In a first for the Church of St. Simon the Cyrenian in New Rochelle, parishioners walked in procession through the church’s neighborhood in celebration of Palm Sunday on March 28, 2010.
“Why do we do this? In order to bear witness to our faith in Jesus Christ,” said Interm Pastor Titus Presler in introducing the procession. “Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on this day was a public event,” he continued, “and so on this day we publicly identify ourselves as Christians and let people know that St. Simon’s Church is here.”
About 70 parishioners participated in the procession as they sang “All Glory, Laud and Honor” on the chilly, blustery day, while about 30 stayed singing in the church because they felt unable to make the walk. Some older parishioners walked as far as they felt comfortable and then turned back. “At least I was there!” remarked one.
The procession, led by crucifer Aleesha Rogers and the choir, walked up Remington Place to Webster Avenue to East Lincoln Avenue. Turning west, they moved down Lincoln, turning left at Risley Place, then left again at French Ridge. The procession then crossed Webster again at Remington and walked back to the church, the circuit being completed in under 20 minutes. Safety was ensured by the New Rochelle Police Department, which had been requested in advance to post an officer. In the past, parishioners have processed inside the church or around the parish parking lot.
On the Saturday before Palm Sunday, flyers were placed at the direction of Senior Warden Colette Phipps in mail slots in the area advising local residents that the procession would take place, weather permitting. The flyer also invited them to participate on Palm Sunday and in the other Holy Week and Easter services listed. While no residents came out to join the procession, the parish made its presence known as an inviting community.
The visible outreach is part of the new resolve of the Vestry to grow the parish and to reach out in ministry beyond the existing congregation. At Vestry retreats in February and March, members noted that many parishioners come to St. Simon’s from various areas, but few from the immediate neighborhood of the church. As a result, ads for Holy Week and Easter have been placed in the Westchester County Press and in the Sound Shore Express.
More direct and personal, several parishioners have volunteered to witness door to door both in the church’s neighborhood and in their own neighborhoods. An introductory brochure about the parish is being prepared by the Communications Committee, with counsel from the Mission and Evangelism Committee. Training will take place about how to initiate conversation about faith and the community of St. Simon’s, with visits beginning when the weather turns warmer.
