Tri-Parish Outreach
(518) 929-4369
News from Theresa Lux, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties: Starting this year, across New York State, school-aged children are receiving free breakfast and lunch providing them with nutrients for a healthy mind and body. This is a new benefit for all children in school, regardless of income. For those eligible for SNAP food benefits, reminder to use your Summer EBT dollars within 122 days after issuance. For information on SNAP food benefit eligibility, contact Catholic Charities at (518) 828-8660.
A partir de este año, en todo el Estado de Nueva York, los niños en edad escolar reciben desayuno y almuerzo gratuitos que les proporcionan nutrientes para una mente y un cuerpo sanos. Este es un nuevo beneficio para todos los niños en edad escolar, independientemente de sus ingresos. Para aquellos elegibles para los beneficios de alimentos SNAP, recordatorio para utilizar sus dólares EBT verano dentro de 122 días después de la emisión. Para obtener información sobre la elegibilidad de beneficios de alimentos SNAP en contacto con Caridades Católicas en (518) 828-8660.
“Dining Out For Others" has been a successful fundraiser sponsored by Catholic Charities of Columbia-Greene for more than a dozen years. This year, a new format is planned, featuring individual restaurants on separate nights. Volunteers are needed to line up participating restaurants and also to encourage other businesses to purchase supportive advertising in the promotional brochures. If you would like to help, please call OutReach at (518) 929-4369. Thank you, “Dining Out" benefits our Emergency Assistance Fund.
Caring for Those Who Care Program for Caregivers of Older Adults The County is exploring launching a new initiative to offer free respite care to family caregivers of older adults who cannot safely remain at home without supervision. This monthly program gives caregivers a chance to attend appointments, run errands, or simply take a well-deserved break— knowing their loved one is in safe, compassionate hands.
When: Once a month • 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Where: Two local churches (with potential for future expansion) Activities Include: Arts & Crafts • Music • Movement • Social Engagement Care is provided by a Caregiver Coordinator and trained volunteers. Volunteer training is free—offered in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and the NYS Caregiving & Respite Coalition. Help make a difference in your community and connect with neighbors! Interested in volunteering? Contact Michele Kraham at (518) 929-6379 for more information. Thank you.
Caring Ministries
If you or someone you know could benefit from the love shared in our work (Home Visitation, Caring Cards, Prayer Shawls) or would like to help in our ministries, please inquire at any of our Welcome Tables after Mass or through Kimberly Layton at our Main Office at (518) 758-9401. We know the winter can be a difficult time for many, so please get in touch if you or someone you know could use some extra care or you can assist us.
St. John’s Caring Card Ministry: The St. John’s Caring Card ministry sends a monthly card reaching those in the parish and community with a heartfelt greeting. These cards are created, printed and signed on behalf of the parish and distributed. We hope you will consider someone you know who is homebound, alone, grieving, in long term care, are ill—chronic condition or seriously ill (ie. cancer), on active duty in Military Service, a retired or disabled Veteran at home or in a hospital/care facility, college student away from home (sent during school semester). We know this simple form of contact will show them they are not forgotten and brighten their day. There are request cards in the church that you can fill out and return via collection basket or mail.
St. Joseph Prayer Shawl/Baptismal Blanket Ministry will continue this Fall. Our crafty ladies will meet on the following dates: Sept 22, Oct 6, Oct. 20, Nov. 3, Nov. 17, Dec. 1, and Dec. 15. We will meet on these Monday mornings at 10am at the Church of St. Joseph. New members are encouraged and all are welcome! Donations of yarn are gladly accepted. For further info, contact Maryanne at MyRascal2@aol.com.
Yarn needed: St. Joseph’s Food Pantry has a client who makes hats for our pantry and other local pantries. She is in need of yarn, size 4 and up. If you have any you are able to donate, please see, call, text Nancy Leonard (518) 821-8651. Thank you!
Bottle Redemption at St. John the Baptist St. John’s Knights of Columbus continues to accept returnable bottles for redemption. Please leave in the large blue containers near the parking lot entrance. ALL PROCEEDS go to St. John’s Building and repair fund, an easy way to support your parish
CLYNK IT! The Church of St. Joseph has joined the CLYNK program at Hannaford Supermarkets. To participate, pick up a GREEN CLYNK BAG in the gathering space, and fill (to the line) with rinsed cans/ bottles eligible for a 5-cent deposit refund. Return your filled bag to a Hannaford Supermarket CLYNK area, scan the bag tag (provided on the bag), and drop off your bag. Proceeds will be credited to St. Joe’s account. This helps our Church AND helps the environment. THANK YOU!
Lending Library at St. John the Baptist Attention Readers! St. John’s Elves have set up a lending library in the church hall. Please feel free to borrow a book and return it when you are finished reading it. At this time, we do not need any additional book donations.
As Sidewalk Warriors Troy approaches its fifth year, we remain incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished with the help of our generous community. Each Thursday evening, rain or shine, we serve more than 300 individuals, offering meals, essential supplies, and a moment of connection to those facing hardship.
Recently, we’ve been met with a challenge we cannot face alone. Due to cuts in federal funding that once supported vital safety net programs - including those that fight food insecurity - we are experiencing a significant increase in both the need for our services and pressure on our resources. In just the past few months, the number of individuals turning to us for help has continued to grow, while some of our most reliable sources of support have decreased.
The truth is simple: without our community behind us, we cannot do this work. Your assistance will not only help us navigate this difficult time, but allow us to continue growing to meet the evolving needs of those we serve. To learn more about Sidewalk Warriors Troy, please visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/sidewalkwarriorstroy or explore our website at sidewalkwarriorstroy.com. Many thanks to all who contributed to last weekend's biannual (May and September) Collection of Non-Food Items at St. James to benefit the Chatham and Ghent Food Pantries. In the past the ollection was large and well-received as paper products, laundry detergent and healthcare items really make a difference.
Good Works Calendar:
Friday, October 10
Food Pantry: at the Church of St. Joseph/Stuyvesant Falls Friday, October 10, from 1:30-3:30 PM. Please continue to refer those in need to our pantry. The Church of St. Joseph food pantry is collecting the following items in March: canned soup; crackers; oatmeal; coffee; hot chocolate. Please place any donated items in the red wagon in the gathering space. Thank you for your assistance!
Despensa de alimentos: en la Iglesia de St. Joseph/ Stuyvesant Falls el viernes 10 de Octubre de 1:30-3:30 PM. Continúe remitiendo a los necesitados a nuestra despensa.
Donations Sought for Our Ministries:
Fall Donation Drives:
Furniture and clothing exchange: For decades, OutReach has been a means of sharing serviceable items with others. This week, a refrigerator was requested by a member of the community. We have never been offered a refrigerator, although virtually every other item in a household has been transacted, including living room, dining room and bedroom sets, kitchen appliances and more. Over the years we have established a distribution network enabling warehousing and delivery. (518) 929-4369 to donate.
St. James parishioner and social worker, Deb Kelsey is associated with the Salvation Army in Hudson. Deb advises that there is need for laundry detergent and dryer sheets, dish detergent and hygiene products for their patrons if anyone wishes to contribute. Please call OutReach if items need to be forwarded. Thank you.
Pet Supply Weekend has been scheduled for October 19 to benefit the Columbia-Greene Humane Society (SPCA). In addition to food for the animals, the shelter welcomes cleaning supplies (e.g., paper towels, treats, etc.) as they care for hundreds of animals each year.
The American Red Cross has encouraged people to mark the new Fall season with blood or platelet donations. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type O positive and O negative are needed now. An upcoming blood donation opportunity is on Oct.15, 6pm at American Legion Post 42, 34 Woodbridge Avenue in Chatham. Visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) 733-2767
Gardeners! At harvest please share extra produce with the local food pantries. While the farmers' markets are still open, please consider picking up some fruits and vegetables for those in need. Thank you!
Outreach Assessment: Many thanks to those who responded to the OutReach Assessment that appeared in last week's bulletin. Additional copies of the assessment are located on the Gathering Space table if needed. Although we solicit this information annually, we welcome this information at any time in order to help our parishioners and neighbors.
Parishioners who knit: As mentioned in recent bulletins OutReach welcomes knitters to knit off-season hats, scarves, and mittens to be collected during cold weather months for use by school children and adults who patronize the local food pantries. If you would like to share your talents, please call the OutReach number at (518) 929-4369. Please note: We have yarn/wool to offer if that would be helpful.
The Chatham Library offers programs monthly for children and adults. There are activities for youngsters and special interest programs for adults. A complete schedule of events is available at (518) 392-3666.
The Chatham Lions' Club is willing to accept books on tape or CD for those in need. If you these items to give away, please call the OutReach number at (518)929-4369 to arrange pickup. Thank you.
OutReach volunteers are needed to provide rides to local appointments (medical, etc.) on call. If you would like to join our team, please call OutReach at (518) 929-4369 to volunteer.
Fun Facts:
Did you know....
St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) was ordained a priest in 1600 and escaped captivity by pirates before going to France where he founded the Congregation of the Mission and the Sisters of Charity which were both dedicated to providing assistance. St. Vincent remained deeply devoted to charity throughout his life.