Saturday, December 31, 2022

Sunday, January 1

Sunday, January 1, 2023 - The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Join us at church or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, January 1, 2023 - The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.

Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s - 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*
St. Thomas' on the Bayou - 10:00 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 11:00 a.m.*

Oración Vespertina Diaria
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas - 5:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 899 0644 4437
Passcode: 500

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet with this link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/13Q1l-cuhlKiX-NX3rvuaCkqzjhvUNIOH/view?usp=share_link

Zoom Compline - Resumes next Sunday

We hope to see you all on Sunday!

Dawnell+, Rita+, Rob+ and Whit+

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Christmas Eve & Day


Saturday, December 24 & Sunday, December 25, 2022 - The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Join us at church or “virtually” for worship this Saturday, December 24, and Sunday, December 25, 2022 - The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.

Christmas Eve - Holy Eucharist
St. Alban’s - 5:30 p.m. & 10:45 p.m.* with Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas
St. Thomas' - 5:00 p.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 4:00 p.m.*

Christmas Day - Holy Eucharist
St. Alban’s - 10:30 a.m.*
St. Thomas' - 10:00 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 11:00 a.m.*

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet with this link - Christmas Eve, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pMx-mKDdXuJ8NMxc-FSy49Ml97LRp1Eu/view?usp=share_link , and 
We hope to see you all on Saturday and Sunday!

Dawnell+, Rita+, Rob+, and Whit+

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Wednesday, December 21

Wednesday, December 21 is the Feast of St. Thomas, The Apostle. 

St. Alban's will celebrate Holy Eucharist at 12:10 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Join us!

Note: We have decided to cancel the evening's outdoor fire, carols, s'mores, and hot chocolate  due to the severe cold weather.

So sorry!

Saint Thomas the Apostle

The Collect:

Everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in your Son’s resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


Saturday, December 17, 2022

The Fourth Sunday of Advent


Sunday, December 18, 2022 - The Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A

Join us at church or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, December 18, 2022, The Fourth Sunday of Advent, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas. 

Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s  - 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.* 
St. Thomas' on the Bayou - 10:00 a.m.* 
St. Patrick’s – 11:00 a.m.*

Oración Vespertina Diaria via Zoom
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas - 5:00 p.m.* (Spanish)

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet with this link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/12BinHc37OXtfxr8XDYtz--DPmd2S87Ou/view?usp=share_link
 
Zoom Compline - All Welcome
Sunday - 8:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Compline
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

We hope to see you all on Sunday!

Dawnell+, Rita+, Rob+, and Whit+

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Saturday, December 10, 2022

The Third Sunday of Advent


Sunday, December 11, 2022 - The Third Sunday of Advent, Year A

Join us at church or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, December 11, 2022, The Third Sunday of Advent, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.

Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s - 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*
St. Thomas' on the Bayou - 10:00 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 11:00 a.m. - Father Robert Dandridge, Guest Celebrant
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas - 5:00 p.m.* (Spanish)

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet with this link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/10tUsxYVfWKfbNeOx-8l5bGR6uHzk9DQ3/view?usp=share_link

Zoom Compline - All Welcome
Sunday - 8:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Compline
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

We hope to see you all on Sunday!

Dawnell+, Rita+, Rob+, Robert+, and Whit+

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Ambrose of Milan

Join us today, Wednesday, December 7, at St. Alban's for Holy Eucharist at 12:10 p.m., or tonight for Evening Prayer at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate Ambrose of Milan, Bishop and Theologian.

Zoom Evening Prayer & Study - 5:30 p.m. with Father Whit+
Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 779
Passcode: 530

Ambrose of Milan, Bishop and Theologian, 397

The Collect:

O God, who gave your servant Ambrose grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in preaching and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Friday, December 2, 2022

Sunday, December 4, 2022


Sunday, December 4, 2022 - The Second Sunday of Advent, Year A
Join us at church or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, December 4, 2022, The Second Sunday of Advent, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.
 
Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s - 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*
St. Thomas' on the Bayou - 10:00 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 11:00 a.m. - Father Robert Dandridge, Guest Celebrant
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas - 5:00 p.m.* (Spanish)

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet with this link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-HPdeOSW9fl5CoXl_tYM1q1toXE12Kzb/view?usp=share_link

Zoom Compline
- All Welcome
Sunday - 8:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Compline
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799
 
We hope to see you all on Sunday!

Dawnell+, Rita+, Rob+, Robert+, and Whit+

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Saint Andrew the Apostle

Join us today, Wednesday, November 30, at St. Alban's for Holy Eucharist at 12:10 p.m., or tonight for Evening Prayer, or join the folks of Saint Andrew's in Mer Rouge for Holy Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate Saint Andrew the Apostle.

Zoom Evening Prayer & Study - 5:30 p.m. with Father Whit+
Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 779
Passcode: 530

The Collect:

Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by your Holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Saturday, November 26, 2022

The First Sunday of Advent


Sunday, November 27, 2022 - The First Sunday of Advent, Year A

Happy New Church Year! Join us at church or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, November 27, 2022, The First Sunday of Advent, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.
 
Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s - 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*
St. Thomas' on the Bayou - 10:00 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 11:00 a.m.*
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas - 5:00 p.m.* (Spanish)

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet with this link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xexDPvzvtC4l7fpcYFSH7SVCCPL9lEnh/view?usp=share_link

Zoom Compline
- All Welcome
Sunday - 8:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Compline
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

We hope to see you all on Sunday!

Dawnell+, Rita+, Rob+ and Whit+

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Saturday, November 19, 2022

Christ the King Sunday




Sunday, November 20, 2022 - The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King: Proper 29

Join us at church or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, November 20, 2022, The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King: Proper 29 at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.
 
Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s - 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*
St. Thomas' on the Bayou - 10:00 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 11:00 a.m.*
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas - 5:00 p.m.* (Spanish)

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet with this link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wasZNHV7uC3sobso0pB-mrROKYly4-LQ/view?usp=share_link

Zoom Compline - All Welcome
Sunday - 8:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Compline
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

We hope to see you all on Sunday!

Dawnell+, Rita+, Rob+ and Whit+

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Margaret of Scotland, Queen, 1093


Join us today, Wednesday, November 16, at St. Alban's for Holy Eucharist at 12:10 p.m., or tonight for Evening Prayer to celebrate Margaret of Scotland, Queen.

Zoom Evening Prayer & Study - 5:30 p.m. with Father Whit+
Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 779
Passcode: 530

The Collect:

O God, you called your servant Margaret to an earthly throne that she might advance your heavenly kingdom, and gave her zeal for your Church and love for your people: Mercifully grant that we also may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Mark Your Calendars!

 

Join Us


Sunday, November 13, 2022 - The Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 28

Join us at church or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, November 13, 2022, The Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 28, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.
 
Holy Eucharist, Rite Two

St. Alban’s - 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*
St. Thomas' on the Bayou - 10:00 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 11:00 a.m.*
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas - 5:00 p.m.* (Spanish)

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet with this link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vi1dHn6Mkx_A4EaECndVZ3V4Zzfk_JCB/view?usp=share_link

Zoom Compline - All Welcome
Sunday - 8:00 p.m.

Join Zoom Compline
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

We hope to see you all on Sunday!

Dawnell+, Rita+, Rob+ and Whit+

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Veterans Day

Veterans Day, November 11, 2022 - Día de los Veteranos -11 noviembre 2022
















Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women - past and present - of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Dios Todopoderoso, encomendamos a tu amable cuidado y a mantener a todos los hombres y mujeres, pasados y presentes, de nuestras fuerzas armadas en casa y en el extranjero. Defiéndelos día a día con tu gracia celestial; fortalécelos en sus pruebas y tentaciones; dales valor para afrontar los peligros que los acechan; y dales un sentido de tu presencia permanente dondequiera que se encuentren; través de Jesucristo nuestro Señor. Amén.

Friday, November 4, 2022

All Saints' Sunday


Sunday, November 6, 2022 - All Saints’ Sunday 

Join us at church or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, November 6, 2022, All Saints’ Sunday, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas. 

Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s  - 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.* 
St. Thomas' on the Bayou - 10:00 a.m.* 
St. Patrick’s – 11:00 a.m.*
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas - 5:00 p.m.* (Spanish)

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet with this link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sG5sNDYCIagM6XIbNoHFugJ5-ZYbTtnA/view?usp=sharing 
 
Zoom Compline - All Welcome 
Sunday -  8:00 p.m. 
Join Zoom Compline
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
or dial in at  +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799 

We hope to see you all on Sunday!

Dawnell+, Rita+, Rob+ and Whit+

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org


Thursday, November 3, 2022

Fall Back


It's that time again: across most of the United States,daylight savings time (DST) will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 6, when clocks will fall back to standard time. Set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night!

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

All Souls Day - All Faithful Departed


Join us today, Wednesday, November 2, at St. Alban's for Holy Eucharist at 12:10 p.m., or tonight for Evening Prayer to celebrate All Souls Day - All Faithful Departed.

Zoom Evening Prayer & Study - 5:30 p.m. with Father Whit+
Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 779
Passcode: 530

All Souls Day - All Faithful Departed - This optional observance is an extension of All Saints' Day. While All Saints' is to remember all the saints, popular piety felt the need to distinguish between outstanding saints and those who are unknown in the wider fellowship of the church, especially family members and friends. 


Commemoration of All Faithful Departed did not appear in an American Prayer Book until 1979, and it is celebrated on Nov. 2. It is also known as All Souls' Day. Many churches now commemorate all the faithful departed in the context of the All Saints' Day celebration.*


*Source - An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church - https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary/

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Join us at church or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, October 30, 2022, The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 26, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.

Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s - 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*
    Coffee & Breakfast between liturgies.  
St. Thomas' on the Bayou - 10:00 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 11:00 a.m.*

Evening Prayer via Zoom
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas - 5:00 p.m.* (Spanish)

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet with this link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sG5sNDYCIagM6XIbNoHFugJ5-ZYbTtnA/view?usp=sharing

Zoom Compline - All Welcome
Sunday - 8:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Compline
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799
 
We hope to see you all on Sunday!

Dawnell+, Rita+, Rob+ and Whit+

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Wednesday, October 26

Alfred, King, 899


Join us today, Wednesday, October 26, at St. Alban's for Holy Eucharist at 12:10 p.m. to learn more about Alfred, King, 899.

Zoom Evening Prayer will resume next week.

The Collect:

O God, who called your servant Alfred to an earthly throne that he might advance your heavenly kingdom and gave him zeal for your church and love for your people: Grant that we, inspired by his example and prayers, may remain steadfast in the work you have given us to do for the building up of your reign of love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Friday, October 21, 2022

Breakfast & Eucharist - This Sunday



St. Alban’s and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas

Sunday, October 23, 2022 

Join the people St. Alban’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas at church this Sunday, October 23, 2022, The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 25, at 9:15 a.m. for a special Coffee Hour and Breakfast, hosted by Wesley and Bruce Johnson, followed by the Holy Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. The Guest Priest is The Rev’d Paul Martin, retired Rector of St. Paul’s in Shreveport, and now an Associate Priest at St. Mark’s Cathedral. Father Whit is away for a wedding.

Coffee Hour and Breakfast - 9:15 a.m.

Holy Eucharist, Rite Two - 10:30 a.m. * 

* Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet with this link -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ppoGt7X9IZw922ItMll-OZsjadMjFD9I/view?usp=sharing 

Zoom Compline - will resume on October 30.  

We hope to see you all on Sunday!


Whit+, and Paul+




Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Wednesday, October 19

Join us today, Wednesday, October 19, at St. Alban's for Holy Eucharist at 12:10 p.m., or tonight for Evening Prayer to learn more about Henry Martyn, Priest and Missionary, 1812.

Zoom Evening Prayer & Study - 5:30 p.m. with Father Whit+
Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 779
Passcode: 530

The Collect:

O God of the nations, who gave to your servant Henry Martyn a longing to share your Gospel with all peoples; Inspire the church in our own day with that said desire, that we may be eager to commit both life and talents to you who gave them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Tomorrow!


Sunday, October 16, 2022

Join us at church or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, October 16, 2022, The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 24, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.

Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s - 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*
St. Thomas' on the Bayou - 10:00 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 11:00 a.m.*
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas - 5:00 p.m.* (Spanish)

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet with this link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZElyGKmZcZoLCn_Nq5TUKYXtfr4vZhQH/view?usp=sharing

Zoom Compline - All Welcome
Sunday - 8:00 p.m.

Join Zoom Compline
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

We hope to see you all on Sunday!

Dawnell+, Rita+, Rob+ and Whit+

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Wednesday, October 12

Join us today, Wednesday, October 12, at St. Alban's for Holy Eucharist at 12:10 p.m., or tonight for Evening Prayer to learn more about Edith Cavell, Nurse.

Zoom Evening Prayer & Study - 5:30 p.m. with Father Whit+
Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 779
Passcode: 530

Edith Cavell, Nurse, 1915

The Collect:

Living God, the source of all healing and wholeness: we bless you for the compassionate witness of your servant Edith Cavell. Inspire us to be agents of peace and reconciliation in a world beset by injustice, poverty, and war. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, to the ages of ages. Amen.

Edith Louisa Cavell (December 1865 – 12 October 1915) was a British nurse. She is celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers from both sides without discrimination and in helping some 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium during the First World War, for which she was arrested. She was accused of treason, found guilty by a court-martial and sentenced to death. Despite international pressure for mercy, she was shot by a German firing squad. Her execution received worldwide condemnation and extensive press coverage.

The night before her execution, she said, "Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone." These words were later inscribed on a memorial to her near Trafalgar Square. Her strong Anglican beliefs propelled her to help all those who needed it, both German and Allied soldiers. She was quoted as saying, "I can’t stop while there are lives to be saved."

Cavell, who was 49 at the time of her execution, was already notable as a pioneer of modern nursing in Belgium.

Cavell was born on 4 December 1865 in Swardeston, a village near Norwich. She was the eldest of the four children of the Reverend Frederick Cavell, vicar of Swardeston, and his wife Louisa Sophia Warming.

After a period as a governess, including for a family in Brussels from 1890 to 1895, she returned home to care for her father during a serious illness. The experience led her to become a nurse after her father's recovery.

In 1907, Cavell was recruited by Dr Antoine Depage to be matron of a newly established nursing school, L'École Belge d'Infirmières Diplômées (or the Berkendael Medical Institute) in Brussels.

In November 1914, after the German occupation of Brussels, Cavell began sheltering British and French soldiers as well as Belgian and French civilians of military age, and funnelling them out of occupied Belgium to the neutral Netherlands. This placed Cavell in violation of German military law. German authorities became increasingly suspicious of the nurse's actions, which were further fuelled by her outspokenness.

She was arrested on 3 August 1915 and charged with harbouring Allied soldiers. She was held in Saint-Gilles prison for ten weeks, the last two of which were spent in solitary confinement.She made three depositions to the German police (on 8, 18 and 22 August), admitting that she had been instrumental in conveying about 60 British and 15 French soldiers, as well as about 100 French and Belgian civilians of military age, to the frontier and had sheltered most of them in her house.

At her court-martial, she was prosecuted for aiding British and French soldiers, in addition to young Belgian men, to cross the Dutch border and eventually enter Britain. She admitted her guilt when she signed a statement the day before the trial.

In spite of diplomatic pressure placed by the United States and other neutral countries, she was executed by firing squad in Brussels on 12 October 1915.*

*Wikipedia, via The Lectionary, 

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Tomorrow - October 9


Sunday, October 9, 2022 

Join us at church or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, October 9, 2022, The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 23, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas. 

Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s  - 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.* 
St. Thomas' on the Bayou - 10:00 a.m.* 
St. Patrick’s – 11:00 a.m.*
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas - 5:00 p.m.* (Spanish)

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet with this link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y9dl71g6EXMAZ10gjK5y4Hooczt21_bc/view?usp=sharing

Zoom Compline - All Welcome 
Sunday -  8:00 p.m. 

Join Zoom Compline
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
or dial in at  +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799 

We hope to see you all on Sunday!

Dawnell+, Rita+, Rob+ and Whit+

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Eucharist and Blessing of the Animals

Francis of Assisi, Friar and Deacon, 1226

Join us today, Wednesday, October 5, at 12:10 p.m. for Holy Eucharist, or this evening at 5:30 p.m. in our circle drive for the Blessing of the Animals at St. Alban's, in honor of St. Francis, whose feastday was yesterday.

The Collect:

Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may, for love of you, delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Francis, the son of a prosperous merchant of Assisi, was born in 1182. His early youth was spent in harmless revelry and fruitless attempts to win military glory.

Various encounters with beggars and lepers pricked the young man’s conscience, and he decided to embrace a life devoted to Lady Poverty. Despite his father’s intense opposition, Francis totally renounced all material values and devoted himself to serve the poor. In 1210, Pope Innocent III confirmed the simple Rule for the Order of Friars Minor, a name Francis chose to emphasize his desire to be numbered among the “least” of God’s servants.

The order grew rapidly all over Europe. But, by 1221, Francis had lost control of it, since his ideal of strict and absolute poverty, both for the individual friars and for the order as a whole, was found to be too difficult to maintain. His last years were spent in much suffering of body and spirit, but his unconquerable joy never failed.

Not long before his death, during a retreat on Mount La Verna, Francis received, on September 14, Holy Cross Day, the marks of the Lord’s wounds, the stigmata, in his own hands and feet and side. Pope Gregory IX, a former patron of the Franciscans, canonized Francis in 1228 and began the erection of the great basilica in Assisi where Francis is buried.

Of all the saints, Francis is the most popular and admired but probably the least imitated; few have attained to his total identification with the poverty and suffering of Christ. Francis left few writings; but, of these, his spirit of joyous faith comes through most truly in the “Canticle of the Sun,” which he composed at Clare’s convent of St. Damian.

The version in The Hymnal begins (The Hymnal 1982, #406; #407):

Most High, omnipotent, good Lord,
To thee be ceaseless praise outpoured, —
And blessing without measure.
Let creatures all give thanks to thee
And serve in great humility*

*A Great Cloud of Witnesses, Copyright © 2016 by The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America