Easter Leaflet 7 a.m. April 9

EASTER DAY April 9, 2023 7 a.m.

Christ Church Cathedral Houston, Texas

About the Liturgy Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tomb.

The Feast of the Resurrection of Christ is the “queen of feasts,” the greatest and oldest feast of the Christian Church. Its importance is emphasized by the long preparation of Lent and Holy Week.

Having prepared our hearts during the forty days of Lent to receive the Good News of Christ’s resurrection, we celebrate Easter with great joy.

Today we sing the Gloria in Excelsis for the first time since Lent began. Dating from the fourth century, this hymn begins with the song of the angels from Luke’s Gospel. Alleluia is also reintroduced at the Easter Feast. Throughout the Church’s history, the Alleluia has been used as an expression of joy that is especially appropriate in Eastertide. “Christians are an Easter people; Alleluia is our song.”

The Greek word pascha, meaning Passover, is the root of the English paschal. This reminds us that the Festival of the Resurrection is the Christian Passover, and the Easter Eucharist, like every Holy Communion, is a sharing in the risen life of Jesus Christ.

The traditional posture of prayer in the Easter season is standing. The church fathers interpreted such posture as a sign of our approach to God as God’s children rather than as slaves and as a symbol of our being raised by Jesus Christ. The council of Nicea forbade kneeling for prayer during the Great Fifty Days of Easter and so confession of sin is omitted during Eastertide. Indeed the Great Fifty Days of Easter, from the Great Vigil until Pentecost, is a season to celebrate the joy of the Lord’s Resurrection.

The Sunday of the Resurrection The Holy Eucharist: Rite One seven o’clock in the morning The Rev. Edward L. Stein, Assisting Priest Celebrant The Cathedral is equipped with a hearing loop for assisted listening via telecoil.

We welcome you to Christ Church Cathedral. Since 1839, this Christian community has gathered for worship. To learn more about the ministries we share in this place, you are invited to fill in one of the cards found in the pew rack.

Opening Salutation Celebrant Alleluia. Christ is risen.

People

The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

The Celebrant says

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Gloria in Excelsis Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men.

We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.

O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.

Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer.

Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.

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For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Collect of the Day Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And with thy spirit.

Celebrant Let us pray.

Almighty God, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by thy life-giving Spirit; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

The First Reading

Jeremiah 31:1–6 At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people. Thus says the Lord: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away.

I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall take your tambourines, and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers. Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy the fruit. For there shall be a day when sentinels will call in the hill country of Ephraim: “Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.” Reader People

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Hymn 179 stanzas 1 and 3

Fortunatus

The Holy Gospel

Matthew 28:1–10 Celebrant The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People Glory be to thee, O Lord.

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you 2

to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord.

People Praise be to thee, O Christ.

The Sermon

The Very Rev. Gary Jones, Interim Dean

The Renewal of Baptismal Vows The Celebrant addresses the People in these words, all standing

Through the Paschal mystery, dear friends, we are buried with Christ by Baptism into his death, and raised with him to newness of life. I call upon you, therefore, now that our Lenten observance is ended, to renew the solemn promises and vows of Holy Baptism, by which we once renounced Satan and all his works, and promised to serve God faithfully in his holy Catholic Church.

Celebrant Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment People

to Jesus Christ?

I do.

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?

People I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant 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.

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

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Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the People Celebrant People Celebrant People Celebrant People Celebrant People

breaking of bread, and in the prayers?

I will, with God’s help.

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

I will, with God’s help.

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

I will, with God’s help.

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

I will, with God’s help.

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

I will, with God’s help.

May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, keep us in eternal life by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

The Prayers of the People The Leader and People pray responsively

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God. Silence

For all people in their daily life and work; For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

For this community, the nation, and the world; For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation; For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

For the peace and unity of the Church of God; For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

For Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Andrew, Jeff, Kai, and Hector, our Bishops; and for all bishops and other ministers; For all who serve God in his Church.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.

Silence. The People may add their own petitions.

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Hear us, Lord; For your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

Silence. The People may add their own thanksgivings.

We will exalt you, O God our King; And praise your Name for ever and ever.

We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.

Silence. The People may add their own petitions.

Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them; Who put their trust in you.

The Celebrant concludes

Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Peace Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People And with thy spirit.

The People greet one another in the name of the Lord.

The Holy Communion At the Offertory

Hymn 199 stanzas 1, 2, and 4

St. Kevin

The Great Thanksgiving Celebrant People Celebrant People Celebrant People

The Lord be with you.

And with thy spirit.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up unto the Lord.

Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. It is meet and right so to do.

It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God. But chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the very Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to 5

life again hath won for us everlasting life. Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

Sanctus and Benedictus Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts: Heaven and earth are full of thy glory.

Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.

Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

In celebration of the Easter season, the People remain standing for the Great Thanksgiving. Then the Celebrant continues

All glory be to thee, O Lord our God, for that thou didst create heaven and earth, and didst make us in thine own image; and, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption. He made there a full and perfect sacrifice for the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again.

At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.

For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks to thee, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, we thy people do celebrate and make, with these thy holy gifts which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; and looking for his coming again with power and great glory.

And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us, and, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, to bless and sanctify these gifts of bread and wine, that they may be unto us the Body and Blood of thy dearly-beloved Son Jesus Christ.

And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, whereby we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies. Grant, we beseech thee, that all who partake of this Holy Communion may worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and 6

be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction; and also that we and all thy whole Church may be made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord; By whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. AMEN. And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say, Celebrant and People

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 The Celebrant breaks the consecrated bread. A period of silence is kept. Then is said Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

Facing the People, the Celebrant says

The Gifts of God for the People of God. The Episcopal Church invites all baptized persons to the Lord’s Table. Either kneel or stand at the altar rail, receiving the bread in the palm of your hands. Receive the wine by guiding the cup to your mouth or by touching the bread to the wine. If you do not wish to receive Communion, cross your arms over your chest to receive a blessing. Gluten-free communion wafers are available for persons with dietary restrictions. Notify the priest during the administration and one will be offered.

After Communion all stand. The Celebrant says

Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost feed us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the 7

mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom. And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

The Blessing The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.

Hymn 207 stanzas 1 and 4 Dismissal Priest People

Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.

Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Easter Music was Given to the Glory of God in Honor of Robert L. Simpson, Canon for Music.

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Easter Hymn

Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral If you are a guest today, we offer a warm welcome to Christ Church!

Please complete a welcome card found in the pew racks so we can get to know you. Drop the cards in the alms basin or give them to one of the ushers or staff members after the service. For further information, visit our website at www.christchurchcathedral.org or call the office directly at 713-222-2593.

To learn more about the ministries of Christ Church Cathedral and how you can get involved, read our monthly newsletter The Bulletin, see our upcoming events, and subscribe to our weekly e-newsletters to stay informed. You can find all this information and more at: www. christchurchcathedral.org/connect.

Our annual May Fete celebration takes place on Sunday, May 7.

Spend the day participating in one of the oldest Cathedral traditions!

Gather at the Cathedral for a special worship service at 10 a.m. and stay for food, games, fellowship, and music. Come be a part of this wonderful tradition. Visit the cloister tables to learn more and volunteer, or visit: www.christchurchcathedral.org/mayfete.

www.christchurchcathedral.org

The beautification of the Bishop’s Courtyard is given to the glory of God in loving memory of Cindi Blakely and Ruth Blakely by Robert Blakely and Family.

The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of Texas The Rt. Rev. Jeff W. Fisher, Bishop Suffragan The Rt. Rev. Kai Ryan, Bishop Suffragan The Rt. Rev. Hector Monterroso, Assistant Bishop The Very Rev. Gary Jones, Interim Dean The Rev. Kathy Rock Pfister, Canon Vicar The Rev. Simón Bautista Betances, Canon Missioner for Latino Ministries and Outreach The Rev. Becky Zartman, Canon Missioner for Evangelism and Formation The Rev. Bradley Varnell, Canon Missioner for Community Life The Rev. Edward L. Stein, Assisting Priest Robert L. Simpson, Canon for Music Daryl Robinson, Cathedral Organist Lucy Chambers, Bookstore Manager 1117 Texas Avenue • Houston, Texas 77002 • 713-222-2593 www.christchurchcathedral.org

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Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun.

Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly.