Annual Meeting Postponed to Feb. 8
Vincent, Deacon of Saragossa, and Martyr, 304
January 22, 2026
Dear People of Holy Apostles’ Episcopal Church:
Grace and Peace to you!
Today, is the observance of the martyrdom of Deacon Vincent in northern Spain. Vincent functioned like Moses’ brother, Aaron who was the voice for Moses who had a speech impediment. He was the spokesperson for his priest, Valerius. Both were arrested under the persecution of Roman emperors, Diocletian and Maximian. With persistent support from Valerius who chose him to be his voice due to his own speech impediment, Vincent spoke before the persecutors with fervor and never renounced their faith. Ultimately, Valerius was exiled and Vincent was tortured with equally escalating exuberance matching his steadfast and ardent adherence to his faith conveyed by his clarity in faith which was coupled with defiance of the governor. Thank you, blesséd Vincent, for the example of unrelenting faith in the face of pain and death.
I write this letter to notify you of the predicted weather forecast and its impact on parish events, namely our Annual Meeting. According to weather.gov, which I referenced this morning, a severe winter storm is to begin to impact the Philadelphia area as of 7 pm on Saturday evening, continuing until Monday at 1pm, and unleashing 10 inches or more of snow accumulation. Given the weather, and our parish’s desire for you to remain safe, we are postponing the Annual Meeting until Sunday, February 8th as was provided as a backup date in the event of inclement weather in our original notices to the parish.
Our Annual meeting will commence following our Mass on Sunday, February 8th so that we may review parish life in 2025, including our finances and ministry, approve the annual budget for 2026, elect new lay leaders to position of warden, Vestry, and parish delegates (to convocation and Diocesan Convention). If we are to face further inclement weather, then we will retain the date of Sunday, February 15th as a secondary ‘rain date.’
Copies of the Annual Report have been printed and are at the Church. Many have already taken a copy and I truly encourage you to read them with care. If you have questions, I am happy to clarify, expand, or engage in deeper conversation about any portion therein.
Faithfully in service of our Lord and his Church,
Fr. Michael Panzarella
A Collect for Deacon Vincent
Lesser Feasts and Fasts, 53
Almighty God, whose deacon Vincent, upheld by thee, was neither terrified by threats nor overcome by torments: Strengthen us, we beseech thee, to endure all adversity with invincible and steadfast faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
