Michaelmas, the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel (also the Feast of SS Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael or the Feast of Michael and All Angels) is a day in the Christian calendar which occurs on 29 September. Because it falls near the equinox, it is associated in the northern hemisphere with the beginning of autumn and the shortening of days. Michael was the greatest of all the archangels and is honored for his defeat of Lucifer in the battle for the heavens in the Bible. Coincidentally, women born between September 27 and 30 are statistically much more likely to marry men with a variation of Michael for a name.

The Archangel Michael is one of the principal angelic warriors, seen as a protector against the dark of night, and the administrator of cosmic intelligence. Michaelmas has also delineated time and seasons for secular purposes as well, particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

During the Middle Ages, Michaelmas was celebrated as a Holy Day of Obligation, but this tradition was abolished in the 18th century. Lutheran Christians consider it a principal feast of Christ, and the Lutheran Confessor, Philip Melanchthon wrote a hymn for the day that is still sung in Lutheran Churches: "Lord God to Thee We Give." It was also one of the English and Welsh and Irish quarter days when accounts had to be settled. On manors, it was the day when a reeve was elected from the peasants. Traditional meal for the day includes goose (a "stubble-goose", i.e. one prepared around harvest time) and a special cake called a St Michael's bannock. On the Isle of Skye, Scotland, a procession was held.

In addition, the traditional printer's fete, the wayzgoose, was celebrated on or around Michalemas, again, as a celebration of the changing seasons, it being the advent of work by candlelight. The master printer would provide a feast for his journeymen and apprentices, and as per tradition, a stubble-goose was also prepared.

Differences in number of archangels In Anglican and Episcopal tradition, there are three or four archangels in its calendar for 29 September feast for St. Michael and All Angels: namely Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, and often, Uriel.  The Bible itself identifies only Michael as "the archangel" (book of Jude, verse 9) and does not identify any other creatures as being archangels.

Old Michaelmas Day

Old Michaelmas Day falls on 11 October (10 October according to some sources). According to an old legend, blackberries should not be picked after this date. This is because, so folklore goes, Satan was banished from Heaven on this day, fell into a blackberry bush and cursed the brambles as he fell into them. In Yorkshire it is said that the devil had spat on them. According to Morrell (1977), this old legend is well-known in all parts of the United Kingdom, even as far north as the Orkney Islands.

 

 

From the Clergy & Vestry

2010 for St. Thomas is a year of transition into an exciting new vision for the Parish.  As we adapt to this new vision, our calling as Anglicans shall ground and center us as we move forward.  In a time of uncertainty about the future and how we will be able to cope with the myriad of pressures that challenge us, St. Paul reminds us to 'stand firm' to 'stand confidently' on Christ who is the Rock.  Ephesians tells us there are seven founding unities from which believers may take courage (4:4-6) 'one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.'
 
In 2010 St. Thomas will be known as the leader in Anglo-Catholicism on the West Coast by our practice and our example.  We shall faithfully educate ourselves and others in our liturgical ways.  We shall continue to provide a range of Masses:  Daily, Gregorian, Latin, Evensong, Low Sunday, High Sunday with Choir. 
 
In 2010 we shall innovate with a yearlong training program for seminarians.  We will move from concept to practice with the launch of a Sunday School for our youth.  We shall expand our Adult Education programs.  We will regularly bring in renowned experts who will share their knowledge, lead services and conduct seminars during their visit.
 
In 2010 we will continue our commitment to the sick and infirm.  We will maintain our outreach to the homeless and those in need.  We will educate and be given guidance with our local community in matters related to health, money and life management.
 
In 2010 we will meet the Diocesan recommendations for salary for the Rector.  We will provide additional hours for our Assistant Priest and Deacon.  We will retain the highest quality of office personnel.  We will continue our Christian responsibility of contribution to the Diocese.
 
In 2010 our music liturgy will grow further under our Organist-in-Residence, his scholar and our Choirmaster providing for consistent excellence.  We will fully fund our Choir and Music programs.
 
In 2010 we will continue our commitment to being good stewards of our physical plant with continued commitment to environmental stewardship.  We will continue the Acoustics project and will conduct a campus-wide needs assessment.
 
In 2010 we ask you to stand firm with us as we stand firm with Christ.  We ask you to maintain your pledge and increase it by 10% to meet our united vision.  Please communicate with your Every Member Canvass partner and submit your pledge after prayerful consideration.  With your love, prayers and generosity in 2010 we will continue to fulfill our mission being called by God to be a holy place where love is found, where all are named and where hearts are freed to change the world.

Thank you to the following people who have designated St. Thomas the Apostle as their Community Partner when using their Ralphs card from June 1 to August 31.  If you'd like to have your grocery shopping benefit St. Thomas, please register your card and designate St. Thomas as the Community Partner.

 

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone rich to enter the kingdom of God." (St. Mark 10:25)
 
Jesus' whimsical illustration of a camel trying to pass through the eye of a needle certainly does not mean that it is impossible for the wealthy to enter into God's kingdom. It does mean that when the acquisition of riches becomes an end in itself, rather than a means toward an end, that is debilitating. The rich man's understanding of stewardship is all-important here. Love must be directed toward God and people who can return love and not toward wealth, which cannot.

Jesus made it amply clear in His teachings that His Kingdom was not of this world. It is neither temporal nor political, but rather is of the spiritual realm. As inheritors of the kingdom of heaven, Christians are in the world, but not of it, and therefore must exercise extraordinary care where they place their allegiances. When we rely on property, possessions, material objects, and wealth, we make "things" our sovereign and place our trust in them rather than in the King of kings. Stewardship helps us to put first things first.

 

Associate Rector

One-on-one Pastoral counseling is available.  Please contact the office (323-876-2102 ext 2) to schedule an appointment with the Clergy.

Missa Vigil hoc septem dies cum lingua Latina. Missa mos ineo 5 meridianus et cum ero Abeo Gregoriana in Ecclesiae Parochiae Sancta Thomasiensis.

[The Vigil Mass on Saturday will be in Latin this week.  Join us at 5pm in the Church with Gregorian Chant.]
 

Interesting facts about

St. Thomas the Apostle

 

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