May 25, 2003

Dear Association Members and Friends of St. Michael's,

Christ is among us!

In January of this year elections were held at St. Michael's Russian Catholic Church in Mulberry Street for a new Board of Directors of St. Michael's Chapel Association. It is in our capacity as the new Board Members that we write to you now to introduce ourselves, to address you about Association Membership and to give you a glance at events planned for the remainder of the year.

• You and the Association: As we settle into our new roles and look forward to a very full term of service we would, at the same time, like to remind you that the Association consists not of its Board of Directors but of you, its members. As expressed in the Association's Statement of Purpose (enclosed with this letter), it exists for the benefit of its members, for those who have found their spiritual home in the Byzantine Rite in the community of St. Michael's Russian Catholic Church.
• With this in mind, we encourage you to be involved in the life of the Association, to feel free to offer your time and creative energy in planning and articipating in Association-sponsored events and activities. Please contact any Board Member in person or by email to be involved. Also, please do not hesitate to offer your own ideas for fund-raising events and activities you think might be culturally or spiritually enriching for Association members or of benefit to the Association's ministries.
• Membership Registration & Dues: We welcome you if you are a new member and thank you, if you are a renewing member, for keeing your Membership current. Whether renewing or registering for the first time we ask you to fill out the enclosed Registration Card which we will include in our updated Membership File. We also ask that as a renewing or first-time member you submit a payment for Membership Dues for the year 2003 in the amount of $5.00. You may submit your Registration Card and $5.00 Membership Dues at St. Michael's either to the Secretary, Vincent Romano or the Treasurer, Mary Ellen Strei. Alternatively, you may submit them by US Mail using the enclosed addressed envelope (if submitting by US Mail please pay by check only. Write checks to: St. Michael's Chapel Association, Inc.)
• Events in 2003:
  • Come enjoy the tasty delights of St. Michael's Bake Sale, June 8 at 12:30 PM! To contribute to the Sale please speak to Gaby Baxter or add your name to the sign-up list posted at St. Michael's.
  • A warm welcome awaits visitors to the San Gennaro Festival on September 13, 14, 20 & 21 when St. Michael's doors will be open, offering a peaceful harbor for the weary…. We will have free literature about St. Michael's available as well as books, icons, lapel pins, holy cards and a few baked goods for sale. If you would like to be among those offering hospitality during these days you may add your name to the sign-up list to be posted at St. Michael's in August.
  • The Sixth Annual Association Dinner will take place on November 8. If you know of a restaurant perhaps appropriate for the event please feel free to suggest it to any of the Board Members.
  • We will provide details of other events in 2003 as they become available.
• We hope to see you at St. Michael's over the coming months. If you are unable to attend the Liturgy or other services, please be assured you remain united with the community in prayer as we "offer the Holy Sacrifice in peace" and in the communion of the Holy Spirit.