Collect For Independence Day

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Diane Jarrett

Dear Brothers & Sisters of the Society,

It is with that peculiar mixture of joy-in-grief that I announce the passing from this life and entrance into the glory of our sister, Diane Jarrett, beloved wife of Fr. Ed Jarrett. Diane was a woman of prayer and the Spirit, rejoicing in the early Cursillo movement, and keeping alive in her heart through the years that same joy, as she made beautiful vestments for the Church, as she taught young single mothers the skills they needed (basic literacy included) to get work and to be healthy role models for their children. Her wit was as sharp as her needles and her soul as vibrant as the colours she chose for vestments. She was a friend to so many and yet, because of her many ailments, lived a retired life for many years, before entering a care facility (prior to the founding of the Society). Yet her gifts carried on.

Shortly after my ordination to the priesthood, she gave me a lovely red stole, which I wore for many years with grateful affection. Two years ago in Belleville we presented this stole to Bishop Boyce as a token of our corporate gratitude and affection for his spiritual fatherhood in our journey. To know that her handiwork had been chosen as our corporate gift delighted Diane greatly and made her to know that she was deeply a part of us all. This is often the Way of the Kingdom: that those who are hidden from public ministry have quiet influence which shines out in a moment of great beauty, like the light of a star shining in God's firmament.

Diane's decline has been gradual, and the last few weeks the caregivers saw signs that her homegoing was close. Last night, Fr. Ed spent the evening with her until about ten o'clock, as he has done for some years now, and was not surprised when the facility called to say that she had passed away at a quarter to four this morning. He went early this morning to anoint her body and, with their daughter and his sister, prayed the Commendation Service. Then, as she had previously arranged, the body was taken away for use in the service of Medical Science. Consequently, the memorial service is of uncertain date.

Please keep Fr. Ed in your your prayers as he goes through this empty time of transition, experiencing, as he told me, "missing her terribly and yet relief to know that she is home with Jesus," and rejoicing in His presence. Fr. Ed will probably not be on FB much at this time, so the traditional card, that tangible symbol of our love and concern would be the better way to convey your concolences.

Fr. Ed Jarrett & family
3038 Karla Drive
Mesquite, TX 75150

Under the Mercies of Christ, your brother,
Fr. Reid Wightman, MSJ

Welcoming New Members At Hope Anglican, Oscoda

Today, at Hope, Richard and Laura Broussard were received as members of Christ's one, holy, catholic and apostolic church during the morning liturgy.  Welcome Richard and Laura.

Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and
resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin
and brought us to yourself, and that by the sealing of your
Holy Spirit you have bound us to your service.  Renew in
your servants, Laura and Richard, the covenant you have made with them at their
Baptism.  Send them forth in the power of that Spirit to
perform the service you set before them; through Jesus Christ
your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.