Episcopal Diocese of Albany - Priests and Deacons Update

Business Office: 68 South Swan Street - Albany, NY 12210 - (518) 465-4737
Christ the King Spiritual Life Center: 575 Burton Road - Greenwich, NY 12834 - (518) 692-9550

Maundy Thursday
April 13th, 2006

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Mass of the Chrism this year in each of its 3 locations drew the largest attendance in the nine years we have been celebrating this beautiful liturgy across the diocese. Monday evening over 140 remained after the Liturgy for a lovely dinner provided by the bishops and served by the Cathedral Chapter. Tuesday evening St James, Oneonta had the largest Chrism Mass attendance ever. And Wednesday the 70 degree weather permitted groups to eat on the deck at St Thomas in Tupper Lake as the largest group ever filled the church. Bishop Dave, Bp-elect Bill and I were able to take part in all three Masses. Thank you to Dean Vang, Father Ken Hunter and Fr Bill Cooper and all the disciples who made it possible. Thanks additionally to Fr Bill Cooper for coming to each location to offer the sacrament of Reconciliation for the clergy and spouses.

I can report that they were the most joyful, fraternal, and up-building ever. The prayerfulness, the devotion, the worship was palpable. The priests and deacons of this diocese are a gift from Christ Himself. Add to this the deep devotion of their spouses, and the clergy widows who joined us this year, we have a beautiful assembly of the committed servants of Jesus in the church.

Last night, Spy Wednesday, Carol and I joined twenty others for our first service of Tenebrae at Christ the King, led by the Sisters of Saint Mary. Several members of the Confirmation class of St. Paul's, Greenwich read the lessons.

Maundy Thursday, tonight, I will celebrate the Liturgy of the Lord's Supper, with the Foot-washing rite, at 7pm at Christ the King. The Blessed Sacrament will be reserved for the Watch at the Altar of Repose until midnight (in the rear of the Great Hall).

Bishop Dave is celebrating at Norwood.

Good Friday we have a Meditation Series on the Seven Last Words beginning at 4:00 pm in the main Chapel. The Words and the speakers are listed below. Each reflection will last for about five minutes. Prayer and a hymn will be interspersed

"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34 Archdeacon Harvey Huth
"Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:42-3 Deacon Laurie Garramone-Rohr
"Woman, behold your Son; Son, behold your mother." John 19:26-7 Mother Miriam
"My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Matt. 27:46 Father Bob Haskell
"I thirst." John 19:28 Sister Mary Elizabeth
"It is finished." John 19:30 Bishop Dan
"Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit." Luke 23:46 Father Nigel Mumford

The Good Friday Liturgy of the Lord's Passion and Death begins with Stations of the Cross at 7:00 pm starting at the Welcome Center. Bishop Dave will be preaching at the St Lawrence Deanery joint Liturgy at Trinity, Potsdam.

Easter Day the Liturgy at Christ the King begins at 5:30 a.m. with the Great Vigil, Baptisms and the Paschal Eucharist. (The New Fire will be lit on the helicopter pad.) Breakfast follows. All disciples are invited. For breakfast reservations telephone 518-692-9550.

A blessed, happy and holy Eastertide to everyone who shares the faith of Jesus; may your homes be citadels of hope and peace and joy.

I encourage all of the clergy to take Easter Monday off, except where Easter home communions are already pre-scheduled.

LORD JESUS, you left us in the Eucharist the memorial of your Passion, Death and Resurrection which we are to celebrate until you come again: Strengthen your faithful people as we are nourished by your Body and Blood in these Mysteries of our redemption. Fill us with such confidence in your resurrection victory that we may freely and fruitfully share our faith with those who long for hope. Amen.

In the redeeming and risen Lord,
+ Dan

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