eNOTES FOR NOVEMBER 25, 2025
(WITH BULLETIN INFORMATION FOR THE WEEKENDS OF DECEMBER 7 AND 14, 2025)
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HIGHLIGHTS
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DYING WITH CHRIST, LIVING WITH HOPE: Saturday, November 29, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at St. Bernard's Church, Saranac Lake
When we make a commitment to die with Christ, we can truly live with hope. Learn about NYS Physician Assisted Suicide Bill and Canada's MAID. Discussions feature theologians and healthcare professionals giving perspectives on suffering, grief, dying and our Christian duty to care. Registration: https://www.rcdony.org/livingwithhope ($10 donation requested) Questions? Contact The Respect Life Office.
Contact for More Information: Colleen Miner Email: cminer@rcdony.org Phone Number: 518-524-0774
NEW POSTS
NEW FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES:
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NEW
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS NEW AMERICANS HOTLINE: New York State resources available to everyone.
Please see the linked poster above that supplies resources, a hotline and other support for all citizens including immigrants.
Contact for More Information: Deacon James Crowley Phone Number: 315-393-2920
NEW
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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HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN: THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: Saturday, May 16, 2026 – St. Mary’s Cathedral
Save the date! Saturday, May 16, 2026 – 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.
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.
NEW
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, New York 12910
Contact for More Information: Parish Offices Phone Number: 518-236-5632
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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, 2026, 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
No new parish events were submitted. Please check your parish bulletins and previously posted submissions below.
REGULAR FEATURES:
NEW
PLANNED GIVING:
Make a Will - Good Christian Stewardship would call for the orderly disposition of our worldly goods. If you do not make a Will, the State will do so and it may not be according to your wishes.
For further information, contact Scott Lalone slalone@rcdony.org.
NEW
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
for the DEcember 7 Bulletin
A Green Tip for Celebrating Christmas:
The Advent Message: “Be Awake!” could call us to be more attentive to our habits of consumption and challenge our creativity in our gift giving this Christmas. Resist the “gospel of consumption” that says ‘more is better.’ Embrace the Christian spirituality that says ‘less is better’ and proposes a growth marked by moderation and the capacity to be happy with little. Laudato Si' #222: Buy less, waste less and enjoy it more!
NEW
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
for the December 14 Bulletin
A Green Tip for Celebrating Christmas:
Most of us love a bit of festive decoration and fancy wrapping and cards. But research suggests that the paper waste over the Christmas season is equivalent to 5-12 million liters of biofuel – enough to power a burst to go the moon 20 times. Be creative and find alternative gift wrapping that can be recycled, reused or repurposed.
PREVIOUSLY POSTED:
ADVENT: Prepare to celebrate Advent well
Celebrating Advent well requires preparation in advance, so the Family Life Office posts resources and tips to help families with their celebration of Advent. The celebration of Advent is rich in rituals and symbolism and is one of the best times for parents to help their families grow closer to God. The traditions that families establish during Advent build lasting memories and are an easy way for parents to catechize their children.
Please visit the Family Life Advent webpages HERE and the Evangelization Advent Resourcese HERE.
Contact for More Information: Steve Tartaglia Email: startaglia@rcdony.org Phone Number: and 315-393-2920
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CALLED BY NAME: Called by Name: Listening for God’s Call Together
Called by Name: Vocation Discernment for High School Youth
The Diocese of Ogdensburg invites high school-aged young men and women to an evening of prayer, reflection, and conversation about God’s call. These events help young people explore vocations to the priesthood, consecrated religious life, or the diaconate.
Event Schedule:
• Lowville – Sunday, Nov. 16, 3:45–6:45 p.m.
• Morrisonville – Sunday, Nov. 23, 3:45–6:45 p.m.
• Norfolk – Sunday, Nov. 30, 3:45–6:45 p.m.
Each evening includes prayer, talks, small-group discussion, and dinner. Parents are welcome to attend and support their children’s discernment journey.
Register at: https://www.rcdony.org/andrewdinners
Note: Only the Nov. 30 event includes a breakout session for young women interested in the consecrated religious life.
Contact for More Information: Garry Stevens Phone: 315-854-6158 Email: gstevens@rcdony.org
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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
CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY TABLE: St. Mary's Church, Clayton
Stop in to St. Mary's Parish Center on the corner of James and Mary Streets in Clayton on Saturday, December 6, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. for the Christmas Community Table. For $10 at the door, enjoy over 50 delicious dishes - everything from appetizers to desserts. Part of the Christmas in Clayton weekend with many venues in the village hosting events and shopping. Also stay for the Christmas parade Saturday at 6 p.m..
Contact for More Information: St. Mary's parish office Email: claytonsec@rcdony.org Phone Number: 315-686-3398
FESTIVAL OF SACRED CHRISTMAS SONG: Clayton
Come let us adore him together for a Festival of Sacred Christmas Song! Join us in scripture and song on Sunday, December 14, at 4 p.m. as St. Mary's Choir and Youth Choir, St. Cyril's Choir, and Turning Point Men's Barbershop Chorus collaborate to present a free concert of sacred Christmas music. The performance will be at St. Mary's Church in Clayton, and we will have a brief reception in the parish hall following the concert. Please call the parish office for more information at (315) 686-3398.
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
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, NY
December 13th, 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, 2025
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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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
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
WANTED TO BUY: 1" Candle followers and 2 or 4 drawer fireproof file cabinet
St. Mary's in Clayton would like to buy some 1" candle followers and a gently used locking/fireproof filing cabinet.
Contact for More Information: Deacon Neil Fuller Email: nfuller@rcdony.org
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.
The next submission deadline is December 7 for the December 9, 2025 edition of eNotes with bulletin information for the weekends of December 21 and 28. 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 .