This Week at St. Mary's-in-Tuxedo
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Stay informed about what's happening at St. Mary's by subscribing to our weekly newsletter...
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The church building is closed. All services are being live-streamed on
Facebook
.
Wednesday, March 25 - Feast of the Annunciation
12pm - Holy Eucharist
Thursday, March 26
5pm - Evening Prayer
Friday, March 27
5pm - Stations of the Cross and Benediction
Saturday, March 28
5pm - Evening Prayer
Sunday, March 29 - Fifth Sunday in Lent
10am - Holy Eucharist
Monday, March 30
5pm - Evening Prayer
Tuesday, March 31
5pm - Evening Prayer
Wednesday, April 1
5pm - Evening Prayer
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Dear Parishioners and Friends,
We are living in a world that is changing daily. New York has been named the epicenter of the US outbreak of the coronavirus, and we must all do our part to defeat this pandemic. We are all in this together, and as a community we will survive. If you do not already know someone with the coronavirus, you soon will. This sounds dire, but as one who lived through the AIDS crisis, I know it to be true. I also know that we must not be ashamed or fearful. We must instead support those who are sick and do everything in our capacity to stem the tide of further infections.
You already know that the Bishop of New York has suspended all public worship until at least May 17. He has also
instructed his priests
not to make any in-person visits, or to do “drive-up” distribution of palms or communion on Easter. This is heartbreaking for us all, but we must comply not only with the Bishop’s orders, but also the guidelines put forth by the CDC and local authorities.
Tuxedo is a wonderful place that is defined in large part by the close personal relationships people share. It is in our DNA to want to get together for dinner, drinks, a hike, or a boat ride. And it is precisely for the sake of those close personal relationships that, as your rector, I implore you to avoid social gatherings of any size at all costs. Please, do not go to someone’s house for dinner or drinks. Please do not join in outdoor activities with others. Please stay home, especially if you are a senior or have underlying health concerns. You may be by yourself, but you are not alone.
We are working hard in conjunction with several other community organizations to make sure everyone’s needs are met. Please reach out by emailing
help@stmtux.org
, and we will make sure you get what you need. Spiritually speaking, join us every day via
Facebook
for live streams of services like Evening Prayer, Stations of the Cross, and Mass. The sacramental life of the Church goes on despite the pandemic, and we are praying with and for you. I am making a point to contact everyone that I can in order to check in. If you are sick, lonely, or in any kind of need, I am here for you. While I cannot physically visit you, I will do everything I can by telephone or through a virtual chat. My mobile number is 917-658-6314.
This Wednesday is the feast of the Annunciation. It is the day we commemorate our patroness saying “yes” to the will of Almighty God for the good of all. As she said, “all generations shall call me blessed, for he that is mighty hath magnified me, and holy is his name.” Let us call to mind St. Mary’s humble obedience and care for the future of all mankind as we make our decisions in the days and weeks to come.
As always, I turn to the prayer book: "This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it
patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen." p. 461
Blessings,
Father Rick
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Operation: Love Thy Neighbor Commences
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Thank you to everyone who last week helped get 5,000 pounds of non perishable food into the Tuxedo/Sloatsburg area, and to those who helped prepare and distribute school lunches and food for families via our school buses. Today, the Sloatsburg Food Pantry held a drive-thru food distribution at the Municipal Building.
In partnership with local civic organizations, St. Mary's Outreach is making sure that no one is forgotten in this time of great crisis and self-isolation. We are aware of the need for everything from groceries, to medicines, to simple human contact, and we are here for you. Please see the latest info below that was communicated to the whole town yesterday (to open full pdf documents that you can download, click on
Outreach Tuxedo
or
Tuxedo Food Sources
).
For help, call your neighborhood coordinator below or email
help@stmtux.org
. Donations may be made
here
.
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The Building is Closed, But The Church Lives
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Thanks to everyone who has been joining our services online at
Facebook
. You do not need a Facebook account to watch the service or visit St. Mary's page.
Please join us at noon on Wednesday, March 25th, as we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation. When it comes time for communion, there's a beautiful act of spiritual communion we will pray together:
"My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen."
Services will continue daily, with Evening Prayer at 5pm on Thursday, Stations of the Cross & Benediction at 5pm on Friday, Evening Prayer at 5pm on Saturday, the Holy Eucharist at 10am on Sunday, and Evening Prayer at 5pm daily all next week.
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All are truly welcome at St. Mary's, which is located within the historic gates of Tuxedo Park and serves the entire Tuxedo community. Please tell the gatehouse you're going to St. Mary's, proceed thru the gates and we're on the right (plenty of parking available).
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How to contact us...
Office: 845.351.5122
PreSchool: 845.351.2389
Physical Address: 10 Fox Hill Rd, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 637, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
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