Tri-Parish Outreach
(518) 929-4369
Catholic Charities: Joining a non-profit board is a great way to share your talents while making a difference in your community. Community members play a vital role in communicating needs and supports which can guide the services of a non-profit. Board members also provide checks and balances relating to the mission of the non-profit. The Board of Directors at Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties meets quarterly the second Tuesday in the month of January, April, July, and October. There is always room at our table for more of our neighbors to get involved. Contact our office at 518-828-8660 to learn more about being a part of something making a difference in the lives of many.—Theresa Lux, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties.
Gala for Food: On Thursday, June 20 from 5-8 PM, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany will host "Gala For Good" at Siena College. If you wish to attend and support this annual fundraiser, please call Sister Betsy at (518)453-6650.
Caring Cards Ministry: The Caring Cards Ministry would like to wish a peaceful and joyous Christmas to all in our tri-parish community. May you cherish the birth of Our Savior with joy in your heart! If you or someone you know could benefit from the love shared in our monthly cards, please contact either of the coordinators:
Chris Mrynec: St. John the Baptist or Sue Merrill: St. James
Sidewalk Warriors of Troy: Thank you to those Family Faith Formation families who volunteer at Sidewalk Warriors. We are grateful for your sandwiches and help. Remember, we are at 35 State Street in Troy every Thursday at 6pm if you want to join us. And if you are unable to join us, please bring your items to the CCNCC offices at 1025 Kinderhook Street, Valatie. They will be sure everything gets to us. We are currently asking for toilet paper, a real neccesity. Contact: Sue Seymour.
Good Works Calendar:
Friday, May 10
Food Pantry: at the Church of St. Joseph/Stuyvesant Falls Friday, May 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 mayo de 1:30-3:30 PM. Continúe remitiendo a los necesitados a nuestra despensa.
Donations Sought for Our Ministries:
Spring Donation Drives:
Give-Away Program: OutReach is a means by which serviceable items may be shared. This week we are attempting
to place an armoire and a lounge-chair. If you know of an individual or a family who can make use of these items, please call the OutReach number at (518)929-4369. Items are transacted confidentially in the CCNCC at no cost.
The 2024 Calendar of Planned OutReach Events is posted on the bulletin board near the office at St. James. Please check the calendar periodically for news of coming events.
On Sunday, May 19, our sister parishes in the Catholic Community of Northern Columbia County (CCNCC) are invited to participate in the Collection of Non-Food Items conducted biannually at St. James in May and September. Paper goods, hygiene products, laundry detergent, etc., will be collected to benefit each parish's neighboring food pantries (as well as St. Joseph's own pantry, of course). This project will be the first such joint effort as we work together to benefit our neighbors.
Food pantry needs: Suggested items include peanut butter and jelly, tuna, macaroni and cheese, condiments, fresh fruits, and vegetables at harvest. St. James Parishioners are asked to bring your donations to St. James, and we will deliver to our local pantries for you if that would be helpful.
Every year non-denominational greeting cards were prepared by St. James OutReach volunteers for residents of the Ghent Adult and Rehab Center, the Payn Home, and
Chatham's COARC residence. The bright and cheerful cards were delivered this week on behalf of our parish.
In addition to used prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, the local Lions Club is happy to receive books on tape for their recipients. If you have any to share, please bring them to the Gathering Space at St James.
Calling all gardeners: As you begin planning your spring garden, please consider planting an extra row of vegetables for donation to the food pantries at harvest.
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.
If you are aware of individuals or families in need of OutReach services, please fill out the brief clipping in this week's bulletin and submit the information to the St. James parish office for forwarding to our OutReach team. Your input is very important and we are highly appreciative of it.
In the Community
Save the date! A Bend the Knotted Oak (BKO) salon on June 23 as arranged by Uel Wade at his Church Street residence. Specifics will follow as the date draws nearer.
Fun Facts:
Did you know....
The Catholic Church traces its origins back to Jesus Christ and the Apostles, particularly St Peter, who is considered the first pope. According to Catholic belief, Jesus established his church on the foundation of the Apostles, with Peter given the special role as the "rock" upon which the Church would be built (Matthew 16:18). This belief forms the basis of the Church's authority and continuity with the early Christian community.