The Catholic Community of Northern Columbia County

Special Collection Supporting Texas Flood Victims/Colecta especial para las víctimas de las inundaciones de Texas Please continue to pray for all those affected by the recent floods in Central Texas. If you would like to help immediately, please go online and donate to Catholic Charities Galveston/ Houston and mark for Flood Victims 2025. If you would like to donate through your parish, we will have a special collection next weekend (July 19-20) at all Masses, and will send in one check from each parish to the same Catholic Charities. Thank you for your prayerful generosity. Fr. Steve

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Por favor, continúe rezando por todos los afectados por las recientes inundaciones en el centro de Texas. Si desea ayudar de inmediato, por favor vaya en línea y done a Caridades Católicas Galveston/Houston y marque para las víctimas de las inundaciones
2025. Si desea donar a través de su parroquia, tendremos una colecta especial el próximo fin de semana (19-20 de julio) en todas las Misas, y enviaremos un cheque de cada parroquia a la misma Caridades Católicas. Gracias por su generosidad en oración. P. Steve

As previously mentioned, the bishop called together the pastors, priests, deacons and parish life directors of the 126 parishes of the diocese for a meeting this past Thursday, May 22, 2025.  The topic was to “refocus on the mission,” of the diocese, networks, and parishes, including ours in the Catholic Community of Northern Columbia County (CCNCC). That mission is rooted in Jesus Christ’s command to the disciples and to us “to go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matt 28:19)

While there are lots of rumors and stories out and about, please let me start by stating as clear as I can be that NO DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE!  The process is just beginning and we will all learn more just before or on the Feast of Pentecost, June 8, 2025.  The overall goal of this process is to compassionately, prayerfully and strategically realign parishes, buildings, and active disciples toward vibrant and missionary Church life in our communities.

Here are the key points that I have taken from this first (of many) meetings. 

The process will be and has to be prayer-centered and mission-focused.

This process is NOT related to bankruptcy.

There are NO lists of buildings, schools, parishes, or churches to be closed.

The bishop asked those present to pray and asked for a re-kindling of a sense of mission of who we serve. He then asked a few rhetorical questions:

Who is in the pews? Why do they come to church? Who are the priests, deacons, and leaders in the church? Who do the leaders, priests, and deacons serve? (Is it only Catholics? Only parishioners? Or all people?)

Over the summer months a “taskforce” in the diocese will gather information in an effort to prepare for meetings with the various groups in the diocese (networks, vicariates, parishes). The plan is to be an ongoing and evolving process for years to come. In other words, just because the answer to the situation is one answer in 2025 or 2026, it does not mean the answer will be the same in 2027.

What does that mean for us?  I have asked our Tri-Parish Pastoral Council to create a list of all the activities that each parish and parishioners are involved in and what our buildings are used for.  Once they are reviewed by our other leaders of each parish, we will provide to all parishioners for your input.  Perhaps we have missed something.  This is an important time for prayer and discernment for the diocese, our network of the CCNCC, and each of our parishes.  While I do not know the future of any of our parishes, I do not think that based on what I’ve seen so far, we need to be overly concerned.  However, after the information provided near Pentecost, that may give some indication about other areas that the diocese or this process may be looking into (such as finances, evangelization, attendance, etc.).  Let us pray for this process and for each other.

Lastly, the quote from the bishop about one-third of parishes and buildings, etc. that may be closed is not firm, so let's not worry about that.  Let's focus on what we do now in each parish and what we can do more of to bring Jesus and help make disciples and bring Him to others in the world of Northern Columbia County!

Thank you and God Bless, Fr. Steve

Congratulations and Blessings to Our Twenty-three First Communicants who received Jesus for the First Time in His Precious Body and Blood Last Saturday at the Church of Saint Joseph! Additional blessings and congratulations to the twenty who came on Sunday and received their second Holy Communion! You have come so very far in your faith because of your prayer, your classes, your parents, Godparents, teachers, family, this community and loved ones. I have enjoyed watching you grow both physically and spiritually. Keep it up and may God continue to bless you all!

A special thank you to your parents, Godparents, grandparents, teachers, musicians, and all who helped get the children to this point on their faith journey. The prayers, the music, the flowers, the decorations, the banners, gifts, and processions (and anything else I missed) all helped make the day of First Holy Communion a Wonderful experience of the love of God and the love of Jesus that I hope will never fade from the children’s memories! Thank you all!

Once again many thanks for all the donations of the altar wine, used in the mass for consecration into the Precious Blood of Jesus. The  donations of hosts, used to be consecrated into the Precious Body of Jesus. The donation of the altar candles, lit around the tabernacle and at the altar during mass and adoration. The donation of the beautiful flowers around the tabernacle, where the Blessed Sacrament resides and in front of the altar, where the consecration occurs. Last, but not least the monetary donations to support the Church of St. Joseph in the many expenses (lights, heat, air conditioning – summer is coming, and so much more). Thank you all!

PS Thank you to Father Guielmo for all the Masses, confessions and blessings he does for us!

Father Steve, Pastor

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¡Felicitaciones y Bendiciones a Nuestros Veintitrés Primeros Comulgantes que recibieron a Jesús por Primera Vez en Su Precioso Cuerpo y Sangre el Sábado pasado en la Iglesia de San José! ¡Bendiciones adicionales y felicitaciones a los veinte que vinieron el Domingo y recibieron su Segunda Comunión! Ustedes han llegado tan lejos en su fe gracias a sus oraciones, sus clases, sus padres, padrinos, maestros, familia, esta comunidad y seres queridos. He disfrutado viéndoos crecer tanto física como espiritualmente. Sigan así y que Dios los siga bendiciendo. Un agradecimiento especial a sus padres, padrinos, abuelos, maestros, músicos y a todos los que ayudaron a que los niños llegaran a este punto en su camino de fe. ¡Las oraciones, la música, las flores, las decoraciones, los  standartes, los regalos y las procesiones (y todo lo demás que me perdí) todo ayudó a hacer del día de la Primera Comunión una experiencia Maravillosa del amor de Dios y el amor de Jesús que espero nunca se borre de las memorias de los niños! ¡Gracias a todos!

Una vez más muchas gracias por todas las donaciones del vino del altar, utilizado en la misa para la consagración en la Preciosa Sangre de Jesús. Las donaciones de hostias, utilizadas para ser consagradas en el Precioso Cuerpo de Jesús. La donación de las velas del altar, encendidas alrededor del sagrario y en el altar durante la misa y la adoración. La donación de las hermosas flores alrededor del tabernáculo, donde reside el Santísimo Sacramento, y delante del altar, donde tiene lugar la consagración. Por último, pero no menos importante las donaciones monetarias para apoyar a la Iglesia de San José en los muchos gastos (luces, calefacción, aire acondicionado - el verano se acerca, y mucho más). Gracias a todos.

PS ¡Gracias al Padre Guielmo por todas las misas, confesiones y bendiciones que hace por nosotros!
Padre Steve, Pastor

Legislation has already passed in the NYS Assembly and may come up for a vote in the Senate this week - visit
nyscatholic.org/action-center for details on how you can voice your opposition.

Read more from the Bishop https://evangelist.org/news/2025/may/01/compassion-endures-it-does-not-kill/

The Diocese of Albany is at a crossroads but we have an opportunity to be a stronger, healthier church

A recent cover article in the Evangelist, our diocesan weekly newspaper, featured a thought-provoking article by Mike Matvey on the future of our diocese. We invite you to read at the link here: https://evangelist.org/news/2025/apr/02/the-challenge-before-us/

Letter from Bishop Scharfenberger

 Click here to read the recent letter from Bishop Scharfenberger regarding the mission of the Church—in the Diocese, and in our CCNCC. He focuses on two important points. Firstly, up to one-third of Churches may be closed during this coming process (stay tuned for details). The other important point has to do with the word “disciples." Some questions to ponder: are you a disciple of Christ? What does that mean? How can we, as parishioners and disciples, strengthen our bond with Christ and with others?

These, and more topics and questions will be explored over the coming weeks. Further information about these topics and meetings will be on our website and in mid-week emails starting in May.

Welcome New Members of the Catholic Community of Northern Columbia County!

On Sunday, January 12, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. With great joy our three parishes welcomed 21 new members through Baptism into our faith family in 2024! Please join us by celebrating the newest members of our church:

Church of St. Joseph/Stuyvesant Falls

St. James Church/Chatham

St. John the Baptist/Valatie

Christmas and New Year’s present an opportunity to share the many blessings we have received. Whether it is time, treasure or talent,
each of us has gifts we can bring to others in our churches and broader communities.

Please consider how you might volunteer this coming year with one of the many groups and ministries at our Catholic Community of
Northern Columbia County (CCNCC) parishes. If you see a need in our community that is not being met, please contact Fr. Steve, anyone in our office, and/or your parish trustees to discuss further. Fuller descriptions of these ministries are also available on our website, ccnccparishes.org, and you can sign up for more information and/or a discussion at  https://www.ccnccparishes.org/volunteeropportunities.

These can be wonderful ways to live the Gospel by serving others, while making new friends in our tri-parish community.
To get involved, please contact your parish office, who will put you in touch with each ministry or committee contact listed below. This list  is a work in progress, so if your name or committee is missing, please email sjofficeassistant@gmail.com and we will update our database.

Please come and share the gift of YOU in 2025!

Dear Parishioner,

Please click here or the image below for your copy of the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Financial Report, which was prepared by the St. James Finance Council. Printed copies will be available after Mass this Sunday, Oct. 27, and on our Welcome Table thereafter.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us by clicking here.

Faithfully,

The St. James Finance Committee

James Forster - Council Member
Fr. Steve Matthews - Pastor
Philip Mossman - Council Chair
Teresa Ribadeneyra - Council Member
Betty Sundstrom - Council Member
Janice Wallace - Council Member
Denise Barry - Trustee
Mickey Dennis - Trustee

September 2024

Dear Parishioners,

The Finance Council presents to you the Annual Budget for the Fiscal Year Ended (FYE) June 30, 2025. This budget will provide adequate funding to meet operating needs and ensure current and planned parish programs can continue. Exhibit A provides the projected operational results for the new fiscal year including the projected income and expenses related to the Colbert House. Exhibit B provides the projected income and expense for the Colbert House. 

The operational budget reflects a breakeven net result (i.e. income equals expenses). As compared to the recently completed fiscal year, total income is projected to increase 2.7%, total collections are projected to increase 4.0%, and total expenses are projected to increase 7.7.%. The most significant increases impacted the following categories of expenses: Salaries and Benefits, Insurance, Utilities, and Shared Services. In addition, monies have been included in the budget for the sealing and remarking of the Church parking lot and the refinishing of the Sanctuary wood floors. Neither of these maintenance issues have been done in many years. 

The assumptions used in the development of the budget include but are not limited to the following:

• Inflationary increases for various expenses,
• Property and Building insurance increase of 5%,
• Mandated Priest salary increase, 
• Diocesan suggested a range of salary increases for lay person staff,
• Increases to utility costs, and
• Increases to shared services expenses.

The average budgeted weekly expense excluding expenses related to the Colbert House is $4,596 and becomes the new target for average weekly collection amounts. 

The Council will continue to explore various revenue options to ensure that funding exists for all current and future parish programs and initiatives and to also meet operating needs and requests all parishioners revisit and renew their financial commitment to St. Jamses.

Sincerely, 

Fr. Steve Matthews, Pastor                                                                  Philip Mossman, Fin. Council Chair
James Forster, Council Member                                                         Betty Sundstrom, Council Member
Janis Wallace, Council Member                                                          Teresa Ribaneneyra, Council Member
Mickey Dennis, Trustee                                                                       Denise Berry, Trustee

St. James Annual Budget Report FY25

Fr. John A Szukalski SVD will be at the CCNCC on August 24-25, 2024 to celebrate Masses and speak about the many ministries of his religious community, Divine Word Missionaries. They are an international religious community of missionary priests and Brothers serving in 79 countries helping to build chapels, celebrate the sacraments and spread the Word of God in remote mission communities.

Originally from Milwaukee, Fr. John professed perpetual vows as a Divine Word Missionary in 1996 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1997. He has ministered in Mexico, Paraguay, and in several Spanish-language pastoral assignments in the United
States (Chicago IL, Washington DC, and Yuma AZ). He also served as assistant pastor in a Vietnamese-American parish in St. Louis, MO. Fr. John holds a Ph.D. in Sacred Scripture from the Catholic University of America in Washington DC. Fr. John has taught sacred scripture and theology at Divine Word College in Iowa since 2012, and since 2017 served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at that same college. Fr. John is a member of the SVD Chicago Province and serves on the provincial council leadership team since 2020.

Nearly 6,000 active Divine Word Missionaries minister in the far corners of the world. They build hospitals to care for the sick and schools to educate the poor. They teach the hungry to farm, and they provide life’s necessities—water, food and shelter—in impoverished communities. These priests and Brothers help those neglected and forgotten by society to build a better future. They also foster vibrant Catholic communities of service and faith around the world.

This mission appeal is part of the Missionary Cooperative Program of our Diocese of Albany. Please be generous with your prayers and contribute to the second collection to help support the missionary work of the Divine Word Missionaries. To meet some of the people Divine Word Missionaries help, please read the stories at https:// missionimpact.svdmissions.org/mission-update. 

El P. John A Szukalski SVD estará en la CCNCC los días 24 y 25 de agosto de 2024 para celebrar misas y hablar sobre los muchos ministerios de su comunidad religiosa, los Misioneros del Verbo Divino. Son una comunidad religiosa internacional de sacerdotes misioneros y Hermanos que sirven en 79 países ayudando a construir capillas, celebrar los sacramentos y difundir la Palabra de Dios en las comunidades misioneras remotas.

Originario de Milwaukee, WI, el P. John profesó los votos perpetuos como Misionero del Verbo Divino en 1996 y fue ordenado sacerdote en 1997. Ha ejercido su ministerio en México, Paraguay y en varias misiones pastorales de habla hispana en EE UU (Chicago IL, Washington DC y Yuma AZ). También fue vicepárroco en una parroquia vietnamitaestadounidense en St. Louis, MO. El P. John es doctor en Sagrada Escritura por la Universidad Católica de América en Washington DC. El P. John ha enseñado Sagrada Escritura y Teología en el Colegio del Verbo Divino en Iowa desde 2012, y desde 2017 se desempeñó como Vicepresidente de Asuntos Académicos en esa misma universidad. El P. John es miembro de la Provincia SVD de Chicago y sirve en el equipo de liderazgo del consejo provincial desde 2020.

Casi 6.000 Misioneros del Verbo Divino activos ejercen su ministerio en los rincones más remotos del mundo. Construyen hospitales para cuidar a los enfermos y escuelas para educar a los pobres. Enseñan a los hambrientos a cultivar la tierra, y proporcionan las necesidades vitales -agua, comida y cobijo- en las comunidades empobrecidas. Estos sacerdotes y Hermanos ayudan a los desatendidos y olvidados por la sociedad a labrarse un futuro mejor. También fomentan vibrantes comunidades católicas de servicio y fe en todo el mundo.

Este llamamiento misionero forma parte del Programa de Cooperación Misionera de nuestra Diócesis de Albany. Por favor sea generoso con sus oraciones y contribuya a la segunda colecta para ayudar a apoyar el trabajo misionero de los Misioneros del 
Verbo Divino. Para conocer a algunas de las personas que los Misioneros del Verbo Divino ayudan, por favor lea las historias
en https://missionimpact.svdmissions.org/mission-update.