Looking Ahead at St Mary (May 1 – 9)

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Beloved in Christ,

Christ is risen!

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: May 1 – 9, 2022

This Week: No fasting on any day of the week from Pascha through Ascension.      

Mon, May 2 at 6:30 pm – Belles Meeting @ Namee’s (1958 N Sedgwick)

Sat, May 7 at 8:00 am – MF Prep: Baklawa

Sat, May 7 at 12:00 pm – Initial MF Setup

Sat, May 7 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, May 7 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sun, May 8 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, May 8 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, May 8 at 12:00 pm – Leonidas Kambiotis Baptism

Other Notes

(1) NO FASTING THROUGH ASCENSION/PENTECOST: The Antiochian Patriarchate, in celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, observes no fasting on any day of the week from Pascha through Ascension (June 2 this year). From June 2 through Pentecost (June 12 this year) we observe the Wednesday/Friday fasts, but with fish, wine, and oil allowed. The week following Pentecost is also a week of no fasting, including on Wednesday & Friday.

(2) UPDATED MF PREP DATES: We recently added multiple work days for our Mediterranean Festival prep, most especially during the week leading up to the festival.

(3) FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE: One of the most important aspects of our annual Mediterranean Festival is our Marketplace. While we do sell many items that are authentically “Mediterranean,” we also make rooms for lots of other baked goods/goodies that are not. As these items are donated by our parishioners, the sales from the Marketplace are pure profit to the church. Please see the linked flyer below announcing details about how you can help with the Marketplace in advance of the festival itself. We appreciate all contributions!

(4) SUMMER GARAGE SALE: The St. Mary 90th Anniversary Team will be holding a garage sale this summer to raise funds for our $25,000 goal for Wichita’s Littlest Heroes. We welcome your items for our sale! Please bring items to the church during Curt’s hours of M-F, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Curt knows where the items should be stored. Please do NOT bring items and leave them in the hall! Please, NO CLOTHING and NO LARGE FURNITURE PIECES. If you have questions, please contact Laura Stanley or Tracy Namee. Thank you!

(5) PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE: The Parish Life Conference this year is in Wichita (hosted by St George Cathedral). You can learn more about it and register here: https://www.antiochianevents.com/wichita. The dates are June 15 – 18 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

(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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (April 18 – 24)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: April 18 – 24, 2022
This Week: We observe the Lenten fast on all days of the week; wine allowed on Sat; no fasting on Pascha through Ascension.      

  • Sun, Apr 17 at 5:00 pm – Confession
  • Sun, Apr 17 at 6:00 pm – Bridegroom Matins
  • Mon, Apr 18 at 8:00 am – Pre-Sanctified Liturgy
  • Mon, Apr 18 at 5:00 pm – Confession
  • Mon, Apr 18 at 6:00 pm – Bridegroom Matins
  • Tues, Apr 19 at 8:00 am – Pre-Sanctified Liturgy
  • Tues, Apr 19 at 5:00 pm – Confession
  • Tues, Apr 19 at 6:00 pm – Bridegroom Matins
  • Wed, Apr 20 at 8:00 am – Pre-Sanctified Liturgy
  • Wed, Apr 20 at 5:00 pm – Confession
  • Wed, Apr 20 at 6:00 pm – Holy Unction Service
  • Thurs, Apr 21 at 8:00 am – Vesperal Liturgy ~ The Institution of the Eucharist
  • Thurs, Apr 21 at 6:00 pm – Matins of Great & Holy Friday ~ The Twelve Passion Gospels
  • Fri, Apr 22 at 8:00 am – Royal Hours & Typika
  • Fri, Apr 22 at 3:00 pm – Great Vespers ~ The Taking Down From the Cross
  • Holy Friday Vigil Begins Immediately Following Great Vespers (around 4:00 pm)
  • Fri, Apr 22 at 6:00 pm – Matins of Great & Holy Saturday ~ The Lamentations
  • Holy Friday Vigil Continues Following Matins (around 8:00 pm)
  • Sat, Apr 23 at 9:00 am – Vesperal Liturgy ~ The Harrowing of Hades w/Baptism & Chrismation Services
  • Continental Breakfast & Decorating the Church for Pascha Immediately Following Liturgy
  • Sat, Apr 23 at 11:00 pm – Midnight Office, Rush Procession, & Paschal Matins
  • Sun, Apr 23 around 12:30 am – Paschal Divine Liturgy & Banquet
  • Sun, Apr 23 at 1:00 pm – Agape Vespers (The Vespers of Love) @ St George Cathedral

Other Notes
(1) PASCHAL BANQUET: For this year’s Paschal Banquet, the parish is providing fried chicken tenders. We ask all our parishioners to bring a side dish and/or dessert to share with others. As always, people are also welcome to bring their own basket of some of their favorite goodies.

(2) NO FASTING THROUGH ASCENSION/PENTECOST: The Antiochian Patriarchate, in celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, observes no fasting on any day of the week from Pascha through Ascension (June 2 this year). From June 2 through Pentecost (June 12 this year) we observe the Wednesday/Friday fasts, but with fish, wine, and oil allowed. The week following Pentecost is also a week of no fasting, including on Wednesday & Friday.

(3) NO KNEELING UNTIL PENTECOST: Please remember, in celebration of the Resurrection (in Greek, anastasis—literally, being made to stand), we do not kneel in church on Pascha through Pentecost Divine Liturgy. We kneel again for the first time at the Prayers of Kneeling after Divine Liturgy on Pentecost Sunday (June 20 this year).

(4) UPDATED MF PREP DATES: We recently added multiple work days for our Mediterranean Festival prep, most especially during the week leading up to the festival. Please see that one-page calendar linked below.

(5) FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE: One of the most important aspects of our annual Mediterranean Festival is our Marketplace. While we do sell many items that are authentically “Mediterranean,” we also make rooms for lots of other baked goods/goodies that are not. As these items are donated by our parishioners, the sales from the Marketplace are pure profit to the church. Please see the linked flyer below announcing details about how you can help with the Marketplace in advance of the festival itself. We appreciate all contributions!

(6) SUMMER GARAGE SALE: The St. Mary 90th Anniversary Team is holding a garage sale this summer to raise funds for our $25,000 goal for Wichita’s Littlest Heroes. We welcome your items for our sale! Please bring items to the church during Curt’s hours of M-F, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Curt knows where the items should be stored. Please do NOT bring items and leave them in the hall! Please, NO CLOTHING and NO LARGE FURNITURE PIECES. If you have questions, please contact Laura Stanley or Tracy Namee. Thank you!

(7) PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE: The Parish Life Conference this year is in Wichita (hosted by St George Cathedral). You can learn more about it and register here: https://www.antiochianevents.com/wichita. The dates are June 15 – 18 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

(8) 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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(9) 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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (April 11 – 18)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: April 11 – 18, 2022
This Week: We observe the Lenten fast on all days of the week; wine/oil allowed on Sat; fish also allowed on Palm Sunday.      

  • Mon, Apr 11 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline
  • Wed, Apr 13 at 6:00 pm – 9th Hour & Typika @ St George
  • Wed, Apr 13 at 6:20 pm – Pre-Sanctified Liturgy w/Meal Provided @ St George
  • Thurs, Apr 14 at 5:30 pm – Parish Council Meeting
  • Fri, Apr 15 at 6:00 pm – Little Compline w/Canon of St Lazarus
  • Sat, Apr 16 at 8:15 am – Festal Matins ~ Lazarus Saturday
  • Sat, Apr 16 at 9:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ Lazarus Saturday
  • Sat, Apr 16 at 10:00 am – Breakfast & Decorate the Church for Palm Sunday
  • Sat, Apr 16 at 12:30 pm – Children’s Day at the Chancery (see linked flyer below—adults also welcome)
  • Sat, Apr 16 at 4:00 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Apr 16 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Apr 17 at 8:45 am – Festal Matins ~ Palm Sunday
  • Sun, Apr 17 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Apr 17 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ Palm Sunday
  • Sun, Apr 17 at 11:15 am – Pancake Breakfast (see note below)
  • Sun, Apr 17 at 5:00 pm – Confession
  • Sun, Apr 17 at 6:00 pm – Bridegroom Matins
  • Mon, Apr 18 at 8:00 am – Pre-Sanctified Liturgy
  • Mon, Apr 18 at 5:00 pm – Confession
  • Mon, Apr 18 at 6:00 pm – Bridegroom Matins

Other Notes

(1) LAZARUS SATURDAY AT THE CHANCERY: All parishioners, and most especially those with young children, are invited and encouraged to attend the annual “Children’s Day at the Chancery” on Lazarus Saturday, April 16.

(2) PANCAKE BREAKFAST ON PALM SUNDAY: The St. Mary 90th Anniversary Team will be hosting a pancake breakfast after Palm Sunday Liturgy on April 17. Some of our very talented parishioners (all men!) are cooking! Please plan to stay and enjoy homemade pancakes with all your favorite toppings. As an added treat, we are also serving mimosas! This is a free will donation event to benefit our “Children Are A Blessing” fund for Wichita’s Littlest Heroes.

(3) PASCHAL BANQUET: For this year’s Paschal Banquet, the parish will be providing fried chicken tenders. We ask all our parishioners to bring a side dish and/or dessert to share with others. As always, people are also welcome to bring their own basket of some of their favorite goodies.

(4) FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE: One of the most important aspects of our annual Mediterranean Festival is our Marketplace. While we do sell many items that are authentically “Mediterranean,” we also make rooms for lots of other baked goods/goodies that are not. As these items are donated by our parishioners, the sales from the Marketplace are pure profit to the church. We appreciate all contributions!

(5) SUMMER GARAGE SALE: The St. Mary 90th Anniversary Team will be holding a garage sale this summer to raise funds for our $25,000 goal for Wichita’s Littlest Heroes. We welcome your items for our sale! Please bring items to the church during Curt’s hours of M-F, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Curt knows where the items should be stored. Please do NOT bring items and leave them in the hall! Please, NO CLOTHING and NO LARGE FURNITURE PIECES. If you have questions, please contact Laura Stanley or Tracy Namee. Thank you!

(6) PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE: The Parish Life Conference this year is in Wichita (hosted by St George Cathedral). You can learn more about it and register here: https://www.antiochianevents.com/wichita. The dates are June 15 – 18 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

(7) 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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(8) 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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (March 28 – April 4)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: March 28 – April 4, 2022
This Week: We observe the Lenten fast on all days of the week; wine/oil allowed on Sat/Sun.      

  • Mon, Mar 28 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline
  • Mon, Mar 28 at 7:00 pm – Discussion about the film “Man of God” (added to the calendar)
  • Wed, Mar 30 at 6:00 pm – Pre-Sanctified Liturgy w/Meal Following
  • Fri, Apr 1 at 6:00 pm – Akathist
  • Sat, Apr 2 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Apr 2 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Apr 3 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Apr 3 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Apr 3 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Mon, Apr 4 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline

Other Notes

(1) “MAN OF GOD” FILM DISCUSSION: At the request of several people who attended the “Man of God” film on March 21, we will host an informal discussion about the film on Monday, March 28, at 7:00 pm, following the Great Compline service. All are welcome to attend. Lenten food/beverages may be brought as well.

Lazarus Saturday Flyer

(2) LAZARUS SATURDAY AT THE CHANCERY: All parishioners, and most especially those with young children, are invited and encouraged to attend the annual “Children’s Day at the Chancery” on Lazarus Saturday, April 16. Details, including requested donations for The Treehouse.

Lazarus Saturday Flyer

(3) CHRIST THE SAVIOR ACADEMY TEACHER OPENINGS: Christ the Savior Academy is currently seeking elementary and middle school teachers for the 2022-23 school year. Please contact the school at (316)201-4810 for more information or visit their website https://csawichita.org for an application.

(4) FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE: One of the most important aspects of our annual Mediterranean Festival is our Marketplace. While we do sell many items that are authentically “Mediterranean,” we also make rooms for lots of other baked goods/goodies that are not. As these items are donated by our parishioners, the sales from the Marketplace are pure profit to the church. Please see the linked flyer below announcing details about how you can help with the Marketplace in advance of the festival itself. We appreciate all contributions!

(5) SUMMER GARAGE SALE: The St. Mary 90th Anniversary Team will be holding a garage sale this summer to raise funds for our $25,000 goal for Wichita’s Littlest Heroes. We welcome your items for our sale! Please bring items to the church during Curt’s hours of M-F, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Curt knows where the items should be stored. Please do NOT bring items and leave them in the hall! Please, NO CLOTHING and NO LARGE FURNITURE PIECES. If you have questions, please contact Laura Stanley or Tracy Namee. Thank you!

(6) CSR SCHOLARSHIPS & TRANSPORTATION: Each year, The Order of St Ignatius generously provides $700/parish of scholarships for children to attend an Archdiocesan-affiliated camp. In our case, for most children, the camp they attend is Camp St Raphael (CSR). If your child(ren) is planning to attend CSR this year and you would like to be considered for a scholarship and/or you would like to be included in transportation planning to get the kids to and from camp, please contact me by e-mail no later than Sunday, March 27, so we can submit the scholarship form and begin coordinating travel.

(7) PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE: The Parish Life Conference this year is in Wichita (hosted by St George Cathedral). You can learn more about it and register here: https://www.antiochianevents.com/wichita. The dates are June 15 – 18 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

(8) 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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(9) 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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (March 21 – 28)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Please find the February 2022 Parish Council Meeting Minutes here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or PC Chair, TC Wallace (tcswede75@gmail.com).

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: March 21 – 28, 2022
This Week: We observe the Lenten fast on all days of the week; fish, wine/oil allowed on Friday EVENING after Liturgy; wine/oil allowed on Sat/Sun.      

  • Mon, Mar 21 at 5:00 pm – Great Compline (NOTE TIME CHANGE DUE TO FILM)
  • Mon, Mar 21 at 7:00 pm – “Man of God” Film @ Regal Warrant Theater West
  • Wed, Mar 23 at 6:00 pm – 9th Hour & Typika
  • Wed, Mar 23 at 6:20 pm – Pre-Sanctified Liturgy w/Meal Following (hosting St George)
  • FRI, MAR 25 – SAT, MAR 26: LENTEN RETREAT LEARN MORE>
  • Fri, Mar 25 at 4:30 pm – Vesperal Liturgy ~ Annunciation
  • Fri, Mar 25 at 5:45 pm – Meal
  • Fri, Mar 25 at 6:30 pm – Retreat Session 1 (The Desert Fathers)
  • Sat, Mar 26 at 9:30 am – Morning Prayers
  • Sat, Mar 26 at 10:00 am – Breakfast
  • Sat, Mar 26 at 10:30 am – Session 2 (What Can Orthodox & Evangelicals Learn From Each Other?)
  • Sat, Mar 26 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Mar 26 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Mar 27 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Mar 27 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Mar 27 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Mon, Mar 28 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline

Other Notes

(1) “MAN OF GOD” FILM & GREAT COMPLINE: On Monday, March 21, Great Compline is served at 5:00 pm. Those who have reserved tickets through the church will then meet at Regal Warren West around 6:30 pm for the “Man of God” film. Please note that based on the way we had to order tickets, we will need to enter together in groups of 10 people at a time. Consequently, it is important that everyone arrive before the 7:00 pm film start time so we can all enter and be seated for the beginning of the film.

(2) HOSTING ST GEORGE: We is hosting a joint Pre-Sanctified service and Potluck Dinner this Wednesday, March 23rd. We ask that you bring double or triple the amount that you would typically bring. If you have any questions about providing food, please ask any of The Belles.

(3) FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE: One of the most important aspects of our annual Mediterranean Festival is our Marketplace. While we do sell many items that are authentically “Mediterranean,” we also make rooms for lots of other baked goods/goodies that are not. As these items are donated by our parishioners, the sales from the Marketplace are pure profit to the church. Please see the linked flyer announcing details about how you can help with the Marketplace in advance of the festival itself. We appreciate all contributions!

(4) SUMMER GARAGE SALE: The St. Mary 90th Anniversary Team is holding a garage sale this summer to raise funds for our $25,000 goal for Wichita’s Littlest Heroes. We welcome your items for our sale! Please bring items to the church during Curt’s hours of M-F, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Curt knows where the items should be stored. Please do NOT bring items and leave them in the hall! Please, NO CLOTHING and NO LARGE FURNITURE PIECES. If you have questions, please contact Laura Stanley or Tracy Namee. Thank you!

(5) CSR SCHOLARSHIPS & TRANSPORTATION: Each year, The Order of St Ignatius generously provides $700/parish of scholarships for children to attend an Archdiocesan-affiliated camp. In our case, for most children, the camp they attend is Camp St Raphael (CSR). If your child(ren) is planning to attend CSR this year and you would like to be considered for a scholarship and/or you would like to be included in transportation planning to get the kids to and from camp, please contact me by e-mail no later than Sunday, March 27, so we can submit the scholarship form and begin coordinating travel.

(6) PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE: The Parish Life Conference this year is in Wichita (hosted by St George Cathedral). You can learn more about it and register here: https://www.antiochianevents.com/wichita. The dates are June 15 – 18 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

(7) 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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(8) 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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (March 13 – 21)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: March 13 – 21, 2022

This Week: We observe the Lenten fast on all days of the week; wine/oil allowed on Sat/Sun.      

  • Sun, Mar 13 at 5:00 pm – Small Group Meeting
  • Mon, Mar 14 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline
  • Wed, Mar 16 at 6:00 pm – Pre-Sanctified w/Lenten Potluck Meal Following
  • Thurs, Mar 17 at 5:30 pm – Parish Council Meeting
  • Fri, Mar 18 at 6:00 pm – Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God
  • Sat, Mar 19 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Mar 19 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Mar 20 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Mar 20 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Mar 20 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Mar 20 at 10:30 am – Catechism Class
  • Mon, Mar 21 at 5:00 pm – Great Compline (NOTE TIME CHANGE DUE TO FILM)
  • Mon, Mar 21 at 7:00 pm – “Man of God” Film @ Regal Warrant Theater West

Other Notes

(1) THE ENCOUNTER APP: Faithtree Resources recently released an app called “The Encounter” to help us build a healthy habit of daily prayers. In addition, the free app has music available and a place to submit prayer requests. If you would like to check out this app, you can download it from the Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.faithtree&hl=en_US&gl=US) or from Apple’s App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-encounter/id1596789782).

(2) PRE-SANCTIFIED POTLUCKS: We are thankful to have many new members, catechumens, and inquirers at our parish. We invite all of them and all our parishioners to not only attend the Pre-Sanctified services throughout Lent (as well as the many other services), but to also stay after Pre-Sanctified for our community potluck meal. Please note all items provided for the potluck should be in keeping with the Lenten fast (no meat/dairy). Parishioners may use the refrigerators/freezers for any items that need it during the service and can set out those items following the Pre-Sanctified dismissal.

(3) LUNCH WITH FLOYD AND ANCUTA FRANTZ: Please join Floyd and Ancuta Frantz, our OCMC Missionaries to Romania, at St. George on Sunday, March 20, following coffee hour! Email sallybuxtonwks@gmail.com by March 17 if you’d like to join us for a lunch buffet and a PowerPoint update.

(4) LENTEN RETREAT: We are excited for Dr. Brad Nassif, a son of our parish, now a professor in the Chicago area, to be our featured speaker. Please see the flyer for more details and be sure to share this information with your family and friends.

(5) CSR SCHOLARSHIPS & TRANSPORTATION: Each year, The Order of St Ignatius generously provides $700/parish of scholarships for children to attend an Archdiocesan-affiliated camp. In our case, for most children, the camp they attend is Camp St Raphael (CSR). If your child(ren) is planning to attend CSR this year and you would like to be considered for a scholarship and/or you would like to be included in transportation planning to get the kids to and from camp, please contact me by e-mail no later than Sunday, March 27, so we can submit the scholarship form and begin coordinating travel.

(6) PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE: The Parish Life Conference this year is in Wichita (hosted by St George Cathedral). You can learn more about it and register here: https://www.antiochianevents.com/wichita. The dates are June 15 – 18 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

(7) 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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(8) 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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (March 6 – 14)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: March 6 – 14, 2022

This Week: We abstain from meat on all days of the week; fish, eggs, cheese, etc., allowed on all days of the week, including Wed/Fri.
Sun, Mar 6 at 4:00 pm – Forgiveness Vespers & Vittles @ Braum’s
Mon, Mar 7 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline w/Great Canon of Repentance
Tues, Mar 8 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline w/Great Canon of Repentance
Wed, Mar 9 at 6:00 pm – Pre-Sanctified w/Lenten Potluck Meal Following
Thurs, Mar 10 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline w/Great Canon of Repentance
Fri, Mar 11 at 6:00 pm – Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God
Sat, Mar 12 at 4:30 pm – Confession
Sat, Mar 12 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
Sun, Mar 13 at 9:00 am – Matins
Sun, Mar 13 – NO CHURCH SCHOOL (SPRING BREAK)
Sun, Mar 13 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy w/Procession of Icons (see note below)
Sun, Mar 13 at 5:00 pm – Small Group Meeting
Mon, Mar 14 at 6:00 pm – Great Compline

Other Notes

(1) THE ENCOUNTER APP: Faithtree Resources recently released an app called “The Encounter” to help us build a healthy habit of daily prayers. In addition, the free app has music available and a place to submit prayer requests. If you would like to check out this app, you can download it from the Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.faithtree&hl=en_US&gl=US) or from Apple’s App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-encounter/id1596789782).

(2) PRE-SANCTIFIED POTLUCKS: We are thankful to have many new members, catechumens, and inquirers at our parish. We invite all of them and all our parishioners to not only attend the Pre-Sanctified services throughout Lent (as well as the many other services), but to also stay after Pre-Sanctified for our community potluck meal. Please note all items provided for the potluck should be in keeping with the Lenten fast (no meat/dairy). Parishioners may use the refrigerators/freezers for any items that need it during the service and can set out those items following the Pre-Sanctified dismissal.

(3) SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY PROCESSION: Next Sunday, March 13, we celebrate the “Triumph of Orthodoxy” (also known as the Sunday of Orthodoxy) and the restoration of icons after they had been destroyed in the churches during the 8th century. In celebration of this restoration, we ask that you and your children bring with you to liturgy an icon of your patron saint and/or your favorite icon to be carried in a procession at the end of the service.

(4) LENTEN RETREAT: We are excited for Dr. Brad Nassif, a son of our parish, now a professor in the Chicago area, to be our featured speaker. Please see the flyer for more details and be sure to share this information with your family and friends.

(5) PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE: The Parish Life Conference this year is in Wichita (hosted by St George Cathedral). You can learn more about it and register here: https://www.antiochianevents.com/wichita. The dates are June 15 – 18 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

(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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (February 20 – 27)

/in /by

Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: February 20 – February 27, 2022
This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.     

  • Sun, Feb 20 at 5:00 pm – Small Group Meeting
  • Sat, Feb 26 at 8:00 am – Belles Making Holy Bread
  • Sat, Feb 26 at 9:00 am – Divine Liturgy ~ Saturday of Souls
  • Sat, Feb 26 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Feb 26 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Feb 27 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Feb 27 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Feb 27 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Feb 27 at 11:30 am – Belles Meatfare Luncheon (see link below)

Other Notes

(1) “MAN OF GOD” FILM: “Man of God,” a film about the life of St Nektarios, is showing at Regal Warren Theatre West (9150 W 21st St N, Wichita, KS 67205) on Monday, March 21, at 7:00 pm. If you would like to purchase a ticket for $13.44/person and attend with our parish, please RSVP to Fr Aaron (stmarywichita@cox.net) by Sunday, February 27. As of now, this is the only date and time for a showing in Wichita. You can view the video trailer and learn more about the movie here: https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/1146.

(2) SCHOLARSHIP FOR SENIORS IN DOWAMA: Linked below is the applications for the two 2022 DOWAMA High School Senior Scholarships (one for $2,000.00 and another for $1,000.00). Note that the postmark deadline for all applications is May 4, 2022. Scholarship recipients will be announced during our 2022 Parish Life Conference to be hosted by St George Cathedral/Wichita, KS from June 15-18. Sincere thanks to Jim Cohlmia and to Fr Constantine & Kh Sharon Nasr and the Nasr Orthodox Foundation which generously offer these annual scholarships through our Diocese.

(3) PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE: The Parish Life Conference this year is in Wichita (hosted by St George Cathedral). You can learn more about it and register here: https://www.antiochianevents.com/wichita. The dates are June 15 – 18 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

(4) SATURDAY OF SOULS: On Saturday, March 26, we will celebrate the “Saturday of Souls” Divine Liturgy. At this liturgy we ask God to remember and have mercy on all of the departed since the beginning of time. We also will pray specifically for any departed loved ones whom you wish to remember. If you would like for your departed loved ones to be mentioned in prayer by name, please send their names to office@stmarywichita.org, bring a list of names to the parish office, or give us your names by phone no later than 5:00 pm on Tuesday, February 22.

(5) LENTEN RETREAT: We are excited for Dr. Brad Nassif, a son of our parish, now a professor in the Chicago area, to be our featured speaker. Please see the flyer for more details and be sure to share this information with your family and friends.

(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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(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

Looking Ahead at St Mary (February 7 – 13)

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Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: February 6 – February 13, 2022

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.     

Mon, Feb 7 at 6:30 pm – Belles Meeting @ St Mary

Tues, Feb 8 – Fri, Feb 11: DOWAMA Clergy Brotherhood Retreat

Wed, Feb 9 – NO BIBLE STUDY

Sat, Feb 12 at 4:30 pm – Confession

Sat, Feb 12 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers

Sun, Feb 13 at 9:00 am – Matins

Sun, Feb 13 at 9:00 am – Church School

Sun, Feb 13 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sun, Feb 13 at 11:30 am – Teen SOYO Bake Sale for 90th Anniversary Fund

Other Notes

(1) VIRTUAL SACRED MUSIC NOTE HERE: With the blessing of Metropolitan Joseph, the Department of Sacred Music has made the prayerful decision that the 2022 Winter Sacred Music Institute will embrace a virtual platform this February. The theme is engaging, the speakers and teachers exceptional, and you can participate from the comfort of your home or with fellow singers from your parish. We won’t be able to offer you Mid-America hospitality or fabulous food until next year. The pricing structure has been adjusted to offer the former group rate savings to everyone, $25/person! Sessions will be held on Zoom Thursday and Friday evenings and all-day Saturday, February 17-19, 2022. Further details and registration can be found here: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/1127?fbclid=IwAR3veXTmrefqLxKfENSOQqMmucAtrKB–QcqvAuf8Yo2ALuXSvUkLvJIWLQ. If anyone from our parish is interested in attending this virtual event, please contact Megan Taylor Gilstrap (megan.taylor.gilstrap@gmail.com).

(2) CLERGY BROTHERHOOD RETREAT: Dn James and I plan to attend our diocesan clergy retreat February 8 – 11. I will be out of the office during that time. However, since the retreat location is Park City, I will be nearby, so please feel free to contact me in case of any pastoral emergency.

(3) TEEN BAKE SALE: Our teens have generously agreed to host a bake sale on Sunday, February 13, with all funds to go towards our 90th Anniversary Fund with Wichita’s Littlest Heroes.

(4) 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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(5) 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

 

Looking Ahead at St Mary (January 31 – Feb 7)

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Beloved in Christ,

Below you will find this week’s schedule, as well as some important notes about upcoming events.

THIS WEEK: January 31 – February 7, 2022

This Week: Regular Wed/Fri fasting.     

  • Tues, Feb 1 at 5:30 pm – Festal Matins ~ The Meeting of the Lord
  • Tues, Feb 1 at 6:30 pm – Divine Liturgy ~ The Meeting of the Lord
  • Wed, Feb 2 – NO BIBLE STUDY
  • Sat, Feb 5 – Scroll Deadline
  • Sat, Feb 5 at 8:00 am – MF Prep: Grape Leaves
  • Sat, Feb 5 at 4:30 pm – Confession
  • Sat, Feb 5 at 5:00 pm – Great Vespers
  • Sun, Feb 6 at 9:00 am – Matins
  • Sun, Feb 6 at 9:00 am – Church School
  • Sun, Feb 6 at 10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
  • Sun, Feb 6 NO Open House (plan to re-schedule after Pascha)
  • Mon, Feb 7 at 6:30 pm – Belles Meeting @ St Mary

Other Notes

(1) HOUSE BLESSINGS: If you would like a house blessing this year, please contact me via e-mail (preferred) or sign up on our sign up sheet available in the foyer.

(2) MED FEST PARISH WORK DAYS: Work days for our annual fundraiser continue in early February. We are preparing more food than we have done in several years. Please come and help as much as you can. Enjoy some fellowship and help make this fundraiser our best yet!

(3) OPEN HOUSE: Due to both the current situation in our city with Covid and the 40-Day Memorial for Shirley Ellis, Kh Gwen and I decided it is prudent to postpone our Open House that had been planned for February 6. We will plan to host sometime after Pascha.

(4) VIRTUAL SACRED MUSIC NOTE HERE: With the blessing of Metropolitan Joseph, the Department of Sacred Music has made the prayerful decision that the 2022 Winter Sacred Music Institute will embrace a virtual platform this February. The theme is engaging, the speakers and teachers exceptional, and you can participate from the comfort of your home or with fellow singers from your parish. We won’t be able to offer you Mid-America hospitality or fabulous food until next year. The pricing structure has been adjusted to offer the former group rate savings to everyone, $25/person! Sessions will be held on Zoom Thursday and Friday evenings and all-day Saturday, February 17-19, 2022. Further details and registration can be found here: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/1127?fbclid=IwAR3veXTmrefqLxKfENSOQqMmucAtrKB–QcqvAuf8Yo2ALuXSvUkLvJIWLQ. If anyone from our parish is interested in attending this virtual event, please contact Megan Taylor Gilstrap (megan.taylor.gilstrap@gmail.com).

(5) 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: https://tmts.transistor.fm/.

(6) 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