A Word From Father Tom
One of the significant changes that occurred with the 1979 Prayer Book Revision was the restoration of the Easter Vigil as the first service of Easter and as our highest feast and celebration of the Christian Year. As of at least the 4th century, the early church would celebrate the Easter Vigil after sundown on Holy Saturday (seen as the beginning of Easter Day) and in this service begin the transition from the darkness of Lent to the light of Easter. It was here that new believers (catechumens) would be baptized and sealed with the chrism (oil) by the Bishop (which later became separated in the Western Church by Confirmation). The repentant would be restored, and divine feasting would be engaged.
As we celebrate this holy mass, we do so with most Christians across the globe in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. While many who intend to worship with us on Easter Day will do so in our Sunday service, I hope that you will consider the Easter Vigil first of all, while still attending our “Easter Brunch” beginning near or around 11:30 AM on Sunday Morning.
I welcome all of my Covenant Family at St. Matthew’s to the solemn discipline of Holy Week, and the joyous celebration of Easter beginning on Palm Sunday, April 10th.
Father Tom
Upcoming Schedule
Holy Week
- Palm Sunday, April 10th – One Service at 9:30 AM (meeting 10 minutes early outside and in front of the church for the Procession of the Palms – or in the Fireplace Hallway if the weather is inclement).
- Maundy Thursday, April 14th – 6:00 PM
- Good Friday, Stations of the Cross Service, April 15th – Noon
- Good Friday Service, April 15th – 6:00 PM
- Easter Vigil Service, Saturday, April 16th – 7:00 PM
- Easter Sunday Service, April 17the – 10:00 AM
Please feel free to talk to Father Tom or our office administrator, Pat, if you have any transportation or attendance concerns, as we would be glad to be proactive with you in solving them.
Adult Christian Ed Class (Eric Teoro, teaching)
The class regularly meets between worship services (9:00 to 9:45 a.m.) in Parish Hall. Come join us!
Documents of Interest
To Mask Or Not To Mask?
We are lifting the mask requirement in every facet of our ministry life, at this time (please pray that this becomes a permanent reality!). We welcome anyone who desires to wear a mask in smaller settings or during Mass to do so. We would also ask everyone to continue to stay aware of distancing (especially with those wearing a mask). If you are revealing strong symptoms related to COVID19 please stay home.
Midwest Food Bank Supports Ukraine Refugees
Midwest Food Bank is partnering with Convoy of Hope, another faith-based nonprofit, to send nearly 240,000 servings of Tender Mercies to support Ukrainian relief efforts. Convoy of Hope has a 35,000 sq. ft. warehouse with staff in Poland near the Ukrainian border and is making regular shipments of food and supplies there. Tender Mercies is a rice, bean and spice mixture developed by Midwest Food Bank with the assistance of dieticians to provide critical nutrition in a shelf-stable format. Tender Mercies food packets are fortified with protein, essential vitamins and minerals to ensure maximum nutritional value. If you would like to know more about this program or would like to make a donation, please send a check to Midwest Food Bank, 700 Erie Avenue, Morton, IL 61550 and write “Tender Mercies” in the memo line. Alternatively, you can make an online donation using the attached link. Support Ukraine – Midwest Food Bank. Thank you.