The Collect O GOD, whole blessed Son did manifest himself to his disciples in the breaking of bread; Open, we pray thee, the eyes of our faith, that we may behold thee in all thy works; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we who celebrate with reverence the Paschal Feast may be found worthy to attain to everlasting joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We now enter the week that changed the history of the world and the fate of all human beings. Our Prayer Book has some of the most beautiful Collects for each day of Holy Week as well as the appropriate Scripture readings.
I found some exceptional videos that amplify these Holy Days and have included them here.
~Fr. Rick
25 March, Monday before Easter
(Book of Common Prayer, pages 138–144)
The Collect ALMIGHTY God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified; Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Collect O LORD God, whose blessed Son, our Saviour, gave his back to the smiters and hid not his face from shame; Grant us grace to take joyfully the sufferings of the present time, in full assurance of the glory that shall be revealed; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Collect ASSIST us mercifully with thy help, O Lord God of our salvation; that we may enter with joy upon the meditation of those mighty acts, whereby thou hast given unto us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Collect ALMIGHTY Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, did institute the Sacrament of his Body and Blood; Mercifully grant that we may thankfully receive the same in remembrance of him, who in these holy mysteries giveth us a pledge of life eternal; the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
The Collects ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified; Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for all estates of men in thy holy Church, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
O MERCIFUL God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor desirest* the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; Have mercy upon all Jews, Turks, infidels, and heretics; and take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy flock, that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Israelites, and be made one fold under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
The Collect GRANT, O Lord, that as we are baptized into the death of thy blessed Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, so by continual mortifying our corrupt affections we may be buried with him; and that through the grave, and gate of death, we may pass to our joyful resurrection; for his merits, who died, and was buried, and rose again for us, the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Canon Edward Jones receives a gift of flowers from a group of Nigerian Anglicans who hope to revive Old St. Mary’s Parish in Plano, Texas
The Shepherd’s Staff, the provincial newsletter, is filled with news and photos from APCK parishes around the country. Here are a few of this month’s articles:
Canon Jones organizing new mission church in Plano, TX
A Homily for Passiontide by founding Archbishop Robert Morse
An reflection on St. Patrick’s Day by Christine Sunderland
Tomorrow is Passion Sunday. The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ has always been controversial. It separates Christianity from other major world religions because it is God-Incarnate who suffers this torture on behalf of all humanity.
St. Paul calls it a stumbling-block to those who cannot understand or accept this truth. Yet, it is reality that Jesus Christ has suffered, died and risen from the grave, washing us from sin and granting us life eternal.
Count on it!
Faithfully yours, Fr. Rick Gregory
[Photo: Statue of Jesus Christ bearing the Cross, The Grotto (National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother), Portland, Oregon, U.S.]
The Stations of the Cross will be said on Good Friday at 7:30pm. All are welcome at this solemn service of prayer, meditation and Scripture.
Since ancient times Christians have relived the sufferings of Our Lord by following the Way of the Cross in Jerusalem, remembering the events leading up to the Crucifixion and beyond. In churches this tradition has been continued by depictions of the Stations of the Cross, with prayers, meditations and scripture readings popularized by St. Alphonsus de Ligouri. This video features the depictions of the traditional stations, with scripture readings (KJV) associated with each station, read by Alexander Scourby.
The Vestry will meet in the Leen Education Center on Sunday, March 17 following the Liturgy. All members of the parish are welcome to attend vestry meetings.
We are planning an ACW** Meeting on Sunday, March 3rd following the Liturgy. We will elect new officers for 2024 and discuss outreach ideas. Please plan to attend.
** Every lady at St. Bartholomew’s is a member of the Anglican Churchwomen (ACW) of St. Bart’s.
Fr. McGrath, military chaplain, celebrates Holy Communion “in the field.”
The Shepherd’s Staff, the provincial newsletter, is filled with news and photos from APCK parishes around the country. St. Bartholomew’s is well-represented in this issue. Here are a few of this month’s articles:
