Parish UPDATE: August 12

Beloved of God and of this parish:

UPDATE ON IMPROVING FRONT OF THE CHURCH

Debora Shuger and I met the Project and Policy Committee of the Palms Neighborhood Council on Monday, August 6, presented and made a strong case for funding. Our request for $1500 was approved at Committee level. The full Council will meet on Wednesday, Sept 5. Meantime, we are filling out the necessary paperwork to aid the process. Thanks to all who supported us with prayer, you helped make it happen. Keep praying, we still have work to do.

On another note, we were reminded of the Neighborhood Council's resolution to encourage use of native plants in Palms for new projects. I met with Charles Miller, Chair, Transportation and Safety Committee - who also oversees the Native Plants project - yesterday on site. We looked at possibilities, our choices were confirmed by Grow Native Nursery in Westwood as appropriate. I will have computer print-outs for the Vestry meeting on Sunday, August 19 and for the Parish Forum, Sunday, August 26. Your input would be most appreciated.

UPDATE ON NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY

(a) On Saturday, September 29, we will block off Faris Dr. between Charnock and Hannum  for a neighborhood block party.

(b) I met with Lead Officer Ceja, Pacific Division, LAPD yesterday. We agreed the best times would be 11 am to 3 pm so it can free some parking up to 10 am and after 3 pm. This arrangement would help us make a better case. 

(c) I have parishioners working on a flyer and signature collection; we need the approval of 51% of residents on Faris Dr. between Charnock and Hannum to go ahead with the project. We are confident we will get this.

(d) The Outreach Committee of the Palms Neighborhood Council has agreed in principle to support this party. A formal request will be considered at its meeting in early September.

(e) Representatives of the Neighborhood Watch Committee and our neighbors on Faris, Hannum and Charnock Dr. are helping with the planning. Food will be potluck.

(f) The office of our Councilman Paul Koretz have pledged some financial support.

Please, talk to Fr. Vincent to find out how you can help with this block party.

PAINTING THE INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH

Mr. Anthony Joseph, our Junior Warden is currently collecting estimates and work will start once we have a selection and Vestry approval.

OUTREACH TO CHEVIOT HILLS

Beginning next Monday, we will be passing out flyers in Cheviot Hills, announcing the ministries of this parish, inviting people to church and especially the Patronal Feast on Sunday, Sept. 9. If you can help with this project, please talk to Fr. Vincent.

FEAST OF THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY

Wednesday, August 15 marks the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. This being an important feast for Anglo-Catholics, our plan is to have an Evening Mass on this day at 7 pm if there is a strong support (attendance) from parishioners. Please, talk to Fr. Vincent if you plan on attending this Mass and as always, bring your friends. We need to have a decision by end of Mass on Sunday, August 12.

EVENSONG AT ST. MARY

Last Tuesday at 7:30 pm a group of parishioners led by our own Kevin, met in the chapel to pray Evensong. We'd like to explore this prayer opportunity to bring our community to prayer on a more regular basis. If you plan on joining us in prayer or would like to share thoughts and ideas, please talk to Kevin after Mass on Sunday.

PATRONAL FEAST, SUNDAY, SEPT. 9

Sandra Dyson would give us an update as it becomes available. For now, talk to her after Mass to find out how you can help with preparations and plans to make this event successful. 

Our very own Fr. (Br) Derek, SSF will lead our parish-wide Quiet Day on Saturday, Sept. 1 to prepare us for the patronal feast. Please, mark your calendar, bring your friend and do not disappoint Br. Derek. We will begin with Mass at 9 am and finish before Noon. Watch out for more details on this event in next week's update.

Under a separate cover, you will receive the flyer for the event on September 9. Please, feel free to make additional copies and distribute. It is our patronal feast, let us celebrate with a joyful heart and spirit.

I thank God everyday for you and your loved ones, for the ministries and mission of this parish, and for our shared witness in this project and in our community. Let us mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice.

OF YOUR CHARITY PLEASE PRAY FOR

• all who make the ministries of this parish possible with their treasure, time and talents
• all who have recently lost their jobs
• all who are discerning various vocations in the church and in our community and God's will in their lives
• all young people as they prepare to return to school
• all who are struggling financially and having to make hard decisions between providing food, healthcare for themselves and their families or doing without these
• our Moslem brothers and sisters in this holy month of Ramadan. May God's peace reign in our hearts and, together may we all rejoice and celebrate the diversity of God's creation. 

OUR COMMITMENT

Guided by the examples of Jesus Christ and supported by the presence of the Holy Spirit, let us strive each day to strengthen our relationships with God and one another in the bond of love and peace.

See you at Mass. Bring a friend.

Fr. Vincent

www.stmarypalms.org

... ""Every Christian needs a half hour of prayer each day, except when he is busy, then he needs an hour." - Saint Francis of Sales "

Parish UPDATE: July 29

Beloved of God and of this parish:

Here is a brief UPDATE on happenings in our parish for this and coming weeks.

 

SUNDAY, JULY 29

• Following Mass, we will have the second part of the monthly Parish Forum which will focus on the finances of the parish. My prayer for everyone is that the generous, loving and faithful God will grant you the resources to keep your 2012 pledges current.
• I will also make an announcement re: the celebration of our parish's patronal feast onSunday, September 9, 2012
• I will give an update on the work to improve the aesthetic feel of the front part of the church and the church grounds

WELCOME

Please, take time to on Sunday to meet and welcome Br. Derrick, SSF and Kevin Liu who have recently shown interest in sharing in the mission and ministries of this parish. May God bless their time with us, our individual commitments and witness to the reconciling and transforming power of God and, the shared ministries of this parish.

SAVE THE DATE - Sunday, September 9, 2012

We will mark our parish's patronal feast with a bilingual (English and Spanish) service at 1 pm. The Rt. Rev. Catherine Roskam, retired Bishop Suffragan, Diocese of New York will be our Guest Celebrant and Homilist. If you can help with planning this event, please talk with Sandra Dyson, Senior Warden. 

YOUTH GROUP MEETING

The youth of the parish would meet tomorrow, Saturday, July 28 at 12 pm at the church, for about an hour. Please, encourage your young ones to attend.

GREETINGS

From the Cass family - Dwight, Kathy, Tim  - who have recently moved to Dayton, Ohio. Please, keep them in your prayers as we do for them at daily Mass.

OTHER NEWS:

For news about the Palms Neighborhood, please go to www.palmsla.org

For news about the Diocese of Los Angeles, please go to www.ladiocese.org

OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE PRAY

1. For the repose of the soul of His Excellency, John Evans Atta-Mills, President of the Republic of Ghana. President Mills died on Tuesday, July 24. Pray for Ernestina, (spouse), Sam (son), the family of President Mills and people of Ghana in their bereavement.

2. For Bea, Gayle and the Boggess family in their bereavement.

3. For all parishioners who are sick or recovering especially Bianca and Sarah Sue

4. For safety for all who are travelling this summer, especially for Ndidi and Scott, Glenda and Marvin

5. For Margaret Rose and the staff of Angeles Vista Hospice, Beverly Hills

6. For the IMAN Cultural Center and our Moslem brothers and sisters during this holy month of Ramadan

7. For all who are searching for gainful employment

8. For all who have recently lost their jobs.

9. For God's blessings on the finances and ministries of our parish.

See you at Mass on Sunday.

Fr. Vincent

www.stmarypalms.org

Parish UPDATE: July 22

Beloved of God and of this parish:

A brief UPDATE from our parish this week

WELCOME

• This Sunday, July 22, we welcome The Rev. Brad Karelius, former Rector, Church of the Messiah, Santa Ana; Bishop Peter and Mrs. Monica Njoka. 
• We will have one baptism - Biko - who is under a year old. Parents are Monica and Maurice. Friends and relatives of Monica and Maurice including Grandparents Bishop Peter Njoka, former Bishop of Nairobi Diocese, Kenya and his wife Monica will also be in attendance.
• Following Mass we will meet in St. Joseph Hall  for a brief post-Mass refreshment provided by Monica and Maurice.
• I will call the group together and Fr. Brad will make a presentation on Stewardship and then take questions from the audience. 

SUNDAY, JULY 29

• Following Mass, we will have the second part of the monthly Parish Forum which will focus on the finances of the parish. 
• I will also make an announcement re: the celebration of our parish's patronal feast on Sunday, September 9, 2012
• I will give an update on the work to improve the aesthetic feel of the front part of the church and the church grounds

OTHER NEWS:

For news about the Palms Neighborhood, please go to www.palmsla.org

For news about the Diocese of Los Angeles, please go to www.ladiocese.org

OF YOUR CHARITY

Please, continue to pray for Bea and the Boggess family in their bereavement; our Muslim brothers and sisters in this holy month of Ramadan; for the young professionals in our parish community; for all who are travelling at this time.

See you at Mass on Sunday. Invite someone to church.

Fr. Vincent

www.stmarypalms.org

Parish Update: May 27

Beloved of God and of this parish:

For news about the Diocese of Los Angeles and Bishop Bruno's health, please go towww.ladiocese.org

For news about Palms, please go to palmsla.org; check out the new murals going up on utility boxes in Palms; click on "Get involved" and volunteer for the June 2 "Palms Bike Rodeo"; check out the updates on the Expo Line project.

PARISH NEWS UPDATE

1. Training: Preventing Sexual Misconduct:

If you are planning on attending this event tomorrow, Saturday, May 26, we will start at 9:30 amso we can finish about 11:30 am. Our facilitator will be Ms. Anilin Colado, Missioner, Human Resource, Diocese of Los Angeles. We will be viewing three short videos and discuss these informative videos. Certificates will be issued on completion of the class.

2. Sunday, May 27: 

(a) Day of Pentecost: 

Thanks to all parishioners who have indicated they would be interested in reading the Gospel text in non-English languages:  Dutch, German, Portuguese, Italian, Latin, Greek, Ga, French, Akan.

(b) Monthly Parish Forum: 

Following Mass beginning at 11:30 am. Hear reports on the work of the Vestry and a special report by the Senior Warden. Please, plan on attending. We need to hear your input and voice.

(c) Vespers for Healing for Bishop Jon Bruno at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, 840 Echo Park, Los Angeles, at 4 pm. Everyone is welcome to join the Diocesan family in praying for our bishop at this time. Please, click the following link for the most recent update on Bishop Bruno  http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zu7lqvbab&v=001Sr5a1LSTp6MNWuAx95-VIDNEURlDfqCEwXWeR6G7VuvKKUTVRnAkuMgy9Svvc3b1jtSYjzYKD3dPz5FF97039L4r-CMc-yQFu5I2aXoHvkB5vdJArh_5LP8QORE8lyNOiJD2pU2BZ_tpIkNLaueQ_7UTrFWMmQbvQw68aSXC3GFu7WvmPbwmG-8ER2_OPyDTsObvDknEN2A%3D

3. UPCOMING EVENTS

(a) Simone's Graduation: 

Friday, June 1. Watch out for more details on Sunday and congratulate Simone on this very important transition, she has worked really hard on this and we should really be PROUD of her.

(b) Trinity Sunday - June 3

(c) Feast of Corpus Christi - June 7

(d) Training and Planning Meeting for Parish Homilists - Saturday, June 9 and 16. We will begin right after Mass.

(e) Classes in Anglo-Catholicism - Sunday, June 10 after the 10 am Mass led by Sean Smith. We will explore the beginnings of the Anglo-Catholic movement [in the Anglican Church]. This is the church tradition which influences our way of life here at St. Mary. What does it mean to be an Anglo-Catholic? Come, find out. This is a very good time to bring your questions and your friends to church.

(f) Now Enrolling: Our first class in Computer Literacy. Look out for more information in the Worship Bulletin on Sunday.

(g) Mark Kennedy on vacation: Sunday, June 3 and June 10. Carolyn Davies will be our organist on these Sundays. 

See you at Mass.

God richly bless your life, your vocation, your work, your friends and your family.

Fr. Vincent

www.stmarypalms.org

 "Let me get through today, and I shall not fear tomorrow." Philip Neri (1515-1595)

 

Parish Update: May 20

UPDATE ON BISHOP BRUNO From the Bishop's Office:

Dear Friends,   I am well on the road to recovery. After four bone marrow biopsies, I await the fifth to get final verification of the effectiveness of my chemotherapy treatments. The doctors say the healing is moving forward at a miraculous pace, and I know that the outpouring of prayer and love is making all the difference.     I am enjoying the Caring Bridge web page as well as the cards and well wishes extended to me and my family. I want you to know that I read each and every one, and they provide me strength and comfort.     I will have another bone marrow test next week to confirm my progress. Every day I feel stronger in body and spirit. Mary and I send our love to all. Yours in Christ, + J. Jon Bruno NEWS FROM THE PARISH: 1. VESTRY MEETING: This Sunday, May 20 following the 10 am Mass. Meeting begins at 11:30 am in the Rector's Office. 2. DIOCESAN SUNDAY: Sunday, May 20 is Diocesan Sunday; please, look for special bulletin insert in your Worship bulletin this Sunday. 3. SUNDAY, MAY 27 - two events: (a) Feast of Pentecost: In keeping with well-established traditions of this parish, we will read the gospel in as many non-English languages as possible including Dutch, German, Italian, Akan, Igbo, French, Ga and et al. Please, invite a friend to Mass. (b) Vespers for Healing for Bishop Jon Bruno. Event is scheduled for 4 pm today at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul and St. Athanasius,840 Echo Park Ave. Los Angeles. Look for flyer in your Worship Bulletin on Sunday, and plan on joining with our brothers and sisters in the Diocese to pray for Bishop Bruno, his family and the Diocesan leadership at this time. 4. For news from the Palms Neighborhood Council, please go to palmsla.org and look out for more information on the Bike Rodeo. 5. THANKS. To all who joined us last night in celebrating with Grace Lutheran Church, Culver City, the Feast of Ascension. We were richly blessed and our bonds of friendship strengthened. 6. LIKE US on Facebook Yes, our parish has a Facebook account. If you have a Facebook account, "Like us" - the Parish of St. Mary in Palms. It will be our joy to share conversation and the transforming power of God's Holy Spirit with you and your friends. 7. COME VISIT If your Sunday schedule permits it, we'd love to welcome and share with you our ministries here at St. Mary: daily Mass at 9am [holidays included]; AIDS Lunch project [first Wednesday of every month - 9am to 1:30pm]; Hispanice/Latino Ministry; hospital visitation; Bible Study, Praying the rosary on Friday; ministries to St. Augustine Volunteer Emergency Service, [SAVES], Villa Rey Assisted Living and Palm Court Retirement Living, Culver City. See you at Mass. Fr. Vincent www.stmarypalms.org

 

Alleluia! Christ is risen!!

Here is an UPDATE of "happenings" in our parish you need to know.

1.  Healthy Individuals, Healthy Communities event:

John Sexton, MFT will be our guest homilist and facilitator this Sunday, April 22 and April 29. John will work with us on "Healthy Individuals, Healthy Communities", will bring us handouts and facilitate a Q & A following Mass. Please, spread the word and invite your friends to Mass on Sunday, April 22 & 29.

2.  Parish Forum & Focus Group on Music

Our next Parish Forum on Sunday, April 29 will feature the following:

• Update of financial reports
• Update of Vestry news
• Focus Group on Music ministry

Please, endeavor to attend this event.

UPCOMING EVENTS

1. For news about the work of the Palms Neighborhood Council, please click on http://palmsla.org/ and check out the news on the Palms Utility Box Mural Beautification Project and the Bike Rodeo. Get involved in your community.
2. May 17 marks Ascension Day. This is our annual joint-eucharistic service with Grace Lutheran Church, Culver City. Our parish is hosting this event which begins at 7 pm and our homilist would be Pastor Jim Maines. Please, spread the word and bring your friends to church.

See you at Mass on Sunday.

Holy Week & Easter at St. Mary

Beloved of God and of this parish:

As we approach Holy Week and Easter, I would like to commend our parish to your prayers as well as those whom God will lead to our church services this coming week. Welcome all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, help them find their way through the special rites and make new friends.

HOLY WEEK:

Palm Sunday: 

• Liturgy begins at 10 am in front of the main entrance to the church. The Passion Gospel would be sung.
• Holy [Maundy] Thursday service begins at 7pm. The service includes the rite of the foot-washing, procession of the sacrament to the Altar of Repose, the Stripping of the Altar and the keeping of vigil before the sacrament in the Lady Chapel.

Proper Liturgy on Good Friday: 

• Service begins at 7pm and include the prostration, the Solemn Collects, the Veneration of the Cross and communion.

Holy Saturday [Easter Vigil]: 

• Service begins at 7:30 pm. Rite includes the lighting of the new fire, the procession with the Paschal candle, the singing of the Exsultet, renewal of baptismal vows, etc.
• This is a Parish work day. Please, plan on arriving at 9am to help set up the church for the Easter Vigil rites; there will be no Mass at 9am on this day.

Easter [Sunday, April 8]: 

• You have already received an email from Sandra Dyson, Senior Warden about Easter. Please, sign up for the festive celebration and bring food for the post-Mass event. Bring your friends to church, welcome those who are joining us at this time.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

1. Series on "Healthy Individuals, Healthy Communities". Sunday, April 22 and 29. Series will be led by John Sexton, MFT, Catholic Charities

2. Series on "Financial Planning for Individuals and Couples" . Date TBA

See you at Mass.

Fr. Vincent