eNOTES FOR June 9, 2026
(WITH BULLETIN INFORMATION FOR THE WEEKENDS OF JUNE 21 and 28, 2026)
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DIOCESAN YOUTH SERVICE PICNIC: You Serve. We Celebrate!
Attention: All Youth in Parish Ministry!
Diocesan Youth Service Picnic Saturday, July 18 • Camp Guggenheim • Noon–5 p.m.
Join us for a diocesan wide celebration of the young people who serve our parishes as altar servers, musicians, lectors, greeters, and more. Enjoy an afternoon at Camp Guggenheim with great food, high energy activities, music, time with peers from across the Diocese, and Mass with Bishop LaValley.
A joyful summer gathering to honor the youth who help lead our parish communities.
Register at https://www.rcdony.org/ya
Contact for More Information: Deacon Garry Stevens Email: ghstevens@rcdony.com Phone Number: 315-854-6158
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2026 CATHOLIC COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN & CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY COLLECTION: 2nd Collection material
This is a late distribution of the material for the 2026 Catholic Communications Campaign & Catholic University Collection the weekend of June 13 and 14. Download material here in PDF or WORD
Contact for More Information: Deacon Jim Crowley Phone Number: 315-393-2920 x1310

BROWNBAG: Reading Pope Leo's Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas
Join us online to read and discuss Pope Leo's Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas starting Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at noon and continuing for 6 weeks (June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29).
The document is available online at Magnifica Humanitas and can be downloaded/printed as a pdf.
Register at www.rcdony.org/brownbag. A link will be sent to participants. For more information, contact Marika Donders at mdonders@rcdony.org
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ST. JAMES SCHOOL SUMMER RAFFLE: Gouverneur
St. James School 2026 SUMMER RAFFLE
Grand Prize: $10,000
2nd Prize : $5,000
3rd Prize: $2,500
4th Prize: $1,500
5th Prize: $500
Plus 5 Early Bird Drawings for $100 each, will be drawn July 5th!
GRAND PRIZE DRAWING WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2026 AT 12:30 p.m.
TICKETS SOLD DONATION PRICE OF $100 EACH
Tickets will be available at Gouverneur St. James School office and Gouverneur St. James Church office.
Contact for More Information: Kelley Miller Email: gouverneursec@rcdony.org Phone Number: 315-287-0114
Reminder: We cannot publish parish flyers with graphics, except for those advertising certain national programs which provide free graphics for publication.
No other new parish events were submitted. Please check your parish bulletins and previously posted submissions below.
REGULAR FEATURES:

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SAFE ENVIRONMENT CORNER >
Behind the Smile: Uncovering the Warning Signs of Grooming, Part 2 - By Judge Kate Huffman
Grooming is a manipulative process by which a person prepares a child, others around the child, and the community, to obtain greater access to be in a position to abuse the child. Experts identify the following five stages of the grooming process:
Victim selection—identifying a victim, primarily one who is vulnerable.
Gaining access and isolating the child from peers or adult caregivers. In the more common scenarios, the groomer may use their work or volunteer position or status to isolate the child so that the grooming process may continue to escalate in private. They may also work to be welcome in the victim’s home, ingratiate themselves into the family, and may attempt to assume a parental role for the child, offer to babysit, provide transportation, or suggest overnight stays.
Developing trust with the minor and associated adults—gaining trust and compliance often involves the child’s family, the organization and the community to ensure easy access to the child without suspicion.
Desensitizing the minor to sexual conduct and physical contact.
Maintenance behaviors following the start of the abuse—designed to continue the abuse and avoid detection.
Taking action
It is helpful to know of the inappropriate behaviors that could be part of the grooming process. We should consider our own actions as well, to ensure that we are not creating an environment where grooming behaviors exist, even for people who do not have inappropriate intentions. If safe people exhibit grooming behaviors, it will further condition children to be less vigilant and resistant to abusers—and may make children more vulnerable.
This article is the copyrighted property of National Catholic Services, LLC. shared/republished here with their permission.
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PLANNED GIVING: >
Bequests – Through Wills this enables you to make contributions that might not be possible during your lifetime. When you make a bequest, your taxable estate is required by 100% deduction for the amount of a cash gift or by fair market value of appreciated assets.
For more information, contact the Diocese at 315-393-2920 or Email slalone@rcdony.org
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: Creation Care Tips
for the June 21 Bulletin
Savor the fresh produce that comes from your garden or the Farmers’ Market to your table and enjoy the fruits of summer’s bounty. Be amazed at the variety of flavors, textures and colors of the Season. Give thanks and praise for God’s goodness and the work of human hands.
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: Creation Care Tips
for the June 28 Bulletin
Pope Benedict spoke often in his encyclicals of a certain “reciprocity” between God and our care for creation. This concept is further developed in Laudato Si’. As we care for the environment, we encounter God. In this encounter, we are moved to care for this precious gift through little daily actions. i.e. reducing our trash, turning off air conditioning and fans when not in use, replacing household cleaning products with ‘green ones.’ Just in case you think small things don’t matter, try sleeping with a mosquito in your room!
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CONSECRATION OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS: Letter from the Bishop.
In preparation for the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Bishops of the United States have decided to Consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This Consecration will take place on Thursday, June 11th while we are gathering at our Conference’s summer meeting in Orlando. In preparation for the Consecration, Bishop LaValley encourage each of us to pray a Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus beginning on June 2nd. The Novena Prayer is available at: Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus | USCCB. Please see Bishop LaValley's letter above.

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MEN'S RETREAT: Spend a weekend with other faith-filled men
The Diocesan Catholic Men’s Retreat will be held on Friday, June 12 (arrival as early at 4 p.m.) until Sunday, June 14 (departure at 1 p.m.) at Guggenheim Dorm, Saranac Lake. This year Father Leagon Carlin will speak about G. K. Chesterton. The retreat is open to men 18 years of age or older. Outdoor activities will include canoeing and hiking.
To register go to https://www.rcdony.org/family-life.html (bottom of the page)
The non-refundable registration fee is $125, which includes meals and lodging.
Contact for More Information: Steve Tartaglia Email: startaglia@rcdony.org and or Phone Number: 315-393-2920
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ANNUAL HEALING MASS: St. Mary's Church, Clayton
Join us at St. Mary's Church in Clayton for our Antoine Tetrault Memorial Service / Annual Healing Mass.
Saturday, June 13, at 11 a.m.
Presiders, Father Arthur LaBaff and Father Don Robinson
The Sacrament of the Sick will be offered during Mass. After the Mass, prayer teams will be available for individual needs. A reception will follow in the parish center.
There is no cost to attend.
Contact for More Information: St. Mary's parish office Email: claytonsec@rcdony.orgPhone Number: 315-686-3398
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52nd ANNUAL SAINT JAMES FAIR: A Parish & Catholic School fundraiser (Carthage)
St. James Minor 327 West Street Carthage, New York 13619
FAIR DATES & HOURS OF OPERATION
Thursday 6/25 5-9 p.m.
Friday 6/26 5-9 p.m.
Saturday 6/27 Noon-9 p.m. (rides shut down 4-5 p.m.)
Don't miss the 52nd Annual Saint James Fair! New and exciting entertainment, games & rides as well as our famous foods including: Specialty booth, American booth, Italian booth, fried dough booth, ice cream booth, Bob's big burgers and more! Some things to look forward to:
THURSDAY 6/25
5-6 p.m. DJ Johnny Spezzano Streaming live music from the border 106.7 with their mobile Station Vehicle
6-9 p.m. DJ Tom Ellis with Zapet Vibrations DJ service
Forrest City Petting Zoo
Ontario Amusement Rides
Unlimited rides from 5-9 p.m. with purchase of $20 Wrist Band
FRIDAY 6/26
5-9 p.m. DJ Rodney Clement
Reptiles Forever
Ontario Amusement Rides
Unlimited rides from 5-9 p.m. with purchase of $20 Wrist Band
SATURDAY 6/27
Noon-4 p.m. Carthage Fire Department Engine Tours
Noon-4 p.m. Reptiles Forever
Noon-2 p.m Karissa Widrick-keyboardist & soloist
Ontario Amusement Rides
Unlimited rides from Noon-4 p.m. or from 5-9 p.m. with purchase of $20 Wrist Band
ALL DAYS
American, Italian & specialty food booths
Big Bob's burgers
Ice cream booth
Fried dough
Children's games
Gambling
Wine & beer tent
Pull tabs
Jewelry booth
In addition to wrist bands which include unlimited rides for the designated 4 hours, individual ride tickets will also be available
Contact for More Information: Heidi Marshall Email and or Phone Number: hmarshall@twcny.rr.com
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ST. ANTHONY’S 108TH MOUNT CARMEL FEAST: Watertown
June 26, 27 & 28
Great Italian food, rides for the kids.
The celebration begins with a Spaghetti Dinner June 25 from 4-7 p.m.
Feast hours. 5-10 p.m. on June 26
Sat. 1-10 p.m.
Sun. 1-10 p.m. with the religious procession at 5 p.m.
Giant fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Contact for More Information: Tony Marra Email: amarra99@verizon.net, Phone Number: 315-782-1190.
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MONTHLY PANCAKE BREAKFAST: In Support of Augustinian Academy
Sunday, June 14, 2026
8 a.m. Till noon
St. James Community Room, Carthage
Fathers Eat Free
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 for a Family of 4 or more
SPONSORED BY:
Carthage K of C
Father John Cosmic #291
Ave Maria Circle
For more information call:
315-493-3224
Contact for More Information: 315-493-3224
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RETREAT DAY: "Engaging in a Field of Compassion"
WHAT: An invitation to come aside amid the beauty of the Adirondack Mts. and Saranac Lake to ponder the mystery of God's creation and our role in His Plan. Facilitator: Sister Bethany Fitzgerald, SSJ
WHERE: Guggenheim Lodge, Saranac Lake
WHEN: Friday, June 19 or Saturday, July 25; from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Registration: 9:30 a.m.
SUGGESTED OFFERING: $25
REGISTER: Contact: Wanda Kavanaugh sewmom59@gmail.com /// 315-489-6733
Space is limited; Deadline to register is June 14.
SPONSORED BY: Sisters of Sister Joseph Justice Promoter/Faith and Ecology Committee
Contact for More Information: Sister Bethany Fitzgerald Email: srbethssj@gmail.com
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LIFE-GIVING WOUNDS RETREAT: Healing Retreat for adults left wounded by their parents divorce
The Life-Giving Wounds retreat, for adults whose parents separated or divorced, will be held in Utica at the Good News Center from June 26 to June 28. The cost is $80-$150 for commuter, shared room or single room. Retreat price includes overnight lodging, meals, and all retreat materials. Register now at https://solgw26.eventbrite.com/
If you have any questions, contact Steve Tartaglia at startaglia@rcdony.org or 315-393-2920.
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CAMP GUGGENHEIM IS FILLING FAST!: A Week That Can Change a Life
Spots for Camp Guggenheim are going quickly! Session 5 (ages 16–18) has only waitlist spots remaining, and all other sessions are already over 50% full.
Give your teen an unforgettable week of faith, friendship, and adventure in the Adirondacks—where they can grow in confidence, encounter Christ, and build lasting memories.
📅 2026 Sessions:
• Session 1 (11–13): July 5–10
• Session 2 (12–15): July 12–17
• Session 3 (12–15): July 19–24
• Session 4 (12–15): July 26–31
• Session 5 (16-18): Waitlist only
💲 Cost: $450 per session
Scholarships are available—cost should never prevent a teen from attending!
👉 Don’t wait—sessions are filling quickly!
Contact for More Information: Patrick Looby Email: plooby@rcdony.org
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BREAKTHROUGH HEALING WORKSHOP FOR ALL FAMILIES: Cape Vincent
Save the date ….
August 6 – 8, 2026 Breakthrough Healing Workshop at St. Vincent of Paul in Cape Vincent, New York
Are you longing for deeper healing, freedom, and peace in your life? Join Patrick and Joy Campbell, Benedictine Oblates, from the Cross of St. Benedict Society and Joyful Hope. The Breakthrough Healing Workshop is a powerful time of testimony, teaching, and prayer ministry to help you overcome spiritual obstacles. Heals past wounds and encounter God’s restoring love. Feel free to invite a friend and seek healing and hope.
To register for this event email your name, address, phone and Parish you attend to BHWJHDIOOGD@gmail.com or call/text Mary at (315) 486-7967.
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DYING WITH CHRIST, LIVING WITH HOPE: Saturday, September 26 at St. Peter's Church, Plattsburgh
When we make a commitment to die with Christ, we can truly live with hope. Join in the day to learn about the new Physician Assisted Suicide law and how MAID has progressed throughout Canada. Discussions feature theologians and healthcare professionals giving perspectives on suffering, grief, dying and our Christian duty to care. The day will include guest speaker Jessica Rodgers, coalition director of Patients Rights Action Fund. Online registration at www.rcdony.org/livingwithhope $10 fee includes materials and lunch. Walk-ins welcome but preregistration helps with planning. If you're unable to attend but would like more information, please contact cminer@rcdony.org.
Contact for More Information: Colleen Miner Email: cminer@rcdony.org
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THE FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM: Volunteer Opportunity
To volunteer in this program you must reside in one of the following counties. Franklin, Clinton, St. Lawrence and Jefferson County
Contact for More Information: Melissa Howard Phone Number: 518-572-2262
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LOVE HEALS: Our Lady of the Rosary Healing Retreat 2026
This year's Annual OLR Healing Retreat will take place at Wadham's Hall, 6566 State Highway 37 from October 8-11.
The Presentor will be Sonja Corbitt.
Do not waste another day. Stop the pain. Love heals. John Paul the Great said, “Suffering unleashes love,” because we only ever find Jesus and His love in our wounds. Sonja Corbitt has been teaching people how to acknowledge and open their woundedness to God’s love for over 17 years as a leader in the Catholic Church and Scripture teaching space. You may know her as the Catholic Evangelista through her speaking, writing, and podcasting.
Space is limited and Register today: https://www.rcdony.org/ourlady
For more information contact Kathleen Nichols kmsnichols1163@gmail.com
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RACHEL'S VINEYARD AFTER-ABORTION HEALING RETREAT: October 9-11 Guggenheim Lodge, Saranac Lake
Are you or a friend suffering after abortion? You aren't alone. Join others for a weekend of hope and healing. The retreat begins Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon. $150 includes lodging, food and all retreat materials. Scholarships available. Confidential online registration at www.rcdony.org/pro-life/rv-retreat
Contact for More Information: Colleen Miner Email: cminer@rcdony.org Phone Number: 518-524-0774
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10 DAYS MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS ON A RHINE RIVER CRUISE:
On board the luxurious MS Amadeus Silver II
Visiting: Freiburg*Strasbourg*Speyer*Rüdesheim*
Koblenz*Cologne*Rothenburg*Nuremburg*Munich
December 3 – 12, 2026
Hosted by Father Donald Robinson
Starting at $4,599 from NEW YORK*
*Air/land tour price is $4,049 plus $550 gov’t taxes/airline charges
Contact for More Information: Father Donald Robinson Email: donrob4@twcny.rr.comPhone Number: (315) 408-0858
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 June 21 for the June 23 edition of eNotes with bulletin information for the weekends of July 5 and 12. 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.








