Looking Ahead at St Mary (July 28 – August 4)
Beloved in Christ,
Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.
THIS WEEK: July 28 – August 4, 2025
This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting; then the Dormition Fast begins August 1.
Wed, July 30 at 6:00 pm – Daily Vespers
Fri, Aug 1: Dormition Fast Begins and runs through August 14
Fri, Aug 1 at 6:00 pm – Paraklesis Service to the Mother of God
Sat, Aug 2 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, Aug 2 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sat, Aug 2 at 6:00 pm – Biblical Greek Class
Sun, Aug 3 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Aug 3 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Sun, Aug 3 at 11:30 am – Potluck Coffee Hour
Mon, Aug 4 at 6:00 pm – Paraklesis Service to the Mother of God
Other Notes
(1) DORMITION FAST: August 15 is the great feast of the Dormition (“Falling Asleep”) of the Mother of God. In preparation for that feast, we follow the Dormition Fast August 1 – 14. During that fast, in addition to the extra services and increased almsgiving, we abstain from meat and dairy products on all days of the week, as well as wine on all days except on Saturdays and Sundays, when it is allowed. Fish and wine are both allowed on August 6, for the great feast of Transfiguration.
(2) PARAKLESIS SERVICE: During the Dormition Fast, it is common to offer the Paraklesis (Supplication) Service to the Mother of God, asking for her intercessions. This beautiful service is scheduled to be celebrated the following evenings during the Dormition Fast, at 6:00 pm: Friday, August 1; Monday, August 4; Friday, August 8; Monday, August 11; and Wednesday, August 13.
(3) SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE: As noted in a previous email to the parish, we are collecting supplies/money to buy supplies for Carpenter Place Children’s Home (Carpenter Place Children’s Home | Wichita, KS). Please see the linked flyer for more details. To make a monetary donation, you can give a check/cash to Joan Ferris, Justine Nightingale, or Tracy Namee by Sunday, August 10; or you can donate through our website ( Donate to St. Mary).
(4) TEXT MESSAGE GROUP: Our new text message system through tithe.ly is now up and running. We need anyone who wants to receive text messages from the church to sign up for this service (even if you had already signed up using our previous Remind system). You can join by following these quick steps:
– Text the phone number 855-516-9861 with the following phrase in the message box: STMARYTEXT
– Click on the link sent back to you via text and fill out your name (having your name will make it much easier for us in the future to create separate groups, such as the Parish Council, the Belles of St Mary, etc.).
– Check the box giving permission to receive texts.
– Click the “Submit” button.
Once you have done this, you should be automatically added to our text message list. Contact Fr Aaron if you have any issues.
(5) METROPOLITAN SABA’S WEEKLY TEACHING: This week His Eminence does not have a specific teaching, but asked us clergy at the Convention to convey his love and prayers for you.
(6) TEACH ME THY STATUTES PODCAST: If you would like to listen to this week’s Teach Me Thy Statutes podcast (with Fr Aaron & Jason Ewertt), you can find it here: Teach Me Thy Statutes.
(7) PASTORAL VISITS: If you would like a pastoral visit for any reason, or if you know of a family member/parishioner who needs a visit, please feel free to contact me via cell phone at 204-6725.
Yours in Christ,
Fr Aaron
