Tri-Parish Outreach
(518) 929-4369
News from Theresa Lux, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties: It takes a village is more than a saying, especially in our community, where so many of you give your time and talents to others, often unnoticed. As Volunteer Appreciation Month wraps up, please know the gratitude for all that you do for each other carries on past the calendar month. Catholic Charities is proud to be a part of this caring community!
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.
Sidewalk Warriors of Troy: This Spring, please remember that many people lack the essentials to keep warm. We need warm hats, gloves or mittens, and scarves for many of the people who visit us each Thursday night. Please bring your donations to the CCNCC offices at 1025 Kinderhook St in Valatie. Also, please consider joining us on Thursday nights at our distribution site at 35 State Street, Troy, NY 12180. Help is always needed!
Good Works Calendar:
Friday, April 11
Food Pantry: at the Church of St. Joseph/Stuyvesant Falls Friday, April 11, 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 11 de abril 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: Over the past 27 years nearly every piece of furniture donated to OutReach has found a home in Columbia County including couches, dining room sets, microwave ovens and television sets. In arranging for pickup, please speak slowly and say your phone number twice. Thank you.
Non-Food items Collection: Sunday, May 4th, a receptacle will be in the St. James gathering space for Non-Food items to benefit the Chatham and Ghent food pantries. Paper goods, healthcare products, diapers (any size), laundry detergent and dryer sheets are needed. Parishioners in the CCNCC are invited to participate in this biannual endeavor (May and September) to benefit their local pantries.
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.
Food Pantry: As spring approaches, the local pantries can always make use of canned soups, boxed macaroni and cheese, and beverage mixes. We will continue to collect non-perishable goods for the Chatham and Ghent pantries in the wicker basket near the door in the Gathering Space at St. James.
The Columbia-Greene Humane Society (SPCA) invites anyone in need of food for their pets to visit the shelter for cat and dry food at no cost. OutReach volunteers transport food from the shelter to the Chatham and Ghent pantries approximately every six weeks for the convenience of pet owners. The April-May delivery will be made this week
Many thanks to all who contributed to the St. James Easter Food which has concluded. The amount collected will be reported when tabulated. Our donations increase the purchasing power of the Chatham and Ghent food pantries when they buy food from the Regional Food Bank in Latham.
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.
From Uel Wade:
On Sunday, May 18 at 3:00 PM Uel's Annual Scholarship Competition will be held at the Spencertown Academy with $10,000 in awards to be given away!
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....
On the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee is the Church of St. Peter's House perched on 8 sturdy pillars. In one room of the house, graffiti in Greek letters refers to Jesus as Lord and Christ. It is believed to have been the sight of Peter's house where Christ lodged while staying in Capernaum.