From the Rector:

As is obvious from our Ordo Kalendar, we have now entered the longest season of the Church year, also known as Trinitytide. We do so having completed a very busy series of liturgical events beginning with the celebration of the Incarnation of Our Lord at Christmas, followed closely and quickly by Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost. Additionally, St. James recently hosted the 50^th annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. These events culminated with the celebrations of Trinity Sunday and Corpus Christi. In light of this, it might be understandable for us to believe that it is now time to relax and settle into a more “normal” routine at Church.

I know that since Fr. Crume’s passing, many of you have wondered when things would “return to normal” at St. James; and as I promised in my previous letter, in the coming months there will be a few signs that this process is finally taking place. Beginning in July, the 8:00 a.m. Mass will be reinstituted on the 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of every month. We will continue the practice of celebrating Mass on every Holy Day of obligation, as well as on other High Holy days. And there will be a Rosary and Requiem Mass celebrated one Saturday of each month for the Guild of All Souls (though all are welcome attend).

It goes without saying that all will be done in accordance with the high Anglo-Catholic tradition that has been established at St. James by such outstanding priests as Canon Vivian A. Peterson, The Venerable Frank C. Irvin and, most recently, by Fr. Crume. But even as our liturgical practices return to what we have come to know and love over the years, still we must recall the purpose and meaning behind these practices; the worship and wonder of the Triune God.

The Roman calendar refers to this season as “ordinary time”, but I am glad that our Anglican Catholic Kalendar has held to the traditional title of Trinitytide; because there is nothing “ordinary” about the Mystery of the Holy Trinity. This doctrine – One God; in Trinity of Persons, and in Unity of Substance – is what separates Christianity from all other religions. From this doctrine flows all that is unique about our Faith.

The season of Trinitytide provides us with the opportunity to truly contemplate and discern the Mystery of the Triune God. During this time, we will recall some of those who have given their lives in the profession and defense of this Faith; St. Peter, St. Matthew, our own Patron, St. James, and, of course, the Blessed Virgin with the celebration of her Assumption into Heaven. It is through the aid of the witness of these Saints that we have come to realize the Triune Mystery, and we can gain understanding only by following their example and sacrifice.

This is why it is so important for us to maintain our own witness to the Catholic Faith, even when we think that we have finally reached a point where things are “returning to normal”. This is why it is so important that we not give in to the temptation to stay away from the Church because it is just “ordinary time”. This is why it is more important than ever that we rededicate ourselves to reading, learning, contemplating, and witnessing the Gospel. We cannot afford to think of Trinitytide as being “ordinary time”, because there is nothing “ordinary” about the Trinity.

I pray that all will have a safe and happy summer. I pray that all will enjoy the warmth of the season and all of the family activities that take place this time of year. Most of all, I pray that you will be inspired during this time to embark upon the journey to further discern the great Mystery of the Holy Trinity; and through your witness, to help others come realize that this journey begins and ends in God’s Holy Catholic Church.

Yours in Christ,

Daniel J. Jennings+