From the Rector

Dear Members of St. Mary’s, 

Every year at this time, my thoughts turn to memories of my childhood and the anticipation and sheer joy of celebrating Halloween. The chill in the air and smell of burning leaves (yes, I am that old) signaled the coming of that spooky and sugar-soaked night. I can still smell the plastic dime store costumes off-gassing as mom mercifully enlarged the nose-holes in the mask so we could actually breathe. I remember being warned to stay away from the “big kids” who were up to no good—smashing pumpkins, stealing candy from us little kids, and worst of all, toilet-papering the homes of their enemies. Simpler times.

What I did not know is that Halloween is part of a larger celebration deeply rooted in Christian teachings about life, death, and resurrection. All Hallows’, All Saints, and All Souls days teach us to pray for the dead, and remember our own mortality, but also the promise of eternal life.

All Hallows' Eve, or Halloween (Oct 31), has become a family-friendly, non-sectarian night in which children everywhere dress in ghoulish costumes and gorge on candy. To quote a famous Tim Burton movie, "life's no fun without a good scare!" But in the eyes of the Church, this night is spent fasting and praying in preparation for the great feast that is to come. It is said that the veil between life and death is especially thin at this time. In one of our more creative bursts of energy during lockdown, our family pod filmed a Halloween Special in and around the church. My sister steals the show as the witch of Endor. You can watch it here Halloween Special

All Saints Day (Nov. 1) The Church honors the Saints in heaven and acknowledges our destiny and unity within the Body of Christ, which death cannot destroy. On this day, we ask the Saints' intercession as they worship continually before the throne of God. Please join us on Wednesday, November 1 at the 10:00 service as we commemorate this feast.

All Souls Day (Nov 2) We commemorate the faithful departed. Praying for the departed is a practice that has its roots in Judaism, and has been a part of the Christian Church since its beginning. Fun fact: the official colors of Halloween, orange and black, come from the colors of the candles and vestments used at the mass of this day--unbleached, orange-ish candles, and black vestments.

There will be a combined celebration of All Souls and All Saints on Sunday, November 5.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Happy Halloween!

Blessings,
Fr. Rick

Sunday School at 9:45am Every Sunday

The formation of children is a critical part of our mission. Service in church helps them learn about responsibility, charity, and self-sacrifice. Children are welcome to participate in our programs and/or attend church services with their parents. Under age 5, there is a a fun childcare program. Children ages 5 to 12 are welcome to attend Sunday School. Those 10 and older are encouraged to participate in the service as acolytes or readers. Please speak with Father Rick or call the church office at 845.351.5122 for more information.

Community Notices