News from St. Mary's: Epiphany chalk, Social Justice ministry, and more...

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

The Feast of the Epiphany

Sunday, January 6th

8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Epiphany, which marks the coming of the Wise Men, is traditionally a time for house blessings. It is the time of year when we are focused on the Holy Family and on Jesus’ being home with his parents Joseph and Mary, first in Bethlehem, then in Nazareth. During the time of the church year between Epiphany and Lent, it is thus appropriate for us to give thanks for our own homes and ask God's blessing upon the coming year.

We will bless chalk on Sunday that you can take home with you. Here is an explanation of this practice from Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2018 :

"It is a practice in some communities to bless chalk on Epiphany so that people may use it to bless their homes. Traditionally, the chalking is done above the lintel [front door] and takes this form: 20+C+M+B+19 - The letters are the abbreviation for the Latin phrase "Christus mansionem benedicat" - "Christ bless this house" (A second meaning and mnemonic device is “Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar”, the traditional names for the Magi). The + signs represent the cross, and 20-19 is the year."

Mary Troost

Evening Prayer

Blessing and hanging of a portrait of Mary Troost

Wednesday, January 9, 6:00 p.m.

Mary Troost (d. 1/3/1872) was a significant benefactor to our parish. Come hear about her life and the role she played in our common life together.

Social Justice Ministry Opportunity

Fellow St. Mary's parishioners,

After the Advent adult forum on social justice, I felt led to help organize a meaningful way for us to serve those in need. With Fr. Charles's blessing, I'm asking your consideration to join me in this work.

Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP) is an organization that, among other things, will connect volunteer pen pals to sex workers who are currently incarcerated. We are called to sustain those within God's community with the light of love, understanding, and compassion, and Christ included sex workers within His boundless community.

For those interested, we'll get together after High Mass on January 13th to fill out a volunteer form. From there, SWOP will contact us individually to connect us with our pen pals. I'll be sure to have frequently asked questions handy, so folks can know a little more about this program.

In Christ,

Chris Steinauer

Sung Compline

Sunday, January 13 at 7:00pm

Compline is the final prayer service of the day in the Church's ancient prayer cycle that marks the hours of the day. This month's service will be sung by a choir of tenors and basses. It lasts about 25 minutes, and provides a peaceful way to end the weekend in contemplation and beauty. After the service, all are invited to a local restaurant for food, drink, and discussion.