Dear Friends,
The boys have returned to the Choir School and have begun their daily choir practice with Dr. Filsell. It is a real joy to know that we will welcome them back on Sunday when we will keep our Patronal Feast.
The frieze on the Reredos of Saint Thomas above the High Altar is most beautifully carved, and the clergy have the privilege of looking at it regularly during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The frieze depicts John 20:19-29 and the exclamation of Thomas on seeing the Lord’s wounded side, “My Lord and my God!” There is a very old tradition in the Church that when the priest elevates the host and the chalice at mass, he or she says quietly those very same words, “My Lord and my God.” Isn’t it wonderful that we can recognize the Risen and Ascended Lord through his Eucharistic Presence and, like Thomas, turn from doubting to believing? Jesus responded to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” And, my friends, Jesus is talking about you and me! That stone frieze is a prophetic reminder that we are called into a living relationship with the Lord.
I look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday as we welcome back the full choir and our new Head of School, Christopher Seeley.
You will have received an email last evening about the Vestry’s decision to require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 when attending our worship, concerts, or meetings. The Standing Committee of the Vestry has thought long and hard about this and worked closely with the Head of School and Senior Staff. We need to be consistent across the whole institution, and this policy will remain in force for the duration of the pandemic or until we are advised otherwise.
It may be that some of you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons but, just as we advised people early in the pandemic, if you are in a group that is at risk you should refrain from attending church until the pandemic is over. The clergy are now visiting the frail elderly and those who are sick in the homes again; we have all been fully vaccinated and we will continue to take every precaution including the use of masks, physical distancing, and hand sanitizing. Please reach out to us if you need us or wish to chat on the telephone. We have begun, again, taking Holy Communion to the housebound and those in hospital.
We have an ‘on-call’ telephone number that you can use if you need a priest urgently. When you call this number, it will go to a dedicated mailbox where you can leave a message. The phone is checked regularly during the day and a priest or our pastoral care coordinator will call you back, so please do leave a telephone number for us.
Finally, Saturday is the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and Saint Thomas Church will act as an overflow for the FDNY memorial service to be held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Our Presiding Bishop has written a short pastoral statement for the commemoration of 9/11.
I look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday,
Affectionately,
Your Priest and Pastor,
Carl
