From the RectorDear Friends, I once saw a cross section diagram of the Metropolitan Opera House. As big as it looks from the audience, it is even more vast in the back of the house. There is a fascinating and mostly unseen world of people working together to make the magic happen for us, the audience. And while church is not an entertainment, there is certainly some degree of crossover in this regard. As you well know, we have an already robust schedule of "regularly scheduled" liturgies and events. Add to that occasional offerings, such as our book group, and things that just happen without warning and with urgency, like funerals. This week we happen to have two funerals (non-parishioners) in close succession. Both include a full casket in the church, which is a first during my tenure at St. Mary's. We do our best to provide beautiful and meaningful services for families in these circumstances. But like the opera house, much more goes on behind the scenes to ensure that all goes to plan. So much goes into a week like this. There are often many phone calls and emails answered by Aoife, and music carefully planned by Sheldon. The liturgy and readings of each service are also thoughtfully prepared. And many other volunteers take care of details and extend hospitality to our guests. This is not to mention the confidential pastoral care that also occurs. All this is to say that this has been a very full and emotionally taxing week, and I am so very grateful for each of you who are helping me to help others in their time of grief. Blessings,
Father Rick
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