Category: From Father Rick

Messages from Father Rick Gregory

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Holy Week Collects and Daily Readings

Holy Week Collects, Epistles and Gospels appointed for each day may be found below. Online versions of the readings are available courtesy of Episcopalnet.

▪️March 29, Palm Sunday

Collect
(This Collect is to be said everyday, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Good Friday.)
Almighty and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Epistle: Philippians 2:5–11
Gospel: Matthew 27:1–54 (The Passion)
Online Propers for the Day

▪️March 30, Monday in Holy Week

Book of Common Prayer, pages 138-144

Collect
ALMIGHTY God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified; Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Epistle: Isaiah 63:1–19
Gospel: Mark 14:1–72
Online Propers for the Day

▪️March 31, Tuesday in Holy Week

Book of Common Prayer, pages 144-147

Collect
O LORD God, whose blessed Son, our Saviour, gave his back to the smiters and hid not his face from shame; Grant us grace to take joyfully the sufferings of the present time, in full assurance of the glory that shall be revealed; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Epistle: Isaiah 50:5-11
Gospel: Mark 15:1-39
Online Propers for the Day

▪️April 1, Wednesday in Holy Week

Book of Common Prayer, pages 147-152

Collect
Assist us mercifully with thy help, O Lord God of our salvation; that we may enter with joy upon the meditation of those mighty acts, whereby thou hast given unto us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Epistle: Hebrews 9:16-28
Gospel: Luke 22:1–71
Online Propers for the Day

▪️April 2, Maundy Thursday

Book of Common Prayer, pages 152-156

Collect
ALMIGHTY Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, did institute the Sacrament of his Body and Blood; Mercifully grant that we may thankfully receive the same in remembrance of him, who in these holy mysteries giveth us a pledge of life eternal; the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

Epistle: I Corinthians 11:23–26
Gospel: Luke 23:1-49 or John 13:1-15
Online Propers for the Day

▪️April 3, Good Friday

Book of Common Prayer, pages. 156-161

Collects
ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee graciously to behold
this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was
contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of
wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now
liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one
God, world without end. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified; Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for all estates of men in thy holy Church, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

O MERCIFUL God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor desirest the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; Have mercy upon all who know thee not as thou art revealed in the Gospel of thy Son. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy fold, that they may be made one flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Epistle: Hebrews 10:1-25
Gospel: John 19:1-37
Online Propers for the Day

▪️04 April, Holy Saturday/Easter Even

Book of Common Prayer, pages 161-162

Collect
GRANT, O Lord, that as we are baptized into the death of thy blessed Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, so by continual mortifying our corrupt affections we may be buried with him; and that through the grave, and gate of death, we may pass to our joyful resurrection; for his merits, who died, and was buried, and rose again for us, the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Epistle: 1 Peter 3:17–22
Gospel: Matthew 27:57–66
Online Propers for the Day

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Share Your Gifts

St. Paul describes church members as diverse, but interconnected parts of one “Body of Christ,” emphasizing unity in diversity, where each individual with unique spiritual gifts (like apostles, prophets, teachers, healers) is essential for the church to function, serve, and grow, stressing mutual care, honor, and interdependence, not division.

Key passages are I Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4, showing members must work together, valuing the “weaker” parts, to achieve God’s purpose. Attending the Liturgy on Sunday mornings is just the beginning. Try the check list below to see what opportunities are available for your gifts:

  • Make a generous pledge
  • Altar Guild service for women and older girls
  • Men and women for Old Testament lesson lectors
  • Provide food for Sunday lunches
  • Men and older boys to serve as altar servers and train to become licensed Lay Readers
  • Sunday School teachers and helpers
  • Donate or bring flower arrangements for Sunday Liturgies
  • Help keep our parish webpage up to date
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Should Anglican Families Celebrate Halloween?

Do you wonder if allowing your children to go trick-or-treating is a good idea? Here are some thoughts borrowed from a Catholic parish:

”In the Catholic perspective, Halloween, or All Hallows’ Eve, is the vigil preceding the solemn feast of All Saints’ Day (November 1st) and is the beginning of the three-day Hallowtide, which also includes All Souls’ Day (November 2nd). It serves as a time to reflect on life, death, and the Communion of Saints, reminding the faithful of mortality, the reality of heaven, hell, and the need to pray for the souls of the departed.

While modern celebrations can focus on secular themes, the Catholic approach encourages a deeper understanding of faith, emphasizing Christ’s triumph over darkness and offering an opportunity to “baptize” the holiday with holy meaning.

So, use your jack-o-lanterns and costumes to make fun of the devil and all his antics. We have already overcome darkness and death through Our Lord Jesus Christ.”

~Author Unknown

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September 2025 Shepherd’s Staff

The Shepherd’s Staff, our provincial newsletter, is full of photos and inspiration from APCK churches around the Province. Read the Shepherd’s Staff newsletter here.

Highlights in this edition include:

  • Fr. McGrath receives the late Fr. Ponec’s Green Chasuable.
  • Fall Seminary classes at St. Joseph of Arimathea
  • Be sure to read the wonderful sermon by Bishop Ashman
  • An article about St. Bart’s new Baptismal Font
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Regina Coeli

The Regina Coeli is the ancient hymn of Easter joy dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, sung from Easter Sunday through Pentecost. Taking the place of the Angelic Salutation during this season, the prayer calls on the faithful to rejoice with Mary over Christ’s Resurrection.

With its brief jubilant lines, the Regina Coeli captures the spirit of Easter: victory over death and the hope of eternal life. The antiphon simply and beautifully proclaims the fulfillment of Christ’s promise and invites Mary to pray for the Church as her risen Son reigns in glory.

Regina Coeli
Joy to thee, O Queen of Heaven, Alleluia.
He whom thou was meet to bare, Alleluia.
As He promised, hath arisen, Alleluia.
Pour for us to Him thy prayer, Alleluia.

Latin:
Regina caeli, laetare, Alleluia;
Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia,
Resurrexit, sicut dixit, Alleluia:
Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia.

O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Peter’s Square on April 27, 2025
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The Easter Sermon of St. John Chrysostom

Let those who are devout and who truly love God, take part with joy in this beautiful and glorious feast.  
Let those who are faithful servants enter rejoicing into the joy of their Lord. 
Let those who have labored with fasting now receive their reward. 
Let those who have worked from the first hour receive today what they are owed. 
Let those who came after the third hour keep the feast with thankfulness. 
Let those who arrived at the sixth hour be also confident; 
they too will not be deprived. 
Let those who have delayed until the ninth hour advance, with no fear. 
Let those who have delayed until the eleventh hour be not afraid for their tardiness; 
for the Lord is gracious, and will accept the last even as the first. 

He gives rest to those who came at the eleventh hour, as well as to those who worked from the first hour.  
He is merciful to those who come late, and he cares for those who came at the beginning. 
He gives to the one; 
and he gives to the other also. 
He rewards the work which is done, and he recognizes the incomplete attempt. 
He honors the act and He praises the intention.

And so let all enter into the joy of our Lord.  
Let the first and the second receive their reward.  
Let rich and poor rejoice together.  
Rejoice today, those who have fasted and those who have not.  
The table is full-laden; 
let all feast richly.  
The calf is fatted; 
let no one leave hungry.  
Let all enjoy the feast of faith; 
let all receive the riches of mercy. 
Let none complain of poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed.

Let none grieve for their sins; 
for forgiveness has dawned from the tomb. 
Let none fear death; 
for the death of the Savior has freed us. 
He has destroyed death by enduring it.  
By descending into hell, He has plundered it.  
He embittered it when it tasted of His flesh.  

Isaiah prophesied this and said: Hades has been embittered by meeting Him below.
It was embittered, for it was abolished.  
It was embittered, for it was mocked.  
It was embittered, for it was slain. 
It was embittered, for it was annihilated.  
It was embittered, for it was then enchained.  
It took a body and discovered God.  
It took earth and encountered heaven.  
It took what it saw and was conquered by what it saw not.

O death, where is thy sting?  
O hell, where is thy victory?
Christ is risen, and you are made nothing. 
Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. 
Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice.  
Christ is risen, and life reigns.
Christ is risen, and none are left dead in the tomb. 
For Christ, being risen from the dead, has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.  
To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages.