From the Rector

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

The Lord is risen, indeed, and the Spring season has begun! After a really wonderful Easter Sunday with great attendance, music, and liturgy, we move into the month of May, which is traditionally chock-a-block as Tuxedoites are anxious to get back out into the beauty of creation.

We begin with Outreach Sunday, May 7. This year, we are fortunate to welcome Mr. Rob Radtke, the head of Episcopal Relief and Development, as our guest. Mr. Radtke will deliver the address and remind us of the vital work that we all do as Episcopalians to alleviate suffering wherever it exists in this world. You are, no doubt, familiar with the robust outreach that St. Mary's undertakes in our local community, regionally, and globally. This will be a great opportunity to meet and hear a fellow worker in the vineyard about how your generosity touches the lives of so many.

The following Sunday is Mother's Day and Rogation Sunday. Weather permitting, we will bless the gardens surrounding the church after the service.

On Saturday, May 20, we will participate in the ordination and consecration of our Bishop-elect, the Rev. Matthew Heyd at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. All are welcome to attend in-person, as we are truly blessed to have a cathedral building that can hold us all. I will walk in procession with my brother and sister clergy, and we also seek a banner bearer for St. Mary's, as well as singers for the diocesan choir. Please do let me know if you are interested. All pertinent information about the day can be found online here.

Finally, the last Sunday of May is the Day of Pentecost. Come, Holy Ghost!

Blessings,
Fr. Rick

Thank you to everyone who donated to provide this year’s beautiful
Easter Flowers and Music

Fr. Rick and Pete Datos-Robÿn in loving memory of Steven & Mary Datos, Paul Sullivan, Francis & Beatrice Bickings, Norman & Edith Rice, and Richard J. Rice, Sr.

Fr. Edwin H. Cromey in loving memory of Pamela Bock Cromey, Edward Warren Cromey, Helen Louise Cromey, Howard Bock, and Marguerite Bock

Lili & Charles Neuhauser in loving memory of Joan & Bill Neuhauser, and Liane & Robert Lunny

Lois Annand in loving memory of John Annand

Heather Bullard in loving memory of Mary Bullard

Donna Morel Pinney in loving memory of Richard H. Pinney

Roy & Barbara McKechnie in loving memory of Kathy Maples, Barbara, Omer and Lee Cotterell, May, Joseph & Ian McKechnie, Lt. John D. Reeder Jr., Carol and Jim Royer, Ernie Schmatz, Vanessa Lind, Jayne, Robert & Don Squires 

Sally Sonne in loving memory of Chris Sonne

Michael O'Neal & Susan Burke in loving memory of Anna and James J. O'Neal and Thomas C. Burke

Gillian Ballard in loving memory of Denise Williams 

Bush & Trotter Families in loving memory of loved ones

Elizabeth Ochieng in loving memory of Antonina Ochieng and Lizz A Ochieng 

Serene Swirbul in loving memory of Philip Swirbul

James Hays in loving memory of Alexandre Hays

Nancy Hays in loving memory of Rebecca and Richard Evans 

Heidt Family in loving memory of Chase Joseph Heidt

Sue Heywood in loving memory of Ada and Jim Masser and Alan Heywood

 Inger Grüterich in loving memory of John Rein MD and Rolf Grüterich 

G Allen Folkes Jr in memory of Lucy Allen Fowkles and John Winston Fowkles and George Allen Fowkles 

Dennis Trotter in memory of Renate Jaersky

The Favias in memory of Ryan Clavi

Drs. Jane and Neil Garofano in thanksgiving for the Garofano Family 

Chauncie Rodzianko in loving memory of Chauncie and Doris McKeever and Jill McKeever Mercer

Calvin and Inna De Mond in loving memory of Jenny De Mond,  Mary Slade, Zenobia De Mond, Elizabeth Borisova, Tatyana Trushko, and Inna Borisova

Outreach Sunday May 7th

Historically, St Mary’s has celebrated its outreach activities in an annual service to raise awareness of the local, national and global needs where St Mary’s is involved in trying to make a difference. In 2022 our budget was $106,000 and we expect to use a similar amount this year. We are dependent on a small endowment, grants which we apply for, and a little more than half comes from donations. We are very active locally in a hands-on practical manner providing support to families in need, usually working with the schools and food pantry, but we have also become known locally as a direct source of help when times are difficult, for whatever reason. People know they can turn to us for assistance. To learn more about the Episcopal Church and St Mary’s national and global outreach, we invite you to attend the service on May 7th at 10am when we are honored to welcome Robert Radtke to speak. He is the President and CEO of Episcopal Relief and Development which leads the Episcopal Church’s global outreach efforts.

Episcopal Relief & Development is the compassionate response of The Episcopal Church to human suffering in the world. Hearing God’s call to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being, Episcopal Relief & Development serves to bring together the generosity of Episcopalians and others with the needs of the world. It provides relief in times of disaster and promotes sustainable development by identifying and addressing the root causes of suffering.

Community Notices

Please drop off any bag donations to the office at St. Mary’s Mon-Thurs 9am-1pm