April 9, 2023 9 a.m. EASTER DAY 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 Two
nine o’clock in the morning
The Rev. Becky Zartman, Canon Missioner for Evangelism and Formation 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 Prelude
My Spirit Be Joyful Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Grand Chœur ‘Benedicamus Domino’ Guy Weitz (1883–1970)
Canzon Septimi Toni No. 2 Giovanni Gabrieli (1557–1612)
Grand chœur dialogué Eugène Gigout (1844–1925)
At the Procession
Congregational Hymn 179 Fortunatus
1 “Welcome, happy morning!” age to age shall say: Hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today! Lo! the dead is living, God for evermore! Him their true Creator, all his works adore!
“Welcome, happy morning!” age to age shall say.
2 Maker and Redeemer, life and health of all, Thou from heaven beholding human nature’s fall, Of the Father’s Godhead true and only Son, Mankind to deliver, manhood didst put on. Refrain
3 Thou, of life the author, death didst undergo, Tread the path of darkness, saving strength to show; Come then, true and faithful, now fulfill thy word, ’Tis thine own third morning! Rise, O buried Lord! Refrain
4 Loose the souls long prisoned, bound with Satan’s chain; All that now is fallen raise to life again; Show thy face in brightness, bid the nations see; Bring again our daylight: day returns with thee! Refrain
— Venantius Honorius Fortunatus (540–600); tr. John Ellerton (1826 –1893)
1
Opening Salutation
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ is risen. People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
The Celebrant says
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gloria in Excelsis S 278 William Mathias (1934–1992)
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heav’nly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. Glory to God in the highest. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to 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 your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. 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 The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
2
Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24
setting: Robert Simpson, 1990
The antiphon is sung first by the cantor and repeated by the People and Choir. It is then sung as indicated in the Psalm text.
Give thanks to the L ORD, for he is good; * his mercy endures for ever.
Let Israel now proclaim, * “His mercy endures for ever.” Antiphon
The L ORD is my strength and my song, * and he has become my salvation. There is a sound of exultation and victory * in the tents of the righteous: Antiphon
“The right hand of the L ORD has triumphed! * the right hand of the L ORD is exalted! the right hand of the L ORD has triumphed!”
I shall not die, but live, * and declare the works of the L ORD. Antiphon
The L ORD has punished me sorely, * but he did not hand me over to death. Open for me the gates of righteousness; * I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the L ORD. Antiphon
“This is the gate of the L ORD; * he who is righteous may enter.”
I will give thanks to you, for you answered me * and have become my salvation. Antiphon
The same stone which the builders rejected * has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the L ORD’s doing, * and it is marvelous in our eyes.
On this day the L ORD has acted; * we will rejoice and be glad in it. Antiphon
Melanie Miller and Joel Goodloe, cantors
3
Hymn 210 Ellacombe
1 The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad; The Passover of gladness, the Passover of God. From death to life eternal, from earth unto the sky, Our Christ hath brought us over with hymns of victory.
2 Our hearts be pure from evil, that we may see aright
The Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light; And, listening to his accents, may hear so calm and plain
His own “All hail!” and, hearing, may raise the victor strain.
3 Now let the heavens be joyful, let earth her song begin, The round world keep high triumph, and all that is therein; Let all things seen and unseen their notes together blend, For Christ the Lord is risen, our joy that hath no end.
—
St. John of Damascus (8th cent.); tr. John Mason Neale (1818–1866)
The Holy Gospel Matthew 28:1–10
Celebrant The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
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 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 to you, Lord Christ.
4
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 to Jesus Christ?
People 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.
Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People I will, with God’s help.
5
Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People 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.
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;
6
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 also with you.
The People greet one another in the name of the Lord.
The Holy Communion
At the Offertory
Anthem William Harris (1883–1973)
Most glorious Lord of life, that on this day, Didst make thy triumph over death and sin: And having harrow’d hell, didst bring away Captivity thence captive, us to win: This joyous day, dear Lord, with joy begin, And grant that we for whom thou diddest die, Being with thy dear blood clean wash’d from sin, May live for ever in felicity. And that thy love we weighing worthily, May likewise love thee for the same again: And for thy sake, that all like dear didst buy, With love may one another entertain.
So let us love, dear love, like as we ought, Love is the lesson which the Lord us taught.
— “Amoretti LXVIII” by Edmund Spenser (1552–1599)
7
All standing.
The Great Thanksgiving
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Then the Celebrant proceeds
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Sanctus and Benedictus S 125
Community Mass
Richard Proulx (1937–2010)
In celebration of the Easter season, the People remain standing for the Great Thanksgiving. Then the Celebrant continues
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
8
Celebrant and People
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
And now, as our Savior Christ has 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.
9
At the Administration, Anthems
On Easter morn, ere break of day, The three Saint Mary’s sped Toward the tomb where Jesus lay, Already three days dead. Light seemed the burden that they bore Of myrrh and spice a goodly store, When came they fast, the Sabbath past, To salve his body o’er.
English traditional melody Simon Lindley (b.1948)
But at his grave they saw a sight, The stone was rolled away: And thereon sat an angel bright, Which unto them did say:
“Fear not: Go tell the Elev’n that He precedes them into Galilee
O’er is the strife; the Lord of life Hath won the victory.”
Rise, New Jerusalem, and shine, For Christ thy light is ris’n!
Syon, exult! Thy Lord divine Hath burst his three-day pris’n. Thou, Mother too, of God, be glad, Because thy Son, whom foemen had On Friday slain, doth live again, In robe of glory clad.
— “Greek Office of Easter Lauds” trans. George Ratcliffe Woodward (1848–1934)
anon. 15th c. French melody arr. Simon Lindley (b.1948)
Now the green blade riseth from the buried grain. Wheat that in dark earth many days has lain; Love lives again, that with the dead has been: Love is come again, like wheat that springeth green.
In the grave they laid him, love whom men had slain, Thinking that never he would wake again, Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen: Love is come again, like wheat that springeth green.
Forth he came at Easter like the risen grain. He that for three days in the grave had lain. Quick from the dead my risen Lord is seen: Love is come again, like wheat that springeth green.
When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain, Thy touch can call us back to life again, Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been: Love is come again, like wheat that springeth green.
— John Macleod Campbell Crum (1872–1958)
10
After Communion, the Celebrant says Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Easter 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
1 Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
2 Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia! Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
3 But the pains which he endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured, Alleluia! Now above the sky he’s King, Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
4 Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as his love, Alleluia!
Praise him, all ye heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
Easter Hymn
11
— Latin, 14th c.; tr. Lyra Davidica, 1708; alt. stanza 4, Charles Wesley (1707–1788)
Dismissal
Priest Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia. People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
Postlude
Toccata from Symphony No. 5
Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937)
The Parish Choir
Chelsea Berner
Fredy Bonilla
Josh Chavira
Anne Flanagan
John Flanagan
John Gallagher
Michelle Girardot
Steven Godowns
James McAloon, trumpet
Gary Mata, trumpet
Joel Goodloe
Barbara Hamilton
Joby Hughes
Laura Lisk
Rebecca Marcontell
Kirstie McCallam
Ben McGee
Mike McKann
Sally Miller
Instrumentalists
James Wilson, french horn
Mark Holley, trombone
Jane Mumey
Edith Nordloh
Pete Nordloh
Flo Ray
Richard Schafer
Justin Shen
Sean Stultz
Martha Williams
Mark Barton, tuba
Richard Brown, timpani
The Easter Music was Given to the Glory of God in Honor of Robert L. Simpson, Canon for Music.
12
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
Please be advised that our services are Livesteamed to Vimeo and Facebook. Your participation in the service serves as your consent to the broadcast of your image and voice and to the broadcast of the image and voice of your participating minor children.
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.
