Theology Class: “Redeeming the Past: Healing Memories of Individuals, Communities, and Nations”
Dear Friends in Christ,
This Sunday, October 20th at 10:00 a.m., we will welcome a special guest, The Rev. Michael Lapsley SSM. Fr. Lapsley is a South African Anglican priest and the founder of the Institute for Healing of Memories (IHOM).
Fr. Lapsley’s class is entitled “Redeeming the Past: Healing Memories of Individuals, Communities, and Nations.” After discussing his story and the founding of IHOM, he will lead a conversation about how the healing of memories and old wounds might resonate with all those present.
Fr. Lapsley, who lost both hands and an eye in a letter bomb attack in Zimbabwe in 1990, is known internationally for his work that brings together people from different racial, religious, and social backgrounds. In June, Fr. Lapsley met with Pope Francis to discuss the healing of memories.
Fr. Lapsley will also be the guest preacher at Choral Evensong on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. After that service, there will be a light reception in Andrew Hall at 5:30 p.m. where you can greet Fr. Lapsley and learn more about his ministry.
I hope that many of you will plan to attend the class on Sunday morning. We will meet on the fifth floor of the parish house. As always, if you have any questions about our theology program, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Blessings,
Fr. Cheng
Theologian in Residence
St. John Henry Newman
On this past Sunday, October 13th, the Rector preached about John Henry Newman, the former Church of England priest who was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church on that day.
Newman was one of the founders of the 19th century Oxford Movement, which ushered in the catholic revival in the Church of England. His feast day is recognized by the Episcopal Church on February 21st in Holy Women, Holy Men.
Here is a link to an essay written by Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, entitled “John Henry Newman: The Harmony of Difference.” In that essay, Prince Charles notes how Newman’s image of divine harmony can bridge our differences and help us find a “common home” despite our theological divisions.
Episcopal Religious Orders: The Society of St. Margaret
Did you know that there are religious orders in the Episcopal Church? On Sunday, October 27th at 10:00 a.m., our seminarian, Sister Marie Atelon SSM, will give a presentation about her order, the Society of St. Margaret.
Founded in 1855 in England as a nursing order to care for the sick and the poor, the Society of St. Margaret has houses today in Massachusetts, New York, and Haiti.
Sr. Promise has been a member of her order for 26 years, and she is currently a third-year seminarian at General Theological Seminary. Please mark this date on your calendar, and come learn about Sr. Promise and her order!
Friday Bible Study
All are welcome to join the parish’s ongoing Friday Bible Study. The class runs for an hour in the parish house living room following the 12:10 pm Mass.
Under Fr. Ryan Bennett’s guidance, the class is studying the Gospel According to John, including an in-depth exploration of the text as a group. For more information about the Friday Bible Study, please contact Fr. Bennett at [email protected].
