Saturday, October 19, 2013

Second edition: The rituals

When I was growing up I learned the rituals not from a book, not from a professor, not web, not a video and definitely not on TV.  I learned the rituals for my family faith traditions from participating in them with my parents. My dad taught me the rituals of baseball. My mom taught me rituals of church.


My hope is that we recognize that our rituals are natural and serve a purpose; they enable us to engage in a personal, intimate way with the worship of God and the baseball game itself.


The baseball rituals learned from home.  We always learned and celebrated the day the Red Sox gear was packed up and shipped to Florida for spring training.  In the dead of winter, we always knew opening day was going to happen (As if there was a risk it would not happen).  Reading the Boston Globe sports section and listening to Bob Lobel on Channel 4 sports, we knew pitchers and catchers had begun their workouts. Before I knew it, I was practicing sliding, on the baseball diamond in the melting snow. In gymnasiums skills workshops had begun. There was a bond formed between all baseball players all around the country, at all age levels, and in all leagues.  Baseball takes time. Baseball requires skill development, mental focus and endurance (especially when you live in the Northeast). I learned the game playing it, participating in it and watching it. Actually, we often listened to the games on the radio if the Red Sox had a TV blackout.  We also learned when to cheer, when to boo, when to shout and when to be silent. For example, never speak to a pitcher when they come of off the mound, until the coach says they are finished for the night.

The baseball rituals were universal. Any field, any night, little league, college or pro, the rituals always guiding everyone from the start to finish: batting practice, snagging fly balls, in-field rounds, stretching and short sprints. Where you leave your glove, hat and bag are sacred decisions, never to be messed with by another person. To do so, was to break a covenant deep in every ball player's heart. How you put on your uniform, which undershirt you wore, etc.  Every detail had a direct impact on the outcome of the game and your participation. 


My mom brought me to church when I was young. We had to dress up, I only had one sport coat, it was a winter wool blue blazer – so my decisions were made easy. We always arrived early to get ready for Sunday school.  Practice, practice. Singing in the choir, serving as an acolyte and helping mom with the altar guild tasks or preparing the flowers: they all required practice, time, patience and working with others. We always knew the season. The color codes make it easy. We always anticipated the next season especially if we had to check supplies or music or make liturgical movement changes.  Soon, the actual worship rituals became part of my being, conscience and unconscious mind.  As grew older, I went to worship in other churches, and found that most of the rituals the same, give or take a nuances. Once and awhile something new would be added (when to stand, sit, kneel, when to open ones hands, when to look up and when to look down. Before I  could recall the words, the actual prayers: I was familiar with the act of ritual and I could participate without effort.


Rituals often start with the wardrobe, what to wear. Usually we wear what will bring good luck to the game and affirm our allegiance to the Red Sox. Red, "B", Hats, earrings and even your actual soxs are all part of the ritual. When you attend Fenway, even for the first time, you are instantly in a large, complex dance. Multiple rituals at the same time.  Same as church, right? The ushers greet you. The ushers guide you to your seat or at least send you in the right direction. As you take your seat, your senses are on over drive: the smells, the lights, trying to anticipate what you will see, the sounds of voices, greetings and storytelling. And then the music starts. At Fenway, we all stand for the national anthem. We know to remove our caps. We know when to sing it or simply listen. We know to start the applause before it is over. We stand for the first pitch and then we sit. Then we watch. Soon we clap, or someone shouts "Go Sox" or "Ump – get glasses".  We watch all nine players on the field, the batter and on-deck circle all at once. Amazing. We stand and sit, we "ooh and ahh" together.  Inning after inning. At the 7thinning,  we stand and we all sing "Take me out to the ball game".  In the 8th we sing "Sweet Caroline".  If there is foul ball that lands near you, everyone knows to wave the TV cameras. Then we quickly giv e a shout out:  "give the ball to the cute kid". There is always a cute kid sitting near the person who caught the ball. The faithful stay until the final pitch. We call those "true fans of the game".  What we eat and when matters. I start with a sausage sandwich in the 1st inning, Fenway frank in the 4th and sometime ice cream in the 7th. Did I mention the peanuts before the game?


At church, as we anticipate the start of the service, we look at the bulletin (the line up). We stand as one for the opening, processional (gathering hymn).  At the processional cross passes the corner of your eye, your head bows. After the hymn, we have some call and response prayers and another song. Then we all sit at once. We watch the movement, all of it. We keep an eye on the reader or preacher too. Some of us listen, others pray and sing and others do both. It is all good.  I was taught to mark the pages of the hymnal and prayer book, so I could reference those pages easily when the service arrived at the point.  Like baseball, we often think about that to wear. Sometimes it is time to "dress up" and other times it is something more practical, like a soccer uniform or birding outfit or a warm sweater.


I could go on and on about the rituals of the faith community and attending a Red Sox game. I bet you could too.  Again, my hope is that we recognize that our rituals are natural and serve a purpose; to enable us to engage in a personal, intimate way with worship of God or the baseball game itself.

 


Go Sox! Maybe I will see the rest of you at the altar tomorrow.

Benediction for President Kerry Murphy Healey's Inauguration

photo.JPG

(I was invited to offer the benediction, thanks to my wife, who is on the faculty at Babson College).


I invite anyone with an academic hat, that is not pinned into place, to remove it. All Red Sox hats may remain on your heads.

Creator, Sustainer, Pain-bearer and Life Giver:  For centuries, in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, your people have gathered to ask for your Grace, your Companionship and your Blessing, Therefore, we bow our heads as we open our hearts to you.

We call upon you to bless President Dr. Kerry Murphy Healey, the 13th President of Babson College; Bless her with great wisdom, endless hope, a thirst for justice and intellectual curiosity as she leads this college. Bless her with patience for herself, her family and the Babson Community and bless us, that we may offer President Healey the same.  

Enable her to walk humbly with Thee, so when she falls, You may raise her to succeed to new heights. Bless her with great joy and happiness that only come from her pursuit of loving You, and the privilege of leading Babson into a brighter and greater future. And, may President Healey forever be reminded whom she serves, her Creator and her new family: Babson College of the past, present and future.

Bless the staff, faculty, trustees with a never wavering steadfastness and pursuit of the full mission of this college. Bless the students here today with eager minds and bigger hearts for humanity. Bless the alumni of this college, those who have walked these grounds before us, to appreciate their great value in the future of this college, and our hope instilled within each of them for all they will accomplish for humanity. Bless the former presidents of Babson, as they continue to give themselves fully to the possibilities you have laid before this community.

May everyone here and our family around the globe, the entire Babson family, support President Healey, acknowledging that it takes a village to achieve the hopes we have claimed today. Send us forth from this place with peace in our hearts to celebrate as ONE BABSON FAMILY. Amen.


--
The Reverend Mark C. McKone-Sweet, Rector
Saint Dunstan's Episcopal Church
18 Springdale Avenue. P.O.Box 515
Dover, Massachusetts 02030

(w) 508-785-0879 (cell) 781-801-3586
(e) revmark@saintdunstansma.org (web) www.saintdunstansma.org
Rector's Blog: http://revmark-walkthewalkaftersunday.blogspot.com


Join the fun!

Saturday, October 12, 2013

First Edition: There is always a seat

Baseball and the Church have so many characteristics in common, do they not? Every game, like every church service is predictable. Most of us who come to worship, come to receive relief from their lives, to share in the companionship of others and to seek hope and joy. A few come kicking and screaming.

 

The amazing truth, over the past century, there is always a seat waiting for you (expect, perhaps the BIG, high services or October games). We will get to that later.

 

Think about it. 162 games a year. Most of us mortals are lucky to attend 2 games, let alone 10 games at Fenway in a year. There are many churches what would jump for joy if their faithful would attend more than 10 times in six months (think Christmas and Easter), let alone once a month over the year. Two times, usually translates to Christmas and Easter.

 

At Fenway Park, even if you show up once, you are welcomed with open arms. Modern rituals and the age-old traditions tug at your heart, mind and soul. It is an awe inspiring experience to approach Yawkey Way with a ticket in your hand, to walk through the turnstiles, to approach the ramp, to see the light grow, the sounds grow, and the landscape of the park open before your eyes as you step out of the tunnel into the room full of 39,000 people and grand field before you.  All of this before taking a seat in Fenway Park. You take a deep breath and an usher helps you find your seat. The usher becomes you best friend. If these are familiar seats to you, you may get a hand shake or hug from a familiar face.  A few people may greet you, but for the most part, all eyes are forward.

 

At your local church, you walk towards it, across the grass or through the driveway. The doors to the church stand before (closed or open). Like Fenway, the building grows, drawing your eyes to the sky. As you enter the church, you are greeted. The smell, the sounds, the sanctuary grow before you, as you enter. The usher is your friend, if this is you first time or your 1,000 time. As you find your seat, some people may welcome you with a smile, close friends will give you a hug, others are deep in prayer and still others are shy, they don’t know you. All eyes are forward. 

 

At Fenway or in the pew, as you sit down, you can’t help but consider the how many people have sat in your seat? Try to imagine the lives that have crossed over this very seat and worn it down, smooth with prayers, hopes, fears, tears, joys and life changing moments … in the very seat you now place yourself.

 

For easy math, let us assume the Red Sox play 162 games a year, ½ are home games. (Though we all know that have added more games over the years to the regular reason) and let us use 100 years. Well, then in your seat, upper grandstand, section 26, row MM, seat 10:  100 x 81 games = 8,100 people have sat in that seat in the past century. If you are lucky enough, you have sat in the same seat for a few years, maybe even a decade; perhaps you have sat there for a 100 games or perhaps this is your first time in this seat.

 

For the sake of simplicity, let us consider Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, Newton-Lower Falls. They just celebrated 200 years as a congregation. We will assume they have worship 52 Sundays a year, for 200 years = 10,400 Sundays. And so, 10,400 people have sat in that very seat over the past two centuries. If you have been a member of the church for twenty years, then you have may have sat in the same seat for 500 services.

 

Even before the national anthem or the gathering hymn start, you find yourself immersed in history; surround be angels of the past, all living vicariously through you today. Imagine how you add to bless those who will come after you.

 

You are experiencing the past, present and future all at once. 

 

I am simply a Red Sox fan with four decades in my blood. I am simply a child of God with more four decades Christ within me.

 

Go Sox.

 

The Reverend Mark C. McKone-Sweet

 

Come Join the Fun!

 



A priest of the diocese, while we were attending a Red Sox game in September, asked me if I would ever consider writing about the lessons/truths shared between the professional baseball, specifically at Fenway, home of the Boston Red Sox AND the Church (our parishes). Not sure if what I am about to write satisfies his vision, but this is what I have to offer.

And so, I propose to write a short essay on few subjects: I’ll add more if the year is extended further. At this point, I am hopeful Red Sox will play on.  Here is are few of the topics forth coming.  As always, please excuse all the typos, grammar and lack of complete sentences. Writing is not my gift. 

The first edition will be posted in the next 30 minutes. 

First edition: There is always a seat for you
Second edition: The rituals: reach to the depths of your heart and soul
Third edition: Hope, there is always hope
Fourth edition: Taking the experience(s) into daily life
Fifth edition: Passing the tradition from generation to generation.
Sixth edition: Ye of little faith!
Seventh edition: Oh what shall we wear?
Eighth edition: Tithing, the dollar cost of being faithful
Ninth edition: Music, oh the music
Tenth: A family friendly experience, really.
Eleventh: Who is not here?
Twelfth: The food, oh the food.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Day 4: serving a meal to every child

As we waited for Noe to return with cooked food, plates and water: I told the children a few stories. The first was about the boy who became St Francis And the second was Yertle the Turtle.
Here is a photo of Noe and others handing a meal plate to a child. Children first, followed by yourhand the parents until we ran out. The rest of us had no desire to eat, knowing that we could eat at will after we leave.

Day 4: return to Holy Innocents

This morning the songs sing by church musician at St Andre called us from sleep into prayer. We the drove back to Holy Innocents to get to know the children and adults more. Word spread quickly. At first we were greeted by 25, soon it was 50. An hour later it was 100. We served close to 200 meals. While Noe returned to fetch the meal being prepared, Regine and Proscille took control, as only good teachers are able. Soon the kids we learning how to play duck, duck, goose. Then they sang songs and danced. Later, with Regine's help I taught them "do you love Jesus, deep down in your heart".

Day 3: connections

In the evening, we set off from Hinche to visit Partners in Health facility where Paul Farmer began his journey when he was 19. It is also the sight of an Episcopal Church School, sharing the same campus. We had the good fortune to meet the Episcopal priest (Fritz LaFontant - in photo) who befriended Paul Farmer and helped start Friends of Partners in Health in Haiti grow to what is today. He is very proud of the partnership and the subsequent growth of the schools in the region Partners works in (19 schools). Their is another Episcopal Priest (Pere Kesner) here who is the chaplain for the hospital and the priest in charge for schools.

Day 3: road trip

This morning we drove with Noe up to Cap Haitian. Noe had to make a final presentation to the new priest there. The three hour country car ride was an adventure in itself, all dirt roads, driving through rivers, and endless valleys. Needless to say, there is a reason four wheel drive cars are built. In Cap we took time to be tourists and eat breakfast. The photo below is where the city is building a children's beach park. Those who traveled to Cap before (see blog posts from 2011 and 2012) will recall that this spot was a dump before when liter and bottles where literally knee deep. Could this be a symbol of the changes in Haiti?

Day 2 - what could be

Sorry for the delay.
On Wednesday we were introduced to the mission church: Holy Innocents. This community is about 40 min drive, mostly dirt roads, from Hinche. The people in this area are very poor, with no income. They live off the land. The church purchased some land, it's a good size plot, at least a hector. This tent is, believe it or not, the church and single classroom. Mind you, there is no roof.

This is where Noe wants to start his first school outside of Hinche.

He is inviting us to prayerfully join him in partnership.

Can we imagine, Can we see what Noe can almost touch?

More to come.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Day 2-3 email issues.

Dear friends, I am having connectivity problems ... Hope to post more Friday morning. Thank you for your patience and prayers.

Mark+

The Reverend Mark C McKone-Sweet

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Day 2: Noe at the Altar of St Andre

Noe's first Eucharist. God speed and Alleluia.

Day 2: a wonderful day awaits

5am bells ringing. 5:30am singing in the kitchen. And a beautiful sunrise. Other than a strange and rather large spider in the ladies shower (harmless we learned) a good night was had. The first photo is the roof top of Saint Andre. This church and school were built by the bishop when he was a priest. Their long term partnerships and strong leadership over the years have this complex in great shape. (Recalling the 2008 floods in Hinche and 2010 earth quake)The second photo is of the school: 800 students.
Sending you peace from Haiti

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Day 1 - rest between flights and photo

Here we all are! From left to right
Rick, Regine (Epiphany Teacher), London, Jonel, Priscille (Epiphany Teacher) and Rev Mark. This is Rick and Priscille's first visit to Haiti. Regine her second - both in 2013! London and Mark have traveled several times. As for Jonel, he has returned several times to his birth place. A radio man, he started a Haitian radio station in the Boston area. Radio: Echo Evangelique 89.9 FM- SCA

We are traveling to the city of Hinche, in the upper plateau. We are hosted by Reverend Noe and staying at the rectory the Episcopal Church and School: Saint Andre. From there we will learn, visit and prayerfully begin to quantify how to best develop mutual relationships with a school (not St Andre). We suspect it may look different to Epiphany than for Saint Dunstan's. Nevertheless mutual relationships that enable us to all go deeper with Christ and each other is our motivation.

Day 1 - take off

We are all on board, all six of us. Security took an hour and 15 min for some of us. And so another mission trip leaves from Saint Dunstan's Episcopal Church and The Epiphany School. Where will God take us this time? How will God call us into a deeper response to our baptism?

Prayerfully full of anticipation of what awaits,

Mark+

Friday, August 9, 2013

Compassion and Matthew 6:9-13

I need to process something. So bear with me please. It takes special moments, often unexpected ones to draw me into the power of God's Grace. What strikes me tonight is a deeper awareness for what I assumed to be a welcoming, unifying prayer shared by all, that may not be so in all circumstances.

When I was about 30 years old, I took a respite from the Episcopal Church, at a local Roman Catholic Parish. The priest of the parish invited to receive Ashes at the evening service. What shocked me was his invitation to also receive communion. I made it clear I was not looking for a new denomination. He smiled. I was anxious as i arrived that night. At that service, when we all spoke the Lord's Prayer, I of course competed the Lord's Prayer - alone with the priest. I never understood why the priest finishes the prayer or why Episcopalians share the entire prayer with the priest.

Well, there was no where to hide as heads turned. And so began the most amazing three years of parish as an Episcopalian in a Roman Church. In time I learned that often the Hebrew Scripture was read by Jewish spouses of parishioners at each service. I learned that this priest was always the first to stand in town or outside a synagogue when ever a hate crime touched our lives.

The Lord's Prayer, I have always experienced in every Christian setting and interfaith service as the one prayer that unifies all Christians. And yet, when I listen to the heart of those who don't want attention drawn to them, especially for how their tradition teaches the HOW WE pray the Lord's Prayer ... I find myself saddened that such a simple prayer would make any christian person uncomfortable.

The "nay Sayers" will tell me to keep offering the Lord's Prayer without hesitation. Don't water down our traditions anymore. don't apologize for being Christian.

Last I checked, we are all called to love our neighbor ... and to offer unconditional love in God's name. We are not judge but to listen and offer the hand of Christ to all. Jesus' teaching are abundant. The Lord Prayer offered to the disciples, despite Jesus frustration with them, was an example.

It was Father Bullock that taught me so much about Jesus Christ. So much so, a few years later at his funeral, I approached his brother, also a Catholic Priest and told him "I experienced Jesus Christ in the most remarkable ways in those three years".

That night I went home to prepare my papers for my ordination, as a priest in the Episcopal Church.

I wonder tonight what wisdom he would share with me now ... Other than to be bold in welcoming, incorporating, grateful, a beacon for peace & justice and the first to witness - for others -God's Grace. Focus less on the what "we" do and more on how God is asking us to open doors into people's hearts to Jesus Christ - with or without the Lord's Prayer.

Time to say my prayers for the night. Matthew 6:9-13 is a good place start.

Right?

Prayerfully,
Mark+

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Summer Worship

I love summer worship. It is more intimate, relaxed and everyone who
joins us, really wants to be here. Today we worshipped in the parish
hall, you know, where we have coffee hour each week. Asked a few of
the founders, it was the first time we has ever worshiped outside of
the main sanctuary! I will post photo as soon as it is sent to me. I
have also observed, that everyone really enjoys coffee hour or at
least everyone lingers longer.

Next week, I'll be on vacation, worshiping at 8am on a beach, sitting
on a beach chair. I guess that is truly summer church.

Peace be with you,

Mark+

Sent from my Phone
Rev. Mark C. McKone-Sweet

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Day 7: one journey ends and another begins

We are all home, safe and sound, healthy and full of joy, ready for
snow and not missing the flies. It's been a long journey today, a good
way to leave a piece of our hearts in Haiti and embrace our hearts
desires here at home, in our ministries at Saint Dunstan's and the
Epiphany School.

After an early morning flight from Cap Haitien to Port Au Prince (25
minutes vs 6 hours with Noe at the wheel) we were greeted by Shirley
(Noe's wife) at the local airport. She was so kind to pick us up, an
upon learning of our long lay over before our afternoon flights, she
took us to be tourists for a few hours. And so we sat in traffic jams
for over an hour until we arrived at the National History Museum. The
guide was good - having Regine and Isabele bring the history to light
was a blessing to us all.

The guide mentioned that slavery in Haiti was worse than it ever was
in the United States. After he explained why, it was hard for any of
us to argue with graphic details of horror, disembodiment, torture ...

I continue to find it amazing what evil humankind can impose on other
humans and the world appears helpless to stop it. As I prepare for
Martin Luther King weekend, may we never forget our own history of
sin, slavery, discrimination, racism ... Call it what ever you wish.
And may our truth set us free.

At the airport, Regine was introducing Isabelle to what she might
expect if she is able to study at BC this fall, all the while
informing me too: as she mentioned a critical book she is deep into,
Pedagogy of the Oppressed.

In the waiting area, I met a Methodist Minister finishing up his own
mission work and returning to his parish in Pennsylvania. We spoke of
the transformation that happens when our parishioners and others join
us on mission. He noted that young adults gravitate to mission before
organized church. Haiti, he offered, was a "Laboratory for
discipleship". When I asked him to repeat it again, he reminded me it
was not his words.

Regine, Isabelle, London and Christine, along with our previous
mission teams to Haiti and youth missioners who went to Belize and/or
New Orleans - all are amazing disciples in Christ. I am proud of them
all for taking personal and literal risks, being open to having their
hearts and minds changed, and truly embracing their baptisms.

Pere Noe and so many other church leaders are daily on the front lines
and have proven they are great shepherds of The Lord.

I wonder whee this will lead us all? I pray we all will continue to
have open hearts and seek God's calling ... Where ever it takes us
tomorrow.

Amen.
Mark+

Sent from my Phone
Rev. Mark C. McKone-Sweet

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Day 7: sunrise and goodbye

This morning we begin are travels home. Last night we gave thanks over
an hour long conversation. We also reflected on how this experience
may impact our future relationship with God/Jesus Christ, the
church/community and our own personal transformation. We concluded the
night with reflections on the Call of Samuel, the Call of Isaiah and 1
Cor 13.

We are grateful for those who made it possible for us to be here
(Saint Dunstan's, Epiphany School, our families and co-workers, Pere
Noe and his wife Shirley). And we offer thanks to God.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Day 6: blessed are children

The school is alive - really alive. The noises of learning create a
constant level energy - all ages, the voices of laughter, singing,
call and response, in French, creole, Spanish, mathematics, grammar,
history, geography ... In the small space, 1350 students co-exist ...
London and Chris are very popular with their cameras, Regine and
Isabele had a good meeting and tour with the director and Rev Mark
simply had fun (and some formal meetings). Because they have not been
able to build more rooms, the rooms are stuffed with children and
youth.

Isabelle bought patties for children who did not have lunch or lunch
money. Needless to say - she made many friends with her
thoughtfulness.

Everything is very Inspiring to say the least.

Here is a fun photo: lunch time.

Day 6 - L'Ecole Saint Esprit

Good Morning. Last night we took some time for R&R, found a working TV
and watched the Patriots Game. What a treat.

Today we will spend the entire day at the School of the Holy Spirit.
We know this school has continued to grow. Last Year alone they added
250 students. Student population now exceeds 1,400. Yesterday we went
to visit the former for director of the school, Charles. He was head
master to 45 years. What a servant of The Lord! It was great to meet a
living member of the history of the school. Pere Noe tells us, of the
long list of priorities ... Getting electricity, building more
classrooms, painting, a library, computer lab - his highest priority
is scholarship funding. He is very anxious about being able to pay his
teachers this year. We will learn more soon ...

This morning we will get to know some students, teachers and the
director. This afternoon, we will gather with members of the church to
paint classrooms.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Day 5: tourists

Regine writing: (photo below)

A lifelong dream of mine has been achieved! Visiting Palais Sans Souci
was not only an enjoyable but an overwhelming experience. The team and
I were able to experience where a huge and important part of Haitian
history took place.

So, it goes without saying that I am truly enjoying the experience
here in Haiti.

To my students, here is some extra credit! I want for you to find out
the name of the king who once lived in Palais Sans Souci and his
significance in Haitian history.

I love and miss you all at Epiphany!

Day 5: worship and prayers

London writes: So today we went to church in Cap Haitian (aka Au-Cap
as the locals call it) where Mark and Noe delivered a beautiful
service together. Their sermon was about never losing hope and falling
into despair and to embrace the church and all that is has to give
each individual and the community as a whole. In addition we had the
unexpected pleasure of being able to hear the local Catholic group
choir sing all the hymns through out the service in both French and
Creole. Once the service was over the service was over we went as a
group with Father Noe on two house visits to pay respects to two
church members who were both unable to attend church due to sickness.
This mission in many ways has been about going deeper into trying to
understand Haiti as a country and the people that live in it and this
day has just brought us a little closer to getting a clearer view on
what our presence in Haiti truly means. Now we are off to experience
yet another portion of Haiti with open eyes and open hearts.

Day: 5 Baptism of The Lord

Mural on the wall of Saint Esprit.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Day 4: safe arrival into Cap Haitien

What a day it has been. After all the prayer, worship and witness to
the anniversary of the earthquake. And having spent the last two days
learning the scale of destruction to the schools, churches and
ministries of the Episcopal Church - we spent the afternoon driving
through the northern flats, rice patty farms and up and over the
mountains to the city of Cap Haitien. Needless to say, thank The Lord
that Pere Noe drives these roads 3 to 4 times a month. It was tough
to see the poverty stretch out into the country and mountains. London
and Chris rode in the back of the pickup truck the entire way (along
with Noe's cousin). Regine and I had a go at it for a few hours and
then settled in the cab with Lindsey and Pere Noe.

We are now safely in housing for the night. A fine Catholic Retreat
house in the city. Clean, safe and a welcoming environment.

Tomorrow is church. I will preach at the 6am service and then again at
the primary service at 8:30am. I pray That God will fill my heart with
his word. It will be so good to pray with the community we have been
praying for for two years now. We will make some pastoral visits after
church and hopefully have time to be tourists.

Mark+

Sent from my Phone
Rev. Mark C. McKone-Sweet

Day 4: service of remembrance

On the very top of the program it reads:
Haiti: stand up and walk.

Today we gathered with people of Haiti, the entire diocese of Haiti,
Presiding Bishop (Katherine), Bishops of Haiti, most of the Haitian
clergy, an army of seminarians, youth scouts (of the church) the
Anglican Scouts of Haitian the cathedral choir, boys choir, and youth
orchestra from the Anglican music school ... For anyone who loves
liturgy and worship - it was an Anglo-asm. (Term coined by Ray Suarez,
News Hour).

Needless to say, the music was amazing, the spirit somber and joyful,
as the PB encouraged the people of Haiti to stay strong and keep HOPE
alive.

It was a short service, just under two hours. Here is the procession
to the Cathedral from Trinity School.

Day 4 - reality - sobering truth.

We are driving to Cap Haiten ... And stopped to reflect as we passed
the mass grave site for some 200.000 victims from the earthquakes.
Sobering on this 3rd anniversary.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Day 3 - night time is upon us

This evening we took some time to share a relaxed meal and then we
entered into a two hour, rich, discussion. Regine and Isabel had
Internet access for a few minutes and made and sent a video to the
Epiphany School community. Fun.

We were then joined by the only woman at the seminary this year,
Denise. As she told her story of accepting God calling her, she also
shared how she kept writing her priest - over and over again - waiting
until the diocese was ready to ordain women. Thank God the Bishop has
welcomed her (two other woman last year) into the ministry of priests.
We then had a discussion about the great commandment (love God and
love your neighbor) - asking, if a persons loves others already, why
do they need God?

Denise's story gave us all permission to share our stories. This lead
a deep conversation about the ministries we all do (ordained or not)
to love God in others. We concluded the night with Matthew 25:13
(parable) the king (God) thanking those who fed him, clothed him,
cared for him, visited him in prison, etc. The people say - we never
did that for you God. God then tells them that every-time they feed
someone, visit someone who is sick or in prison, five clothes to the
naked, etc. they in fact served and loved God.

Tomorrow we will be at the cathedral for the earthquake anniversary
service with the Bishop and Presiding Bishop. Should be an emotional
day for everyone.

In the afternoon we will drive North to Cap Haitien.

Good night friends. Please continue to pray for us as we continue to
pray for you all.

Mark+

Sent from my Phone
Rev. Mark C. McKone-Sweet

Day 3 - midday update

We are finishing our tour of Ecole Sainte Trinite, by the Reverend
Fernande S Peirre-Louis (director and alum). She is also the first
woman ordained in the diocese of Haiti (2002/3).

With 900 students, 130 teachers (many part time specialists for the
upper grades) for this very active school. The entire school was
destroyed in the earthquake. Temporary rooms, after three years, feel
fixed - though there is nothing long term in how they are built. The
sounds of student learning echoes through each room and passage way,
forming a chorus of noise one must think, listen, and speak over.

Despite the challenges, this school celebrates 100 years this June.
Echoes of the standards and motto of the Epiphany School echo in our
hearts and minds as we hear and witness their communal determination
to demand, to expect, and raise each person to higher standards. Each
student, teacher and parent - all held to higher standards and the
expectation is they hold each other up too. It all begins in 1st grade
where each student must learn three languages: English, French, and
Creole. In the past, they they were able to only teach reading and
writing in English. The current Director changed the pedagogy to
include oral training too. Seems obvious until you witness the
obstacles before them.

For example, vandals recently pilfered the chemistry lab (including
the ceiling fans) and later hit the computer lab. Both were secure
rooms - but the wood, temporary walls were no obstacle. Another
classroom had all its wooded tables taken.

The energy and spirit of the school is high. It gives us hope too.

Below is a photo of Regine, Isabele, Pere Noe, Rev Mark, the Bishop
and Rev Fernande.

Day 3: funeral and sleeping in

All of you in Boston are in our prayers today. Thank you for your prayers.

Another beautiful day in Haiti. The sun is bright and so are our
spirits. The comments yesterday from Epiphany students brought smiles
to our faces and warmed our hearts.

This morning, Rev Mark attended a funeral at the cathedral for a lay
leader. The Bishop, Dean, and five other priests all participated. It
was a moving experience. Even though I don't speak French, knowing our
shared liturgy allows me to fully participate, regardless of the
language. Thank you BCP (book of common prayer).

Now we are all off to visit trinity school, next to the cathedral.
Regine and Isabelle hope to learn more about building and running
schools in Haiti. This school has been part of the diocese for decades
and has now grown to send its first graduates off to university. Amen.

For all you Episcopalians: the presiding bishop (Katherine) is in
Haiti this week and will celebrate the Anniversary Mass tomorrow. The
Bishop of California is here too, they are in a long term process to
rebuild the music school.

Mark+

Sent from my Phone
Rev. Mark C. McKone-Sweet

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Day 2: evening

It has been a remarkable first day. We visited many Episcopal
missions: four school, medical clinic, hospital, countless churches.
As we entered into Noe's home town, almost completely destroyed by the
earthquake, we stopped to see his mother. She can't walk, we found her
selling in her street front store. She survived the earthquake only
because she was in her store and not her house (20 feet away). The
house collapsed and killed two of Noe's cousins. Her House has not
been rebuilt and his mom refuses to sleep in a house (out of fear). We
passed a huge school being built by the Roman Catholic Church - all of
it at once. Usually we see one room at a time being built.
Soon we came to another Episcopal school (900 students all in
temporary classrooms) being rebuilt by a NGO and the small medical
clinic which was in full operation. Over and over we saw the
Episcopal Church at the center of rebuilding community and providing
hope. All with very little resources or human capital. The hospital in
the center of town (which survived the earthquake) was funded by the
Presbyterian Church (USA) even though it is owned by the Episcopal
Church today. In fact, it appears that a huge amount of the actual
funding seems to come from other denominations and NGOs.

Is the Episcopal Church (USA) unable to raise the funds necessary to
care for our sisters and brothers in need - while other denominations
are able to? Even if only half true: The question before us is then
obvious - why? And can this change?

Below: Noe and his mother in her store.

Day 2: Lunch

Isabelle writes: We had the awesome opportunity of meeting the
adorable students of St. Matthieu, an Episcopal school in Leogane.
They could not contain their excitement as we took photos of
them...natural-born models. Interacting with them reminded us of the
students of Epiphany School who are greatly missed.

Below: We also met a young girl, 7-year-old Damarra, who
coincidentally shares the same name and age as Regine's younger
sister. Small world indeed!

Day 2: making connectins

The photo in the earlier post: we are with the Dean of the Seminary,
Reverend Yvan Francois. A retired Haitian priest, and former head of
the Ecole St Peter for several decades (high school in done town Port
Au Prince).

We learned that there are 25 seminarians (only one is a woman). He
said, in time God willing more women will seek priesthood. The diocese
has over 200 missions, only 40 priests. They hope to add 60 more
priests to the ranks.

The Dean in the past spent some time at EDS, the Episcopal Divinity
School. We discussed our hope to host a seminarian as we continue to
deep relationships: with some parishes in our deanery, church of the
Holy Spirit (Mattapan) and the Epiphany School (Dorchester).

Much to pray about. Perhaps the Dean should come visit our diocese too.

No we are driving to the south, to Leogane.

Mark+

Sent from my Phone
Rev. Mark C. McKone-Sweet

Day 2: morning

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Day 1: arrival at seminary

We arrived safely and will stay in housing at the Episcopal Seminary
School. We will have photos tomorrow - "where there were tent cities
last year, they are no more" (USAID built homes far from town for many
displaced people)
This photo is of Regine's uncle (hat) and Pere Noe. They are old
friends we all learned with great excitement (they were school mates).
Noe's wife is friends with his wife. Smiles all around. Small world.

Day 1: Group photo in NJ

Here we are together: London, Isabelle, Regine, Chris and Rev Mark.
FYI: Mark sewed the button back on his jacket, London found a charger
and Regine's mother already called us to offer her blessings.

Day 1: early start

Good Morning. We have begun our third Mission to Haiti. The night and
early hours were full of re-packing and calls and regular anxiety.
After leaving the house, I thought my lost button was going to take
top priority. London then shared that she did not pack her charger for
her camera(s). Let us pray for safe travels and a charger to be found
to purchase along the way.

Mark+

Sent from my Phone
Rev. Mark C. McKone-Sweet

Friday, January 4, 2013

Praying about life and rights.

The question keeps coming up. What can I do about all these deaths by
gun shootings? What can we do?

Our historic history informs us that owning your own gun is a
protected right, in response to when it was not a right. Our current
history informs us that 22 people were shot in the past 24 hours
(maybe more). Our current moral humanity informs us that no person
needs to be a personal armed army. Modern history informs us that the
USA is top of the list for deaths by guns and children's death by
guns. In the current political framework, is "all or nothing" our only
responses to the second amendment?

Another question for all Christians ... When is our ethical response
to our baptism trump any firm, polarized stance regarding guns in our
country. "Peace and Justice" and the "the dignity of all people".

Praying we can all come together to save lives before another 22
people are shot today.

Mark+