The Rt. Rev. Shannon Duckworth., Bishop
The Rev. Jim Morrison, Rector
John Barilleaux, Organist
Jess Timmer-Hebert, St. Matthew’s School Choir Director
THE SUNDAY OF THE PASSION
Rite II
The Liturgy of the Palms
Opening Song: Ride on King Jesus St. Matthew’s School Choir
Celebrant: Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.
People: Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross,
giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A Reading from the Gospel according to Mark (11:1-11)
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph, and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way. Let these branches be for us signs of his victory, and grant that we who bear them in his name may ever hail him as our King, and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
People: Hosanna in the highest.
Liturgy of the Word
Processional Hymn: Ride on King Jesus St. Matthew’s School Choir
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Collect of the Day
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Godly Play dismissal for children
The Lessons
Isaiah 50:4-9a
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens—wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me.
Psalm 31:9-16
9 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; *
my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my belly.
10 For my life is wasted with grief, and my years with sighing; *
my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones are consumed.
11 I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors,
a dismay to those of my acquaintance; *
when they see me in the street they avoid me.
12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; *
I am as useless as a broken pot.
13 For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is all around; *
they put their heads together against me; they plot to take my life.
14 But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord. *
I have said, “You are my God.
15 My times are in your hand; *
rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
16 Make your face to shine upon your servant, *
and in your loving-kindness save me.”
Philippians 2:5-11
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew
(The customary responses before and after the Gospel are omitted)
Text can be found in the enclosed leaflet (Please do not take leaflet home)
The Sermon The Right Reverend Shannon Duckworth, Bishop
Presentation and Examination of the Candidates
Baptism
Kelly Westbrook
Michael Westbrook
Confirmation
Evangeline Fabre (St. John’s Episcopal Church)
Brandon Giroir
Douglas Holloway
Joel Poole
Abby Ricker
Lilie Ricker
Lincoln Scott
Reception
Leo Edward Baugh
Wanda Baugh
Angela Davis
Billy Johnson
Laura Lewis
Susan Matthews
Marla Stark
Patsy Trahan
Reaffirmation
Sharon Pontiff
Celebrant: The Candidates for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
Sponsors:
I present __ to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
Then the Celebrant asks the following questions of the candidates
Question: Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces
of wickedness that rebel against God?
Answer: I renounce them.
Question: Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which
corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Answer: I renounce them.
Question: Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
Answer: I renounce them.
Question: Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept Him as your Savior?
Answer: I do.
Question: Do you put your whole trust in His grace and love?
Answer: I do.
Question: Do you promise to follow and obey Him as your Lord?
Answer: I do.
When there are others to be presented, the Bishop says
Bishop: The other Candidates will now be presented.
Presenters: I present these persons for Confirmation.
I present these persons to be received into this Communion.
I present this person who desire to reaffirm their baptismal vows.
The Bishop asks the candidates
Bishop: Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil?
Candidate: I do.
Bishop: Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
Candidate: I do, and with God’s grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord.
Celebrant: Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in his life in Christ?
People: We will.
Celebrant: Let us join with those who are committing themselves to
Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.
(All Stand)
The Baptismal Covenant
Priest: Do you believe in God the Father?
People: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Priest: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Priest: Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Priest: Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Priest: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Priest: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as
yourself?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Priest: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Prayers for the Candidates
The Celebrant then says to the congregation
Let us now pray for these children who are to receive the Sacrament of new birth and for these persons who have renewed their commitment to Christ.
Leader: Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Open their hearts to your grace and truth.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water.
Leader: Send them into the world in witness to your love.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
The Celebrant says:
Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and for ever. Amen.
Thanksgiving over the Water
The Celebrant blesses the water, first saying:
The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Celebrant : We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water
Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
At the following words, the Celebrant touches the water
Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Baptism
Each candidate is presented by name to the Celebrant, who then immerses, or pours water upon, the candidate, saying
__, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When this action has been completed for all candidates, the Bishop, at a place in full sight of the congregation, prays over them, saying
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy
and wonder in all your works. Amen.
Then the Bishop places a hand on the person’s head, marking on the
forehead the sign of the cross [using Chrism if desired] and saying to each one
__, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Amen.
When all have been baptized, the Celebrant says
Let us welcome the newly baptized.
Celebrant and People
We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
At Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation
The Bishop: Let us now pray for these persons who have renewed their commitment to Christ.
Silence may be kept.
Then the Bishop says
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 these your servants the covenant you 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.
For Confirmation
The Bishop lays hands upon each one and says
Strengthen, O Lord, your servant N. with your Holy Spirit; empower him for your service; and sustain him all the days of his life. Amen.
or
Defend, O Lord, your servant N. with your heavenly grace, that he may continue yours for ever, and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more, until he comes to your everlasting kingdom. Amen.
For Reception
N., we recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion. God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you. Amen.
Then the Bishop says
Almighty and everliving God, let your fatherly hand ever be over these your servants; let your Holy Spirit ever be with them; and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of your Word, that they may serve you in this life, and dwell with you in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Reaffirmation
N., may the Holy Spirit, who has begun a good work in you, direct and uphold you in the service of Christ and his kingdom. Amen.
The Bishop concludes with this prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, let your fatherly hand ever be over these your servants; let your Holy Spirit ever be with them; and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of your Word, that they may serve you in this life, and dwell with you in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Welcome and Announcements
The Offertory
Offertory Hymn: The Journey St. Matthew’s School Choir
Eucharistic Prayer A
The people remain standing. The Celebrant faces them and says
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Celebrant and People
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The people stand or kneel.
Then the Celebrant continues
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
At St. Matthew’s we welcome all persons, regardless of denomination, who have been baptized with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to share in the communion at this Altar. Those wishing to receive a blessing only may cross their hands over their heart.
Communion Music: Were you there Hymn 172
Sing out with gladness St. Matthew’s School Choir
Post Communion Prayer
Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Recessional Hymn: Hail thou once despised Jesus Hymn 495 (vs 1-3)
The Dismissal
Priest: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Week of 3/24-3/30: Julia Bourque
Joey and Laura Lewis
Watch over Your children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Worship Team Schedule
Eucharistic Ministers Emmalee Hampton, Kathy Theriot, Bruce Jenkins
Lectors Bruce Jenkins, Laura Lewis
Ushers Julio and Rina Medina, Karen Kelly
Vestry Member on Duty Debby Fortier
Altar Guild Sandy Ostheimer, Karen Kelly
Hospitality Linda Greenburg, Emilie Daye
PARISH PRAYER LIST
Andrèe, Jay, Norma, Lydicia, Jere, Lona & Sidney, Earl, Bob, Randolph, Mattie, JoAnne, Charlie, Norma, Susan, Evan, Jeannette, Rita, Abigail, Mark, Marlene, Helen, Sue, Dawn, Ann, Michelle, Philip, Gerard, Penny, Virginia, James
Rest in Peace—Pete Butler, Wanda Ledet
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Easter Flower Forms Due TODAY!
March 28 – Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday), 6PM All are encouraged to gather on this holy day as we remember Jesus celebrating the Last Supper with his disciples. This service will highlight the events of that evening: 1. Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, 2. Jesus instituting the Holy Eucharist as a gift to the church, 3. Jesus leading the disciples into the Garden of Gethsemane. The service will conclude with the stripping of the altar as a sign of the sorrow of the believers at the arrest and suffering of Christ. Families are encouraged to come and pray for an hour in our prayer garden from 7-10PM.
March 29 – Good Friday, Noon – On this solemn day we remember the passion of Christ. During this service we will read the Passion from John’s Gospel, offer solemn prayers for the needs of the world, honor the holy cross, and receive communion together. All are encouraged to set this time aside for worship.
March 30 – Holy Saturday, 6PM – On this night we will gather to celebrate our community. This will begin our monthly social gatherings under the oak tree in our church/school courtyard. We will have food and refreshments, music, and a children’s Easter Egg Hunt with special big prizes! Please invite family and friends to join in the fun!
March 31 – Easter Sunday Service, 10AM – This is our Big Feast Day!!! We will celebrate with great joy! All are invited to place flowers on our Easter Cross as we rejoice in our Lord’s Resurrection! Please make every effort to attend and encourage family and friends to gather in our beautiful church! Alleluia!!!
United Thank Offering
U.T.O. Boxes and envelopes will be due next Sunday.
Wednesday Healing Service
Every Wednesday at 5PM
Childcare
Our Church Nursery is open. We will once again open our childcare for children 1 – 3 years old in the 1st floor of Tucker Hall. (the church/school office building). Children can be registered each Sunday and parents will be texted if needed. Children can be received from 9:45am and will be available for pickup immediately after Sunday Eucharist. Please contact Susan Waldron, for more information susanhoumala@gmail.com
Children’s Sunday School
Children in Pre-K – 4th grades are invited to participate in Godly Play. The children will be called at the beginning of the Mass to exit with their teachers. They will return to the church before Holy Communion. All families are encouraged to invite our children back to our church as we open wide our arms to let the children come to Jesus! For more information on this program, email Karen Barrilleaux
Youth
Youth Group Meeting Monday, March 25, 2024, from 3:45 pm-4:45 pm in Parish Hall. This week we will explore the parable “Salt and Light”. First, as Jesus begins his Sermon on the Mount, he shares a parable that calls us “the salt of the earth.” This sermon took place long before “salty” became slang for bitter or passive-aggressive. In its ancient context, Jesus’ comparison of believers to salt reveals our calling to enhance the lives of those around us, give all the glory to God, and point people to Jesus. Scripture Matthew 5:13
“The Lunch Bunch”
This Tuesday we invite you to gather with Fr. Jim for a fun lunch in the Parish Hall at 12 noon. This Tuesday we will serve red beans, rice, sausage, and veggies. Plates are $6 and all proceeds support our school.