visit our page on the AIDS WALK website. Additional detail about our team’s history can also be found on the parish website. Our team captains—MaryJane Boland, Clark Mitchell, and Father Matt Jacobson—welcome your questions.

Neighbors in Need: Our Drop-by distribution event took place today, Friday, April 21. Next month’s event will take place on Friday, May 19. Our biggest needs now are clothing, especially shoes (sneakers or athletic shoes and other sturdy shoes), men’s and women’s pants and tops, and coats for next winter as well as for our current warmer weather. And, of course, donations help us to purchase toiletries and underwear. Please contact us at neighbors@stmvnyc.org for more information about volunteering, making a donation, or about the goals, work, and methods of Neighbors in Need.

Ministry of Hospitality: We are seeking your help. We invite the members and friends of the parish to volunteer to “host” a Coffee Hour or reception. That can be done in one of two ways: you can make a cash donation, or you can provide food and beverages for the event. If you make a cash donation, the suggested amount is $100.00. The donation helps pay for coffee, tea, half and half, sweeteners, paper cups, juices, pastries, bagels, butter, jam, peanut butter, and other supplies. If you would like to do this, please contact the Parish Office, or speak to Father Jay Smith.

Donations for altar flowers may be made for many Sundays in Eastertide, upcoming feast days, and other dates through the end of 2023. To inquire about available dates and to arrange a donation for the altar flowers for a Sunday or a particular feast day, please contact Chris Howatt. For questions about flowers or the Flower Guild, please speak with Brendon Hunter.

It was very good to see our former weekend sexton, Shalim Peña, and his son Adrian, in church last Sunday. Shalim is a member of the parish. He was baptized here on All Saints’ Day, November 1, 2019. Shalim and Adrian joined the work party that “undecorated” the church after Mass. They were joined by Father Amilcar Figueroa, who was an assisting priest here in the late 1990s. It was wonderful to see Father Amilcar, and it was very kind of him to help us out in that way. Father Amilcar now serves at La Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad, in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Coming Up: Monday, May 1, Saint Philip and Saint James . . . Thursday, May 18, Ascension Day. Organ Recital at 5:30 PM. Mickey Thomas Terry, Howard University, Washington, D.C., will be the recitalist. Procession and Solemn Mass follows the recital at 6:00 PM. Father Wood will preach at the Solemn Mass . . .  Saturday, May 20, 11:00 AM, Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, the Ordination and Consecration of the Reverend Matthew F. Heyd as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of New York . . . On Saturday, May 20, at 5:30 PM, the members of the AIDS Walk Team will gather in the Lady Chapel for a Vigil Mass. Father Matt Jacobson will celebrate. This will allow them to participate fully in the Walk the following day, Sunday, May 21 . . . Sunday, May 28, The Day of Pentecost, Procession and Solemn Mass at 11:00 AM . . . Sunday, June 4, Trinity Sunday, Solemn Mass and Te Deum 11:00 AM.

Father Jay Smith will be away from the parish on vacation from Monday, April 24, until Saturday, April 29. He will be away on retreat between May 9 and May 14.

Dr. David Hurd, organist and music director, will be away from the parish on Sunday, April 30. He will be at the Church of Saint Andrew, Fort Pierce, Florida, playing at the dedication of that church’s new organ. Parishioner Clark Anderson will play the organ and conduct the choir here at Saint Mary’s in David’s absence.

Father Matthew Jacobson will be away from the parish on vacation from Monday, June 12, until Thursday, July 6.

ABOUT THE MUSIC AT THE SOLEMN MASS ON THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER, APRIL 23, 2023

Both of Sunday’s organ voluntaries are chorale preludes by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) based upon classic Easter hymns. The prelude is Bach’s setting of Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 665. The chorale, dated 1524, is attributed to Martin Luther. An English translation of its first stanza is:

Jesus Christ, our Savior true,
He who Death overthrew,
Is up arisen,
And sin hath put in prison.
Kyrie eleison.

Bach composed four organ settings of this chorale, two are found in the Clavierübung, Part III, and the remaining two, including BWV 665, are included among the Great Eighteen Leipzig Chorales. BWV 665 is in motet style, that is, each phrase of the melody is individually developed contrapuntally in its own separate section, each section concluding with the phrase’s melody stated in the bass voice. The third section of this chorale prelude is noted for its intense chromaticism, and the fourth and final section is noted for its sense of gathering crescendo towards its conclusion.

Sunday’s postlude is Christ lag in Todesbanden from Bach’s Orgelbüchlein (“Little Organ Book”), a collection of forty-six relatively short settings of chorales for the liturgical year, mostly composed while he was in Weimar between 1708 and 1717. The original text of this chorale is Martin Luther’s seven-stanza paraphrase and expansion on the Latin Easter sequence Victimae Paschali laudes. Stanzas 1, 4, 6, and 7 of Luther’s Christ lag in Todesbanden are found in The Hymnal 1982 at #186 with Bach’s own harmonization from his Cantata No. 4. This setting is today’s Offertory hymn. Bach’s Orgelbüchlein setting of this chorale presents the chorale’s melody clearly in the uppermost voice, supported by an accompaniment of three equally active contrapuntal voices.

The setting of the antiphon Vidi aquam, sung during the sprinkling of the people at Mass in the Easter season, is a contemporary chant setting by David Hurd, organist and music director at Saint Mary’s. It was composed for the 1982 Chicago Archdiocesan Music Festival and sung at Holy Name Cathedral. The setting is designed for a variety of performance possibilities including singing in canon, use of handbells, and use of an impressionistic flowing organ accompaniment.

The setting of the Mass at the Solemn Mass on Sunday is the Mass for five voices of William Byrd (c. 1540–1623). Byrd composed settings of the Latin Mass for three, four, and five voices. The Mass for five voices probably dates from about 1594 and was the last of the three to be composed. Its voicing is the most expansive, having two tenor parts, but its movements are the most concise of the three Byrd Masses. The whole business of Latin Masses in post-Reformation England needed to be a somewhat clandestine matter to protect those involved from the possibility of arrest. This being the case, Byrd’s part books were undated and without title page or preface, nor was the printer (Thomas East) identified. Fortunately, Byrd’s settings survived the period in which their performance—if not their very existence—was illegal, and now they rightly are regarded as great treasures of Western music. Composed with the Continental Tridentine liturgy in mind, Byrd’s Masses were also influenced by pre-Reformation works of English masters John Taverner (c. 1490–1545), Christopher Tye (c. 1505–c. 1573), John Sheppard (c. 1515–1558) and Thomas Tallis (c. 1505–1585). The several movements of Byrd’s Mass for five voices are linked by recurring freely composed themes.

Complementing William Byrd’s Mass for five voices on Sunday is his setting for four voices of the antiphon Cibavit eos. This antiphon and its customary companion verse are derived from Psalm 81, verses 16 and 1 respectively. Byrd’s setting, published in his 1605 Gradualia I, is structured to be the Introit for the Feast of The Body and Blood of Christ; the antiphon is followed in turn by the verse in a reduced voicing, Gloria Patri, and finally a repetition of the antiphon. This motet-antiphon, with its traditional Eucharistic association, is sung during the Communion on Sunday morning. — David Hurd

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE CONFIRMED OR RECEIVED INTO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH?

On Saturday, June 10, at 10:30 AM at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, one of our diocese’s bishops will preside at a Mass during which he or she will confirm and receive. These are important and moving sacramental rites that recall the gift of the Holy Spirit at Baptism and allow the adult candidate to make a public affirmation of his or her faith. If you would like us to present you for confirmation or reception on June 10, please speak to Father Sammy or Father Jay so we can discuss preparing you to receive the sacrament and answer any questions you might have.

This edition of the Angelus was written and edited by Father Jay Smith, except as noted. Father Matt Jacobson also edits the newsletter and is responsible for formatting and posting it on the parish website and distributing it via mail and e-mail, with the assistance of Christopher Howatt, parish administrator, and parish volunteer, Clint Best.