Roman Catholic 
Diocese of Ogdensburg

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APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH: Resources

The USCCB Secretariat of Child & Youth Protection has made available a resource guide to assist the parishes in promoting April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Click on this link or the image above and you will have all the material you need for your April liturgies and suggested activities which can be used in your parish. Please choose what you find applicable to your parish needs.

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SUMMER CAMP GUGGENHEIM: Registration is now open for the 2021 Summer Season

COVID-19 Update 2021: 

We were excited to hear that our New York State Government has given permission for summer sleepaway camps, like Camp Guggenheim to open in 2021. At this time, how camp will look is unclear. The New York State Department of Health has not released information on the health and safety protocols that will need to be in place if camp opens. However, we do know that Camp Guggenheim will not operate as it has in past years due to the impact of Covid-19.

Camp Guggenheim will be able to open if we are able to implement the NYSDOH safety protocols and if we have a sufficient number of parents who register their children for camp. We will be working with the CDC and the NYSDOH to ensure a safe camp experience that is faith-filled and fun.

If you have any questions and/or concerns please feel free to reach out to Tom Semeraro, Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry Tom can be reached by phone at 315-393-2920 ext. 1415 or email tsemeraro@rcdony.org. 

ANNUAL MISSION OFFICE LENTEN APPEAL: Annual Mail-in Donor Campaign

As we enter the season of Lent at the beginning of what we hope to be better year, the Pontifical Mission Societies asks you to keep our Annual Lenten Appeal in your minds and hearts. With your help we can help the vulnerable communities and families around the world live happier and healthier lives. Donations can be made for this campain until Pentecost Sunday - May 23 through our website at https://www.rcdony.org/mission. 

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ST. JOSEPH AS OUR SPIRITUAL GUIDE: Presented by the CLM Assoc. of Jefferson & Lewis Deaneries

Please join us for this special presentation by Sr. Bethany Fitzgerald, SSJ - Reflecting on St. Joseph as Our Spiritual Guide. This event takes place on April 28, 2021 at St. Anthony's RC Church, Watertown beginning with Mass at 6:00 pm. Register online at rcdony.org/clm-event or contact Jeannie Grizzuto for more information - jgrizzuto@rcdony.org

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LET US DREAM: Save the Dates

The Laudato Si Committees of the Diocese of Syracuse and the Diocese of Ogdensburg are planning a joint project with virtual presentations via Zoom to address and discuss our responsibilities to See + Choose + Act for a better future on God's Earth inspired by Pope Francis' book Let Us Dream. Save the dates to be able to join the discussion: May 25, 26, and 27 from 7pm-9pm.

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2021-2023 FORMATION FOR MINISTRY PROGRAM  

The Formation for Ministry Program is a two-year program that prepares men and women to serve in their parish. More information as well as application forms are available on our diocesan website at: https://www.rcdony.org/formation/candidate.html. Join us for the virtual informational sessions offered via Zoom by registering at www.rcdony.org/infoses. You may also contact Cathy Russell, Formation for Ministry Director at: crussell@rcdony.org. 

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SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH FOUNDATION: Grant Application Cycle Now Open

The Sisters of St. Joseph Foundation is established in the spirit of its charism - to enable service of the 'dear neighbor.' Its goal is to assist in developing leadership for diocesan, parish and church related programs in the North Country. Applicants must be applying for or be currently active in a leadership role in a diocesan, parish or established program and be sponsored by the Director of that program. Applications may be submitted during March and April. Grants will be a maximum of $4000 and recipients will be notified by the beginning of June. Applications may be obtained by contacting Sister Shirley Anne Brown, SSJ at P.O. Box 42, Hammond, NY 13646 or by email at shirleybrownssj44@gmail.com. 

GRANT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: 

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 people with disabilities.

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 may be downloaded HERE. 

Applications must be submitted by May 21, 2021. Monies will be allocated by mid-June 2021.

If you have any questions regarding the grant and/or the application, please contact vlalonde@rcdony.org or call (315) 393-2920 ext. 1411.

ST. JAMES SCHOOL MATCHED COLLECTION: 

St. James Parochial School has a matching fund that will be equally matched by a strong supporter of our school. St. James School is attended by more than 50% non-Catholic students. Our school meets all NYS Education Standards. Please consider making a donation to St. James School during the month of April. Any donation to the school will be doubled.
You can log onto www.stjamesk-6.org locate the donate NOW button and make your donation directly to the school or mail a check payable to St. James School, 20 S Gordon St., Gouverneur, NY 13642.
ALL MONIES GO TOWARDS OFFSETTING THE EXPENSES OF OUR SCHOOL. You can contact us at 315-287-0130. HELP US REACH OUR GOAL OF $50,000
St. James School is a 501C3 Your donation is tax deductible.

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RAMPING UP AT ST. MARY'S IN CANTON: Raffle

Ramping Up at St. Mary’s in Canton
Raffle to renovate our wheelchair Ramp
Over $10,000 in prizes
Drawings weekly Multiple chances to win!
April 20, 27, and May 4 $250 each week
May 11, 18, 25 and June 1 $500 each week
June 8 $1,000
June 15 $2,000
June 20 $5,000
$50 per ticket Only 500 tickets to be sold
Call (315)386-2543 for information
Make check payable to St. Mary’s and mail check to St. Mary’s Raffle, 68 Court St. Canton NY 13617.
Drawings broadcast live at 8:30 am on the parish Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CantonCatholics).

NEW 

OCP ANNUAL GRANTS PROGRAM FOR PARISH AND CAMPUS MINISTRY COMMUNITIES

Oregon Catholic Press has opened the application process for its annual Parish Grants Program. Created by OCP’s Board of Directors, the Parish Grants Program provides vital assistance to parishes and campus ministry parish programs seeking to enhance the worship experience of their communities, develop and reinforce liturgical and music ministries, create and strengthen multicultural ministries, and expand educational and charitable outreach.  

Parish Grants are commonly used for:

● Purchasing music, hymnals and other worship materials;
● Improving multicultural ministries with additional training and purchasing of bilingual worship materials;
● Providing online, digital or electronic resources to support liturgy preparation;
● Upkeep, repair and replacement of musical instruments, equipment and facilities; and
● Attending or hosting musical or liturgical conferences or workshops.

Parishes and campus ministries programs may apply for the OCP Parish Grants Program until the deadline, May 30, 2021, by accessing the following link: https://www.ocp.org/en-us/parish-grants.  

MATER DEI COLLEGE FOUNDATION: Attention High School Seniors

Are you a Catholic who is currently in your senior year of high school and who currently resides in the Diocese of Ogdensburg and is planning to attend a Catholic College or University in the Fall? The Mater Dei College Foundation is pleased to offer a Scholarship opportunity to qualifying students going on to study liberal arts and sciences at a degree granting Catholic College or University. To request an application form, please email Valerie Mathews, Mater Dei Foundation Scholarship Chair at vmathews@rcdony.org . Application deadline is June 1, 2021.

CRUISE NORWAY IN JULY OF 2022

Join Fr. John Yonkovig of St. Agnes in Lake Placid for a wonderful 14-day cruise on Holland America's new "Rotterdam," setting sail on July 9, 2022.  For more information check the website:  www.stagneslakeplacid.com