Anno Domini 2025 December 23

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Tuesday, 23 December, in the year of our Lord 2025. You've roughly two days of shopping left 'til Christmas! The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (today): 6:30 PM, monthly Parrish Requiem.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Vigil of the Nativity.
  11:00 PM, Midnight Mass.
• Thursday: 10:00 AM, Christ Mass Day, Mass of the Day.
  NO OTHER SERVICES ON THIS DAY.
• Friday, 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Stephen, Protodeacon, Protomartyr, with the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Mass, S. John the Evangelist.

There are, of-course, changes to this week's schedule, though not too many. We will have our customary Noonday Mass tomorrow, Wednesday; note our usual Midnight Mass for the Feast of the Nativity that evening. The following day, Thursday, 25 December, we will have the Mass of the Day for the Feast of the Nativity, at 10:00 AM. Our usual services for Thursday evening are cancelled.

Friday will be the usual order of service. Saturday, instead of a service of Holy Communion, we'll celebrate a sung Mass for S. John the Divine, Apostle & Evangelist. Sunday will be as-per usual. For these holy days, please attend as-many services as ye may. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 December 9

Beloved of the Lord:

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

• Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Mass, Octave of the Conception of the BVM.
  6:30 PM, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, sung Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Of the Octave.
• Thursday: 8:00 AM, men's Morning Prayer and breakfast.
  6:30 PM, sung Evensong, Holy Communion, Soup & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Of the Octave.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Gaudete Sunday (Advent III).

The flight of time is astounding ... yesterday (seemingly) Advent began; Sunday this-coming will be third- of the four Sundays in Advent. Then onto Christ Masstide, and the following seasons in their due, and accelerating, course. I suspect that Heaven too will have her cycles, her rounds of times; thus, the Kalendar, as with many other aspects of the faith, will ultimately prove to be timeless.

Gaudete Sunday, as-with its Lenten Counterpart, Laetare, is that day in a penitential season that shows us there is always light behind the dark. In the dark, secular age in which we find ourselves, this is an important, and hopefully uplifting, revelation. Further, of-course, it applies to the very faith, as we struggle in what can seem the silence of God, in the face of the destruction of so much of Holy Church, and the ensuing corruption of those parts that are left.

Make time for silence in your day ~ every day. Fill that silence from the World with the sound of prayer. When we in Holy Orders say our 'Offices, we are forbidden to say them silently, to read them only. They must be audible; this custom limits the difficulties of silent prayer, keeping us focussed-upon our prayers, and the intentions with which we say them. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 November 29

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 29 November, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Sunday (tomorrow): 8:30 &10:00 AM, Mass, Advent I.
  Immediately following the 10:00 Mass, monthly Parish Brunch, Park Lane Tavern, 4200 Kilgore Ave., Hampton.
• Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, S. Andrew, Apostle & Martyr.
• Tuesday: 5:30 PM, Mass, Feria. 6:30 PM, Holy Rosary & Sung Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Francis Xavier, Confessor.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Sung Evensong, Holy Communion, Soup & Study. (S. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor).
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Sabas, Abbot, with the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Veneration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: Holy Communion. (S. Nicholas, Bishop & Confessor)
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Advent II, Comm. S. Ambrose, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor.

PLEASE NOTE that after the 10:00 Mass tomorrow, we will have our monthly Parish Brunch. We will leave directly after Mass, and proceed to the Park Lane Tavern in Hampton, address above. There, we shall break the fast together, as brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus had ought to do!

Commencing tomorrow, we will have Greens on the Altar, but no flowers. Advent is a Violet (penitential) Season in Holy Church, and as such, is not primarily joyous, but somber, in tone. Donations may still be made for the greening of the Altar, just as we do for the flowering. Please indicate the thanksgiving, memorial, or other sentiment that you wish to appear in the bulletin, by printing it on your envelope

Happy New Year! Tomorrow will be the first day of the new Christian Year. We will begin with reflection, in Advent. Our sin necessitated His coming into this World. As we ponder this, and our individual failings, and how we may yet better them, we prepare for Christ Mass.

We will then move to the now, at Christ Mass. The immediacy and constancy of His Coming. What that means to- and for us, and our due response this this grace.

Lastly, the basic and yet never-ending nature of Epiphany ~ the ceaseless revelation of our God to us. 'To look for Him in all things and places, and at all times. He teaches us all things, if we will but hear Him.

All of these processes ~ the trinity of them ~ is eternal. Never-ending. And all for our sakes. This first half of the Christian year is dedicated to the study of the life of our Lord. And so, we begin again, giving our time and our very lives over to the ways and works of Jesus, the Christ, remaining

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 November 22

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 22 November, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Sunday (tomorrow): 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Sunday next before Advent.
• Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, S. John of the Cross.
• Tuesday: 6:30 PM, monthly Requiem.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Sylvester, Abbot.
• Thursday: 10:00 AM, Mass, Thanksgiving Day. THIS WILL BE THE ONLY SERVICE TODAY!
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Feria, with Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Feria, Holy Communion.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Advent I.

Please note that on Thursday, the regularly-scheduled services are cancelled. The only service on that day will be the Mass for Thanksgiving Day, at 10:00 AM. If any are travelling on that day, or around it, please be safe. Fortunately, the weather forecasts ~ for whatever they're worth ~ aren't projecting any inclement circumstances.

A week from tomorrow will be Advent I, the First Sunday in Advent. This is the first day of the Christian Kalendar, the first day day of the new Christian year. It is the time for us to take stock of who- and where we are, in-relation to the Christ, our Saviour.

It should come as no surprise that the first Season of our Year is one of preparation. It is a Violet Season, one of penance. Our sins necessitated the Coming of our Lord into this world, and His first public calls (as we read in the Gospel of Matthew) were for repentance.

Advent is a foreshadowing of Lent, just as the Feast of the Nativity (His first Coming) is a foreshadowing of the Feast of the Resurrection (Easter, His second coming). Indeed, in the Eastern Church, the primary emphasis in Advent is on His second coming ~ His coming again in perfect light, and perfect grace, and complete power.

Be ready, for He cometh, and that right soon. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 November 11

Beloved of the Lord:

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

• Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Evening Prayer, S. Martin of Tours.
  7:00 PM, Holy Communion.
  (This is foreshortened from our usual Tuesday services, but a number of our regulars have other commitments tonight).
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Martin I, Pope & Martyr.
• Thursday: 8:00 AM, men's Morning Prayer & breakfast.
  6:30 PM, Evensong (S. Britius, Bishop & Confessor), Holy Communion, Soup & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Bestowal of the American Episcopate, with Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity XXII.

Due to the continuing confusion in the airlines scheduling, I've decided to cancel my usual trip to Oregon for Thanksgiving. Thus, for only the second time in eighteen years, I will be in my Parrish on that day. The other incident was when I broke my leg! The regular service schedule will be re-instituted as-of today, for the time during which I would have been away.

For those of you who will be travelling, I pray for your safe- and enjoyable journey. We will, of-course, continue to have services every day, in light of my staying here. We look-forward to your return. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 November 4

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Tuesday, 4 November, in the year of our Lord 2025. GET OUT AND VOTE, as your right as an American. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Mass, S. Charles Borromeo, Bishop & Confessor.
  6:30 PM, 'Rosary & Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Elizabeth, Mother of S. John Baptist.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Evensong, Of the Octave of All Saint's Day, Holy Communion, with Soup and Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Willibrord, Bishop & Confessor, with Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion, All Anglican Martyrs and Saints.
• Sunday: 8:30 &10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity XXI, Comm. S. Theodore, Martyr.

Vote today! Though not as important as the Mass, it is a duty incumbent upon all Americans to vote their consciences, whenever elections are held. If you don't vote, don't say anything about the results of the election.

Our Thursday sessions are very popular, and I encourage everyone to clear that evening on their calendars. All of us learn from our studies, probably every week! We are in the early chapters of the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, so please join us as we learn from the great work of our parochial name-sake.

Believe it or not, Trinitytide will have come to a close, before the end of THIS month! Sunday, 30 November, will be the first Sunday in Advent. Thence will begin our new Christian Year.

Advent , from the Latin Adventus, 'coming', i.e. of Christ. In the West, it is always the Sunday nearest the Feast of S. Andrew, 30 November. There are always four Sundays in Advent, which bring us to the Feast of the Nativity (Christ Mass). In the East, the Season is much longer; along with Great Lent and Easter, it forms one of their three primary Seasons.

The first clear mention of the Season in West comes in the latter half of the Sixth century. Mass Propers for it appear in the Gelasian Sacramentary. Inasmuch as Wednesdays and Fridays in the Early Church were always days of fasting, in Adventide these days also had Propers specific to the Season. These weekday Propers remained in use in England until the BCP of 1549, when many things were lost from the Services of the Church, ostensibly to fit them into one book.

In the Ancient Church, Advent was kept as Lent, but with less strictness. This practice maintains in the East, where Advent is generally called the Little Lent. The colour is Violet, which, signifying Penance, prevents any Weddings from being solemnised during the Season. The exception to Violet is the third Sunday, 'Gaudete', when Rose-coloured vestments are worn. The Gloria in Excelsis is not said throughout the Season, nor are the other, minor Glorias, such as the doxology at the end of the Lord's Prayer.

Advent is regarded as a Season of preparation, not only for the Coming of our Lord, but also for His great and final Coming Again. This latter is the primary focus of the Season in the East. Let us all prepare ... in these dark times, we all have perhaps more that needs repenting than in other, previous, better days.

The World is unsteady; infidels, and their Father in Hell, are on the rise. Let us in no way surrender hope, for ours is the only, true God. War is coming. We will fight. We will win ~ in life or in death, the victory shall be ours. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 October 23

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Thursday, 23 October, in the year of our Lord 2025. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Thursday (today): 6:30 PM, Evening Prayer, Holy Communion, Soup and Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, with the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion.
  11:00 AM, Ordinations to the Priesthood for Good Shepherd Parrish (we are hosting them, as they've no permanent home, yet).
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00, Mass, The Feast of Christ the King.
  Immediately following the 10:00 Mass, monthly Parish Brunch, at County Grill, on the George Washington Highway.

Please join us for the Parish Brunch! This is a wonderful time of fellowship, and good food. We vary the location monthly, as a rule.

And the hits just keep on coming ... a week after the Canterbury Communion was shattered by the corruption of the Church of England, Archbishop Stephen Wood, recently elected as the Third Archbishop of the ACNA, has been brought-up on Presentment (ecclesiastical charges of wrong-doing) for just about everything that one could imagine, including (but not limited-to) sexual and financial misconduct. We must pray for the ACNA. They are not for us, for all of the obvious reasons, but there are Christians among them, of this I am convinced. Even if there weren't, we would be obligated to pray for their salvation, make no mistake.

As with all of these major events, they are tragic, and demand our Christian charity, but do not affect our Parrish. As we have always done, Saint Matthew's will stand firm in the storm. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might! I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Anno Domini 2025 October 7

Beloved of the Lord:

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

• Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Sung Mass, Our Lady of Victory.
  6:30 PM, Holy Rosary & Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Brigit of Sweden, Queen & Widow.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Service (TBD), followed by Soup & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Paulinus of York, Bishop & Confessor, with Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Holy Communion.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity XVII.

Though we've no immediate Coming Events, bear in mind our Annual Trunk or Treat festivity. We set-up in the front drive of the Parish, and distribute treats to the neighbourhood children as they wander to-and-fro in-search-of goodies. The more of us the merrier ~ bring something to give to the little ones. We generally pass-out Saints cards and Scriptural book-marks as-well.

We are now past the half-way point of Trinitytide. How time doth fly! This year seems to have simply vanished, one day at-a-time. Our Christian year is drawing to a close.

The New Year will commence on Advent I, which falls on 30 November, this year. Advent will, of-course, lead to Great Lent, ultimately to Holy Week, and thence to Eastertide, skipping-over a few other seasons. The rounds of our Kalendar will continue, 'til that great day, when He banishes time, like death, in-favour of eternity. Until then, we press-on....

As has been oft-discussed of-late, pray for Anglicanism. Our Mother Church, the Church of England, has taken the final step in abandoning the faith, and selected a living blasphemy for their next 'leader'. If it can indeed be said that they are Christians, they only remain so by virtue of being Christian heretics. To quote the poet, the world is too much with us. We must shake the dust of it from our sandals, and continue our journey, which leadeth only to Him! I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

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