eNOTES for March 31, 2016
(with bulletin information for the weekends of and April 10 and 17)
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eNOTES is a biweekly diocesan newsletter which is sent to the following distribution lists: all priests, diocesan staff, deacons, deacon candidates, bookkeepers and secretaries, catechetical leaders, principals, commissioned lay ministers, diocesan finance council, diocesan pastoral council, and pastoral associates. Other can subscribe on the eNotes webpage at www.rcdony.org/enotes. The next submission deadline is April 11 for the April 14 eNotes with bulletin information for the weekends of April 24 and May 1) We welcome suggestions for improvements to newsletter. Suggestions can be sent via email to enotes@rcdony.org.
To Pastors: Please make sure that your bulletin editor(s) and those who manage any social media for your parish are receiving eNotes in their email and are using eNotes for the bulletin and social media content. If they are not, please have them subscribe at www.rcdony.org/enotes or contact eNotes@rcdony.org so we can add them to the list. Thank You.
FROM THE INSPIRE: CALLED TO LOVE COMMITTEE
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PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL FOR SPECIAL COLLECTION:
Dear Pastors: You received promotional packets for the INSPIRE: Called to Love at the Chrism Mass. This is a reminder that the bulletin announcement and the envelops should be in the April 9/10 bulletin. For more detailed information please see Fr. Garry Gioux's Letter and Promotional Material.
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BUSES FOR INSPIRE: Transportation for the Vocation Summit
Dear Pastors and Pastoral Associates,
INSPIRE: Called to Love is just over 6 months away. If you haven't given thought yet to helping your parishioners get to Lake Placid for the Vocations Summit, now is the time. While many parishioners will be willing to take their own transportation, we know that many others will be happy to ride a coach. This will not only foster a greater experience of fellowship, but it will also have the practical benefit of easing parking issues in the village of Lake Placid. (People who choose to drive themselves will have long walks or will need to use shuttle services.)
Click here to find a pdf with 7 area bus services. The bus companies were all contacted and asked for a sample of their prices for your consideration. No buses will be contracted by the Diocese; this is the responsibility of the local parishes. The prices and the availability are not certain until the parishes contract with the companies.
Please contact them soon so they will have you on their books.
Many blessings,
(Fr.) Bryan Stitt
INSPIRE: Called to Love Committee
p.s. To help determine when you would like to schedule drop-off and pick-up times at the arena in LP, here is a link to the day's schedule: http://www.inspirecalledtolove.org/schedule.asp
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FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
HANDICAP GRANTS: Information on the Handicap Grant and the Application for the Grant are now available.
The Diocese of Ogdensburg annually offers two grants of $5,000.00 each to assist the parishes and institutions of the Diocese in providing assistance for the handicapped. These funds are made available from the annual contribution of the New York State Knights of Columbus to the Diocese of Ogdensburg. They will be distributed by the diocese on the recommendations of Catholic Charities and the Department of Education.
The criteria for acceptability of the request cover several factors. Improvement in already existing programs or facilities will be considered. Some ideas for funding include: adapting facilities, special equipment, training for personnel, and program development.
It is important to remember that programs which have received funding previously may not apply for the grant for the following three years. Programs/projects must show proof of additional sources of revenue to support the programs/projects.
If you wish to be considered for a grant, please plan your proposal carefully. The grant application is attached.
Applications must be submitted by May 21, 2016. Monies will be allocated after June 1, 2016.
If you have any questions regarding the grant and/or the application please contact vlalonde@rcdony.org or call (315) 393-2920 ext. 1411.
Click to download application
FROM THE OFFICE OF SAFE ENVIRONMENT:
UPDATED
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The Office of Safe Environment has developed weekly bulletin announcements (see the NOTICES FOR BULLETINS section below) as well as sample intercessions for the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass. For more information about safe environment, please see our webpage www.rcdony.org/safeenv.html or contact Sr. Ellen Donahue at edonahue@rcdony.org.
Two bishop members of the USCCB Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People will be featured in two daily Bible reading video reflections regarding protection from child abuse: Bishop Edward Burns of the Diocese of Juneau, Chair of the CPCYP, and Bishop William Medley of the Diocese of Owensboro. You can find those videos on the USCCB.org website via these links: http://bcove.me/dhy0lljm and http://bcove.me/dhppif12.
Click image to download intercessions
FROM THE OFFICE OF VOCATIONS
NEW VOCATIONS HOLY HOUR: in time for the April 17 World Day of Prayer for Vocations
A new Holy Hour for Vocations booklet has been made available by the Vocations Office. One will be distributed to each parish with the distribution of Holy Oils at the Chrism Mass. For more copies, please contact Fr. Bryan Stitt (bstitt@rcdony.org or 518-593-6044)
Editors note: please see WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS: Prayer of Pope Francis below in the Bulletin Section
FROM THE OFFICE OF VOCATIONS
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DIACONATE ORDINATION of Mr. Michael Jablonski
With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God the Church of Ogdensburg joyfully announces the Ordination to the Order of Deacon of Michael Joseph Jablonski through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit by the Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley Bishop of Ogdensburg.
You are cordially invited to join in the celebration of the Ordination Liturgy On Saturday, the twenty-eighth of May, Two thousand and sixteen at eleven o’clock in the morning at St. John’s Church, 18 Broad Street Plattsburgh, New York. A reception will follow at St. John’s.
FROM THE DEACON'S SOCIETY OF ST LAWRENCE
COPIES OF BEAUTIFUL MERCY AVAILABLE: limited quantity, while supplies last
A limited number of paperback copies of Beautiful MERCY are available at the bulk rate cost of $1.50 per book to parishes through our Diocesan Deacon's Society of St. Lawrence. Amazon.com describes the book with this message: Giving and receiving mercy is central to living a life of passion and purpose. Yet, for some reason, most people believe they are either too young or too old, not religious enough, or simply don't have enough time to live a life uncommon. The perfect companion for the Year of Mercy called for by Pope Francis, the book provides an encounter with the heart of God. By focusing on the 7 Spiritual and 7 Corporal works of mercy, it inspires readers to realize that extraordinary acts of love are possible for anyone no matter where they are in life. 250 copies are currently available. Orders will only be accepted from parishes or department heads, preferably in quantities of 25 or more (no individual orders accepted). For information, contact Deacon Kevin and Kathy Mastellon at kbmastell@twcny.rr.com.
Bulletin Editors: Please add these notices to your parish bulletin(s). You can simply cut the text and paste it in your bulletin.
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INSPIRE: Called to Love
(For the April 9 and 10 Bulletins)
Bishop LaValley is so convinced of the important message which the Vocations Summit will share with the youth and adults of our diocese, that he does not want cost to be an obstacle to anyone attending, especially families. Therefore, he decided there will be no registration fee for the Vocations Summit and no cost for the midday meal. To meet these expenses, Bishop LaValley is committing some of the financial resources of the diocese to this event; he is confident that many parishioners throughout our diocese will also help with the cost of the Summit. Bishop asks each of us to help in meeting the expenses of the Vocations Summit, INSPRIRE: Called to Love. Stapled to this bulletin is a special offertory envelope. Please use it in next week’s second collection. The Vocations Summit will make a difference in the future of our diocese; your generous sacrifice will help make that difference. Bishop LaValley thanks you! Check out the website, www.inspirecalledtolove.org
INSPIRE: Called to Love
Join us for INSPIRE: Called to Love. This Vocations Summit will celebrate the universal call to holiness and its manifestation in the vocations of Christian marriage and family life, the single state, the consecrated religious life, and the ordained priesthood and diaconate. INSPIRE: Called to Love will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2016, at the Olympic Arena Complex at Lake Placid. Aside from the morning Keynote Address, participants will have the opportunity to take part in breakout sessions being led by internationally known speakers.
Our annual diocesan youth rally will be a component of the Vocations Summit; the youth will attend Bishop Barron’s Keynote Address and then participate in their breakout session and activities, joining at the conclusion of the day with Holy Mass.
For more information, full schedule and to register for this FREE EVENT, go to www.inspirecalledtolove.org.
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WMOF DAY OF ADORATION: St. James Church, Carthage
The team that represented the Diocese of Ogdensburg at the World Meeting of Families is presenting a day of Adoration at St. James’ Church in Carthage, on Friday, April 8th. The Day of Adoration begins immediately following the 9:30am Mass. There will be a Spaghetti Dinner from 6-7pm, followed by a Holy Hour with a short presentation from 7-8pm, and ending with a light reception where you can meet the team members, ask questions and receive resources from the World Meeting of Families. This is a regional event and everyone is invited. In order to prepare enough food, those that wish to attend the free spaghetti dinner need to RSVP by calling the St. James Rectory at 315-493-3224 by Wednesday, April 6th.
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APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
(For the April 9/10 Bulletins)
Our diocese has codes of conduct adults must follow to create safe environments and protect children. Reading and following the code in all situations creates a culture of protection and keeps our children safer. Please go to http://www.rcdony.org/safeenv. The codes are listed on the main page. See Article in April 13th edition of North Country Catholic.
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APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
(For the April 16/17 Bulletins)
The best way to protect our children and our church is for adults to learn red flag behaviors and to report concerns to supervisors. This creates a culture of protection. Sign up for a safe environment training, even if you are not required to do so. Simply go to http://www.rcdony.org/safeenv and click on “Virtus Trainings” on the left side of the page. See Article in April 13th edition of North Country Catholic.
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(For the April 9/10 Bulletins)
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Water is a powerful Christian image and symbol of our baptism into the family of God. In Laudato Si, Pope Francis speaks of issues of clean water affecting our family, “Access to safe drinking water is a basic and universal human right, since it is essential to human survival.” (Laudato Si -#28) Did you know that 1 out of 10 people lack access to safe water? Each time you bless yourself with holy water, consider its sacredness and choose one way to conserve it. Suggestion: See colgate.com/EveryDropCounts and take the “Colgate challenge.” Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, decrease the flow while washing veggies and fruit.
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(For the April 16/17 Bulletins)
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Everyday life is sustained by water. It is the natural resource most frequently referred to in the Bible -more than 500 times. The world’s major religions all reverence water for its cleansing and life-sustaining qualities. Look for household cleaning and laundry products that contain non-toxic materials. White vinegar and baking soda make very effective disinfect and cleaners both in bathroom and kitchen while being very easy on your budget! Put vinegar and water in re-used plastic spray bottle; baking soda can in put into a re-used grated cheese shaker. Other ways to use them safely and effectively can be found on internet as well as local agencies, i.e. Cooperative Extension.
PRE-CANA MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!: Do you want to share the beauty of the Sacrament of Marriage?
Have you and your spouse ever considered witnessing to engaged couples the beauty of the Sacrament of Marriage? There are many ways married couples can participate in Pre-Cana ministry in our diocese. Newly married couples and couples married for many years all have something to offer. If you would be interested in finding out more about how you can witness to the beauty of the Sacrament of Marriage to engaged couples, please contact Deacon Henry and Dayna Leader at 315-287-2874 or 315-323-0827 or dleader@rcdony.org
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WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS: Prayer of Pope Francis
This April 17th marks the 53rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Please join Pope Francis in prayer:
Father of mercy, who gave your Son for our salvation and who strengthens us always with the gifts of your Spirit, grant us Christian communities which are alive, fervent and joyous, which are fonts of fraternal life, and which nurture in the young the desire to consecrate themselves to you and to the work of evangelization. Sustain these communities in their commitment to offer appropriate vocational catechesis and ways of proceeding towards each one’s particular consecration. Grant the wisdom needed for vocational discernment, so that in all things the greatness of your merciful love may shine forth. May Mary, Mother and guide of Jesus, intercede for each Christian community, so that, made fruitful by the Holy Spirit, it may be a source of true vocations for the service of the holy People of God.
Dowload Pope Francis' Letter for World Day of Prayer for Vocations
SIGN UP FOR THE CATHOLIC ACTION NETWORK
Do you want to stay informed about important Public Policy issues coming up before the legislature in New York State? The New York State Catholic Conference was founded to translate Catholic Social teachings into action in the public policy arena. By signing up for the Catholic Action Network you will receive periodic emails about issues coming before the legislature affecting religious liberty, life, education and other social justice issues impacting human dignity. Catholic Action Network also makes it easy to contact your representatives on these issues by offering sample letters and one-click emails. Sign up today and stay informed. Go to http://www.nyscatholic.org/ and click on the “join the Catholic Action Network” logo on the top right of the page.
REMEMBER THE CHURCH IN YOUR WILL
As a Christian, you are a caretaker of the unique God-given gifts of life. The way you conclude your trusteeship is the way you say “thank you.” Many who wish to continue their Christian stewardship after death have provided for our parish in their Wills – through simple bequests and other life plans. Ways to use your Will would include a percentage of your estate, a specific amount, the remainder of your estate, or specific property left to our parish.
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY RIGHT TO LIFE: Attention all Pro-Lifers
Champlain Valley Right to Life is sponsoring a bus trip to the Lobby for Life Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, April 13th. Your cost is $20. Premier Coach will arrive at St. Peter's Church, Plattsburgh at 6:30am and return at 5:30pm. Applications for the trip can be found at church entrances or call Kitty at 518 563 2943.
Click Image to Download Application
Click on image to download updated flyer
UPDATED
CARE OF OUR COMMON HOME
Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, Dr. Gerry Gacioch, MD, the NYS Catholic Climate Ambassador, and Chief of Cardiology at Rochester General Hospital Heart Institute will be joined by Dr. Curt Stager, ecologist, paleoclimatologist, author, and biology professor at Paul Smith’s College to discuss the role of religion and science in response to the challenge to "care for our common home.” They will be presenting on Saturday, April 23rd, at SUNY Canton in Nevaldine Hall North, Room 102, from 10:00 am-Noon. Dr. Gerry Gacioch, MD will give this present on this same topic on Sunday, April 24 from 9:30 – 11:00 in Watertown at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish. Free and open to the public. This event is sponsored by St. Mary’s Parish and its Newman Ministry, Faith and Ecology Groups, and Sisters of St. Joseph Social Justice Committee. For more info contact Sr. Bethany Srbethssj@gmail.com
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JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT: Christian Music Pioneer and TV Host is coming to Peru, New York!
Christian music legend, best-selling author and host of The Church Channel's popular TV show "All Things Are Possible", John Michael Talbot, is coming to St. Augustine's & St. Patrick's Parish for two special evenings, May 5 & 6 , 2016. Each evening begins at 7:00 PM and includes an inspiring message and sacred music. For more information please contact the parish ministries of |John Michael Talbot and the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. Today, John Michael Talbot is one of the most active evangelists traveling throughout the world inspiring and renewing the faith of Christians of all denominations through sacred music, inspired teaching and motivational speaking. John Michael, like a modern St. Francis, is rebuilding God's Church" one parish at a time, and renewing hearts one life at a time." For more information contact Jackie Torterilli 518-643-2435.
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SPRINGTIME RETREAT DAY: Nurturing the God-Seed Within
In springtime the gardener plants seeds and cares for them; this day will consider ways that we might tend the God-Seed that the Sower has planted in us.
Where: Cedarhaven, Morristown, located along the St. Lawrence River (to view the place, see www.fourseasonsoftheheart.weebly.com)
When: Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 9:30 – 4:00 pm / with option of overnight for extended retreat time
Cost: $25 for retreat day (lunch included)/Additional $25 for overnight with dinner and breakfast included/Space is limited
To register: Call 315-212-6592 or email srbethssj@gmail.com by Thursday, May 4
DATES SET FOR 2016 RACHEL'S VINEYARD RETREATS
The spring Rachel’s Vineyard after-abortion healing retreat will be offered Friday, June 3rd - Sunday, June 5th, 2016 at the Guggenheim Lodge in Saranac Lake. The chaplains for the spring retreat are Fr. Mark Reilly and Fr. Thomas Higman.
The fall Rachel’s Vineyard retreat will be held over Labor Day weekend Friday, September 2nd - Sunday, September 4th, 2016. The fall chaplain is Fr. Bryan Stitt.
Confidential registration forms will be available soon.
If you or someone you know is suffering after an abortion, you’re not alone. Especially in this year of Mercy, please consider attending a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat which offers a safe, non-judgmental
environment of hope and healing. For a list of retreat locations or for more information about Rachel’s Vineyard visit www.rachelsvineyard.org and for local information www.rcdony.org/pro-life.
Click image to download poster
CAMP GUGGENHEIM: Registration is now open.
Registration for Camp Guggenheim 2016 is now open! The cost per week is $300. Register soon to ensure a spot for an incredible week of fun and growth in faith! For online information and registration of campers see www.rcdony.org/youth/guggy.html. If you have questions or do not have a computer to register, please call the Youth Office 315-393-2920.
CAMP GUGGENHEIM 2016 SCHEDULE
Staff Week - June 16th - June 24th
12 - 15 year old
Week 1: June 26th - July 1st
Week 2: July 3rd - July 8th
Week 3: July 10th - July 15th
Week 4: July 17th - July 22nd
Week 5: July 24th - July 29th
16 - 18 year old
Week 6: July 31st - August 5th
CATHOLIC HEART WORKCAMP IS RETURNING! Attention Youth and Youth Leaders
Fun, Faith and Teens at Work at CHWC
Catholic Heart Workcamp (CHWC) has announced that it will be returning to Wadhams Hall (Ogdensburg) this summer, from Sunday, June 26 to Friday, July 1. This week-long camp is open to high school (entering 9th grade in Fall 2016) and college students. CHWC is a national organization whose mission is to inspire young people to live as disciples of Christ through serving others and to foster the Catholic faith of each participant. During the week, campers will volunteer at various sites throughout the Ogdensburg area during the day and participate in fun, faith-building programs in the evening. Daily Mass, adoration, penance and prayer nourish campers for their work in the community. The cost is $375 per person, which includes meals, lodging, transportation to the work sites, t-shirts and snacks. For information about the Ogdensburg camp or to register, please contact managers Jocelyn Kelly and Samantha Poulin at chwc.ogdensburg@gmail.com. Also, additional information about CHWC can be found at www.heartworkcamp.com.
Click to download poster
For a more detailed letter click HERE
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VOCATIONS PILGRIMAGE TO THE DIVINE MERCY SHRINE: for the Year of Mercy
Join Bishop LaValley, Father Bryan Stitt, the Diocese of Ogdensburg Vocations Society, and Catholics from across the Diocese to pray for Vocations in this Year of Mercy. Single Occupancy $460, Double Occupancy $335/each Itinerary Includes: Mass and tour at Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge, MA, Holy Hour, Mass and tour of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, visit to Norman Rockwell Museum, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and 1 lunch, buses with pick ups in Watertown, Ogdensburg, Potsdam, Plattsburgh, Schroon Lake. Space limited, sign up today! (Non-refundable payment due August 27. Any proceeds from the trip will be used for the promotion of Vocations within the Diocese of Ogdensburg.) For more information contact Call Anne at (315) 353-2950 or Connie at (315) 265-2762.
Click to download flyer
These are parish and other local events that may be of interested to your parishioners. If you would like to share them in your parish bulletin, you can simply cut and paste the text under the "Description."
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DISCUSSION SERIES ON LAUDATO SI
In this encyclical, Pope Francis says that “I would like to enter into dialogue with all people about out common home ... our Sister, Mother Earth”. There will be a series of six discussions on “Laudato Si” held at St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Waddington. These discussions will be held at 6:30 PM on Thursdays, beginning March 31st. High-school students and adults are welcome. If you want to participate, please call John Tenbusch at 388-4510.
WEEKLY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION, St. Patrick's Church, Watertown:
St. Patrick's Church in Watertown sponsors weekly Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Thursdays. The Monstrance is placed on the Altar at the end of Noon Mass. Our doors remain open until 8:00 pm. All are welcome. For more information contact Dc. Mastellon at 315-782-6086
MONTHLY PRAYER GROUP: Senior Housing, Moors, NY
We meet every second Friday at 1pm each month to pray for all the sick in our parishes. The group was formed several years ago when Dot and Nancy wanted to pray for all the sick in their parish, St. Louis of France. Now we meet at the Senior Housing in Mooers and pray for all the people added to our list each month. All are welcome. The Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet are recited within the prayer service. Prayer and snack lasts about an hour. For more information contact: Nancy Monette at nmonette@charter.net
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Cathedral Music Director
New parish community of St. Mary’s Cathedral and Notre Dame Church, 2,000 families in Upstate NY, seeks Music Director with experience in Catholic liturgy, collaboration, and a variety of music styles for worship. The ideal candidate will be Catholic and have a degree in music or equivalent skill and experience. 3-4 Weekend Masses, Funerals, Weddings, and large-scale Diocesan events. Must be equipped with excellent leadership, communication, and computer/word-processing skills. This is a 40-hour per week position with full Diocesan benefits. Candidate must be proficient in keyboard/piano, organ, and voice and should be comfortable leading various ensembles: adult choir, funeral choir, cantors, instrumentalists, children’s choir. Please email résumé and cover letter to the attention of Rev. Joseph Morgan: music@smcogd.org
UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE DIOCESAN CALENDAR
April 2: Diaconate Ordination of Mr. Todd Thibault
April 3: Divine Mercy Sunday
April 4: Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy begins
May 3-4: Deacon Convocation
May 5: WMOF Family Mission
May 14: Projects and Camp Cleanup
May 14: Diocesan Pastoral Council
May 15: Projects and Camp Cleanup
May 17: Priests Retreat
Bulletin Announcements opposing Assisted Suicide
Office of Vocation Bulletin Blurbs
Office of Vocations General Intercessions
Office of the New Evangelization Blog