Anno Domini 2025 September 30

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Tuesday, 30 September, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Mass, S. Jerome, Confessor & Doctor.
  6:30 PM, sung Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Remigius, Bishop & Confessor.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Holy Guardian Angels, followed by Soup & Supper.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Therese of Lisieux, Virgin, with Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Blessing of the Animals.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Trinity XVI

Be certain to note the annual Blessing of the Animals, Saturday this-coming. Bring your own pets, and encourage your friends and neighbours to do the same. If you've not already done so, place the flyers provided by the Parish in veterinary offices, pet grooming businesses, and the like. Light refreshments will be provided for people and pets alike.

As-was discussed during- or after both services on Sunday, Anglicanism is in disarray, crisis, call it what you will, throughout our Country. The time has come to act, and that we shall. New models (to modern eyes), derived from Ancient sources, may yet save us from the failings of Twentieth century Anglicanism in its American expression. Look for further announcements, shortly.

As has been recently noted, we've been especially blessed at Saint Matthew's. We are peaceful, we are stable, we are loving. We've weathered multiple storms in recent years, brought to our doors by those who, in our desire to love all men as does our Lord, and to take them at their word, we have mistaken as leaders, only to watch as they reveal themselves as wolves. This is the problem for which a solution is being sought, which solution may now have been found.

Let us never allow our good fortune, our many blessings, to slip that short distance into complacency. There is an old saying that the job of the Clergy is to comfort the afflicted, and to afflict the comfortable. By way of affliction, I ask that you all rise up, in your service to our Lord. Greet the stranger, comfort the suffering, lift the fallen. Make sure and certain proof of your ministry, and swell the ranks of Saint Matthew's, with those who need Holy Church the Most. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 September 8

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Monday, 8 September, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (tomorrow): 5:30 PM, Mass, S. Peter Claver, Confessor.
  6:30 PM, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Feria.
• Thursday: 10:30 AM, Ordination to the Priesthood, followed by reception in the Parish Hall.
  6:30 PM, Holy Communion, followed by movie.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Deacon's Liturgy, Holy Name of Mary.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion.
• Sunday: 8:30 AM, Mass, Trinity XIII
  10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity XIII, Commemorate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

If you were not here this-morning, you missed a wonderful Celebration of the Nativity of the BVM, Sung, with incense. The Mass was beautiful, the Feast glorious. Always be mindful that we say all Feasts on their proper days, not sweeping them onto the adjacent Sundays, as some are wont to do.

The big news this week is, of-course, an Ordination to the Priesthood. This was originally scheduled to occur during the Synod, which was cancelled well-after the last-minute. However, all of the arrangements for the Ordination had already been set, and we agreed to continue in our role as hosts for this joyous event. The day will start at 10:30 AM with the Ordinal Mass. Our able crew from Saint Matthew's will sing the Mass, while Bishop Sokol, from the Diocese of Saint Cuthbert, will preach the Sermon, and perform the Ordination. A reception has been planned to follow the Ordination, and will be held in our Parish Hall.

You may've noticed some slight variations in our week-day services. Over the last several weeks, I've been expending great and constant effort on my house. Several large projects have been accomplished, and there are one-or-two remaining to be finished. Indeed, this week will be no different, as I'll be tackling one last, large outdoor project.

After this week, God willing, the vast majority of the outside projects will have been completed, setting the stage for indoor tasks, as the Seasons change. Whether I am in the Sanctuary or no, there will be no interruption to the availability of the most holy and comfortable Sacrament. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 September 2

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Tuesday, 2 September, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Mass, S. Stephen of Hungary, King & Martyr.
  6:30 PM, Holy Rosary & Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Feria of Trinity XI.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Holy Communion, Supper, and the second half of One Night with the King.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Lawrence Justinian, Bishop & Confessor, with the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion.
• Sunday: 8:30 AM, Deacon's Liturgy, Trinity XII.
  10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity XII, commemorate S. Evurtius, Bishop & Confessor.

As concerns the Thursday evening services, please note the schedule for this week, described-above. Next week, on the 'Eleventh, the original plan was to cancel the usual services, in-light of the Ordination to the Priesthood earlier that day. However, we will now have a repeat viewing of the film, in its entirety, at the usual 6:30 PM time. If you watch the second-half this week, you can take next Thursday evening off, unless you want to watch it again!

This past week, I expended most of my time, and a great deal of energy, in working on my house. I also began emptying the curs'ed storage units. I've still a few details to complete, on the projects that I began, but this batch will be brought to conclusion, and that right soon. This round will basically complete the exterior infrastructure. Then, back to the interior remodelling....

Speaking of the Ordination ... it was to have taken-place during the Synod. The impromptu cancellation came so late, that all of the plans, including the travel arrangements, for the Ordination had already been made, and could not be undone. As-such, we will joyfully assist our brothers and sisters in Christ from S. Martin's Parish, in Ocala, Florida, and their Bishop, The Right Reverend David F. Sokol, PhD., carry-off the Ordination with all of the beauty and grace with which God provides us!

Again, the Ordination to the Priesthood will take-place next Thursday, 11 September, at 10:30 AM. Our S. Matthew's Clergy will sing the Mass. Bishop Sokol will preach, and perform the Ordination. There will be a reception following, in our Parish Hall.

Other than to make certain that our facility is ready, there will likely be little for us to do. S. Martin's will provide the refreshments. If any needs do arise, I will communicate them as-soon-as I become aware of the specifics.

This will be a great occasion for brotherly love and affection. I encourage EVERYONE to join us on that day. Our own Michael Gibson will be with us to provide the music. Upon this happy note, I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 August 11

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Monday, 11 August, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (tomorrow): 5:30 PM, Mass, S. Claire, Virgin.
  6:30 PM, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Evensong.
• Wednesday: Mass, SS. Hippolytus & Cassian, MM.
• Thursday: 8:00 AM, Morning Prayer, men's monthly.
  6:30 PM, BCP Lecture, Holy Communion, Soup & Study (Vigil of the Assumption).
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Assumption of the BVM, using the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion.
• Sunday: 8:30 AM, Deacon's Liturgy, Trinity IX.
  10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity IX.

We are now in the last burst of Summer travels; pray for those journeying to destinations near-and-far. The last Sunday of this month will fall on the Thirty-first. That will be the next Parish monthly brunch, which will, as-always, take-place after the 10:00 Mass on that day. The location is yet to be determined.

The National Synod will take-place from the Ninth through the Twelfth of September, which is now less than a month away. There will be a meeting for all volunteers working on the Synod, said meeting to be held on Saturday, 6 September, at 10:00 AM, at the Parish. PLEASE be in-attendance then-and-there. Any lingering questions or final details will be addressed at that time.

Although probably unknown in the Early Church, the belief in the Assumption of the BVM was present in the Ancient Church. It is first encountered in New Testament Apocrypha in the latter Fourth century, some of which texts were Gnostic in character. Due to the antiquity of the matter, even the textual sources for the date of the death of the BVM vary from three- to fifty years after the date of the Ascension. The same holds true for her bodily assumption, some sources stating that it occurred on the way to her burial, whilst others claim that it took-place three days after her decease. Still others, one being a surviving homily attributed to Timothy of Jerusalem (prob. 4th - 5th cent.), seem to imply that she was assumed body and soul during her natural life.

Feasts celebrating the death of the BVM were were observed in Palestine in the Fifth century, possibly in the 'Fourth at Antioch. The doctrine of her bodily assumption was first formulated by Western Orthodox, namely S. Gregory of Tours, in the Sixth century. The Byzantine feasts, which do reference the Assumption, were probably introduced during the time of Pope Sergius I, in the late Seventh century. By the end of the Eighth century, the Feast of the Assumption was universally observed in the West; in the Ninth century, the Octave was added in 847 by Pope Leo IV.

From the First Vatican Council (AD 1870) forward, the Popes were under increasing pressure to clarify the Church's position on the Assumption. On 1 November, 1950, Pope Pius XII, in Munificentissimus Deus, defined the Doctrine, and provided a new Mass for the Feast. Thus, now having been clearly established as Doctrine, all Roman Catholics must accept this Doctrine as Salvific, if they wish to enter Heaven.

For we Anglicans, it is a matter of pious belief. You may ~ or may not ~ accept it; in neither case does your response impinge upon your Salvation. Personally, it has only ever made sense that Our Lord would favour His Mother with great honour. To do less, when all things are within His power to give, seems almost unthinkable, and certainly not reflective of that perfect duty, love, and grace, of which the most holy Trinity alone is capable. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 August 7

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Thursday, 7 August, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Thursday (today): 6:30 PM (Holy Name of Jesus), BCP Lecture, Holy Communion, Soup & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Blessed John Mason Neale, Confessor, with Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion.
  Immediately following, vestry meeting.
• Sunday: 8:30 AM, Mass, Trinity VIII.
  10:00 AM, Mass, Saint Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr, Commemorate Trinity VIII.
  12:30 PM, Good Shepherd Parish holds their services.

As you will have read, there is an ad hoc vestry meeting this Saturday. With the Synod that we are hosting merely a month-away, it seems prudent to insure that we've made all due preparations; thus, the meeting. Additionally, there will be a meeting for all Synod volunteers on Saturday, 6 September, at 10:00 AM.

I'm certain that the announcement of 'Good Shepherd using our facilities caught many off-guard. Truth be told, I only received their request for aid the Friday before; they had been seeking, and failed to find, alternate housing for their services, and reached-out to me at the eleventh hour. In situations such as those, there is only one correct response in the sight of our Lord, and so, the decision was made.

However, quick decisions and changes do not always allow for proper planning. As-such, rather than shortening our coffee-hour, after the 10:00 Mass, we will simply close the doors betwixt the Parish Hall and the Nave, at 12:30 PM. This will leave our Sabbath routine unchanged, whilst we still offer aid to our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

As has been noted in recent sermons and classes, Anglicanism is now in a greater state of flux, perhaps than it has ever been. We can anticipate these circumstances, and must acknowledge that these waves have already reached our shores, over the last few years, and will continue to do so. The single most important aspect is this ~ the preservation our Parish, before- and above all. Entire jurisdictions have come-and-gone, but Saint Matthew's has- and will remain. As it has been written, so shall it be! I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Rector, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 August 2

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 2 August, in the year of our Lord 2025. There are important scheduling issues below, please be sure to read! The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Sunday (tomorrow): 8:30 AM, Deacon's Liturgy, Trinity VII.
  10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity VII, Commemorate S. Nicodemus, Confessor.
  12:00 PM, building in-use by Good Shepherd Anglican Church.
• Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, S. Dominic, Confessor.
• Tuesday: 5:30 PM, Mass, S. Oswald, King and Martyr.
  6:30 PM, Rosary and Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Feast of the Transfiguration.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Lecture, Holy Communion, Supper and Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Blessed John Mason Neale, Confessor, with the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Mass, S. John Vianney, Confessor.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, S. Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr, Commemorate Trinity VIII.
  12:00 PM, building in-use by Good Shepherd Anglican Church.

PLEASE NOTE! As a result of circumstances beyond their control, Good Shepherd Parish (a conservative congregation within the ACNA) found themselves in need of a place to hold their services for the next two weeks. Deacon Raynes, who I've known for some years, reached-out to me to see if Saint Matthew's could help, as they'd been unable to find an alternate location. I told him that we'd be delighted to help, and established a schedule whereby we could do so.

THE COFFEE HOUR AFTER THE 10:00 MASS MUST END AT NOON, SHARP, FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS! We will continue to hold our services at their regular times ~ that schedule will not be affected. In-order that 'Good Shepherd might hold their services as-early in the day as-possible, I've given them permission to begin at 12:30 PM. We will clear the building by 12:00 PM, so that they may begin to enter, and set-up for their services.

When I was in Warrenton, many Moons-ago, I arranged a similar circumstance. There was a Sryian-Antiochian Western-Rite Orthodox Church there, who was suddenly in-need of a temporary meeting-place. They eventually went on to build a lovely parish of their own (S. Patrick's), but, for a time, we supported them in their journey.

The National Synod for the CAC will be hosted by us; it will run from the Ninth through the Twelfth of September (Tuesday evening through Friday morning). There will be a vestry meeting one-week from today, on 9 August, at 10:00 AM, to insure that we are on-pace in our preparations. As-always, members of the parish are always welcome to attend ~ further, you've likely already been asked for your support of the 'Synod. If not, and if you're itching for an opportunity to help, please consult myself or Charlotte Haden.

The Parish Directory has been updated, and will soon be distributed. We've added a number of names since the last edition, praise God! I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Rector, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 July 15

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Tuesday, 15 July, in the year of our Lord 2025. Sunday, 15 July, AD 2012, was the first day that I said the Mass at Saint Matthew's. Thus, thirteen years have come and gone, since that day.

Pepper was with me, for that first visit. I'd had him about a month, at that time. He has since gone to his reward. Let us be thankful for all of the good that we've done over these years, and thoughtful about the good that we may yet do, in the years to come. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Mass, Translation of S. Swithun.
  6:30 PM, Sung Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Lecture on the Prayer Book Ordinal, with Holy Communion.
  Immediately following, Soup & Supper, study of the Gospel according to Saint Luke.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Camillus of Lellis, Confessor, using the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion, S. Vincent de Paul, Confessor.
• Sunday: 8:30 AM, Mass, Trinity V.
  10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity V, Comm. S. Margaret of Antioch.

A week from this-coming Sunday, 27 July, we will have the monthly Parish Brunch at Schooner's Grill, a few miles North on Warwick Blvd. from the Parish. We will leave here after the 10:00 Mass has concluded.

A topic that I've had in-mind for a bit is the manner in which we receive Holy Communion ~ the mechanics of it. The first step involves receiving the Host, or the Bread. There are only two ways to do this; in the hand, or on the tongue. If you wish to receive it in the hand, extend your hand before you, as you're at the Altar Rail. You may kneel or stand there, as you're best able. Kneeling is the best choice, but if one is physically unable to kneel, standing is perfectly acceptable.

You should always place your right hand over your left, palm up. Reception into the left hand is not appropriate. This derives from millennia of the right being considered stronger, thus proper, and the left as being weaker, thus questionable, among other associations.

Once the Host rests upon your palm, you've two choices. The most common is to extend your tongue, and draw the host into your mouth thereby ~ the moistened tip of your tongue will adhere to the host. The other is to wait for the Clergy to approach, at which point he will pick-up the host, dip it into the Chalice (intinction), and place it upon the tip of your tongue.

At no time is it appropriate to handle the host. Once the host is in your hand, do not pick it up with your other hand, and place it in your mouth. This is the Body of our Lord, and should never be handled; on those occasions when it must be, only hands blessed for that purpose (Clergy) should do so.

If you've chosen to receive the Host on the tongue, from the Clergy, you will next receive the precious Blood, from the Chalice. The best choice is to place your hands upon the Altar Rail, and to let the Clergy tip the Cup to your lips, that you may receive the Sacrament. If you feel the need to steady the Chalice, grasp the base of the Chalice, and tip it towards your mouth, using the Clergy's hand as the fulcrum for the motion of the cup. At no time should your hand ever touch the actual bowl, or Cup, that contains the precious Blood. Again, this is reserved for Clergy hands.

These, then, are the simple rules for the manual Reception of the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus, the Christ. The Eastern Church employs other rules, which are more restrictive, and yet likely more appropriate, for this greatest of all mysteries. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Rector, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 June 9

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Monday, 9 June, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (tomorrow): 5:30 PM, Mass, Tuesday in Whitsuntide.
  6:30 PM: Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Ember Wednesday in Whitsuntide.
• Thursday: 8:00 AM, Morning Prayer, Thursday in Whitsuntide, breakfast to follow.
  6:30 PM, Mass, Thursday in Whitsuntide, Soup & Study to follow.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Ember Friday in Whitsuntide, with the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion, Ember Saturday in Whitsuntide.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity Sunday.

The dates for the upcoming Synod of the CAC have been expanded by the Archbishop. It will now run from the 9th ~ 12th of September, this year. Hopefully, by the end of this week, a finalised version of the Agenda will be published.

In less than a week, we will have exhausted the brief Seasons of Holy Church that exist betwixt Easter and Trinity Sunday. As the first half of the Church year (commencing upon Advent I) is devoted to the life of our Lord, the second (commencing on Trinity Sunday) is largely focussed on the life and ways of Holy Church. If it can be said that difficulties arise in the discussion of either of these areas, said difficulties will far-and-away more often concern the Church, which is shot-through with humans, and their flaws.

It has become very apparent that Anglicanism (indeed perhaps all of Christendome, but let us speak of those things we best know) is in a greater period of flux, of turmoil, than it has ever been during my lifetime. Conversations with Brother Clergy, both near and far, across numerous jurisdictions, support this observation, along with their own. When I began my studies for Holy Orders, over three decades past, it was often whispered that a half-dozen or so requiems would remove the walls of division from American Anglicanism, paving the way for the unity that was hoped-for by the faithful at Saint Louis, and later at Denver. All of those requiems have come-and-gone, yet here we remain, as-scattered, if not moreso, than ever.

There is much cause for despair in all of this. There are two points that remain salient, however. The first is that, per our sister Churches in the Orthodox East, despair itself is a sin. To allow oneself to enter this state is to implicitly deny the power of the Holy Ghost to not only resolve all things, but to resolve them for the good. Inasmuch as our Lord Himself gives the only Unforgivable Sin as the denial of the Holy Ghost, this would seem a very bad place to approach, much-less to tread.

The second is that despite all of the sin and corruption we've sporadically seen in the leadership of these Anglican churches, the individual parishes have soldiered-on. They have always been the strength and support of our Movement. They will continue to be so.

Pray for your Parish. Pray for your parochial Clergy. Pray for all of the grace, and growth, and love that can fall upon the foregoing. Work and pray to preserve your spiritual home, that God may preserve you, in that great hour of His Son's return. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Rector, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 May 13

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Tuesday, 13 May, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (today): NO SERVICES. 
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Pachomius, Abbot.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, brief services. followed by Holy Communion, and Soup and Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Simon Stock, Confessor, with the Gregorian Canon.
  10:00 AM, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion.
• Sunday: 8:30 AM, Deacon's Liturgy, Easter IV.
  10:00 AM, Mass, Easter IV.

SERVICES ARE CANCELLED TONIGHT, Tuesday, 13 May. The last weather report that I saw indicated worsening conditions during the time that we would be holding services. The schedule will resume tomorrow, Wednesday, 14 May, with the usual Noon Service.

Although it is still some way off, we must bear in-mind that we will be hosting the National Synod for the CAC. The will run from Thursday, 11 September, into Saturday, 13 September, of this year ~ so about four months from now. We will need to provide several meals, meeting space, and material support for the liturgies and other services that will be held. Inasmuch as this is far from our first rodeo, no difficulties are anticipated, but we will need volunteers, especially when it comes to food 'prep and serving. Further information will soon be forthcoming.

As a quick glance at the schedule of services will tell you, we are still in the Season of Easter ~ Eastertide to Anglicans. Eastertide essentially comes to a close with the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord, per the Scriptural narrative. The Octave, or eight day celebration of this Feast, is quickly followed by Whitsuntide, known by non-Anglicans as the Feast and Season of Pentecost.

Whitsuntide is a contraction of White Sunday. This was, especially in the medieval Church, the second-most common day of the year for Baptisms, following Holy Saturday, also known as Easter Even. On White Sunday, the villagers would take one of their annual or semi-annual baths, and parade through the streets dressed in white, on their way to the Church, or Cathedral, to receive their Baptism.

Whitsuntide ends just in-time for Trinitytide to begin. Just as the first half of the Christian year, which commences with Advent I, concerns itself with the life of our Lord, the second half ~ pretty-much fully consumed by Trinitytide ~, commencing on Trinity I, teaches us the life of Holy Church, and her Teachings. Thus, in a little-over a month, we will transition-into the great, green Season ~ the liturgical colour appropriate to both Trinitytide, and Epiphanytide. For your liturgi-trivia of the day, the first two Sundays of Trinitytide are actually not green, but white. Trinity I always falls within the Octave of the Feast of Corpus Christi, whilst Trinity II falls within the Octave of the Nativity of S. John Baptist, making both of these days 'White' Sundays.

Hence, the beauty and the Glory of the Kalendar of Holy Church. It is, perhaps, the single greatest teaching tool that we have, and one of the most over-looked. Follow it, as it inexorably leads you to our Lord, His Church, and your own Salvation.

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Rector, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 May 6

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Tuesday, 6 May, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Mass, S.  John before the Latin Gate.
  6:30 PM, Holy Rosary, followed by Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Patronage of S.  Joseph.
• Thursday: 8:00 AM, men's Morning Prayer & Breakfast.
  6:30 PM, services, followed by Soup & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Gregory of Nazianzus.
  10:00 AM, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Easter III.

Well, the High, Holy Days are largely now behind us. In a matter of weeks, Trinitytide, the long, Green Season, will commence, and we shall be firmly ensconced in the second-half of our Christian Year, which addresses the life and nature of Holy Church, having passed-out of the first half, which holds the life of our Lord as its chief focus. Thus, Time goes marching-on, into the distance.

For the foreseeable future, nothing unusual appears on the horizon of the Kalendar. We shall tread the usual rounds, 'til September, when we will host the General Synod for the CAC, the dates of which are the Eleventh through the Thirteenth of that month. After that, we will once-more slip-into both the holidays- and Holy Days that occupy the end of the civil Calendar.

We've many assets here, at Saint Matthew's, up-to and including daily access to the most blessed sacrament, virtually every day of the year. Be sober, be vigilant, for your adversary walketh about like a roaring, seeking whom he may devour. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025, Maunday Thursday (April 17)

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Maundy Thursday, the beginning of the Great Triduum of Holy Mother, the Church. It is also 17 April, in the year of our Lord 2025. The services are as-follows:

The Thursday of the Lord's Supper, Commonly Called Maundy Thursday (today): 6:30 PM, Mass of the day, with the S. Luke Passion; the Procession to the Altar of Repose; the Stripping of the High Altar; the Maundy (foot-washing); Tenebrae of Good Friday.

Good Friday: 12:10 PM (Noon), Mass of the Catechumens with the S. John Passion; the Solemn Collects; The Veneration of the Cross; The Mass of the Presanctified; silence in the Church until 3:00 PM for prayer and reflection.

The Holy Sabbath of Holy Week, Commonly Called Holy Saturday or Easter Even: 8:00 PM, opening Scriptural readings; the Blessing of the New Fire and the Paschal Candle; The Prophecies (of the Sarum usage); the Blessing of the Baptismal Font; the Mass of Easter Even, being the First Mass of Easter.

The Sunday of the Resurrection, Commonly Called Easter Day: 8:30 AM, the Holy Eucharist from the Book of Common Prayer.
10:00 AM, Mass from the Anglican Missal.

Despite the beautiful, sunny skies outside, we begin today the Darkest of Seasons in our Christian year, the holy Triduum, that being the three days prior to the Day of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ. Today the Altar is stripped, removing all trace of the grace of our Lord from our midst, as the crosses and icons have already been covered. Today, the Clergy, remembering their role as Altar Christus, wash the feet of the assembled laity. Today, we read the Office of Shadows (Tenebrae) as our last act of the day. Reckoning time in the Jewish system, one day ends, and another begins, at sunset, not Midnight, as we conceive of it. Thus, tonight at Sunset begins Good Friday, which is why we will say the Tenebrae for Good Friday. Tenebrae for Maundy Thursday, had we said it, would have been last-night.

Inasmuch as nothing may be Blessed or Consecrated during the holy Triduum, a single Priest's Host is Consecrated on Thursday, for the Mass of the Presanctified on Good Friday. Only the Priest will Receive on that day, as a reminder that our Lord has died and gone away from us, taking with Him His Grace. On this Darkest of days, we are reminded that we killed Him, the point driven-home by our inability to receive Him, and His salvation.

After the the Liturgy of the day has concluded, the Church is left open, so that anyone who wishes may come and sit silently. This is an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and meditation. The Church is usually closed at Three o'Clock.

Holy Saturday is the culmination of everything that has been said or done throughout Pre Lent, Great Lent, Passiontide, and Holy Week. In simplest form, we are brought out of the Darkness, and into His Light, at every step of the way, in every Ceremony, Rite, and Liturgy of this night. Please join us, this-evening, as we begin the greatest of journeys, the final travel and travails, of the greatest story ever lived. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 April 5

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 5 April, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Sunday: (tomorrow): 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Passion Sunday (Lent V).
• Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, Monday in Passiontide.
• Tuesday: 5:30 PM, Mass, Tuesday in Passiontide.
  6:30 PM, Sung Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Wednesday in Passiontide.
• Thursday: 8:00 AM, men's monthly Morning Prayer & Breakfast.
  6:30 PM, Mass, Thursday in Passiontide, Soup and Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Sung Mass, Compassion of the BVM, with Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following; Stations of the Cross, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion, Saturday in Passiontide.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Palm Sunday.

Tomorrow afternoon, at 4:00, the Susan and Joseph Graif foundation will host a concert of silent movie accompaniment, and a showing (with said musical enrichment) of My Best Girl, a film starring Mary Pickford. Joe was our interim organist at S. Matthew's, before Michael Gibson joined us. I will be attending the concert, and encourage everyone in the Parish to do so as-well.

I thought that I might mention a few of the peculiarities attached to having a Bishop in one's Parish. Customarily, when the Bishop recesses from the Altar and through the nave, he gives Apostolic Blessings, alternating from side-to-side of the center aisle. As he passes, those who are able genuflect, and make the sign of the Cross as he faces and blesses them.

During the Blessings given by the Bishop from the Altar, the Bishop makes the sign of the Cross three times ~ center, his right, and his left. Again, for those who make the sign of the Cross as a regular part of their worship, you wait for the Bishop to make the sign over you, before you make your sign in-response. Thus, the center blessing is typically for the choir and servers ~ anyone who is in-service at or near the Altar. The right-blessing is for those sitting on the Gospel side of the nave; that on the left for those on the Epistle side.

These are not do it or-else matters, but they are important means for us to recognise, participate-in, and perpetuate the customs that sustain and inform our faith. A Bishop is, ideally, an heir to the Twelve; a Prince of the Church, the Breath of the Apostles. We celebrate this most important of ministries, the servant of the servants of God, through these small acts of recognition. I remain

His devoted servant,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025, Lent III (March 23)

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Sunday, Lent III. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Monday (tomorrow): 10:00 AM, Mass, S. Gabriel, Archangel.
• Tuesday: 5:30 PM, Mass, the Feast of the Annunciation of the BVM.
  6:30 PM, Holy Rosary & Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Lenten Feria.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Evening Prayer from Family Prayer; Holy Communion, S. John of Damascus, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor. Immediately following, Soup & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. John of Capistrano, Confessor, with Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Stations of the Cross, followed in-turn by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
  STATIONS BY APPOINTMENT.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion, Lenten Feria.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Lent IV, Mothering Sunday.

Inasmuch as we've had no lay-participation in the Friday-evening Stations of the Cross, they will be removed from the schedule. However, as has been the case ever-since we established 'Stations as a regular part of our Lenten devotions, if there is another more-suitable time, let me know, and we can sing them then. They are an important part of our spiritual regimen during Great Lent.

The just-concluded Clericus of the CAC was very informative. Much information was distributed, debated, and prayed-over. The peak of the Clericus was, of-course, the Consecration of The Rev'd Canon David Francis Sokol as the First Bishop-Ordinary of the Diocese of Saint Cuthbert. The fellowship was wonderful, the ceremonial and assemblage moving. We are marching-forward!

Easter Day is now less-than a month-away. Double-down on your devotions, on your sacrifices, on your admissions of guilt, on your preparations for that great and glourious day. Time ever-passes, but is only lost when we fail to make devoted use of it. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 March 1

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 1 March, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled service are as-follows:

• Sunday (tomorrow): 8:30 AM, Deacon's Liturgy, Quinquagesima.
  10:00 AM, Mass, Quinquagesima.
• Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, S. Aelred, Abbot.
• Tuesday: 5:30 PM, SHROVE TUESDAY, pancake Supper ~ last day to bring blessed palms to Church.
• Wednesday: 12:10 & 6:30 PM, ASH WEDNESDAY, The Great Litany, A Penitential Office, the Blessing of the Palms, Mass.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, SS. Perpetua & Felicity, Sung Evensong, Holy Communion, followed by Supper and Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Thomas Aquinas, using the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, 'Stations of the Cross, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion, S. John of God, Confessor.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Lent I.

BRING YOUR BLESSED PALMS FROM LAST YEAR TOMORROW! I will burn all palms brought-in to use as ashes for Ash Wednesday. Tuesday is the cut-off, as I usually burn the palms on Wednesday morning. However, if you fail to bring your palms in-time for Ash Wednesday, still bring them in, as they will be replaced on Palm Sunday.

As one may see from the foregoing, we've a busy week before us. There will be NO SERVICES on Tuesday, aside from the Pancake Supper. There was a mis-print in last week's 'Post, concerning the times. Servers, cooks, etc. are to be at the Parish no-later than 5:00 PM. Food will begin to be served at 5:30 PM. Food service will cease no-later than 7:00 PM. A small donation to benefit the Altar Guild will be asked.

There will be two services on Ash Wednesday. One will be a Sung Mass, and the other Said ~ otherwise, they will be identical. The evening service is primarily for those who cannot attend in the daytime ~ no excuse to miss Ash Wednesday.

The rest of the week will be per the usual schedule. Do remember, though, that a Lenten Feria is unlike many of the other ferial Fests throughout the year, whereupon the Mass of the preceding Sunday is merely repeated. There is a Mass specific to every day in Lent. Once more, you will have the opportunity to collect them all! I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 February 25

Beloved of the Lord:

To-day is Tuesday, 25 February, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-below:

• Tuesday (today): 6:30 PM, monthly Parish Requiem.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Feria.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Blessed George Herbert, Priest, followed by Supper and Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Feria, using the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Stations of the Cross, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion, S. David, Bishop & Confessor.
• Sunday: 8:30 AM, Deacon's Liturgy, Quinquagesima.
  10:00 AM, Mass, Quinquagesima.

This-coming week-end is the running of the One City Marathon. Of-course, this is run on a Sunday, and traffic is altered on some streets, most notably Warwick Blvd., for our purposes. More precise information may be found at: Newport News News Flash

One week from today will be Shrove Tuesday, and the attendant Pancake Supper. All men of the Parish are encouraged to participate ~ this meal is our duty to prepare. We will need both cooks and dishwashers, though not too many of the latter, as we use disposable dinnerware, leaving mostly the cooking vessels to scrub.

The day after Shrove Tuesday is, of-course, Ash Wednesday. Please make immediate plans to return ANY and ALL blessed palms from Palm Sunday last to the Parish. I will incinerate them, thereby removing the blessing placed-upon them, that they may receive the blessing of Ashes, and be placed-upon us, and worn throughout Ash Wednesday, signifying ourselves as Christians, for all the world to see. Before retiring on Ash Wednesday, wipe the blessed ashes away with a tissue, place them in a plastic or paper bag, and take them to the Parish, so that they may receive proper disposal.

It is my sad duty to report that we've recently discovered that our own Val Rasieleski, who held a number of important positions in our Parish, before moving to Rhode Island to be nearer to her children and grandchildren, entered the gates of larger life, this-past November. Val served on the Vestry, and was very active with the Altar Guild, among other duties. She will not soon be forgotten in Saint Matthew's.

Val's passing, and the late discovery of it by the Parish, highlights the need for proper end-of-life planning. Each of us should have a packet, folder, or thumb-drive containing the contacts and documents necessary in the event of our passing. The telephone numbers for the Parish, and the Priest, should be included. You should also meet with your Clergy, preferably before any indication of your mortality manifests, and plan your Requiem. As Anglican Catholics, memorial services are discouraged, as the Mass is the only service proper to the ending of a life.

Lastly, in this same packet, copies of your estate planning, including those elements pertaining to the Church, should be placed. In nearly thirty years of Ordained ministry, I've only personally witnessed one instance in which provision for the decedent's Parish were made. Every glorious stone Church, every beautiful edifice, every magnificent organ, was built largely, if not solely provided, through memorial gifts or bequests. It has never ceased to amaze me that our Movement, founded in the attempt to preserve tradition and orthodoxy, has done such a poor job of building the fabric of Holy Church, as did our fathers, who taught us the value of such things. Lent will give us the opportunity to contemplate these, and other, essential matters. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 February 18

Beloved of the Lord:

To-day is Tuesday, 18 February, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows ~ note the term 'scheduled'. Should the weather intervene in our usual schedule, further announcements will be forth-coming.

• Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Mass, S. Bernadette of Lourdes.
  Immediately following, Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Feria,
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Feria, followed-by Supper & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Feria, using the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Stations of the Cross, Veneration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion, S. Joseph of Arimathea.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Sexagesima.

As-referenced above, the weather is threatening to once more interfere with our Service Schedule. Though the specifics vary minute-to-minute, the general circumstances have remained constant, in-that snow is expected sometime on Wednesday (tomorrow), continuing into the early-morning hours of Thursday. Based on what is currently being supposed, I see no reason to worry about- or change our Wednesday schedule (Mass at Noon plus ten minutes). An e-mail will be distributed on Thursday, concerning the services for that evening.

Healing is, perhaps, the most common miracle performed by our Lord. At some point in our lives, every one of us needs healing, either physical, or spiritual, or both. Perfect healing is only available from God.

Healing by God never comes but that prayer ~ supplication ~ precedes it. We must seek it out, whether from God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Ghost. Even in those Scriptural instances when Our Lord is petitioned directly by someone literally in-front of him, those requests are but prayers delivered in-person, so-to-speak.

As is the case in every area of prayer, we may ask the Saints to pray on our behalf, but we do not ask them to heal us. We simply ask that they offer prayers from the might of their sanctity for the self-same healing that we seek. Over the ages, certain diseases have been assigned to specific Saints ... Saint Blasius for throats, for-example, whose Feast and blessing we recently celebrated.

Speaking of Saint Blasius, of whom we may request prayers for healing for any ailments, not simply throats, his blessing may be sought and given at any time, not only on his Feast. Indeed, we gave it twice in the week of his Feast, for those who could not attend on the very day. I've long-considered appending the usual healing service to the end of every Mass at Saint Matthew's. This blessing only takes a few minutes to distribute to an entire 'rail of supplicants, so no great interference to our usual order- or length of service.

Think and pray over this. It could be done every day, or on select days, as part of a fixed schedule. Let me know what you think, and I'll institute this service, as a regular part of our schedule, in the near-future.

As a last thought, it must be noted that, whilst at the rail, you may ask for the blessing for someone who is not in-attendance, but requires healing, nevertheless. The prayer is said over you, and the holy oil applied to you, as you act as a surrogate for the one needing the blessing. Some have argued against this practice, but far better to err in the over-extension of Christ's mercy, than in the guarding of it, or so I have believed, and preached. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 February 1

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 1 February, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Sunday (tomorrow): 8:30 AM, Deacon's Liturgy, Purification of the BVM. 10:00 AM, Mass, Purification of the BVM.
• Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, S. Blasius, Bishop & Martyr.
• Tuesday: 5:30 PM, Mass, Gilbert of Sempringham, Abbot.
  6:30 PM, Holy Rosary & Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Agatha, Virgin & Martyr.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, S. Titus, Bishop & Confessor, followed by Supper & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Romuald, Abbot, with the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion, S. John of Matha, Confessor.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Epiphany V.

As you read above, the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be the Feast at both Sunday services. This is one of the two Marian Feasts listed as days of Obligation in the Book of Common Prayer. For we Anglicans, it is also known as Candlemas, when the candles to be used in the Church are blessed, before being used.

It has been the custom for some years at Saint Matthew's that I drive to NOVA, and get all of the candles that we will use over the coming year. They are then Blessed on Candlemas, that all things may be done decently, and in-order. This year, Candlemas falls on a Sunday ~ it is a Feast of Obligation in the Church, meaning that the faithful are required to attend, which will be made easier this year, as it falls on the Sabbath.

The Feast commemorates the Purification of the BVM, and the presentation of Christ in the Temple which took place forty days after His birth, as the Jewish Law required. It was kept locally at Jerusalem from circa 350 on 14 February and later on 2 February. In 542 the Emperor Justinian ordered its Observance at Constantinople as a thanksgiving for the cessation of the plague, and it thence spread throughout the East, where it was called "The Meeting", i.e. of Christ with Simeon. Somewhat later, it began to be widely kept in the West.

The blessing of candles is now the distinctive rite on this day in the West. Beeswax candles, which are blessed, distributed, and lit whilst the Nunc Dimittis is sung, are carried in a procession commemorating entrance of Christ, the 'True Light' into the Temple. As it has been done in time-past, so do we now, at Saint Matthew's.

On Monday, we will observe the Feast of Saint Blasius. This is ~ for us ~ always accompanied by the blessing of throats. Given the season, and the state of things in the World, I hope to see many joining us to receive these gifts ~ the Holy Sacrament, and a Blessing against illness. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 January 25

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 25 January, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Sunday (tomorrow): 8:30 & 10:00  AM , Mass, Epiphany III. Parish Brunch after the 10:00 Mass, at Uno's Pizzaria, in Kiln Creek.
• Monday: 10:00  AM, Mass, S. John Chrysostom, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor.
• Tuesday: NO SERVICES.
• Wednesday: 12:10  PM, Sext (Noonday Prayers).
• Thursday: 6:30  PM, Mass, Blessed Charles Stuart, King & Martyr. Soup and Supper to follow.
• Friday: 9:00  AM, Mass, S. John Bosco, Confessor, with Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00  AM, Holy Communion, S. Ignatius, Bishop & Martyr.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00  AM, Mass, Purification of the BVM.

Tomorrow, after the Ten o'clock Mass, there will be no coffee-hour. Instead, we will depart the Parish for our monthly Parish Brunch. It will be held at Uno's Pizzaria and Grill in the Kiln Creek Shopping Center. We've been there a number of times; join us for a good meal and good fellowship.

I will briefly be out of the Parish, this week. I make an annual trip to procure the candles that we burn throughout our liturgical year. The cost of the fuel is actually less than the freight, and we don't suffer any breakage when we pick the shipment up ourselves. There will be no services on Tuesday, but I'll be back in-time for the Mass, Meal and Study, on Thursday evening.

To my memory, since we began the daily Mass in AD 2017, we've never gone three consecutive days without services. Even when I'm on-vacation, Deacon Collins and Mr. Elsnau make certain that we never go more than a single day without a service of some-sort. I suspect that we could have met on Thursday, but some parishioners still had some doubts about driving. There were no Feasts of Obligation on the missed days, hence no need to force the issue of attendance.

Oftentimes the suggestion is made to say one's Morning- or Evening Office, on those days when we've no corporate services in the Parish. I fear that the 'Offices are largely forgotten, on the part of the laity of the Church. As Anglican Clergy, we are required to say our Daily Offices every day, without exception. At Saint Matthew's, we say one of the 'Offices at-least once-per-month, and usually more often than that, simply to give the faithful an opportunity to remember and recite these cornerstone prayers of the Anglican tradition.

It is noteworthy that these prayer services require no Clergy. Even when Clergy are present, and the prayer of Absolution is pronounced, the Clergy are to make the Sign of the Cross over themselves, and not over the people. The only prayer that requires modification in the absence of Clergy is the short form of the prayer of Absolution found in the Evening Office, which requires the substitution of 'our' for 'your' when there is neither Priest nor Bishop present.

Additionally, the 'Offices must be said, be spoken-aloud, whether in the Parish or at-home. They are never to be read silently. They must be given voice  ~ they must be living prayers, not merely rote exercises, done in-silence. Whether you are alone, as we Clergy often are, or in a group, or in the Parish, this rule ever applies.

The 'Offices, as we now know them, were compiled by Archbishop Cranmer, for eventual inclusion in the AD 1549 Book of Common Prayer. He condensed two of the Morning Offices and three of the 'Evening from the Medieval Monastic Tradition of the eight Hours of daily prayer practiced by the Brothers. Thus, from the limitless spiritual well that are the Religious Houses, we have these majestic Offices. Honour the past, and pray in the present, for the future. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 January 18

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 18 January, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Sunday (tomorrow): 8:30  AM, Deacon's Liturgy, Epiphany II.
  10:00  AM, Mass, Epiphany II.
• Monday: 10:00  AM, Mass, Saints Fabian & Sebastian, Martyrs.
• Tuesday: 6:30  PM, monthly Parish Requiem.
• Wednesday: 12:10  PM, Mass, S. Vincent of Saragossa, Martyr.
• Thursday: 6:30  PM, Mass, Saint Raymond of Pennaforte, Confessor, Soup & Study to follow.
• Friday: 9:00  AM, Mass, Saint Timothy, Bishop & Martyr, with the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00  AM, Holy Communion, Conversion of Saint Paul.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00  AM, Mass, Epiphany III.

The next few weeks will be quiet, per the Kalendar  ~ a nice respite. However, three weeks from tomorrow, we will begin Pre-Lent, with Septuagesima Sunday. This seems awfully quick, though it isn't, really, as we will have Celebrated five of the potential six Sundays in Epiphanytide. Time marches-on....

One week from tomorrow, we will have the monthly Parish Brunch. After the Ten o'Clock Mass on that day (26 January), we will depart the Parish, and meet at Uno's Pizzaria, in Kiln Creek. We've been there a number of times, and it has always been a positive experience.

Jurisdiction-wise, the next gathering will be a Clericus, in Florida, at S. Martin's Parish, where Canon Sokol is the Rector. It will run over parts of four days, beginning with meetings on Wednesday, 19 March, and ending before Noon on Saturday, 22 March. The final event, on Saturday morning, will be a most joyous one, as Canon Sokol will be Consecrated a Bishop on that day. This will complete our efforts to build a solid base to support the future growth for which we pray, as we will then have Episcopal coverage for the entire South, from Florida to Virginia, and across to Oklahoma.

As I'm certain everyone is aware, I was Consecrated Bishop on 21 December, Ember Saturday in Advent, and the Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle and Martyr. To-date, my Episcopal responsibilities have not interfered with Parish life, nor do I expect them to do so, in the immediate future. As the Convocation of Anglican Churches grows, that will change. Even then, however, Saint Matthew's will remain a clear priority for me.

Last Sunday was held the Annual Parish Meeting, which was a marvel, in several regards. Everyone who has served on the Vestry has heard me say that I dislike meetings, as a rule, and that the more quickly they can be completed the better. I've always striven to keep the 'Annual Meeting to thirty minutes, or less. I've come very close, but, previously, have never met that goal. This time the meeting was opened, fully conducted, and closed, in nineteen minutes! Let us fervently pray that this pattern continues.

Of business, the financial report for the year just-ended, and the proposed budget for the coming year, were the chief items. AD 2024 was a very good year for the Parish. We had an excellent report on income, and we added a number of new, voting members. The reports were accepted, and the budget was passed. The full minutes will be posted on the bulletin board.

In a recent 'Weekly Post, prayer was discussed. Clearly, by the successes of last year, many of you are praying for Saint Matthew's. Our first priority, as a family in God, must always be to pray for our Parish. This year, I would ask that you also, as often as possible, pray for the CAC. We have done all that we may to build the superstructure. Now, please, pray that the people will come. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 January 8

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Wednesday, 8 January, in the year of our Lord 2025. SAFETY NOTICE ~ there is a small, white sedan, parked behind the Parish, close to the building, not in a parking-space. Leaving-out the long tale, the owner is scheduled to pick it up by Friday. I only mention it so that no one will go zipping-about the building, not expecting it to be there. The scheduled services are as-follows.

• Wednesday (today): 12:10 PM, Mass, Of the Octave of the Epiphany.
• Thursday: 8:00 AM, men's monthly Morning Prayer, breakfast to follow.
  6:30 PM, Mass, Of the Octave, Supper and Study to follow.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Of the Octave.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, administration of the Blessed Sacrament, NO MASS.
  Immediately following, vestry meeting.
• Sunday: ONE MASS, 10:00 AM, Epiphany I.
  Followed immediately by the Annual Parish Meeting, in the Nave.
  Followed immediately by a potluck in the Parish Hall.

Yes, that time of year has come again ~ the Annual Parish Meeting is hard upon us. Fortunately, there are no weighty matters before us; thus, we should be able to have a blissfully short session, followed by a leisurely luncheon. As-per usual, there will be only one Mass this Sunday. The meeting and potluck will follow.

In terms of Liturgical and other forms of corporate prayer, the Anglican tradition is at-least as fine as any other in Christendom, not to mention as ancient. However, as is both my duty and my wont, I must mention, and exhort, private, or personal prayer. A life of faith cannot exist without individual prayer.

Individual prayer may well, and generally should, form a part of our services. In the Mass, along with the prescribed prayers, there is ample opportunity, intentionally provided, and in the People's Anglican Missal, urged, with instructions given, for individual petitions. We may pray for forgiveness of our sins, for a right reception of the Holy Sacrament, for the Clergy offering this Sacrifice for us, for our Parish, that others may discover our Parish, and the Salvation carried within the Sacraments ... the list is virtually endless.

There is no situation wherein we, as Christians, can 'do nothing' for those in serious or dire circumstances ... we may ALWAYS pray for them. One of the most frequently overlooked opportunities for prayer is that of thanksgiving. How often do we pray thanks for our blessings, great or small? How often do we express joy in prayer for the many, many gifts that God gives to us?

Pray for Holy Mother, the Church. Pray for your Parish, your family in God. Pray for others (a large category, from your neighbour to your nation). Lastly, pray for yourself ~ your thanksgivings, your needs, and yes, even your wants. God will hear them all.

Pray without ceasing ~ the hallmark of all great and true followers of the Christ. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish