The Catholic Community of Northern Columbia County

Dear Parishioners, Benefactors and Friends,

During these 40 days of Lent, lots of thoughts come to mind. The primary one is the three disciplines of Lent – Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Other thoughts include: am I doing enough? What truly is enough? Another word is one that we heard on Ash Wednesday, metanoia, which means a change of heart. For many of us, any change is uncomfortable, challenging, difficult even, and I think that is the point, especially during this holy season of Lent. A deep-down change, not just to change a habit for 40 days, but to truly change our ways.

During Jesus’ days here on earth, many times He told stories, parables, cured the sick and was questioned by the leaders of His time and He responded by challenging them. They (usually the Pharisees and scribes) didn’t take too kindly to those challenges – perhaps because they were uncomfortable or maybe because they knew that metanoia/change was difficult. Whichever it was, may I encourage you during the rest of the season of Lent to stick with whatever the challenges you have chosen. Or if you have chosen an easy one, to prayerfully choose another challenge for the rest of this holy season, to not just “do it,” but to help prepare for the Holy Week and the greatest day and season for Catholics and Christians everywhere – Easter.

There are several activities – opportunities for prayer, confession times, anointing of the sick (for you and your loved ones), that can help you prepare to be more open for Holy Week and the Holy Triduum. Please see the schedule on the enclosed calendar and make plans to join with other fellow Catholics in celebrating Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday and the Holy Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Then, join us and Christians throughout the world as we gather to sing over and over Alleluias once again to thank and praise God for Jesus is Risen from the grave on Easter Sunday!

Your Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving, will be worth it! So will making the extra effort and the change, the metanoia in your life, perhaps even going to confession. Jesus, the Risen One will bless you through the journey of Lent, on Easter and all the way through to eternal life! Join us and invite your loved ones and neighbors!

Lenten and Easter Blessings,

Fr. Steve, Pastor

P.S. Please pray for our Catechumens and Candidates who will be receiving or completing their sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil.

See the Calendar for Specific Details

All are Invited and Welcome to all Masses and Events!

Save the Date – Tri-Parish Mass with Bishop Mark:
Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 5 pm (location TBD).

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

SATURDAY VIGIL
4:00 PM: St. John the Baptist, Valatie

SUNDAY MASS
7:15 AM: St. John the Baptist, Valatie
9:00 AM: St. James Church, Chatham
10:45 AM: Church of St. Joseph, Stuyvesant Falls
12:30 PM: Church of St. Joseph, Stuyvesant Falls (Español)

TUESDAYS
9:00 AM: St. James Church, Chatham
Rosary Prayer followed by Prayer Service

WEDNESDAYS
9:30 AM: Church of St. Joseph, Stuyvesant Falls
Morning Rosary
10:05 AM: Church of St. Joseph, Stuyvesant Falls
Morning Mass Followed by Eucharistic Adoration 

THURSDAYS
12:05 PM: St. John the Baptist, Valatie
Daily Mass
(*except when there is Mass at Barnwell)

FRIDAYS
10:30 AM: St. James Church, Chatham
Rosary Prayer
11:05 AM: St. James Church, Chatham
Morning Mass followed by Eucharistic Adoration on First Fridays
7:00 PM: Church of St. Joseph, Stuyvesant Falls
Rosario seguido por Exposicion de Santisimo (Español)

OFFICE HOURS

CENTRAL TRI-PARISH OFFICE
St. John the Baptist Church:
1025 Kinderhook St., Valatie, NY 12184
Open: Monday 11 AM - 1 PM. Tuesday 9 AM - 1 PM. Wednesday: 9 - 10 AM; 12 - 1 PM. Thursday 9 AM - 1 PM. Friday closed.
Phone: (518) 758-9401
Email: CCNCCadmin@ccnccparishes.org

PARISH OFFICES
Church of St. Joseph:
1820 U.S. Rte. 9, Stuyvesant, NY 12173
Open: Friday |10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Phone: 518-758-9401
Email: Halpind@rcda.org

St. James Church:
117 Hudson Ave., Chatham, NY, 12037
Open: Friday | 9 AM - 10:15 PM
Phone: 518-758-9401
Email: Halpind@rcda.org

As reported last week, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany filed for Chapter 11, Bankruptcy reorganization. Bishop Scharfenberger has posted his letter and video with important information regarding the filing for Chapter 11 on the website www.rcda.org/reorganization, as well as a guide to “What You Need To Know” about this process. Please refer to this website for updates in the weeks to come, and direct any questions to the Bishop’s office regarding reorganization by calling 518-453-6734 or emailing chancellor@rcda.org.

Como se informó la semana pasada, la Diócesis Católica Romana de Albany se acogió al Capítulo 11,  reorganización por Bancarrota. El obispo Scharfenberger ha publicado su carta y video con información importante sobre la presentación del Capítulo 11 en el sitio web www.rcda.org/reorganization, así como una guía de "Lo que necesita saber" sobre este proceso. Consulte este sitio web para obtener actualizaciones en las próximas semanas y dirija cualquier pregunta a la oficina del obispo con respecto a la reorganización llamando al 518-453-6734 o enviando un correo electrónico a chancellor@rcda.org.