ITEMS OF INTEREST

Wonder Why?

This column answers interesting questions.

Ever wonder why the service is sometimes called Mass?

For many centuries before the Reformation, (and many centuries afterwards in the Roman Catholic Church, which continued to pray in Latin) the Eucharist ended with the words Ite, missa est, sometimes translated, "Go, you are sent," and the whole service became known as the missa or mass. Why should the whole service take its name from the final words? Because the whole service has been leading up to these words and what will come afterwards. The congregation does not simply leave; it is sent forth into the world with a mission: to serve and bear witness. Each individual finds unique opportunities to do that in ways as different as the members themselves.

The Prayer Book provided a choice of three dismissal sentences, but the one most often used is

"Go in peace to love and serve the Lord."

Source: Welcome to Sunday: An Introduction to Worship in the Episcopal Church, pp. 104, 105: Christopher L Webber.

Feeding Outreach

Members of the congregation volunteer for the Food Pantry and Outreach Community Feeding programs. On Wednesday and Fridays, food is distributed to approximately 100 community residents who are in need. In addition to the Food Pantry, hot meals are served in the Parish Hall on the 3rd and 4th Saturdays each month. Some meals are served at the church. However, the bulk of the meals are prepared at the church and delivered to two shelters, Mercy House and Interval House on the 3rd and 4th Saturdays. St Monica's Outreach Community Feeding has been in existence for approximately 20 years. Most of the food for both programs is secured from "Foodshare," a federally funded food distribution program. In order to participate in "Foodshare," members of the congregation walk in or sponsor someone for the Annual Walk Against Hunger. A percentage of funds is allocated to St. Monica's for its 'OUTREACH" programs. in 2010, St. Monica's parishioners raised approximately $8,600. Each year the goal is to raise more money the the previous year.

Clergy

The Rev. Charles Davidson

Vestry Members

Carol Anderson, Cyrus Aimey (Junior Warden), Walter Benjamin (Senior Warden), Terry Brown, Marie Brown-Harvey (Clerk), Nora Brown, Arlette Hurdle, Shannon Holder, Joyce Asiedu, Bates Lyons, Joe Noel, Peter Marsele, Clarence Tuning, Lloyd Wimbish, Herbert Bowen (Hon.).

Music

Rochelle Holder - Youth Choir

Nathaniel Baker - Music Director/Organist

Rector Emeritus

Canon Cyril Burke

Email

monicahartford@gmail.com