‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 February 25

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 25 February, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Saturday (today): 5:00 PM, Mass, Lenten Feria.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Lent I.
• Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, Lenten Feria.
• Tuesday: 6:30 PM, Mass, monthly Parish Requiem.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. David, Bishop & Confessor.
• Thursday: NO SERVICES.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, sung Matins.
• Saturday: NO SERVICES.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Lent II

PLEASE NOTE the changes to our usual schedule. I'll be attending the Spring Clericus (gathering of Clergy; usually done in Spring and Fall) at the end of the week, so we'll, regrettably, not have the Mass for a few days. Take this opportunity to say your Offices (as we all should, every day) with the free time that these changes give you.

Having had our General Convention last November, and it being a biennial event, this year there will be a Spring Conference. It is to be held at Epiphany Celebration Church, one of our parishes in Florida. The parish is in Eustis; the hotel is in nearby Tavares. A group rate has been set; the group name is Epiphany Anglican Church, and the group number is XD3OLO. The 'phone number for the Comfort Inn and Suites is 352-253-2378. The dates are 4 - 6 May, a Thursday through Saturday schedule.

Inasmuch as this is not a 'Convention, no business will be conducted. Therefore, we will not be sending official delegates. Anyone who wishes to go may do so.

On the end of the building next to the Old Point Bank branch that I use, on Jefferson Avenue, I've noticed a sign for Care Net. This is a Christian, pro-life organisation with which I am familiar. When I was Rector of S. Columba in Warrenton, in NOVA, I was active with them, along-with a number of other pastors who were ~ and are ~ friends of mine.

I stopped-by their office, yesterday, and introduced myself and Saint Matthew's to them. I got a few brochures, and will put these in the Parish Hall. Please look at them when next you're in the Parish.

They have periodic meetings with local clergy, to keep us informed of their projects and initiatives. I'm going to begin attending these. Among other things, they've recently purchased their own building, which they are currently remodelling. Perhaps, through gathering volunteers from our midst, we can contribute to their efforts to refurbish and move-into their own facility.

There are a number of us at Saint Matthew's who are passionate about combatting on-demand abortion in our Country. As a Parish, we have recently begun to make a larger presence for ourselves in social- and electronic media. Whilst these things are truly important in this age, we must also establish a larger presence and ministry in Newport News, and its environs. We are the chief, if not the only Anglo-Catholic presence in the Seven Cities; we must find every way, and use every opportunity, to let people know that we are here.

Lent is a Season of death ~ we must die to sin (how much of ourselves must go this way is known only to God and us) and rise to righteousness in Him. It seems highly appropriate that whilst in death we think of life; thus, let us look at ways in which we may better serve in the war against death, and provide life for infants, the most innocent amongst us. I remain

in His service,

The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish