fifth sunday in ordinary time february 9, 2020 · winter break - 2/16 through 2/19. classes resume...
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Church of the Immaculate Conception A Roman Catholic Community
400 Saratoga Road, Glenville, NY 12302
Hours: Monday-Friday 9-12 & 1-4
Office / Rectory Parish Center
Fax Email
Website
518-399-9168 518-399-9210 518-384-3278 [email protected] www.icglenville.com Find us on Facebook
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 9, 2020
Calendar of Events
Sunday Monday Tuesday
2/9 8 am Mass 11 am Mass with clow 12 Noon Afterglow
2/10 9 am Funeral Mass—- —-followed by Prayer Shawl Ministry Mtg
2/11 9 am Mass … followed by Adoration until ... 6 pm Benediction 6:30 pm Virtus Training
Wednesday Thursday Friday
2/12 9 am Mass 10 am Virtus Training 1 pm Memory Cafe
2/13 No Morning Mass 4 pm Recovery Mtg 7pm TOPS Mtg 7 pm Choir
2/14 No Morning Mass
Saturday Sunday Upcoming
2/15 4 pm Reconciliation 5 pm Mass Father/Daughter Blessing Blessing of Married Couples
Father—Daughter
Dance
2/16 Blessing of Married Couples
8 am Mass 11 am Mass with clow Honoring our Iwo Jima vets 12 Noon Afterglow
Monday, February 17 President’s Day Offices Closed
No Morning Mass
Save the Date Mardi Gras ! February 25
The Eucharist is celebrated…. Sunday, the Lord’s Day 8 am and 11 am Anticipated on Saturday 5 pm Mon, Tues, Wed 9 am (except Feb 17) Thursday, Friday 7 am No morning Mass Thursdays and Fridays in February First Saturday of the month 7:30 am
Reconciliation Saturday 4 pm and by appointment
PASTORAL STAFF Pastor Rev. Jerome R. Gingras [email protected] Director of Music Ministries William Jon Gray [email protected] Pastoral Associate for Administration Fran Rossi Szpylczyn Pastoral Associate for Administration Kathy Friscic Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation Madeline Fretto Pastoral Associate for Youth Ministries Christine Goss Pastoral Care Coordinator Rachel Winters [email protected] Facilities Maintenance Christoph Belrose, Paul Toolan
Books for Troops: Donate used or new paperback books to our troops overseas! Boxes are at church entrances, where you can place paperbacks, used DVDs, and books on CD. There is a particular need for history, biography, military history, sci/fi fantasy, and action/adventure books, although all genres are accepted. Donations to help send the books overseas are welcome and needed - contact Addison Evanoff at [email protected] or (518) 384-0745.
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 9, 2020
SAT 5:00 pm Intentions of Nancy & Richard Shultes February 8 +Susan Magner - Karen Smith +Manny DeYoe - Sarah Saunders +Karen - Pomeroy family +Fr. Thomas Connery - Fr. Jack Hunter & Mary Agnes Dame In thanksgiving - Tessie Gaus SUN 8:00 am +Claude Venditti - Angie Fountain February 9 +Concetta Ingui - Milazzo family +Frank Keville - family +Judith Pomato - husband +Glynn Thomas Carter - Kim Klementowski +Mary A. Cintula - family In thanksgiving - Tessie Gaus 11:00 am +Selma Gerasimovich - Monaghan family +Helen Smrstik - family +Bill Kouzan - Paul & Carol Heckman +Robert & +John Greene - family +Earl Carpenter - Ron & MaryAnn Johnson +Charlie Brown - Ann Grega +James Sankowski - Mary Beth Sankowski +Christine Mink Remkus (1st Ann) - +Henry “Mike” Pokrzywka - Month’s Mind MON 9:00 am Funeral Mass for +Mary Chirico February 10 TUES 9:00 am +George Fountain - Schultz family February 11 +Frances Hamilla - family Adoration until 6 pm WED 9:00 am +Raymond Stryjski (16th Ann) - family February 12 +Anna Barnes (16th Ann) - family +Richard Peabody (3rd Ann) - family THUR 7:00 am No Morning Mass here February 13 8 am Mass at St. Anthony’s, Sch’dy 7:45 am Mass at St. Mary’s, Ballston Spa FRI 7:00 am No Morning Mass here February 14 8 am Mass at St. Anthony’s, Sch’dy SAT 5:00 pm +Rosemary Schaub (7th Ann) - family February 15 +Louis Grecco - Evelyn Grecco +Veronica McGraw - Schultz family +Fr. Thomas Connery - Mlodzianowski family +Vincenzo and +Edda Sacco - family +Clarence “Fritz” Neumann - family Intentions of Elvira Neumann on her birthday SUN 8:00 am +Mary Basilio - Ed & Barbara Durkin February 16 +Charlie Brown - Fortin family +Fr. Thomas Connery - Lee Homic +John Bazzini - Bobbie Jeanne & Wayne 11:00 am +Martin Fank - family +Casey Scales - Maddalone family +Selma Gerasimovich - Monaghan family +Frank “Chic” Ruscitto - wife, Nancy & family +Mark Ruscitto - family +Helen Smrstik - family +Roseann Millington - parish family If you would like to bring up the gifts, contact an usher before Mass.~
Mass Intentions
February 8-16
A note from the parish office… If you require an annual statement of giving for 2019, please contact us to request it.
We can be reached at 518-399-9168 or [email protected]
Keep us posted if you have a new address, email address or phone number. If you would like to receive weekly envelopes or to arrange for electronic donations or have other business concerns, please contact us.
Thank you for your unfailing support of the parish and the Church in Glenville.
Winter is still here. We ask you to remember that, in consideration for the safety of our parishioners, if Burnt Hills Schools are closed or delayed, there will be no morning Mass on weekdays. School closing info, can be found on Capital News 9, WNYT-TV, WRGB-TV and WTEN-TV. Also, on radio stations WFLY-FLY92 and WGY-810 and at www.timesunion.com. And, you can always check our website: [www.icglenville.com].
The Mass – Bishop Robert Barron’s Newest Study
Walk through the Liturgy with Bishop Barron and you’ll be transformed through insights on this most privileged and intimate encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ. See how the Mass brings us out of the fallen world and into the heavenly realm, how it resonates with a call from God and a response from his people, the Church, and, most importantly, how we are intimately joined with the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus through the Holy Eucharist. The Mass will help you understand how to fully, consciously, and actively participate in the source and summit of the Christian life.
www.WordOnFire.org • Mass.WordOnFire.org We meet Mondays, March 2–April 6, 2020 from 1–2:30 pm in the IC Parish Center - Room 1. Cost is $15.00. To register, contact Diane Bigos at 518-810-1310 or [email protected] by February 12.
LENTEN SOUP LUNCH – every Wednesday during Lent following the 12 noon Mass beginning Ash Wednesday, February 26. There is no cost but a free will offering will be appreciated. Come one week or come every week! We look forward to seeing you. Volunteers Needed! We are in need of bread donation and volunteers to help serve and clean up. If you are interested in helping, please contact Mary Lou Moskov at 518-399-5797.
Mother Teresa Academy, 1 Executive Park Dr, Clifton Park would like you to call to come by and visit our school during their sessions. We have openings for preschool and kindergarten. Your children will learn the most wonderful values that Mother Teresa taught us. Call 518-280-4227 to set an appointment.
YOUTH MINISTRY 399-9203 Christine Goss & Patty Nally
[email protected] 7th–10th Grade Mini-Courses -There are still some available openings in our March Mini-Courses for any 7th–10th Graders who may have missed a topic earlier in the year.
Remember, attendance at all four sessions is expected. If you miss more than one gathering, you will need to select a different topic.
Sunday Mini-Courses begin March 1.
Wednesday Mini-Courses begin March 16. 10th Graders are reminded that successfully completing two Mini-Courses this year, as well as your service opportunities and a workshop, are pre-requisites to Confirmation Preparation next year.
—- Confirmation —- Next Candidate Small Group Session – Monday, Feb 24 Candidate information forms are due on March 2 and need
to include your Confirmation Saint Name. Please do not turn this form in without this information!
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities:
Mardi Gras - Tuesday, February 25. Shifts available between 3-8:30 pm. Contact the YM Office for details Volunteers needed to help set-up, decorate, coordinate kid’s activities, serve food and beverages and clean up.
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry - Every Fiday of Lent, beginning Friday, Feb 28 from 4-7:30 pm. You MUST sign-up in advance by contacting the YM Office.
City Mission Meal Service - Date TBD based on interest. Will be a weeknight in March or April.
Things of My Very Own - Date TBD based on scheduling. Will be a Saturday in the Spring.
FAITH FORMATION 518-399-9210 Madeline Fretto & Michele DeLorenzo
February Schedule Rainbow - 2/9 and 2/23 CLOW - 2/9 WINTER BREAK - 2/16 through 2/19. Classes resume on Sunday, February 23 at 9:15 am. FAMILY MASS - Sunday, February 23 at 11 am
Fourth Grade Home Study Evaluation will be held on Sunday, February 23, at 9:30 am.
Sixth Grade Home Study Evaluation will be held
on Sunday, March 1, at 9:30 am.
The Annual Father / Daughter Dance will be held February 15, next Saturday night. We will begin at the 5 pm Mass, with a blessing from Father at the end of Mass. Followed by dinner at 6 pm, and dancing and games until it’s time to say “Goodnight.” We are fast approaching the season of Lent. Our Lenten project will center around Prayer, and we will begin our project with the Family Mass on Sunday, February 23 at 11:00 am. Please plan on attending the Mass with your children so that we can start off the season at Mass together. Parents, please be on the lookout for all of the information about our Lenten project to be sent home with your children.
If you happen to see Mrs. DeLorenzo today,
be sure to wish her a “Very Happy Birthday!” “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ~Marcel Proust
Last weekend’s collection amounted to $15,745 and for renovations $2,709. Our children offered sacrificial giving
of $2 along with their good works. Thank you for your faithful stewardship.
Memory Café meets the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 1-2 pm in the Flicker Room. It is a welcoming place with music and conversation for individuals and families living with memory changes. The next Memory Cafe will be held February 12 - Join us! For information, or to sign up, call Rachel Winters at the rectory at 518-399-9168.
Charismatic Healing Mass will be held Wednesday, Feb 12, at Christ Our Light Church, 1 Maria Dr., Loudonville. Praise and Prayer 7 pm, Mass 7:30 pm. Healing service to follow. All are welcome! For information, call Jack at 518-334-6503 or visit AlbanyCCR.org .
Albany NY Chapter of Magnificat is hosting a Women’s Breakfast on Saturday, March 14 from 9 am-Noon at the Holiday Inn Express Latham, 400 Old Loudon Rd. Lynda Holler will speak on Living and Learning God ’s Truth Through Both the Joys and the Sorrows. Lynda’s husband, Kenny, was diagnosed with oral cancer 8 months after they were married. Throughout 21 challenging years, Lynda and her family relied on their Catholic faith to sustain them. God answered her prayer to understand the mysterious teaching of Redemptive Suffering. Lynda is a mother, the author of “My Name is Kenny, I Can’t Talk”, Director of Discipleship at St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish, Brewster, NY. Holler is also an advocate NY State against Physician Assisted Suicide legislation. Registration due by March 4. Send your $25 check payable to Albany NY Chapter of Magnificat, PO Box 340, Clifton Park, NY, 12065. Include your name, address, phone # and email address. Register online at www.magnificat-ministry.org/ny-albany Limited seating available and tickets will sell fast! Register Today! No walk-ins at the door. Questions, call Kathleen at 518-930-8380. ALL WOMEN ARE INVITED! You do not need to be a member to attend.
Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith
will deepen and grow
Sunday, Feb 9, 2020 5th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME A light set on a hill In 1886, one African-American priest served the U.S. church: former slave Augustus Tolton. Sad to say, Catholic America didn’t abandon its racism overnight with Father Tolton’s ordination. Nearly a century later in 1979, U.S. bishops were still obliged to release a teaching on racism, Brothers and Sisters to Us. Yet more significantly, in 1984 ten black U.S. bishops wrote their own pastoral letter on evangelization, What We Have Seen and Heard. In it, they celebrate the historical intertwining of Black America and Catholic America. Learn more about Tolton, Pierre Toussaint, Mary Elizabeth Lange, Henriette DeLille, and other significant black Catholic leaders.
READINGS: Isaiah 58:7-10; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16 (73). “Just so, your light must shine before others.”
Monday, Feb 10, 2020 Memorial of Scholastica, Virgin You are worthy to ask for help Scholastica (480-543) was the twin sister of Benedict of Nursia. Both founded monastic communities, though Benedict gets more press due to the Rule he established. However, the most famous Scholastica story shows her equality before God: She and Benedict met yearly to confer on spiritual matters at a house near his monastery. At the end of one meeting, she had a premonition it would be their last before death would part them. Scholastica encouraged Benedict to stay and continue their conversation. He refused, as his Rule forbade spending the night outside the monastery, but a violent thunderstorm arose and he had to stay. Benedict asked what Scholastica had done. Her response: “I asked you for a favor and you would not listen; so I asked my God.” Believe in your own worthiness to ask God for help.
READINGS: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13; Mark 6:53-56 (329). “Jesus and his disciples, after crossing the lake, came ashore at Gennesaret and tied up there.”
Tuesday, Feb 11, 2020 Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes / World Day of the Sick So many Marys! Why do there seem to be so many versions of Mary in the Catholic Church? Mother of God, Queen of Peace, Black Madonna, Theotokos (God-Bearer), and all of the “Our Lady of” titles. Throughout history, many people have had powerful moments in which they experience Mary’s motherly care and encouragement in following Jesus. In these experiences Mary’s faith and tenderness become accessible as she appears in the culture and time of the people. She draws close to them in images and languages that they understand. What images of Mary are important for you today? Take time to explore the “Marys” and learn how different cultures have experienced her tender love.
READINGS: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30; Mark 7:1-13 (330). “Regard kindly the prayer and petition of your servant, LORD, my God.”
Wednesday, Feb 12, 2020 Time to come clean In two weeks it will be Ash Wednesday—and the return of that perennial Catholic question, “What are you giving up for Lent?” Even though sacrifice is a worthy spiritual pursuit, all too often the focus is on externals. We give up sweets, alcohol, or going out to movie theaters. We fast by going without meat on Fridays. But Jesus wants us to clean house from the inside out. What if we fasted from bad attitudes? What if we gave up our need to always be right—or worked concretely to address our impatience, selfishness, or judgmentalism? Make Lent a true awakening this year by thinking ahead about your spiritual plan.
READINGS: 1 Kings 10:1-10; Mark 7:14-23 (331). “These evils come from within and they defile.”
Thursday, Feb 13, 2020 Make room at the table A prominent feature of many Bible stories is God’s care for Israel’s foes. Even though Hebrew scripture identifies the tribes of Israel as the chosen people, God’s support and help extends beyond them, even to their enemies. Although it wasn’t time yet for gentiles to enjoy the food of the Master's table, a Greek woman cajoled the Lord into slipping her a few scraps. People are ostracized today because of the color of their skin, the language they speak, the country they come from, the religion they embrace, and the people they love. These people also belong at our table. Who’s begging to sit at yours?
READINGS: 1 Kings 11:4-13; Mark 7:24-30 (332). “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.”
Friday, Feb 14, 2020 MEMORIAL OF CYRIL, MONK, AND METHODIUS, BISHOP Overcome division It’s Valentine’s Day, yes, but it’s also the memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius, two clerics who were brothers. These missionary-linguists are best known as “Apostles to the Slavs.” Yet instead of being honored during their lifetime for success in spreading the faith, they were so embroiled in ecclesial fights (many over the use of the Slavonic language) that Methodius spent two years imprisoned in a monastery. Today it seems ludicrous to persecute someone for communicating the faith in the most accessible language. Might some of the issues that divide Catholics now eventually fall by the wayside? A sweet move this Valentine’s Day might be to ask Saints Cyril and Methodius to pray for our church to overcome its divisions.
READINGS: 1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19; Mark 7:31-37 (333). “Immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.”
Saturday, Feb 15, 2020 Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary Any day is a good day to thank Mary There are 19 Marian feast days, solemnities, and memorials on the liturgical calendar, ranging from the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God on January 1 to the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. There are May devotions to Mary, and October is the month of the Holy Rosary, of which Mary is Queen. And then of course the church has dedicated every Saturday to the Blessed Virgin. While there’s such ample opportunity to venerate our Mother, don’t miss giving your loving devotion to her any day.
READINGS: 1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34; Mark 8:1-10 (334). “They ate and were satisfied.”
Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com.
Scripture citations from the New American Bible Revised Edition. Contributors: Alice Camille, Peg Ekerdt, Sister Colleen Gibson, S.S.J., Daniel Grippo,
Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann, Fr Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Jennifer Tomshack, Patrice J. Tuohy
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish School Open House Joyfully Nurturing Knowledge and Faith
Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. We have early childhood programs (beginning at age 3) and an elementary program that runs through fifth grade. Wrap-around care is available for all students. You are invited to attend an Open House event at St. Kateri School on Tuesday, February 11 from 5:30 to 7 pm. We are locat-ed at 1801 Union Street in Niskayuna. Customized Financial Aid packages are available through sibling discounts, parish scholar-ships and diocesan need-based awards. If you would like to schedule a personal tour, please contact Mary Staudinger at (518) 382-8225, ext. 224 or via email [email protected]
College Care Packages for Spring Semester
If you have/know of a college student who would like to receive a care package from our parish, contact Christine Goss at 518-399-9203 or [email protected] with the student’s name and full mailing address by March 1. If you are interested in making a donation in support of the care package ministry – please also contact Christine.
Virtus Training will be offered in the Flicker Room on
Tuesday, February 11 at 6:30 pm and Wednesday, February 12 at 10 am
To register, visit www.virtusonline.org Hit First Time Registrant and then View a List of Sessions. Select our organization (Albany, NY—Diocese). Hit the Select button and a list of sessions will appear. Then Start the Registration Process. For information or assistance, see your ministry leader, or contact Kathy Friscic in the rectory at 518-399-9168 or [email protected].
You are invited to join with other Christians in the Spring 40 Days for Life Campaign – forty days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion during Lent, February 26 through April 5. You are also invited to stand and peacefully pray during a 40-day vigil in the public right-of-way outside Planned Parenthood at 1040 State Street, Schenectady, and to help spread the word about this important com-munity outreach. If you would like to volunteer to help or need more information, please contact: Viviane at 518-384-0699 or Sarah at [email protected] .
40 Days for Life Kick-off Rally We truly pray that this 40 Days for Life Campaign will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in Schenectady. We will start our campaign with a rally at Christ Church, 970 State Street, Schenectady, on Sunday, February 23 at 2:30 pm. We start the campaign by drawing members of the community together to share the vision of 40 Days for Life and to pray for God’s blessing on this effort. It is time to focus attention on the harm abortion has done locally. Speakers at the Kick-off Rally include:
Pastor Walter S. Moss, ThM. of Canton, Ohio, who serves as project Director of CIRV (Community Initiative to Reduce Violence). He is also currently the Chaplain for 40 Days for Life – http://blackprolifecoalition.life/
Elaine Riddick, of Atlanta, GA, is Executive Director of the Rebecca Project for Justice. Ms. Riddick is an African American woman who, at the age of 14, was forcibly sterilized by the Eugenics Board of North Carolina, after she gave birth to her son.
We look forward to seeing the transformation God will bring about in our area. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and bring others with you!
From the Pastor:
During these days in midwinter, when nights are long and sunshine can be scarce, we realize the value of the sun. I do realize that as I type this, I will be in a potentially sunnier place when you read it! In any case, the sun gives life, warmth, and light. The light of Christ can do the same! With the light of Christ we can bring to light the darkness in our world. Injustice, violence, conflict, fear, poverty, and countless other shadows persist, but the light of Christ is stronger! Let us resolve to let that light of Christ shine forth wherever we go and whatever we do.
Please welcome Fr. Tom Hayes this weekend and next weekend, while I am away. Monday morning Mass on February 10 will be a Funeral Mass for +Mary Chirico. Should you decide to attend, it will be a spiritual work of mercy for her and her family.
Our parish bulletin is supported by the many local businesses that realize what a wide audience they have with us. Please support them! If you have a business or patronize a business that would be interested in advertising in our bulletin, let us know! Our sales rep will be in our office February 18-21. Your ideas about potential advertisers are always welcome!
I have heard from Pat Schorr that the final payment on Bishop’s Appeal pledges is due this month. The 2019 Bishop’s Appeal officially closes on March 15 and becomes history. Thank you for your attention to this deadline and for all or your support.
We receive many notes of thanks after the holidays from the many organizations that our parish supports. I am sharing a note I received from the Washington Correctional Facility Chaplain in this church bulletin. I extend my humble thanks to all who support our REC program and also everyone who donated cards and calendars and prays for our incarcerated members of the Body of Christ. The note is on the next page.
Until next time, be well, do good deeds and say your prayers. Fr. Jerry
P.S. Save the date on your calendar for our annual Mardi Gras celebration in the new parish hall, February 25!
The Church of the Immaculate Conception, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, New York,
is a community of faithful Christians, who have come together under the wisdom of the Holy Spirit
and the guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to give witness to Jesus Christ.
Our mission is to celebrate the Eucharist;
to joyfully proclaim the Good News; to care for those in need; to actively foster stewardship of time, talent and treasure; and,
as a parish family, to grow in faith, love, and peace.
Welcome! We welcome visitors to our community
with great joy!
All Catholics who regularly worship at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, as well as those living in the greater Glenville area, are invited to become a part of our parish community. Our church is equipped with audio devices for the hearing-impaired and is handicapped-accessible. Please see our ushers for assistance.
We pray for those who have died recently, especially
+Mary Basilio, mother of Anne Marie (Terry) Stroble; +Mary Chirico;
+Christine D’Alessandro; and +Louise Lichorat, mother of Donna (Michael) DeMarco.
Now absent from the body; they are present with the Lord.
Remember in your prayers all who are sick or suffering in any way - mind, body or spirit. We remember especially: Owen, Nick, Tom, Bob R, Nola Marotta, Kathleen P, Christian B, Tracey Sandberg, John Jankowy, Joanne G, Gerri G, Helen, Edward, Susan, Dave L, Stasia, Christopher, Ed and Joan, Mike, Tracey, Adelaide, Jenny and Rebecca, Owen Peterson, Bill V, Baby Christopher & Baby Patrick—their families & medical team, Ashley, Nicole and Joseph, Mary, Mark F, Eva, Leo, Alex, Marion, Ann, Lana Hansen, Debbie, John K, LM, BC, Kevin, Peg Marie, Gordon Snyder, Bill Petersen, Ron Wood, Connie Janack, Joyce Maddalone, James, Madeline Trull, Darlene Polsinelli, Pasquale Basilio, Milly Morgan, Barbara Mlodzianowski, Erin Hecker, Jim Fiedler, “ E J “ Knapik, Patrick Richardson, Marie Stern, Linda A, Christopher, Susan Kopchik, Kevin Sarsick, Karen Rhodes, Brian Troiano, Joe Barnick, Valerie Saenger, Paul A, Jeffrey, Lisa Bovino, Nicholas Watrobski, Tina Masterson, JoAnn Masterson. Names remain for two months; call the rectory for additions.
Reconciliation The opportunity for Reconciliation is available on Saturdays from 4-4:30 PM and by appointment. Parish celebrations of Reconciliation are announced during Advent and Lent.
Baptism The celebration of baptism is the first sacrament of initiation which begins our journey of following Christ. Infant baptisms take place throughout the year, except during Advent and Lent. Baptism for school age children is arranged as needed. Adult baptism and the reception of baptized non-Catholics into the Catholic church typically occurs during the Easter Vigil. For information on any baptism needs, please contact the parish office at 399-9168.
Confirmation Those wishing to be included in the annual parish celebration of Confirmation are asked to call the Parish Office. Students must be in the 11th Grade and be enrolled in the two-year Faith Formation Program. Adults may arrange for Confirmation by contacting the parish priest.
Marriage A registered parishioner who wishes to celebrate his or her marriage at Immaculate Conception is asked to contact the Parish Office, at least six months prior to the anticipated date and before any other arrangements have been finalized, to begin sacramental preparation.
Anointing of the Sick The Sacrament of the Sick is intended for those who are ill or infirm. Parishioners planning to enter the hospital are encouraged to receive this sacrament prior to admission. Arrangements to receive the Sacrament can be made by calling the Parish Office. Please be aware that the hospital will not inform us of admissions. A communal celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick takes place seasonally.
Holy Orders Men interested in the Priesthood or Permanent Diaconate, and those men and women interested in Religious Life or Lay Ministry are encouraged to contact the Vocation Office at 518-312-9297 or www.albanyvocations.org. Please join our community in praying for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, religious life and lay ministry in our Church.
A note of thanks from Washington Correctional Facility Dear Fr. Gingras, I am currently writing you to extend my deepest thanks to all the wonderful members of your parish for their generous donation of Christmas cards and calendars to our church. As a result of your kindness and generosity, we have been able to supply the general population here at Washington CF/Great Meadow with seasonal holiday Christmas cards and calendars for 2020. Your generosity is a true testament of our Christian virtues. It is an example of kindness that inspires the heart and spirit of those who experience and endure great suffering during the most difficult of times. It is also a chain of love which, by reaching the prisoner with such a simple gift of love, you are reaching his whole family! Thus, allowing the prisoner to maintain family ties to those they love. This is a gift of Christian charity that is truly priceless! Please be so kind as to extend our gratitude to the following: Mary Lou Moskov, Jutta Adams, Eric Lucke, Rose Petrak, Ray Germain, David, Luke & Mike Nally, Kathy Pultorak, Marcy Lonoski, and Connie & Bob Ottaviano. We have just completed our 64th REC - Residents Encounter Christ - Seminar. Your parish and its wonderful volunteers were a major part of our success. We are very grateful for all the love and kindness you have shown us with your support and generosity! In addition, we wish to extend a “Special Thanks” to all those parishioners of your parish who pray for us! May our Lord and Savior continue to bless each and every one of you… Sincerely yours, Deacon Miguel Fabian, Catholic Chaplain