From the Rector

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I would like to remind you that a very important feast day is coming up: the Feast of the Annunciation. It falls on March 25 (nine months to Christmas), but is transferred to the nearest available date after Easter if that date falls within Holy Week. This year it does not, so we will celebrate it at our normally scheduled Saturday evening service this week at 5:00 p.m.

Unlike the usual service, we will celebrate the Annunciation from the high altar, and will have some really delightful French music by composer Léon Boëllmann (1862-1897), as well as hymns, including the famous Basque carol: "The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.

I hope that many of you will be able to attend, and for those who cannot, the service will be live streamed via the usual channels. Remember, it was through Mary's "yes" to God that his plan for the salvation of mankind was literally conceived and born and freely given to all. O come, let us worship!

Blessings,

Fr. Rick

Easter at St. Mary’s

Two of the delights of Easter at St. Mary’s are the lovely Easter lilies and beautiful music that fill the church on Easter Sunday. If you would like to be part of this tradition and honor/remember someone special on this great festive day, please make a donation using the envelopes in the church or online (see donate button below). You may also send/bring a check to St. Mary’s (memo line Easter Flowers/Music). Names of all those remembered/honored that are received in the office by Wednesday, April 5th, will appear in the Easter bulletins and the following Sunday as we enjoy the lilies for two weeks.

Volunteers are needed for the Sloatsburg Food Pantry located in All Souls Community Church, 81 Washington Ave, Suffern, NY 10901

Help is needed on the following dates:

• Tuesday March 28th - Distribution

• Wednesday March 29th - Distribution

• Closed April 5th - Distribution

• Tuesday April 11th - Distribution

• Wednesday April 12th - Distribution

• Wednesday April 19th - Distribution

• Tuesday April 25th Distribution

• Wednesday April 26th - Distribution

Please Contact St. Mary's info@stmtux.org (845) 351-5122 or The Sloatsburg Food Pantry sloatsburgfoodpantry@gmail.com (201) 394-0627 if you can help on any of the above dates. New volunteers click here to fill out your application form.

If you or someone you know is in need of food, please sign up for an appointment using this link.

 Women United In Prayer and Companionship

The women of St .Mary’s are cordially invited to attend a gathering of the New York Chapter of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross on Saturday, April 1 from 10:15 to 2:00.  The Companionship is an Episcopal-based organization of prayerful women centered around intercession, thanksgiving, simplicity of life, and social justice. For more information about the Society, click here. At this gathering, the head of our national organization, our Companion-in-Charge Jackie Schmitt, who is also a member of our chapter, will speak with us about the Companionship.  It will be a wonderful opportunity for the women of St. Mary’s to learn about the Society.  The Companionship supports our life in Christ and service to others.  Elizabeth Ochieng is a Companion and can share with you the blessings of being a Companion. We hope that you can join us for this time, pausing from your daily routine be among women on the journey with Jesus Christ.  If you can attend, please bring a lunch.  The New York Chapter meets both in person and online via Zoom. The gathering at St. Mary’s will be hybrid, offering attendance in person and on Zoom.  For further information or for the Zoom link, please contact Jane Tomaine at 908-463-3252 or jtomaine1685@verizon.net

Community Notices

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