Tri-Parish Outreach
(518) 929-4369
News from Theresa Lux, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties: Stop and say hello to Catholic Charities at the Senior Resource Fair on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The event is hosted by Senator Michelle Hinchey and will take place at the Martin H. Glynn Municipal Building at 3011 Church Street in Valatie.
Acérquese a saludar a Catholic Charities en la Feria de Recursos para Personas Mayores el miércoles 23 de julio de 2025, de 10:00 a. m. a 1:00 p. m. El evento está organizado por la senadora Michelle Hinchey y tendrá lugar en el edificio municipal Martin H. Glynn, situado en el 3011 de Church Street, en Valatie.
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.
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.
Good Works Calendar:
Friday, July 18
Food Pantry: at the Church of St. Joseph/Stuyvesant Falls Friday, July 18, 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 18 de julio de 1:30-3:30 PM. Continúe remitiendo a los necesitados a nuestra despensa.
Donations Sought for Our Ministries:
Spring Donation Drives:
Furniture and clothing exchange: This week donations included end tables, an adult desk, two nightstands, an armoire and a fold -away bed with a new mattress. We are now trying to transact these items. Please spread the news about the Give-Away program; call (518) 929-4369 if need exists for donated furniture and clothes.
Gently-Used Clothing Needed at Barnwell Do you or a friend have GENTLY used summer and fall clothing you could donate for the residents at Barnwell? Some residents do not have loved ones that shop for them or bring them clothes. Large and extra-large short and long-sleeved shirts, shorts, sweats and sweaters are always needed. There is a Rubbermaid container across from the back door where you can leave the clothes. Thanks so much for your thoughtful consideration.
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.
School Supplies Collection: Our 28th annual Collection of School Supplies will be highlighted on August 10 at St. James. Donations may be placed in a receptacle in the Gathering Space throughout August. Seeking spiral notebooks, loose leaf paper, crayons, pens, erasers and related supplies, to benefit the patrons of the Chatham and Ghent food pantries. Chatham-area churches, the Chatham Synagogue, and our parishes in the CCNCC are invited to participate. Let's have fun shopping and taking advantage of the back-to-School sales.
Summer Food Pantry: Suggested items when contributing to the local pantries during this summer include salad fixings, condiments, hot dog and hamburger rolls, and powdered mixes for lemonade and other cold drinks. As always, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and paper goods are needed. The Chatham Pantry at the Tracy Memorial is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 9:00am - noon, and Thursdays, 4:00 -6:00 pm. The Ghent pantry's hours at
Ghent Town Hall are Monday-Thursdays, 9:00 am -noon.
Summertime Eyeglasses Drive: Please consider setting aside used eyeglasses, sunglasses and reading (magnifying) glasses for our Summertime Eyeglasses Drive which is conducted every year for distribution by Lions,
International. We always request that donated glasses be sent to Haiti, homeland of St. James’ sister parish.
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....
The Catholic Church encourages the faithful reception of the Eucharist through her teaching that the Grace received is often in proportion to the faith and charity of those partaking of it. The Eucharist not only bestows grace but contains the very Author of Grace - Jesus Christ.