IPC IMMIGRATION FUND

"When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God." – Leviticus 19:33-34

The Episcopal Church on Staten Island supports our immigrant neighbors. In light of the difficulties faced by many immigrant communities in the current climate, we have established an Immigrant Support Fund to assist detained immigrants and their families.

If you know someone who needs help, you can request a grant of up to $150 to assist with the payment of a bill (groceries, utility payments, medication, toiletries, cell phone, transportation) or $30 towards commissary and/or phone calls for people in immigration detention. Referrals must be made by an IPC delegate (clergy or lay) or warden.

Please send these requests to info@ipcsi.org with the subject line "Immigration Fund Request."

To make a donation to this fund, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000, please mail a check payable to "Richmond Inter-Parish Council" to Richmond Inter-Parish Council; attn: ISF; 1333 Bay Street; Staten Island, NY 10305.

Celebrating Our Graduates

To the Christ Church New Brighton Community, as the academic year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to shine a bright light on a very special group of people in our community. Congratulations to all of our graduates!

Whether your graduate is stepping up from elementary school, finishing middle school, turning the page on high school, earning a college degree, or completing a career-focused certification program—we see their hard work, and we are celebrating right alongside them.
Every milestone achieved represents countless hours of dedication, resilience, and growth.

To our graduates: we are incredibly proud of who you are and everything you have accomplished. We cannot wait to see where the future takes you and how you will use your unique gifts to shape the world.

Please join us in offering them our warmest congratulations, our prayers, and our blessings for the exciting journey ahead.

Cheers to the Class of 2026!

Announcements

Coffee Hour

Join us in the Guild Room for a special coffee hour in honor of those who graduated, confirmed, received, and are going on pilgrimage after Sunday's service. Enjoy light refreshments, fellowship, and conversation. All are welcome.

Vestry Meeting

The next vestry meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 15th, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The vestry packets will be available for pickup in the parish office before the meeting.

CONGRATULATIONS

Mia Wynter for qualifying to compete and represent her school in the National Archery Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky.
Damali Browne for receiving the Chancellor's Award for Sports at Gaynor McCown High School.

Summer Service Schedule Update

With summer around the corner, please note that beginning Sunday, June 28th, we will transition to our summer worship schedule. There will be ONE Sunday service at 9:00 a.m. throughout the summer season. We look forward to worshiping together, and thank you for your flexibility as we move into our summer schedule.

Bulletin Announcement FYI

Please note that any requests to include announcements in our weekly bulletin MUST be submitted to the Parish Office by 12:00 noon on Wednesday before the service. (For example, announcements for the Sunday, May 24, bulletin must be submitted by Wednesday, May 20, or earlier.) Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Prom Dress Donation

Prom season is a special time of celebration, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help make it memorable for someone in our community. We currently have two prom dresses available at no cost for any graduate in need:
• Navy Blue – Size Large
• Fuchsia – Size Medium
These dresses are being offered free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. If you or someone you know could benefit from this gift, don't hesitate to get in touch with Alleida Mitchell at 917-834-8727 or the Parish Office for more information. Let's work together to support and celebrate our graduates during this exciting season!

Episcopal Diocese

Stay connected with everything happening in the Episcopal Diocese of New York! Whether you're looking for upcoming community events, soulful prayer resources, Morning Prayer w/Bishop Heyd, or the latest diocesan news, our website is your go-to hub. Discover new ways to engage with your faith and your neighbors—visit at dioceseny.org.

In the Episcopal Church, Confirmation and Reception are important public rites that celebrate a person's mature commitment to Christ and their belonging within the Church. Confirmation is the moment when a baptized person reaffirms the promises made at Baptism and receives the laying on of hands by a bishop, asking for the strengthening power of the Holy Spirit. The Book of Common Prayer Catechism describes Confirmation as "the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (BCP, p. 860).

Reception is for those who have already been confirmed in another Christian tradition by a bishop in apostolic succession and now wish to enter fully into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. In the rite of Reception, the bishop says: "We recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion."

Both rites are deeply connected to Baptism, because they do not replace Baptism but build upon it. They mark growth in faith, deeper commitment, and fuller participation in the life of the Church.

A bishop is central to both rites. In both Confirmation and Reception, the bishop plays a key role, showing the connection between the local congregation and the wider Church.

Confirmation is about strengthening, not "graduating." Sometimes people think Confirmation is a graduation from church, but in Episcopal teaching it is really a strengthening by the Holy Spirit for lifelong Christian discipleship.

Reception celebrates unity across traditions. Reception reminds Episcopalians that Christians from other traditions are already part of Christ's Church, and the rite honors that while welcoming them into the Anglican Communion.

Their Role and Significance in the Episcopal Church. Confirmation and Reception help express the Episcopal Church's understanding that faith is both personal and communal. They are public acts of commitment made before God and the gathered Church. Confirmation emphasizes a mature affirmation of baptismal faith, while Reception emphasizes unity and belonging within the Episcopal and Anglican family. Both rites highlight the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

Reflection on the Gospel for Pentecost II

 - By The Rev. Terrence Buckley

The calling of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13) is one of the most striking scenes in the Gospel.  Matthew is not found in the synagogue or among the respectable and religious.  He is seated at a tax booth, engaged in a profession despised by many of his fellow Jews.  Yet Jesus passes by, looks upon him, and simply says, "Follow me."  Matthew rises and follows.

What is remarkable is that Jesus does not first demand an explanation, an apology, or evidence of repentance.  The call itself becomes the beginning of Matthew's transformation. Christ sees not merely what Matthew is, but what he may become. The tax collector becomes an apostle, an evangelist, and ultimately a saint.

This moment is captured with extraordinary power in the painting The Calling of Saint Matthew by Caravaggio. The scene is set not in the first-century world of Jesus, but in what appears to be a seventeenth-century tavern. A shaft of light enters from the right, following the hand of Christ as He points toward Matthew. The darkness of the room symbolizes a life enclosed in worldly concerns, while the light represents divine grace breaking into ordinary existence.

One of the painting's most compelling features is Matthew's gesture. He points to himself as if to ask, "Me?"  The expression captures the surprise of every Christian vocation. God's call often comes not to those who consider themselves worthy, but to those who are astonished to be chosen.

Matthew's question is our question. Why would Christ call me?  Yet the Gospel's answer is simple:  because He loves us and desires us for His service.

Caravaggio also reminds us that the call of Christ comes amid the ordinary business of life.  Matthew is counting money when Jesus arrives. He is not seeking God; God is seeking him. Grace often finds us in the midst of our daily routines, interrupting our plans and inviting us to a greater purpose.

The hand of Christ in the painting deliberately echoes the hand of Adam in The Creation of Adam. Just as God reached out to create humanity, Christ reaches out to re-create Matthew. The call to discipleship is a new creation. Matthew leaves behind one identity and receives another.

For Christians, the calling of Matthew is not merely an ancient story. It is a reminder that Christ still passes by, still calls sinners by name, and still invites ordinary people into extraordinary service. The question is not whether Christ is calling. The question is whether, like Matthew, we will rise from our tables, leave behind what binds us, and follow Him into the light.

Rev. Terrence Buckley
Church of Saint Andrew, Staten Island

IPC Coming Events

Island-wide and Diocesan Events

June 14: J2A Pilgrimage Presentation and wardens update during the 10 a.m. service
June 21: Father's Day and Tribute to Father Chuck Howell
June 28: Summer schedule begins, with service at 9 a.m.
June 29 – July 2: Island-wide Vacation Bible School, St. Andrew's, VBS for ages 4 – 14.

The Episcopal Diocese of New York

Dear Siblings in Christ in the Diocese of New York:

To what are you being called by virtue of your baptism?
It has been my driving question for some time, and my great joy is to come alongside individuals and groups as they grow into the fullness of who God is calling them to be.
How grateful I am to be here in the Diocese of New York as the Canon for Lay and Clergy Formation, as we engage in creating a culture of discernment, transforming the ordination process, equipping lay ministries, and supporting the work of formation both on the diocesan level and in all our local communities.

Many have asked: What's a Canon for Lay & Clergy Formation?

Bishop Heyd and Canon Newton have created a team of regional canons to help serve and support all the parishes in the diocese. Each canon has a speciality area as well as a geographical area; my speciality area is Christian Formation, and my region, if you will, is less geographical than it is specific — it's the Commission on Ministry. So really my work is to encourage and support every single one of us in our vocations as Christians.
Along with a great team— including Ministry Office Liaison Alito Orsini, the Commission on Ministry and a newly-forming Commission on Christian Formation— I am working to lift up, network, and create resources to equip local leaders. I invite you to call on me to join in conversation and practice around discernment processes, curriculum access and development, teacher training, supporting every stage of the ordination process, commissioning and celebrating lay ministry, or any level of individual or collaborative formation. You may also invite me to preach and/or teach in your local community!

I am excited to introduce a diocese-wide confirmation preparation experience offered in multiple tracks (adult, youth, Spanish-language).

Combining theological grounding, spiritual reflection in small groups, and preparation for participation in the sacramental life of the Church, these classes are for participants who may be preparing for baptism, confirmation, reception into The Episcopal Church, or reaffirmation of baptismal vows, or those who simply want to learn more about the church.
Participants may choose to participate in diocesan confirmations at the Cathedral on June 6, or on another date in their local congregation or region.

• Youth Cohort (for all abilities): Deacon Dave Barr
  Thursdays May 7, 21, 28 – 7:00-8:00 pm
  To register, please email Deacon Barr at dbarr1414@gmail.com

• Spanish-Language Cohort: Deacon Wendy Cañas
  Sundays May 3, 10, 17, 31 – 7:00-8:00 pm
  Register HERE
• Adult Cohort: Canon Tanya Wallace & the Rev. Tami Burks-Condon
  Wednesdays April 29-June 3 – 7:00-8:30 pm
  Register HERE

At baptism each of us is called to a life of discernment and ministry.

Confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation are opportunities to recommit to our baptismal vows and the ministry to which those vows call us.
I love this formula for Christian Formation in The Episcopal Church:
Education & information PLUS worship & practice EQUALS transformation.
What we learn and practice together changes us. And changed people change the world.

It is an exciting time to be part of the Diocese of New York, as we engage in creating a culture of discernment.

Discernment is less a process than a practice — a way of leaning into the world with your ear tilted toward something you can't quite hear yet, but know is there — a practiced quieting of ourselves, enough to hear what's been stirring under all the noise.
For some that call will lead to ordination, and we are engaging in the transformation of the ordination process so that it is caring, clear, equitable, nimble, and Spirit-led.
For many others that call will deepen lay ministry, and we are committed to raising up and supporting the ministry of the laity in every corner of our diocese.
That ministry into which we are called at our baptism — it's all about making sure we keep engaging in the community of Christ, learning the mind of Christ, and doing the work of Christ as his hands and heart in this world, for the sake of the world.
To what are you being called by virtue of your baptism? I am delighted to be walking alongside you as we engage this life-changing question, together.
God's peace,
The Rev. Canon Tanya Wallace
Canon for Lay & Clergy Formation

The Episcopal Diocese of New York

Dear Friends in Christ,

This spring, the Canon team is pleased to invite you into a series of Online Learning Communities designed to support the shared work of ministry across the Diocese of New York.
We know that this is a time of both challenge and possibility for our congregations. Elevating local communities is the first of our Mission Priorities.
Equipping lay & clergy leaders is also a Mission Priority. Leadership is complex. Contexts are shifting. And yet, again and again, we see that when leaders gather—across congregations, roles, and regions—new clarity, creativity, and courage begin to emerge.
These Learning Communities are offered in that spirit.
Each gathering is designed as a space for practical tools, shared wisdom, and mutual support. Some are ongoing cohorts that will meet over several weeks; others are single-session workshops focused on a particular area of congregational life. Together, they reflect the breadth of ministry we share: governance, stewardship, property, formation, collaboration, and intercultural engagement.
This spring's offerings include:

• Support for wardens and treasurers serving congregations in transition
• Monthly treasurer check-ins
• A property-focused community 
• A series on models of collaboration in ministry
• Confirmation preparation cohorts (adult, youth, and Spanish-language)
• College for Congregational Development (CCD) continued learning
• A cultural and multilingual ministry initiative
• Vestry conversations engaging the Moses Report
• A stewardship workshop for congregational leaders

 These communities are open to clergy and lay leaders as appropriate to each topic, and we encourage you to share this invitation widely within your congregation.
We offer these not as programs to complete, but as spaces to join—places where we can think together, learn from one another, and strengthen the ministries entrusted to us.
Registration is open - for full descriptions, dates, and registration click here.
As always, if you have questions about which offerings might be most helpful for your context, please reach out to your Canon.
We look forward to gathering with you this spring.
Faithfully,
The Rev. Canon Alissa Newton, Canon to the Ordinary
The Rev. Canon Victor Conrado, Canon for New York City
The Rev. Canon Sam Owen, Canon for Westchester & Putnam Counties
The Rev. Canon Lisa Saunders Ahuja, Canon for Dutchess County
The Rev. Canon Tanya Wallace, Canon for Lay & Clergy Formation
The Rev. Canon Aaron Hudson, Canon for Vulnerable Congregations

New CCD Website and Summer Sessions Registration

Dear friends,
We are excited to welcome you to our new https://ccdnyc.vfairs.com/en and to open registration for our 2026 Summer Sessions!
Please review the instructions below carefully to ensure you register for the correct session:

June 2026 Session Year B (June 14 to 19)
at Thomas Berry Place, Queens
The June session is currently waitlist only.

• Visit the CCD website and join the waitlist for the June session.
• If you're registered and have not already paid your registration fee, you may submit payment directly on the website.

July 2026 Session Year A (July 12 to 17)
at Thomas Berry Place, Queens
The July session is currently open for registration.

• Complete your registration online through the CCD website.
• Submit your payment online at the time of registration.
• Note: If you previously registered for the July session, please register again on the new website.

 Scholarship Applications
If you are applying for a scholarship, please complete the registration process and select:
"I am registering from The Episcopal Diocese of New York, requesting a scholarship."

Once you complete your registration and select this option, we will follow up with additional details regarding the scholarship process.
If you have any questions or encounter any issues during registration, please do not hesitate to reach out.

We look forward to welcoming you this summer!

Warmly,
Victor
The Rev Canon Victor Conrado
Canon for New York City
Director for Congregational Development
Episcopal Diocese of New York

Christ Church Parish Prayer List

The following individuals have requested our prayers:

Fred Allen, Ricia Augusty, Betty Babb, Elma Babb, Erma Babb, Marcella Babb, Jenny Badger, Willie Black, III, Joseph Bonner, Mary Boyce, Deborah Broome, Irvin Celestine, Eva Charney, Matthew Cileli, David Clark, Wayne Clark, Marcia Clendenen, Sandra Cocks, Carmen Conrado, Barbara Corregan, Laura Craig, Gaynelle Cumberbatch, Nick Dowen, Wayne Dupuis, Garfield Evans, Tabitha Foxx, Julio Gambuto, Mary Gannon, Ann Gardner, Sandra Giambalvo, Peter Gilchrist, Suzanne Guglielmi, Steven Haley, Mary Hamblin, Mary Haugen, Anne Heather, Avion Hernandez-Elcock, Aretha Jadusingh, Michael Kelly, Angela King, Nicholas Lettiere, The McIntosh Family, Renea McCarthy, Eva McClary, Mary Mcclellan, Julie Murphy, Teri Murray, Minister Robert Perkins, Peyton Ramsey, T. Rauch, Ann Reilly, Leila Rollock, Tiffany Ruperti, Willie Marcus & Dylan Schumaker, Lorelei Shull, Daphne Smith, Joyce Smith, David Lloyd Stephens, Christopher Still, George Sullivan, John Trach, Fred Tucher, Linda Tuell, John Tuohey, Lucille Williams, Doreen Wood, Leighton Wynter, Marsha Wynter, Teresa Brown-Zapken, Patrick Zapken.

Please Note: The Prayer List is intended to uphold and encourage those who need healing prayers. If persons have been fully recovered and no longer need to be lifted up in this way, please let us know so that we can make room for others. This list will be updated every three months unless otherwise notified. If you need a loved one or friend to remain on the list, please call the parish office. Thank you!

We pray for the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed. May their souls rest in peace.

We pray for all the frontline and essential workers in our parish, and around S.I. and the world.

We pray for the hundreds of immigrant neighbors, particularly on Staten Island.

We pray for comfort to the families and communities impacted by gun violence, and for the will and determination to enact appropriate gun control legislation and promote a culture of safety.

We pray for an end to armed conflict and hope that world leaders can move towards peace and diplomacy.

We pray for all those negatively affected by climate, environmental, and natural disasters.

We pray for those who are suffering from the impacts of systemic racism, and for those who are committed and working towards change, unity, and equality for all peoples.

We pray for all those who have been confirmed and received in the Episcopal Church.

Memorial Candles

Memorial Candles are available in honor of your loved ones. Donation envelopes are available at the Ushers' station.

Columbarium candle

Lit in loving memory of Fr. Chuck Howell.

Sanctuary Candle

Lit in loving memory of Fr. Chuck Howell.

We give thanks to God for the following individuals who are celebrating their Birthdays this week. Danforth Prince (14), Charles McLean, III (15), Richard Zayzay (15), Claire James (15), LaFleur King (15), Romeo Zayzay (16), Eleanor Larimer (18), Annabella Colucci (18), Oneka (Nikki) Johns (20).

We give thanks to God for the individuals who are celebrating their wedding anniversaries this week. Roxanne Ingoe & John Gerney (16), Richard & Yassah Zayzay (17).

In the Richmond IPC Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Episcopal Church People at Church of St. Andrew, and for the celebration of Juneteenth.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for The Church of the Province of South East Asia.

In the Diocese of New York, we pray for +Sean, our Presiding Bishop; +Matthew and +Allen, our Bishops; Holy Trinity Church, Inwood; All who work for the Episcopal Church Center; Holy Trinity Church, Manhattan; Parish of Trinity Church/St Paul's Chapel, Manhattan; Trinity Church, New Rochelle; St. John's-in-the-Wilderness Church; and Stony Point and St. John's Church (Getty Square), Yonkers.