eNOTES FOR DECEMBER 9, 2025
(WITH BULLETIN INFORMATION FOR THE WEEKENDS OF DECEMBER 21 AND 28, 2025)
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SCHEDULE CHANGE: PLEASE SUBMIT POSTS FOR THE DECEMBER 23 EDITION OF ENOTES BY 10 a.m., FRIDAY DECEMBER 19
HIGHLIGHTS
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BISHOP LAVALLEY'S CHRISTMAS LETTER AND VIDEO
Bishop LaValley's Christmas Letter is available HERE. The video is available on the Diocesan YouTube channel or can be accessed by clicking the image above or HERE.
RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS: Second Collection, December 13 and 14.
On December 13–14, our Diocese will join in the Retirement Fund for Religious collection, supporting sisters, brothers and priests who have spent their lives serving in classrooms, hospitals, missions and parishes with little financial compensation.
Now, many face the challenges of aging and rising healthcare costs, yet their prayers continue to sustain the Church.
Your gift is more than financial help – it is a message of gratitude and care. It ensures they receive the dignity they deserve while supporting younger members who carry forward their mission. Please give generously and keep our consecrated religious in your prayers.
Please see Bishop LaValley's letter HERE. Statistics and additional Bulletin announcements for week of and the week after the collection can be found HERE.
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NEW FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES:
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NEW YORK STATE DISCERNMENT RETREAT:
Are you a young man (age 18+) who feels called to the priesthood? The New York State Discernment Retreat, sponsored by the NYS Vocation Directors, is an annual opportunity to gather with others who are discerning God’s call. Vocation Directors and seminarians will share their stories of faith and offer guidance for discernment. The retreat includes time for personal prayer and social fellowship.
Dates: January 8–10, 2026
Location: The Good News Center, Utica
Registration Deadline: January 1
To Register: Email vocations@syrdio.org
Take this step to listen to God’s call in your life!
Contact for More Information: Deacon Garry Stevens Phone Number: 315-854-6158
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RITE OF ELECTION AND CALL TO CONTINUING CONVERSION: Attention All OCIA TEAMS and Pastors
The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral, Ogdensburg, the first Sunday of Lent, Feb. 22, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Registration forms have been sent to all parishes. RSVP deadline: Feb 11 to Asoltero@rcdony.org
Contact for More Information: Anita Soltero Phone Number: 518-310-3669
NEW PARISH EVENTS AND NOTIFICATIONS:
Reminder: We cannot publish parish flyers with graphics, except for those advertising certain national programs which provide free graphics for publication.
No new parish events were submitted. Please check your parish bulletins and previously posted submissions below.
REGULAR FEATURES:
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PLANNED GIVING:
Free Proposal
Did you know that you can make a charitable gift that also benefits you in a practical way? A Charitable Gift Annuity is a donation you make to our parish, yet you will receive guaranteed income on it for the rest of your life at a relatively high rate of return (4.7% - 9.5%). Plus you will receive a charitable tax deduction and tax-free income. Ultimately your gift will support our parish, while supporting you during your lifetime. For a free proposal contact the Diocese at 315-393-2920 or Email slalone@rcdony.org.
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
for the December 21 Bulletin
As we contemplate the mystery of God’s love revealed in the Manger, let us pray to let the vulnerability of God soften and disarm our hearts. May it awaken our hope for creating a better world, and grant us the courage to take one step and then make it become a reality today.
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
for the December 28 Bulletin
On January 1, Feast of Solemnity of Mary, the Church asks us to join in prayer for the World Day of Peace. Beginning in l967 with Pope Paul VI, each pope addressed heads of state and governments especially, and all people in the world. We are called to create a culture of care as a path to Peace, one that will promote justice and peace between individuals, communities, peoples and nations. Mary, Queen of the Universe, pray for us.
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STOP PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE IN NEW YORK: Take Action Now
New York is on the brink of legalizing physician-assisted suicide. Bill A136 has already passed the Senate and Assembly. The only thing standing in its way is Governor Hochul's veto – and she needs to hear from you. Please contact her office to voice your opposition to this harmful legislation. She has until the end of the year to sign the bill. Suicide is not healthcare. Thank you.
Contact for More Information: Respect Life Office Email: cminer@rcdony.org
BULLETIN EDITORS USING CANVA:
LPI has made these templates available for Canva: https://www.4lpi.com/canva-pro-bulletin-templates
Contact for More Information: IT Email: it@rcdony.org
SPAGHETTI & MEATBALL DINNER: K of C Fundraiser (Evans Mills)
Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner, Saturday, December 13, at St. Mary's Parish Center in Evans Mills.
Benefit Knights of Columbus Council 7471. Menu includes Spaghetti & Meatballs, Salad, Bread, Dessert & Beverage. Adults meals are $12, Senior Citizens are $10, Children under 12 are $5, and children under 5 eat for free. For more information contact the Parish Office at 315-629-4678
Contact for More Information: Parish Office Email: evansmillssec@rcdony.org Phone Number: 315-629-4678
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ADVENT RETREAT: Advent Day Retreat
Advent Retreat: "Blessed are they that Hope it the Lord: Advent Meditations on the Virtue of Hope" at Notre Dame Retreat House, Canandaigua
December 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$60
To register: for this or other available retreats: https://notredameretreat.org/
Contact for More Information: Nancy Lynch Email: info@notredameretreat.org
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MONTHLY PANCAKE BREAKFAST: In Support of Augustinian Academy (Carthage)
Pancake Breakfast To Benefit Augustinian Academy
Sunday, December 14
8 a.m. to noon
St. James Community Room, Carthage
MENU
Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes, French Toast, Ham, Sausage, Baked Goods, Juice, and Coffee
PRICE
$10 for Adults
$8 for Seniors
$5 for Children under 10
$30 Family of 4 or more
SPONSORED BY:
Carthage K of C Father John Cosmic #291 and the Ave Maria Circle
Contact for More Information: 315-493-3224
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CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: Holy Angels & St Ann's Parish Families invite you! (Altona)
All Day Event on December 14: Bake Sale, Craft Fair, Gift Basket Raffle, Food & Refreshments Sale. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m at Holy Angels Hall, Altona.
Concert & LIVE Nativity Holy Angels Church 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Come & make memories with Family & Friends enjoy the day.
Holy Angels, 522 Devils Den Road, Altona
Contact for More Information: Parish Offices Phone Number: 518-236-5632
TICKETS ON SALE AT ST. MARY’S FOR FABULOUS CHRISTMAS GIFTS: (Constableville)
St. Mary’s in Constableville is trying something new in their fundraising efforts for their youth and Faith Formation activities, and this change could help ticket holders with their Christmas shopping! That is because the first-place winner will receive a Virtual Reality Headset, the second-place winner will receive a 50-inch smart television, and the third-place winner will receive a 10-inch tablet. The drawing will be livestreamed after the 10 a.m. Mass on December 21.
Tickets are $5 each, or five for $20. They can be purchased after the 10 a.m. Mass, from various St. Mary’s parents, by calling the Parish office at 315-348-6104 or by going online to https://catholicparishesofslc.weebly.com/church-offering--raffles.html.
Contact for More Information: Jean Lieber Email: portleydenbk@rcdony.org
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TRIVIA NIGHT for VOCATIONS: Ogdensburg.
The Vocations Committee for the Catholic Churches of Ogdensburg (St. Mary’s Cathedral and Notre Dame), Heuvelton (St. Raphael’s) and Lisbon (Ss. Philip and James) is planning a Trivia Night for Friday, January 2, at the Martin Fieldhouse, 721 Hasbrouck, Street, Ogdensburg. All funds raised will be donated to the Diocese of Ogdensburg to help offset the miscellaneous college costs for the seminarians. Join us for a night of fun and friendly competition in a contest of general knowledge across a variety of topics! Teams of up to 6 will compete for the bragging rights and the Grand Prize. All players are eligible for door prizes! Mulligans will be sold at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. Trivia starts at 7 p.m. More rules and registration at www.ogdensburgcatholics.net/trivia or use the QR code
or email vocationsarenottrivial@rcdony.org
Contact for More Information: Sister Mary Eamon Lyng Email: smelyngssj@yahoo.com
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CELEBRATION OF LIFE PLANNING EXPO: Bereavement and Community Support Committee
Celebration of Life Planning Expo to Be Held at St. Edmund’s Parish Hall
Helping Families Prepare Faithfully for Life’s Final Journey
The Bereavement and Community Support Committee of Saint Bernard’s and Saint Edmund’s Parishes invites the public to a “Celebration of Life Planning Expo” on Saturday, January 17, beginning at 10 a.m. at Saint Edmund’s Parish Hall, Ellenburg.
This free community event will provide helpful resources for families wishing to prepare for their end-of-life needs – spiritually, practically, and with peace of mind.
Participants will include grief counselors, estate planners, legal and financial advisors, funeral directors, clergy, musicians, caterers, florists, monument and memorial specialists, cemetery and mausoleum representatives, and local organizations that assist families during times of loss.
“Planning ahead is a loving gift to our families,” said a spokesperson for the Bereavement Committee. “It allows us to make thoughtful choices and prepare our final celebration of life with faith and dignity.”
Refreshments will be available, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet local service providers, ask questions, and gather information.
In case of inclement weather or a blizzard, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Contact for More Information: Mary Ellen Tomo Phone Number: 518-569-4447 Email: tomo_mary@yahoo.com
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HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN: THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: Saturday, May 16, 2026 – St. Mary’s Cathedral
Save the date! Saturday, May 16 – St. Mary’s Cathedral, Ogdensburg. Highway to Heaven: The Journey Continues! Featuring Father Jonathan Meyer, popular YouTube sensation and National Preacher of the Eucharistic Revival. Join Bishop LaValley for Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, sacred music, and more. Additional details coming soon!
Contact Mary Beth Bracy at marybethbracy@gmail.com for more information.
Office of Vocations Bulletin Intercessions, Cycle A - 2025-2026
Office of Vocations Bulletin Blurbs, Cycle A - 2025-2026
Office of Evangelization Bulletin Blurbs Cycle A - 2025-2026
Office of Vocations Newsletters
ABOUT:
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 and seminarians. Others can subscribe on the eNotes webpage at www.rcdony.org/enotes.
Reminder: We cannot publish parish flyers with graphics, except for those advertising certain national programs which provide free graphics for publication.
SCHEDULE CHANGE: PLEASE SUBMIT POSTS FOR THE DECEMBER 23 EDITION OF ENOTES BY 10 a.m., FRIDAY DECEMBER 19
The next submission deadline is December 19 by 10 a.m. for the December 23, 2025 edition of eNotes with bulletin information for the weekends of January 4 and 11. The link to the submission form can also be found in the menu on the eNotes page (www.rcdony.org/enotes). We welcome suggestions for improvements to newsletter. Suggestions can be sent via email to enotes@rcdony.org .