eNOTES FOR DECEMBER 7, 2017
(with bulletin information for the weekends of December 17 and 24, 2017)
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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 December 18 for the December 20 edition of eNotes with bulletin information for the weekends of December 31 and January 6. To submit an announcement to be included in eNotes, use the submission form. The link to the submission form can also be found in the left hand column 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.
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 OFFICE OF WORSHIP
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2018 CONFIRMATION SCHEDULE: Attention: Parish Staff Members
Please see the confirmation schedule HERE. Please contact Linda Ross at lross@rcdony.org or Fr. Bryan Stitt at bstitt@rcdony.org or 518-593-6044 with questions.
FROM THE FISCAL DEPARTMENT:
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
For parish bulletins on the weekend of 9 December 2017:
The Diocese of Ogdensburg’s Retirement Plan for Priests has long been supported by parish contributions from its annual Christmas Collection. Currently 40 retired priests, and 8 active priests age 70 and older, are expected to receive pension benefits of $892,000 in 2017-18. Also 100% of the cost of health insurance premiums for retired priests is paid by the Plan. Your generous contribution not only supports current retirees but will also help provide for the retirement needs of priests who will retire in the future. Say thank you to your pastor and all priests of the diocese through a generous contribution to our Christmas Collection.
For parishes served by religious priests:
Seventy-five percent (75%) of our parish’s annual Christmas Collection will be contributed to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart to provide for the needs of our retired priests and others who will retire from active ministry in the future. Please be generous to the Christmas Collection and show your appreciation to your priests through your gift. Thank you so much!
For parish bulletins on the weekend of 6 January 2018:
Thank you for your generous gift in our Christmas collection. Like every North Country parish we forward 75% of the collection to the diocese to fund pensions for retired priests. Pension needs for the future as well as obligations for the next year are being met thanks to your generous donation.
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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SOLIDARITY IN FAITH: Bishop Chbeir of Latakia, Syria to visit the Diocese of Ogdensburg
Bishop LaValley announced the Solidarity in Faith initiative last April in response to Pope Francis’ call to assist Christians of the Middle East who are persecuted for their faith. We have twinned with the Maronite Diocese of Latakia, Syria to develop a mutually enriching relationship of sharing, solidarity and understanding. Bishop Antoine Chbeir of Latakia will visit our diocese December 11-18. Please take the opportunity to hear about the lives of Christians in Syria; amid our many differences, we share so much. Bishop Chbeir will preside at Mass and meet parishioners at the following:
- Dec. 12, 11 am and the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in Watertown
- Dec. 13, 12 pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg
- Dec. 14, 10 am at Seton Catholic Central in Plattsburgh
- Dec. 16, 4 pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg
- Dec. 17, 11 am at the Church of the Holy Family in Watertown.
Please spend some time at http://solidarity.rcdony.org to learn more about our twinning initiative with Latakia.
ADVENT RESOURCES: Advent begins December 3
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. You can find Advent materials posted on the Family Life Office webpage at http://www.rcdony.org/familylifeadvent/advent.html, as well as on the Office of Evangelization Blog http://rcdony.org/evangelization/blog/
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NAVE FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS: in Plattsburgh & Lake Placid
Northern Adirondack Vocal Ensemble (NAVE) will present two performances of A Festival of Lessons and Carols Saturday, December 16th at 7:30p.m. at St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh and Sunday, December 17th at 4:00p.m. at St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid. Anthems, carols, and hymns illuminate the Christmas story with community readers and congregational singing. Drew Benware, music director; Benjamin Stone, organ. For more information, please contact Drew Benware at drew.benware@gmail.com.
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PRIESTHOOD DISCERNMENT RETREAT
The NYS Vocation Directors announce the annual priesthood discernment retreat to be held January 2-4th at Christ The King Retreat House in Syracuse.
For more information or to register, contact the Vocations Office at crussell@rcdony.org,your pastor or Fr. Doug Lucia at dlucia@rcdony.org
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MEN'S DISCERNMENT GROUPS
The Vocations Office announces the availability of two Fishers of Men discernment groups, one in Potsdam and one in Plattsburgh. For more information, please see the attached brochure or contact the Vocations Office at 315-393-2920.
YOUTH BUSES FOR LIFE:High School Pilgrimage to the March for Life in Washington DC
Youth Buses for Life are currently full. If you' like to be placed on a wait list, please contact the Respect Life Office- cminer@rcdony.org. Thank you.
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COLLEGE MARCH FOR LIFE: January 18-21, 2018
With Fr. Bryan Stitt, Chaplain and Mary Skillan, Campus Minister. If you’re between 18 and 35 and have a love for life, consider joining the College Students and Young Adults from the Diocese of Ogdensburg for a pilgrimage to D.C. The Pilgrimage will include the Vigil Mass for Life at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Th. 1-18), the March (Fri 1-19), participation in the Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life (Sat 1-20), hotels accommodations, and meals, and other stops at shrines and memorials. The all-inclusive cost is $185 per adult. For more information, or to get a registration form sent to you, please email: Father Timothy Canaan, Diocesan Director of Campus Ministry frtim@broadstreetcatholics.org. Space is limited. Registrations are only complete with payment and must be submitted no later than December 15, 2017.
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SURVIVING DIVORCE: 12-week program
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The Diocesan Family Life Office is pleased to announce an exciting new ministry that will bring hope and healing to those who have experienced the pain and loneliness of a broken marriage. Surviving Divorce features twelve video presentations that
cover topics such as shock and grief, anger and forgiveness, money issues, dealing with children and a former spouse, and annulment and remarriage. This program is for the newly separated and divorced and those still struggling with issues many years later. It will help them find answers to their questions, restore their hope, and begin authentic healing.
The twelve-week program begins on January 25th from 6:30 to 8:30pm at St. Mary’s Church in Canton and will meet weekly in the sacristy. The cost of the program for participants includes the Surviving Divorce Personal Guide and all program materials is $25. For more information or to register, please call Steve Tartaglia at 315-393-2920 or go to http://www.rcdony.org/family-life/surviving-divorce-support-group.html
11 DAYS IN ENGLAND AND WALES: April 9-19, 2018
DON'T MISS A TRIP OF A LIFETIME! Visit Stonehenge, Salisbury, Plymouth, Cornwall, Bristol, Stratford, North Wales, Chester, the Lake District, York, Cambridge, and London. Only $3479 per person from New York. Hosted by Fr. Donald A. Robinson, Pastor of St. James, Carthage and St. Mary's, Copenhagen. Price includes: Roundtrip Air from New York, First Class/Select Hotels, Most Meals, Professional Tour Director, Comprehensive Sightseeing, Entrance Fees and More!! For a brochure and more information, please contact Fr. Robinson at 315-493-3224 or email donrob4@twcny.rr.com
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
(for the December 16/17 Bulletin)
When planning your Christmas decorations, it is best to use LED bulbs, rather than ones that have filament, as the LED decorations use substantially less electrical energy.
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
(for the December 23/24 Bulletin)
With the onset of cold weather, check the air pressure in the tires of your vehicles. Cold air can cause tires to become underinflated, which results in greater gas consumption and a higher carbon footprint.
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PLANNED GIVING: Benefits of Giving Wisely
Did you know there are creative ways to support our Parish? Ways in which our Parish, you and your love ones all benefit at the same time? Such giving techniques are called “planned gifts,” because with thoughtful planning, you create win-win solutions for you and the Parish. For further information, contact Scott Lalone, Executive Director of Development/Foundation at the Diocese of Ogdensburg at 315-393-2920 or slalone@rcdony.org.
SIGN UP FOR THE CATHOLIC ACTION NETWORK:
The Catholic Action Network (CAN), an arm of the NY State Catholic Conference, gives us all a larger voice in the halls of government. Through our email and social media alets, CAN reaches tens of thousands of Catholics like you to provide educational updates on the important issues being debated and to provide the tools to simplify the process of contacting your elected officials. Sign up online to receive email alerts at http://www.nyscatholic.org/ and click on the "Join the Catholic Action Network" logo on the top right corner of page.
These are parish and other local events that may be of interest 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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ST. NICK BREAKFAST: Parish Fundraiser
St. Nick Breakfast
St. Mary's of the Fort Parish Center
Saturday, December 9, 2017, 8AM-11AM
Menu: Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes, Sausage, Tater Tots, Muffins, Hot & Cold Beverages
Cost: Adults $7.00; Ages 5-12 $5.00 Under Age 5 Free
St. Nicholas will visit! There will be a Photo Area with St. Nicholas, Raffles, Bring or write your letter to St. Nicholas here!
For more information, please contact the parish office at 518-358-2500.
THE BIRTH OF JESUS - A FRANCISCAN CHRISTMAS
Presented by St. Mary's & St. John's Franciscan Mystery Players
Based on St. Francis’ recreation of the Nativity at Greccio, Italy over 800 years ago, this Christmas mystery play attempts to portray the events surrounding the Lord’s birth, as real as possible, from the birth to the slaughter of the innocents. This
presentation hopes to renew the real meaning of Christmas in such a way that its true message speaks to our hearts, the world we live in, and our daily lives. For more information, contact St. Mary’s Church at 315-686-3398. A free-will offering will be accepted. Plan to attend one of these unforgettable presentations:
Sunday, December 3, 6pm at St. Mary of Mt.Carmel, Utica
Sunday, December 10, 6pm at St. John’s Church, Gananoque, Ontario, Canada
Sunday, December 17, 6pm at St. Mary’s, Clayton
IHC MYSTERY PLAYERS: St. James Church, Gouverneur, NY
The Immaculate Heart Central School Mystery Players from Watertown, will present and unforgettable experience St. James Church Gouverneur on Sunday, December 10, beginning at 6pm. Through the use of special lighting, pantomime, and liturgical readings, this group of high school seniors and adults presents a moving, dramatic meditation that promises to be the highlight of our Advent Season. We strongly encourage everyone to attend this unique and powerful prayer. We ask that you please refrain from taking pictures during the play. For more information contact Jeanne Sweeney at 315-287-4912.
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FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS St. Patrick’s Church, Watertown, NY
Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 2:00 pm
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. In this service, we listen to nine Scripture lessons which recount the fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson's message and a brief prayer.
SPIRITUAL BOOK CLUB: Massena NY
Massena - The Massena Catholic Community Book Club meets once a month to discuss various works of fiction and non-fiction that have importance to the Catholic Church and relevance in our daily lives. Copies of book are often available on Kindle through our parish's Formed.org subscription or through purchase with Amazon.
Date - The third Thursday of each month (Next Date: Thursday, Dec. 21)
Time - 7PM
Place - Sacred Heart Rectory, Massena. NY
For more information, visit our website at: www.massenacatholics.com or email: smarion@massenacatholics.com
HEARTS ON FIRE: Friday, January 5, Malone, NY
Join us for Adoration with praise and worship music on the First Friday of the Month at 7 p.m. in Notre Dame Church in Malone. A bonfire with snacks will follow! This event is open to all and occurs on every first Friday. Contact Andrew Duso (andrew@standres.org) for more information.
MONTHLY HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS ON FIRST FRIDAYS: St. Mary's Church, Massena
Please join us for First Friday Devotions. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Hour for Vocations.
Date - First Friday of every month (Next Date: Friday, January 5. 2018)
Time - 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Place - St. Mary's Church, 9 Sycamore St., Massena NY
Features - Pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Contact - For more information, visit our website at: www.massenacatholics.com or email: smarion@massenacatholics.com
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THEOLOGY OF THE BODY CONFERENCE: Montreal
Thursday, January 18- Saturday, January 20
In his teachings on the Theology of the Body, Saint Pope John Paul II spoke to the heart of our desire to be happy and free. This message invites us to discover how to decode love, and how our bodies relate to our call to love and the gift of self in the modern world. Jason Evert and Christopher West, two of the world’s foremost Theology of the Body experts and enthusiasts, will give 7 sessions in Montreal. Come join us to discover and embrace God’s call to greatness in our lives.
For more information or to register: http://www.diocesemontreal.org/blog/missionjeunesse/decoding-love/?lang=en
UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE DIOCESAN CALENDAR
Dec. 10: Religious Retirement Collection
Dec. 12: Mass at Motherhouse of Sisters of St. Joseph with Bishops Chbeir and LaValley.
Dec. 13: FFM Advisory Committee Meeting
Dec 13: Noon Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral with Bishops Chbeir and LaValley
Dec. 14: Mass at Seton Catholic High School with with Bishops Chbeir and LaValley
Dec. 16: Joint Meeting Diocesan Pastoral Council and Council for Consecrated Life
Dec. 16: Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral with with Bishops Chbeir and LaValley
Dec. 17: Mass with Bishop Chbeir, Holy Family Church
Jan. 17: Planning Meeting
Jan. 18-20: Youth Buses for Life
Jan. 28: Respect Life Collection
Bulletin Announcements opposing Assisted Suicide
Office of Vocations General Intercessions Cycle B
Office of Vocations Bulletin Blurbs Cycle B
Office of Vocation Seasonal Bulletin Blurbs
Office of Vocations Newsletters