A Word From Father Tom
As we meet together this Palm Sunday, we remind everyone to gather at 9:20 AM outside and in front of the narthex (which then leads into the sanctuary/nave area). If the weather is bad, we will meet near the front-side entrance to the sanctuary in our “fireplace gathering area”.
Upon arriving you will find the doors to the narthex open. While we are outside, the palms will be distributed to every participant. Shortly thereafter, we will begin the Liturgy of the Palms at 9:30 AM, and then we will gradually make our way into the Nave, processing to our seats (and singing) by way of the middle aisle. If you will be visiting with us this Sunday, feel free to jump right into the fray. Part of the gathering and confusion we encounter makes for a wonderful modeling of the “disruption” that the Christ brought to Jerusalem on His path to the cross and his glorious resurrection.
Also, please remember there are some changes with responses in the reading of the Passion Gospel versus how we normal respond. Take special notice of the rubrics in the missal on Sunday.
I look forward to celebrating Holy Communion with you all!
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 17th – 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
Vestry News
During the recent Vestry orientation on March 16, 2022, Matt Matsuda provided a detailed review of the Diocese Canons and the St. Matthews Bylaws. During Matt’s research, it was discovered that a long-standing process at St. Matthews to fill an open Vestry seat for the remainder of the open term of the terminating Vestry member was in conflict with the Diocese Canons. Per the Canons, the seat should only be filled by appointment by the Vestry until the next Annual Meeting and then be included for election with the other seats for election by the congregation. Interestingly that because of the freeze in seats during the pandemic, this situation applied to the remainder of the former Justin Brooks seat which now expires at the end of 2022 that Matt was filling. Upon discovery, Matt immediately resigned from Vestry and I contacted Canon Mark for the proper manner in which to address the conflict who referred me to The Chancellor Kevin Babb. In working with the Chancellor, the correct manner to fill the remainder of the 2022 term for the seat was to have the Vestry formally nominate an individual for election by the Vestry for remainder of the 2022 term since this seat was again open. A Special Vestry meeting was held on 3/22/22 at which Matt Masuda was nominated and elected for the remainder of the 2022 term. This process has provided a good reminder for us as leaders to consistently review our processes. I thank Matt not only for his research discovery but also his ethical strength to resign and later when again called to this role, to have the willingness to serve the remainder of the term. I also thank Fr. Tom, the Diocese and the Vestry for the prompt attention and collaboration in addressing the issue. Rex Schaeffer, Senior Warden
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.