Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Ministry is often a study in contrasts. Yesterday, I was privileged to return to my first parish, the Church of the Resurrection , at the invitation of the rector to be the guest preacher for the feast of Corpus Christi. The Mass was beautiful, as always, and featured their brilliant organist, David Enlow , along with the eight member professional choir, and a small orchestra offering one of Haydn's settings. At the conclusion of the Mass, benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was offered, which is always a special devotion for me.

This morning I drove out to Goshen, where the members of my clericus and I take turns offering a service of Holy Communion for the residents of Valley View nursing facility. The setting and music couldn't have been more different from the night before. We were in a nondescript hall, and a lovely volunteer played hymns such as "I Love to Tell the Story," and "Jesus Loves Me" on the piano. The communion vessels are made of pottery, and the pews are rows of wheelchairs. Nevertheless, for the fifty or so who attend, this service is the highlight of their week. I can't tell you how many times I have clasped an elderly hand and heard the words, "Thank you for coming, Father." And honestly, it is in those tender moments that I feel my vocation more strengthened and uplifted than in the most glorious celebration...though I do like that, too.

The common denominator in it all is the presence of Christ with us in the Sacrament. Whether we attend a glorious liturgy in a magnificent church, or a simple Mass in a nursing home matters not. The presence of Christ brings enough dignity and grace to fill the hearts of the world.

Blessings,

Father Rick

Please join us this Sunday for the baptism of Thomas Michael Clements during the 10am service. Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised him to the new life of grace. Sustain him, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give him an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.

Congratulations to Anne Stephenson and Michael Orobona who were married by Father Rick at a private ceremony in New York City on May 19, 2018. The happy couple is pictured, center, here with the mother of the bride, Sherri, and Father Rick. May God grant them many happy years!

The Town of Tuxedo Annual Memorial Day Ceremony was held last Monday at St. Mary's with Father Rick as the master of ceremonies. Thank you to everyone who attended this solemn occasion to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. Please see our Facebook page for photos of the occasion .

Many have called coffee hour the eighth sacrament in the Episcopal Church, and it is indeed a great opportunity for informal community building at St. Mary's. It is held immediately following the 10am service in Bentley Hall, and we need hosts for Sundays later in June and July. Please sign up on Sunday or let  Lisa  in the office know if you can take one of these Sundays.

Registration has begun for ages 2, 3 and 4 at St. Mary's Community Preschool. Please email Head of School Ida Payne or call her at 845.351.2389, or visit our website at stmtux.org/preschool for more information. Please help us spread the word by telling your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues about St. Mary's Preschool!

The Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross, New York Chapter will be at St Mary's for their next meeting on June 2 from 10am to 2pm. All ladies are invited to attend.

 

The SCHC is a diverse group of women, both laypeople and clergy, called to live their lives under a rule of intercessory prayer, thanksgiving and simplicity of life. In 1884 the two founding members Emily Morgan and Adelyn Howard, envisioned a group of women united in prayer and companionship.

 

Today the SCHC is comprised of about 900 women both from the Episcopal Church and the wider Anglican Communion who pray and work with intentional concern for the unity of all God's people, God's mission in the world, social justice and peace and reconciliation.

On the feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle, June 11, 2008, Father Richard James Robÿn was ordained to the sacred order of priests in Christ's one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church by the Right Reverend E. Don Taylor at the Church of the Transfiguration in Manhattan.

Your prayers and presence are requested at the celebration of the 10th anniversary of his ordination during the 10am service on Sunday, June 10, 2018. Mother Mariclair Partee-Carlsen, seminary classmate and rector of St. Mary's Church at the University of Pennsylvania, will be the guest preacher. A festive reception will follow in Bentley Hall.