This week, the rector shares Mary Oliver’s “The Poet Thinks About the Donkey,” reflecting on one of the least considered characters in the Palm Sunday story. On Sunday morning at the 11 am service, we will have the Liturgy of the Palms (including a procession with hymn through the neighboring streets Greenwich Village) and the dramatic reading of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ Passion. And Sunday begins our parish’s collective observance of Holy Week: the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Great Vigil at the tomb, all in hope of the Resurrection. Join us!

The rector writes: “This Saturday, March 25, at noon at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Bishop Dietsche has invited all members of the Diocese of New York to a solemn Service of Apology for slavery and its aftermaths in our diocese and communities. I hope that all of you who are able will participate, either in person or online. This is part of an ongoing process that our church has embarked on: to grapple with the horror and impact of 400 hundred years of racist dehumanization, exploitation and violence from before the founding of our country until the present day. It is vital for our souls, and for our life together.”

This week, the rector reflects on grace and shares a poem by Denise Levertov to expand our imagination about what grace might be. Also: the parish’s Lenten book study continues (Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginners Guide to Holy Week, by Amy-Jill Levine) and there is one slot remaining for the March 28 house eucharist, plus much more going on as we approach Holy Week!

This week, the rector gives an update on the Fifth Avenue bell tower restoration: “This coming Monday, March 13, scaffolding will begin to go up in our front garden, and if permit filing and other preparations go as planned, actual construction work will begin about two weeks later.” Also: the clergy will offer prayers for healing, laying on of hands and anointing to all who desire them as part of Sunday’s 11 am Eucharist.