From the Rector

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

As we sit in the New Orleans airport awaiting our delayed departure—thanks, Newark—I have a few moments to put together some thoughts about this week. New Orleans is famous for its ghost tours roaming around the French Quarter, iconic cemeteries, and just about everywhere else. Indeed, the dean of the cathedral warned us about a particular spot near the chapel that is especially paranormally active.

This trip was a “ghost tour” of sorts for me. With only a handful of friends left living in New Orleans, this visit was more about memories than reconnecting with people. We came down a couple days early for some personal time, and wandered around the old haunts, conjuring memories of people and places past.

This nostalgia inspired both my preaching and teaching at the conference. While at the cathedral, I really felt surrounded by the “great cloud of witnesses” and focused my words on the theme of mentorship. We all stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, and I think that priests feel this especially.

I had time to really think and write about the priests who helped form me, from my earliest days as an acolyte to the present, and to feel grateful for them. A friend pointed out that we take the best of those people and integrate them into our own beings. What a wonderful way to think of sanctity and to celebrate and continue the legacies of our mentors, especially those who have gone on to their reward.

I learned only last night that a lay mentor who had a huge impact on my early formation in the Episcopal Church had recently died. While not a complete surprise, it nevertheless came as a shock. Among many other things, he taught me how to be a thurifer, something I relished. Just a few days ago, while preparing to serve once again in that capacity, I found the very thurible he had donated to the cathedral tangled and covered in dust on the bottom shelf of a cupboard. I took it out, untangled the chains, and cleaned it off for its first swings of incense in a very long time. I could almost feel him with me.

The next time you attend a service, imagine the solitary priest you see not just as an island unto himself, but as enfolded by the many souls that have nurtured and continue to shape his own.

In the words of the divine praises: Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints.

Father Rick

Sunday School Has Resumed

Outreach Appeal

The Episcopal Charities grants that we applied for in April on behalf of the Food Pantry and Helping Hands (homeless support) were turned down due to insufficient funds for the number of applications they received; however there was much praise for the work and acknowledgement of the need.

Therefore these two fine organizations need to do more fundraising on their own — see flyers below for two upcoming events — we would be grateful for your support.

The Outreach Committee is also looking to sponsor the Food Pantry event at the Plentiful Sponsor level of $2,500. We are hoping to raise $1,500 from your donations and $1,000 will come directly from Outreach funds. Please drop a check by the church or donate online; indicate Food Pantry or Helping Hands in the memo line.

Sue Heywood, Outreach Chair
Pete Datos, Food Pantry board member

Community Events