Tri-Parish Outreach
(518) 929-4369
News from Theresa Lux, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties: Thanks to funding by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, two households in multiple towns within Columbia County will receive a guaranteed income of $500 a month for two years. Households need to have a child under the age of 6 and meet income guidelines. The deadline to apply for the lottery is July 1st. To learn more or apply visit greaterhudsonpromise.org/btcf-gicc
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: 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, e 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, June 13
Food Pantry: at the Church of St. Joseph/Stuyvesant Falls Friday, June 13, 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 13 de junio 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: Would the owner of the two lounge chairs please phone the OutReach number at (518)929- 4369 to advise us of the status of that transaction? Please speak clearly and say your name and number twice if voicemail is engaged. Thank you.
Appreciation is extended to community members who serve as intermediaries to OutReach recipients, especially with regard to our Furniture Exchange and Clothing Give-Away
programs. Year after year, individuals and families in need, social-work clients, and others in Columbia County, have benefited from their time and effort.
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: The Chatham and Ghent food pantries will be pleased to accept gift certificates from local farm stands for the purchase of fruits and vegetables at harvest time. Gift certificates to buy strawberries, blueberries, rhubarb, peas, etc., would be a boon to the patrons of the pantries.
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 -to-School sales.
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.
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
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....
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225 to 1284) was an Italian friar, philosopher and theologian. His influence on Western thought is profound particularly in the areas of ethics, natural law, metaphysics and political theory. His best works are the Summa Theological and the Summa Contra Gentiles. Aquinas is further distinguished for his commentaries and sacred scripture, and Eucharistic hymns.