From The Rector

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

The excitement is building as we prepare the way. Here in the church office, things are humming with the assembly of Christmas gift baskets, food pantry printing, and general end-of-year loose ends that need to be tied up. As always, we pray for the intercession of St. Xeroxius as we gear up for a printing marathon. All of this gives us a great sense of satisfaction and the real feeling of the season--helping others to experience the joy that we ourselves anticipate.

One area of focus for me is getting the tree decorated. It has been up for several days, "acclimating" to the indoor environment. This is important because Pete and I are extremely excited to revive our annual Christmas Open House after a two year hiatus. Remember last year? We thought that we would have the party, but then one of the various variants made that an unsafe option. Thank goodness that we can once again open our door and welcome you in. More information is in the invitation below. Hospitality is important, not just on a social level, but as a Christian witness to the love of Jesus Christ, and that is what it is all about!



Advent and Christmas Blessings,

Fr Rick

Christmas Flowers & Music

Once again, St. Mary’s will be transformed into a breathtakingly beautiful space decorated for Christmas beginning with the greenery during Advent. Poinsettias and red bows will be added for Christmas and then on Christmas Eve, we will enjoy outstanding music offered by our organist, as well as vocal and instrumental soloists. 

All are paid for by YOUR donations. The total cost is over $3000, so we do need a number of generous donors to continue this lovely tradition at St. Mary’s. To make this possible, we ask that you give a special donation for the Christmas decorations and music by check or via the button below.

In the memo line, please be sure to indicate who your gift is given in memory of or thanksgiving for -- you may also email these details to [email protected]. The deadline for inclusion of memorials in our Christmas bulletins is Wednesday, December 21.

Classic Christmas Special

When Episcopalians do anything more than once, it is granted the status of "tradition." In that spirit, we want to share a bright spot from Christmas 2020. Despite the dire worldwide situation, people everywhere pulled together and felt a real common purpose. Here at the rectory, the well of creativity overflowed, and we were energized by the freedom of being in uncharted territory.

Possibly the most fun I've ever had in my life was the filming of the "Father Rick Christmas Special." I am so grateful to Pete, Shaun, Lauren, and all of our special guest stars for making it happen. So, have we joined the pantheon of Charlie Brown and Rudolph? I choose to think so. But don't take my word for it--here's what the viewers were saying:

"I laughed, I cried, I watched it twice in a row." Paula S.

"Fr. Rick, you are a national treasure." Taryn W.

Without further ado, we offer this tradition once more...

Volunteers are needed for the Sloatsburg Food Pantry located in All Souls Community Church, 81 Washington Ave, Suffern, NY 10901

Help is needed on the following dates:

• Wednesday Dec 14th - Distribution
• Tuesday Dec 20th - Distribution
• Wednesday Dec 21st - Distribution

Please Contact St. Mary's [email protected] (845) 351-5122 or The Sloatsburg Food Pantry [email protected] (201) 394-0627 if you can help on any of the above dates. New volunteers click here to fill out your application form.

If you or someone you know is in need of food, please sign up for an appointment using this link. 

Prayers of the Community

Parishioners we are praying for:

Barbara Beauregard

Bert Lucarelli

Roy McKechnie

Bill Steinmann

Webb Turner

Kirby Warren

Friends and family members we are praying for:

Bishop Andrew St. John

Charles de Casteja, longtime Tuxedo Park resident 

Jolene Matthews, daughter of Gillian Ballard

Rob McQuilkin, longtime Tuxedo Park resident

Carmen Murphy, close friend of Ann Ho-Powers

Bob Myers, husband of Marie-Claude Wrenn

Allan Moli Ochieng, son of Elizabeth Ochieng

Linette Opiyo, friend Elizabeth Ochieng

Brendan Pascarella, relative of Gillian Ballard

Richard J. Schineller, friend of Inger Grüterich

and former resident of Tuxedo

Nicholas Triantafillou, Grandson of Bill Steinmann

Roxana & Mario Mora, friends of Roy & Barbara McKechnie

Christine Ntagengwa, family friend of JoAnn Hanson

John Burkhalter, friend of Sheldon Eldridge

Prayer requests may be made at

(845) 351-5122 or [email protected].

Community Notices

The Tuxedo UFSD annual toy drive is under way! Every holiday season, George F. Baker High School partners with local businesses to collect new toys, games, and gift cards for those in need. After the items are collected, GFB staff, faculty and students sort the toys, bag them, and deliver them (with wrapping paper) to our local families.

Donation boxes will be located at the following businesses until Friday, December 16.

Jessies Bagels

Tuxedo Park Library

Dottie Audrey's Bakery/Kitchen

The Pizza Pit

Spring Street Deli North

Hudson Valley Wine Cellar

Town of Tuxedo Town Hall

Kaufer Chiropractic Office

Bentley's Deli

Mike's Barber Shop

Please consider donating. This wonderful community effort makes many children happy!