The Catholic Community of Northern Columbia County

Below is a link to a letter sent out by the Bishop entitled, "Another Path for Survivors?" Please also see below for the outline of the Plan discussed in the attached letter, but in bullet format.  I encourage you to read the entire letter, however, I understand that some of it may be painful to read.  Please be assured of my continuing prayer for all those affected by the abuse crisis in our church and in our world.  If you think speaking with me could help, please feel free to contact me by email or by calling any of our three parish offices.   - Father Steve

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A continuación hay un enlace a una carta enviada por el obispo titulada "¿Otro camino para los sobrevivientes?" Consulte también a continuación el esquema del Plan discutido en la carta adjunta, pero en formato de viñetas. Los animo a leer la carta completa, sin embargo, entiendo que parte de ella puede ser dolorosa de leer. Tenga la seguridad de mi oración continua por todos los afectados por la crisis de abuso en nuestra iglesia y en nuestro mundo. Si cree que hablar conmigo podría ayudar, no dude en comunicarse conmigo por correo electrónico o llamando a cualquiera de nuestras tres oficinas parroquiales.  - Padre Steve

OUTLINE OF VICTIMS/SURVIVORS PATH FORWARD PLAN

• The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany has formulated a Victims/Survivors Path Forward Plan in order to provide a framework under the supervision of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, to compensate the Victim/Survivors of abuse who were tragically harmed by persons purporting to do the work of the Roman Catholic Church.  The objective of the Plan is to maximize the monetary recovery for Victim/Survivors on a fair and equitable basis and to accelerate the payments to Victim/Survivors. 
• The Plan provides for a Court-approved mediation process in order to resolve the more than 400 Victim/Survivor cases pending before the Supreme Court.  The diocese seeks to avoid the costly expenses and prolonged delays that would otherwise be associated with continued litigation with plaintiffs and their counsel and insurers and their counsel or a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization case.
• Under the Plan, representatives of the Diocese and its affiliates, insurers, and Victim/Survivors will participate in mediation under the supervision of an agreed neutral mediator for the purpose of: creating a fund based upon negotiated contributions of the Diocese, its affiliates, and insurers; determining and paying Victim/Survivor claims, and establishing protocols and remediation procedures to redress allegations of and prevent abuse.   

ESQUEMA DEL PLAN DE AVANCE DE VÍCTIMAS/SOBREVIVIENTES

• La Diócesis Católica Romana de Albany ha formulado un Plan de Avance de Víctimas / Sobrevivientes con el fin de proporcionar un marco bajo la supervisión de la Corte Suprema del Estado de Nueva York, para compensar a las Víctimas / Sobrevivientes de abuso que fueron trágicamente perjudicados por personas que pretenden hacer el trabajo de la Iglesia Católica Romana.  El objetivo del Plan es maximizar la recuperación monetaria para las víctimas/sobrevivientes sobre una base justa y equitativa y acelerar los pagos a las víctimas/sobrevivientes. 
• El Plan prevé un proceso de mediación aprobado por el Tribunal para resolver los más de 400 casos de víctimas/supervivientes pendientes ante el Tribunal Supremo.  La diócesis busca evitar los costosos gastos y demoras prolongadas que de otro modo estarían asociadas con un litigio continuo con los demandantes y sus abogados y aseguradoras y su abogado o un caso de reorganización de bancarrota del Capítulo 11.
• Bajo el Plan, los representantes de la Diócesis y sus afiliados, aseguradoras y Víctimas / Sobrevivientes participarán en una mediación bajo la supervisión de un mediador neutral acordado con el propósito de: crear un fondo basado en contribuciones negociadas de la Diócesis, sus afiliados y aseguradoras; determinar y pagar reclamos de Víctimas / Sobrevivientes; y establecer protocolos y procedimientos de remediación para reparar las acusaciones y prevenir el abuso.   

Special Second Collection Request

While I do not like to ask and I hesitate while even writing this note, I feel as if I need to ask for your financial assistance. If you can help, great. If you can’t, I’ll understand. As you know, when I was assigned here, I was told that I was to live in the Rectory in  Stuyvesant Falls (and not in any of the other Tri-parish rectories). I was informed that the diocese would help fund the repairs needed to make the rectory more livable. Unfortunately, it turns out that the diocese does not have any funds to help, and I have overspent what funds St. Joseph’s Parish had. Therefore, I need to ask for your financial help.

During the next two weekends, may I ask you to consider donating to help pay for the repairs that I already requested and made? While a little more work is needed, it is fine on the inside, and I am living there. If you can assist me, I would greatly appreciate it. Please make your check payable to the Church of St. Joseph - Rectory Fund (or you may place cash in an envelope marked the same). Thank you for any assistance you can offer. If you have any questions, please let me know.     Father Steve

Solicitud especial de segunda recogida

Si bien no me gusta preguntar y dudo incluso al escribir esta nota, siento que necesito pedir su ayuda financiera. Si puedes ayudar, genial. Si no puedes, lo entenderé. Como saben, cuando me asignaron aquí, me dijeron que debía vivir en la Rectoría en Stuyvesant Falls (y no en ninguna de las otras rectorías triparroquiales). Me informaron que la diócesis ayudaría a financiar las reparaciones necesarias para hacer que la rectoría sea más habitable. Desafortunadamente, resulta que la diócesis no tiene fondos para ayudar, y
he gastado de más de los fondos que tenía la Parroquia de San José. Por lo tanto, necesito pedirle ayuda financiera.

Durante los próximos dos fines de semana, permítanme pedirles que consideren donar para ayudar a pagar las reparaciones que ya solicité e hice. Si bien se necesita un poco más de trabajo, está bien por dentro, y estoy viviendo allí. Si puede ayudarme, se lo  gradecería mucho. Parrendamiento haga que su cheque sea pagadero a la Iglesia de San José - Fondo de Rectoría (o puede colocar dinero en efectivo en un sobre marcado con el mismo). Gracias por cualquier ayuda que pueda ofrecer. Si tiene alguna pregunta,
por favor hágamelo saber.            Padre Steve

Since the fall of 2021, a small group of parishioners have been working diligently, exploring and reviewing various potential uses of the Colbert House that if the Diocese approves, would allow St. James to retain possession of the building. After a concerted effort, a proposal to use the Colbert House as a tri-parish spiritual and ecumenical center has been recommended and a draft proposal prepared. A non-negotiable condition that has been placed on the retention of the Colbert House is that St. James Church funds not be used to pay for any associated costs for the Colbert House. Failure to raise adequate funding will result in the sale of the Colbert House. Thus, significant fundraising efforts will be required.

A Colbert House committee has been established to review the draft proposal and provide input for the development of a final proposal that will be presented to the appropriate Diocesan officials for their review and decision. This committee will also provide the governance for the Colbert House if the Diocese approves our proposal. This committee will consist of three sub-committees:

• • • A Steering Committee that will provide general oversight and guidance;
    • An Administrative Committee that will be responsible for the actual implementation and administrative governance on the use of the Colbert House; and
    • A Finance/Fundraising Committee that will be responsible for the development of an annual operating budget, fundraising, and ensuring adequate funding is available to meet operating expenses.

The committee members are meeting on a regular basis to provide their input for a final proposal document, development of appropriate operating policies and procedures, and development of a listing of potential fundraising efforts.

A future update on the status of the Colbert House will be provided once significant additional information is available. If there are any questions related to this process or if you would like to volunteer to participate as a member of the Colbert House committee, please contact Barbara Haywood by email.

SPECIAL COLLECTION THE WEEKEND OF 3/26-27 FOR
Catholic Relief Services

Catholic Relief Services does incredible work around the world, and is providing extensive relief to Ukranian families fleeing war. 

"Our second collection this week will support Catholic Relief Services. Funds from this collection provide food to the hungry, support displaced refugees, and bring Christ’s love and mercy to vulnerable people here and abroad. Currently, there are special relief efforts underway within CRS that will help families affected from Ukraine. Please give generously to the Collection and reveal Christ’s love to those most in need. Please help by giving to the collection on March 26/27, 2022."

For additional information on Catholic Relief Services, visit www.crs.org

While we are still short of our goals in each parish, here is another important reason to donate to the Diocesan Appeal. While I haven’t seen this year’s report, I have compared the Catholic Charities of the 14 counties of the Diocese of Albany Revenue and Expenses report for 2019-2020 with last year’s Diocesan Appeal’s grants to Catholic Charities. These stats include:

The number of households Catholic Charities helped during this timeframe. Additionally, their expenses went for services for the disabled (28%), Maternity and Family Services (8%), Emergency Shelter and Permanent Housing (8%), Domestic Violence (5%), Senior Services (5%) and so much more.

You may be asking how does the Diocesan Appeal affect Catholic Charities? In the timeframe listed above, the Diocesan Appeal granted approximately $818,000 to support Catholic Charities work in the Albany Diocese, which is about
2% of Catholic Charities funding. Those funds mainly support staff who write grant requests of various government agencies that offer funding. Those funds received by Catholic Charities of the Albany Diocese total over $36 million dollars! That’s correct!!! The Diocesan Appeal of $818,000 helped raise over $36 million dollars.

I think most of us know someone who has been helped by Catholic Charities. Would you please consider donating directly to the Diocesan Appeal (see link below) this week or as soon as possible? Thank you for those who have already donated! Please see below for our current status toward this fiscal year’s goals for the Diocesan Appeal. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones for your generosity.

                                                  FY 21-22                       Raised
                                                  Parish Assessment       To Date
St. James/Chatham                   $41,000                        $20,100 (49%)
St. John the Baptist/Valatie       $52,000                        $22,485 (43%)
St. Joseph (Stott/StuyFalls)        $12,600                        $5,685 (45%)

Si bien  todavía  estamos por  debajo de  nuestras metas  en  cada parroquia,  aquí hay otra razón importante para donar a  la Campaña Diocesana.  Si  bien  no he visto  el  informe de  este año, he  comparado  el  informe de  Caridades  Católicas  de  los 14 condados de  la Diócesis de Albany Ingresos  y Gastos para 2019-2020 con  las  subvenciones de la  Campaña  Diocesana del año pasado a  Caridades Católicas. Estas  estadísticas incluyen:

El número  de hogares a  los que Caridades  Católicas ayudó durante  este período de tiempo.  Además,  sus  gastos  se destinaron a servicios para discapacitados (28%), servicios de maternidad y familia (8%),  refugio de emergencia y vivienda permanente  (8%), violencia  doméstica (5%), servicios  para personas mayores (5%) y mucho más.

Es posible que  se pregunte  cómo afecta  la  Campaña Diocesana a  Caridades  Católicas.  En  el marco de tiempo mencionado anteriormente,  la Campaña Diocesana otorgó aproximadamente  $818,000 para apoyar el trabajo de Caridades  Católicas  en la Diócesis de Albany, que  es aproximadamente  el 2% de los fondos de  Caridades Católicas.  Esos fondos apoyan principalmente  al personal que escribe solicitudes de  subvenciones  de varias agencias gubernamentales  que ofrecen fondos.  ¡Esos  fondos recibidos por Caridades  Católicas  de  la  Diócesis  de Albany suman  más de $  36 millones  de  dólares!   ¡¡¡Eso es correcto!!!   La Campaña Diocesana   de $818,000 ayudó a recaudar más de $36 millones de dólares.

Creo que  la mayoría de nosotros conocemos a  alguien que ha sido ayudado por  Caridades  Católicas. ¿Consideraría  donar directamente a  la  Campaña  Diocesana (ver  enlace a continuación)  esta  semana o  tan pronto como  sea posible?  ¡Gracias por  los que ya han donado!  Consulte a  continuación nuestro  estado actual hacia  las metas de  este  año fiscal para la Campaña Diocesana.  Que Dios continúe bendiciéndote a  ti y a tus seres queridos  por tu generosidad. 

As you may have heard, the Diocese has ended its mandate that masks be worn in diocesan churches and offices, effective February 10, 2022.  However, parishes may continue to impose stricter guidelines as they see fit. (Please see below.)

Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are strongly encouraged to continue to wear a mask during the distribution of Communion.  (We in our one faith community still will require ministers of Holy Communion to wear a mask while doing so.)

Keep in mind that, in the event a city or county imposes a mask mandate, parishes are expected to act in accordance with applicable local law or regulation.  The Diocese of Albany will continue to follow the mask requirements for schools. Although not mandated, the faithful are more than welcome to wear masks out of concern for the health and safety of others. Since the diocese is permitting stricter requirements, a discussion was held with 4 of the 5 parish trustees and we agreed to wait a few weeks before changing any of our health and safety protocols.

Therefore, we are asking all who will be attending mass to continue wearing masks for a few more weeks.  We will re-assess the circumstances in a few weeks. This is how we can show our care for one another.  

Due to the inclement weather last Sunday, we will be taking a second collection again this weekend, January 14th .

As requested by Bishop Scharfenberger, on the weekend of January 9, we will hold a special second collection for relief following the devastating tornadoes that recently hit the midwestern United States. Please be generous as always in helping our brothers and sisters across the country. If you would like, you may contribute directly to tornado relief at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org."

 As requested by Bishop Scharfenberger, on the weekend of January 9, we will hold a special second collection for relief following the devastating tornadoes that recently hit the midwestern United States. Please be generous as always in helping our brothers and sisters across the country. If you would like, you may contribute directly to tornado relief at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org."

There will be two livestreamed Masses on Christmas Eve:

• • 4PM Vigil Mass on Friday, 12.24.21 livestreamed Christmas Vigil Mass from St. John the Baptist. Fr. Steve Matthews celebrates Christmas Vigil Mass at St. John the Baptist Church in Valatie, NY. Music by Justine Rodriguez. Filmed by Aaron McGuirk. Link: https://youtu.be/OS5PiVJesLo
•  
  • 9PM "Midnight" Mass on Friday, 12.24.21 livestreamed from St. James Church.  Fr. Steve Matthews celebrates Christmas "Midnight" Mass at St. James Church in Chatham, NY. Music by Justine Rodriguez. Filmed by Aaron McGuirk. Link: https://youtu.be/BFqW1jfFXNk

Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
December 13, 2021
MASK-WEARING PROTOCOLS FOR PARISHES

Governor Kathy Hochul on Dec. 10 announced a statewide mandate requiring face masks to be worn by everyone in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues have implemented a COVID-19 vaccine requirement. Since a vaccine verification requirement would be difficult, if not impossible, for churches to implement, we believe the mask mandate is the most efficient option for parishes of the Diocese of Albany to remain compliant. While we realize that this may not be convenient or comfortable, we want to do all we can to ensure the safety of those who celebrate, assist at, and attend Mass throughout the remainder of the Advent season and the Christmas season that is just around the corner. We thank you for all you have done and continue
to do to keep our people safe.

The mandate, as issued by the New York State Department of Health, is effective today, December 13, 2021, through January 15, 2022, at which time the state will reassess its effectiveness based on COVID-related public health conditions.

PARISH OFFICES

• Parish office staff and visitors are required to wear masks at all times except when eating, drinking or alone in an enclosed room.

CHURCHES

• All parishioners will be asked to wear masks while in church, in accordance with the state mandate that masks be worn in all “public places.” Houses of worship are considered public places per the state’s definition.
• Those who are involved in distributing Holy Communion during Mass are required to wear a mask during this distribution.