THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER | APRIL 28, 2024

Dear Friends,

During this season of Eastertide, we have been repeatedly sprinkled with Holy Water as a reminder of our Baptism. This Sunday, we will administer the Sacrament of Holy Baptism to Patrick Francis and Sydney Marie Canning, and will formally welcome them into the household of faith.

Baptism is central to the Christian life, even though we only undergo it once (and perhaps at an age too young to remember!). Baptism is our "ID card" in the kingdom of heaven: it is the way of orienting ourselves that matters most -- who we are as baptized members of Christ's Body.

Among all the labels and different identifiers that the world would have us try and sort ourselves, our truest identity and name are found in Jesus Christ. Whether pauper or pope, baptism is the common entry point that is shared by all, and the only status in the kingdom of heaven that carries any meaning. To be baptized is to know the fullness of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness, and to share in Christ's own victory over sin and death.

It is a gift of inestimable worth. As we will sing regarding baptism on Sunday, "Do I need earth's treasures many! I have one worth more than any." Let us then with joy welcome these two newest members into the Body of Christ, even as we are once more put in mind of our own baptismal promises. With us, may they learn to confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share in his eternal priesthood.

Yours in the Love of our Risen Lord,

Fr. Benjamin +

Ascension Day Festival

Thursday, May 9th

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6:30pm Organ Recital

L'Ascension by Olivier Messiaen

Mark Steinbach, International Concert Organist & Distinguished Senior Lecturer in Music at Brown University

7pm Solemn Mass with Procession

Communion Service in D

Edward Bairstow

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O clap your hands

Ralph Vaughan Williams

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A champagne reception follows.

All is free and open to the public.

Join us for next Sunday for S. Stephen’s Annual May Crowning of Our Lady. The 10 am Solemn Mass will begin with a festive outdoor procession replete with brass band. Do join us for this banner day in the life of the parish!

Easter 5 | April 28

Morning Prayer & Low Mass | 8 am

Solemn Mass with Holy Baptism | 10 am

Coffee Hour | 11:20 am

Tuesday | April 30

Eastertide Feria

Noonday Prayer | 12 pm

Low Mass | 12:10pm

Wednesday | May 1

Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles

Evening Prayer & Holy Communion | 6:30 pm

Young Adults Fellowship Dinner | 7:15 pm

Thursday | May 2

St. Athanasius

Bishop of Alexandria, 373

Noonday Prayer | 12 pm

Low Mass | 12:10 pm

Executive Committee | 7 pm

Friday | May 3

Eastertide Feria

Noonday Prayer | 12 pm

Low Mass | 12:10 pm

Saturday | May 4

St. Monica

Mother of St. Augustine of Hippo, 387

Morning Prayer | 9:40 am

Low Mass | 10 am

Holy Rosary | 10:30 am

Easter 6 | May 5 | May Crowning

Morning Prayer & Low Mass | 8 am

Solemn Mass with Procession of our Lady| 10 am

Coffee Hour | 11:20 am

For Your Prayers

Prayers have been requested for: James Busby, Charles Calverley, Fr. Norman Catir, Ann Dake, Trudy Egan, Fr. Harrington Gordon, Katherine Hayslip, Laura Kline, Sharon Lloyd Clark, Sandy MacKenzie-Murdoch, Beverly Myers, Mabel Nimmo, Althea Norgriff, Daniel, Sarah Plunkett, Bryan Ripley, Julie Schultz, Adam Schneider, Rhoda Steinhart, Tammy Tinsley, Louis Verdelotti, Christopher Whittingham, Jeremy & Dyllis Wiening, Maida Williams.

The Faithful Departed: Recently Departed: Bruce Lennihan, Ruth Vogel. Year’s mind: Angelina Nicolella Fasano (4/28), Jan Ann Stiles Thissell (4/30), Geraldine Millham (5/2), Charles N. Williams, Sr. (5/3), Sarah Volante (5/3), Lois Alene Decker (5/4).

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for The Church of Bangladesh (4/28), The Diocese of Easton (4/29), The Diocese of Eau Claire (4/30), The Diocese of Central Ecuador (5/1), The Diocese of Edinburgh, Scotland (5/2), The Diocese of Edmonton, Canada (5/3), The Diocese of Saint Edmundsbury and Ipswich, U.K. (5/4).



In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, and those who serve on our diocesan governing committees.  

Giving to S. Stephen's

You can mail your pledge card or weekly/monthly offering to the church office, or pledge online here. Thank you for all the many ways in which you are already supporting S. Stephen’s.