Proclaiming the Moveable Feasts: Moveable feasts are those which are tied to the date of Easter, and since that date changes from year to year, these feast days are said to "move" through the calendar. They are traditionally proclaimed on the Feast of the Epiphany or lately on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany.

This Sunday morning, as a conclusion of the 9 am Mass and following the Sermon at the 11:15 Mass, we will hear the chanted proclamation or "Setting" of the Moveable Feasts for this year, 2019. This seemingly quirky practice comes to us from very early in Christian history, when the Church Calendar was not the fixed and predictable scheme it is now. Customs varied from place to place on the dates of feasts and the length, or even the existence, of a Lenten, pre-Paschal fast.  In the third century, the Patriarchs of Alexandria began sending their clergy "festal letters" stating the dates of the great feasts and fasts for the upcoming year; these dates were to be announced to the faithful on either the Feast of the Epiphany or on a convenient Sunday before the start of the fast. The practice-and with it, eventually, regulation of the liturgical calendar-spread throughout Christendom, acquired ceremonial and a chant, and, like many things in the liturgy, has long outlasted its original necessity. It is retained here at the Advent as an interesting historical remnant and a bit of liturgical fun. 

As of this past Friday we have received 183 pledges, pledging a total of $529,035.  83 have increased their pledges by 20%, and there are 25 new pledges.  We have still to hear from 49 parishioners who pledged a total of $63,330 last year.

The Stewardship Committee thanks all who have made a pledge so far .  If you have not yet pledged, please do so soon.  

If you requested pledge cards when you submitted your pledge for 2019, they are in the back of the Church in alphabetical order.