eNOTES FOR FEBRUARY 18, 2025
(WITH BULLETIN INFORMATION FOR THE WEEKENDS OF MARCH 2 AND 9, 2025)
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NEW FROM THE DIOCESAN OFFICES:
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INTERIM DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Father Scott Seymour has been appointed as interim director for Catholic Charities.
Please note: Father Scott Seymour will have two email addresses:
Please use sseymour@rcdony.org for all parish related materials.
Please use sseymour@cathcharities.org for all Catholic Charities related materials.
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CATHOLIC SISTERS WEEK:
Catholic Sisters Week, March 8-14, 2025, shines a light on the spirituality, mission, and community building of women religious. This week we pray for all religious congregations of sisters who continue to serve the needs of the people in the Diocese of Ogdensburg, in this country and beyond. Let us continue to pray for God’s people throughout the world but especially for those suffering from the wages of war, violence, hunger, homelessness. May God continue to bless and bless the Sisters to continue to bring the message of His love and compassion to the world.
Contact for More Information: Sister Mary Eamon Lyng elyng@rcdony.org or 315-393-2920
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Come and join Bishop LaValley and the Campus Ministers to learn more about “The Call to Holiness and Mission” on Saturday, March 22, at St. Mary’s Church, Canton. It is a call to “Let Go, Let God” fill our lives with His love, joy, peace as Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year. Any young woman 18-30 years old are welcome to attend. The program begins at 11 a.m. followed by Holy Hour and Luncheon sponsored by the Vocation Office. If you are interested in attending, register at https://www.rcdony.org/womensluncheon
Contact for More Information:Sr. Eamon Lyng, SSJ - elyng@rcdony.org
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SURVIVING DIVORCE PROGRAM: A support group for separated or divorced adults (Watertown)
If you are separated or divorced and looking for hope and healing, please consider joining us for the Surviving Divorce Program. We are now accepting registrations for sessions held at the Watertown location. The sessions will be Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning March 18. To register go to https://www.rcdony.org/survivingdivorce. For more information or help with registering, please contact Steve Tartaglia at 315-393-2920. We ask a $25 donation to cover the cost of materials.
Contact for More Information: Steve Tartaglia Email and or Phone Number: startaglia@rcdony.org 315-393-2920
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POPE FRANCIS’ GREEN APPLE RECOGNITION & CARING FOR GOD’S CREATION
Again this year you and your students/children are invited to participate in the Green Apple Recognition Project, sponsored by our Diocesan Laudato Si Committee and the Diocese of Syracuse Education Office. We are grateful to all of you who shared projects ranging from prayers, art and music, projects, tree planting, butterfly gardens and many more in the past years. We look forward to learning about your activities this year, large or small actions, done with loving care, can change the world!
Any activities - large or small - that help to raise awareness of God’s amazing Creation and projects that show ways of caring for our planet are eligible for this Recognition Project. Your submission could be a prayer, poem, poster, art or music as well as activities illustrating care for God’s earth, such as tree planting, indoor or outdoor activities, butterfly gardens, composting, etc. Be creative!!
Who can participate in this PROJECT? Any individual, family, class, school, confirmation and youth group, parishes. This is an opportunity to use your unique God-given gifts and to share them with others.
To register for this year’s Diocesan Laudato Si Project, please fill out the Registration Form. Deadline for submission of your Project is: April 25, 2025. For more information see this letter. If you have any questions, contact Sr. Bethany Fitzgerald srbethssj@gmail.com. If you plan to participate, it is helpful for planning purposes, to let us know by March 31. Thank you!
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THE COMMISSIONED LAY MINISTRY RETREAT AT WADHAMS HALL
All Commissioned Lay Ministers and Candidates are invited to register for the retreat to be held May 2-4 at Wadhams Hall. Register at www.rcdony.org/ffmretreat
Contact for More Information: Cathy Russell Email and or Phone Number: crussell@rcdony.org
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SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH FOUNDATION: Grant Application Cycle Now Open
In the spirit of its charism, the Sisters of St. Joseph Foundation supports initiatives that foster service to the 'dear neighbor.' Its goal is to assist in developing leadership and advancing initiatives related to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy in diocesan, parish and church related programs in the North Country. Applicants must be active in a leadership role in a diocesan parish or established program or be in training for such leadership and be sponsored by the director of the program. Applications may be submitted February 14 through May 16, 2025. Grants are a maximum of $4,000. Recipients will be notified in June. Applications may be obtained by contacting Sister Ellen Rose Coughlin, SSJ at 315-778-9679 or by email at SSJFoundationChairperson@gmail.com
Contact for More Information: Sister Ellen Rose Coughlin, SSJ
Email and or Phone Number:315-778-9679 or by email at SSJFoundationChairperson@gmail.com
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RACHEL'S VINEYARD: After-Abortion Healing Retreat
If you are suffering after an abortion, you're not alone. Join others on a weekend retreat of hope and healing at the Guggenheim Lodge in Saranac Lake, May 23-25. Contact Colleen 518-524-0774 or register online: rcdony.org/pro-life/rv-retreat
Contact for More Information: Respect Life Office Email and or Phone Number: cminer@rcdony.org
NEW PARISH EVENTS AND NOTIFICATIONS:
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SPAGHETTI & MEATBALL DINNER: Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner for Knights of Columbus, Evans Mills
Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner, Saturday, March 8, at St. Mary's Parish Center in Evans Mills. Serving from 4 to 7 p.m. Menus includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, desserts and beverage. Adults $9, senior citizens $8, children under 12 $5, and children under 5 eat for free.
Contact for More Information: Parish Office at 315-629-4678
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CHICKEN & BISCUIT DINNER:
St. Mary's Church in Brushton and St. Augustine's Church in North Bangor will host a chicken & biscuit dinner on March 9 from noon to 3 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 2472 Route 11, North Bangor.
Cost is $15 and includes chicken, biscuits, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, cranberry sauce and dessert.
Contact for More Information: Parish Office
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FROM SORROW TO HOPE: A Special Lenten Podcast Series
Join Father Chris Looby fore a special Lenten podcast series titled From Sorrow to Hope. This five-part series will focus on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and reflect on how Christ's Passion leads us to the ultimate hope of the Resurrection. Each episode will include scripture, prayer, and powerful reflections to guide listeners in deepening their faith during this sacred season. The series will begin on March 10 and conclude on March 14. New episodes will be available daily on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music/Podcasts. Join Father Chris as we walk the Lenten journey together from the sorrow of the cross to the joy of new life in Christ. For more info visit https://sites.google.com/view/from-sorrow-to-hope or scan the QR code.
Contact for More Information: Father Chris Looby Email and or Phone Number: clooby@rcdony
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ALPHA IN MASSENA!
YOU ARE INVITED!
Location: St Mary's Social Hall, 7 Sycamore St., Massena
Date: Starts Tuesday, March 25
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
Join us for a free meal and great conversation!
Join us for a great meal and great conversation as we explore life and faith!
Contact for More Information: Parish office 315-769-2469 or www.massenacatholics.com
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LENTEN DAY OF MERCY: St. Mary's Church in Canton
“Confession is an act of honesty and courage – an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God.” - Pope Saint John Paul II
St. Mary's Church in Canton will be hosting a Lenten Day of Mercy on Wednesday, March 26th. Confessions will be heard in the Divine Mercy Chapel from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. A schedule of confessors will be made available closer to the date at cantoncatholics.com.
Contact for More Information: Sarah McIntosh Email and or Phone Number: cantonsec@rcdony.org or (315)386-2543
No other new parish events were submitted. Please check your parish bulletins and previously posted submissions below.
REGULAR FEATURES:
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PLANNED GIVING:
Buy a New Life Insurance Policy - Some people find they can make a much larger gift than they could otherwise afford by taking out a life insurance policy and name our parish, Catholic school, the Diocese, a Mission Project of the Diocese or a Ministry/Program of the Diocese as beneficiary. If you name any of the above as owner and beneficiary, the premiums you pay will be deductible on your income tax. It’s a way to make a large gift on the “installment plan.”
Contact Scott Lalone at the Diocese at 315-393-2920 or Email slalone@rcdony.org for further information.
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
for the March 2 Bulletin
As we begin Lent, why not choose for a Lenten fast, a practice that will bring hope for a better future of the environment and God’s people? Start a new habit or two: like always carrying a long-lasting reusable shopping bag or mesh produce bag. After you've got that down, start another habit to build up gradually & not get overwhelmed. “I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something.” - Helen Keller
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
for the March 9 Bulletin
As a prayer, watch a section of "The Letter: A Message for Our Earth" each week, on YouTube. Listen to the voices of science, indigenous, youth and the poor and how as they are impacted by climate change.
PREVIOUSLY POSTED:
ROSARY: PRAYING WITH JESUS AND MARY: Youth in 3rd-12th grades (Morristown, NY)
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, February 21
2:10 p.m. Mass at St. John’s Church – Families welcome
Our Lady of Grace Parish Center, Morristown, NY
Youth day to learn more about the Rosary including mystery, what it means to meditate, how prayer transforms us and the joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious mysteries. Youth will make their own Rosary, pray the Rosary together and celebrate Mass.
Please register by February 14th using the registration form found at https://www.rcdony.org/parishevent
Chaperones with Virtus training welcome. No fee to participate. Donations accepted. Lunch provided.
Sponsored by Our Lady of Grace Parish.
Contact Jane Kring with any questions. janeakring@yahoo.com 315-323-4937
HOW TO EXPERIENCE LIFE-CHANGING CONVERSATIONS: Next Friendship Group on February 27 at 7 p.m. via Zoom
Sacred conversations are rare but accessible to all of us all the time, regardless of where we are on our spiritual journeys. Dr. Christopher Reed provides a divinely inspired, scientifically tested, step-by-step process for guiding interactions between “seekers” and “helpers.” We are all seekers, and we can all become helpers. This book will show you how to relate to others in their pain, frustration, hopes, and dreams.
Using Scripture, real-world examples, and stories from his own formation, Dr. Reed provides approachable, fun-filled, well-researched advice on how you can use sacred conversations to become your best self and build closer relationships with others and with the Lord.
At this meeting, Father Craig MacMahon, OMV will continue to help break open the book for us and lead us in discussing chapters 4 and 5 of Sacred Conversations, highlighting examples and providing tips on ways to enjoy these fruitful conversations.
The book may be ordered at sophiainstitute.com. Enter Friendship25 at the checkout to receive 25% off. To sign-up for the Friendship Group, receive the meeting link, and discussion questions, go to https://mailchi.mp/sophiainstitute/friendship-groups Questions? Contact Mary Beth Bracy at mbracy@sophiainstitute.com
UPCOMING EVENTS AT NOTRE DAME RETREAT HOUSE: Canandaigua, NY
Below is a listing of upcoming retreats and special events at the Notre Dame Retreat House, located at 5151 Foster Road, Canandaigua, NY 14424 in the Diocese of Rochester. For more infomation, or to register, go to https://notredameretreat.org/
Feb 28-Mar 2: Couple’s Retreat “Walking in Friendship with God: Pilgrims of Hope.” (Father Bob Werth, Joe and Aline Clement, Jodie Scordo)
Mar 10-Apr 14: Lenten Book Read “I Want to See,” by Roc O’Connor, SJ (Led by Jodie Scordo - Mondays in person and online)
March 22: Lenten Women’s Retreat “A Lenten Journey . . . A Walk to the Well” (Marie Mozzi)
March 28-30: Men & Women Lenten Retreat.
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COLLECTION FOR THE CHURCH IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE: Extra collection on Ash Wednesday
The Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe is held on Ash Wednesday, March 5. Please click on the links for bulletin announcements and links for additional information in PDF and Word formats.
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PRIESTHOOD DISCERNMENT: updated schedule
Discernment is a call, listen with others. It is a journey of faith, traveling with companions. Are you a single Catholic man, of high school age or older, who is hearing the Lord’s call to the Priesthood? You are invited to join fellow discerners and Father Howard Venette for the following gatherings from
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
To attend a session with Father Venette, please register on-line.
https://www.rcdony.org/priesthooddiscernment
St. Mary’s Church, Canton January 25, March 22, May 3, 2025.
For more information, contact Father Howard Venette – hvenette@rcdony.org
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FINDING THE ONE: Spring Workshop at Holy Cross Church, Dewitt, Syracuse
It’s no secret, the fastest growing population in our Church, sadly, are those who have left the Church. These may include our grown children, a spouse, a parent or grandparent, another relative, or a close friend. No generation has been immune from this departure.
Let’s turn our sadness into HOPE by taking a deep dive into understanding that God works through everyone - including YOU - to act as His hand, open and outstretched, to meet people where they are, ready to listen to their story, joyfully prepared for an encounter with our sisters and brothers who have left, to welcome them home.
In addition to the variety of speakers for this event, we are honored to have Bishop Douglas Lucia as our keynote speaker. Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Cross Church in DeWitt. There is no cost for this event and lunch will be served. To Register click HERE or scan the QR code on the flyer. For more information, contact: Deacon Jeff Dixe: jdixe@syrdio.org
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IGNITE 2025 CATHOLIC MEN'S CONFERENCE: Saturday, March 29th
We are excited to announce that the IGNITE Catholic Men’s Conference is back with a great lineup of speakers: Bear Woznick, Fr Chase Hilgenbrinck and Ben Steele. As always Bishop Lucia will start the day with Holy Mass. IGNITE will return to Bishop Ludden Junior/Senior High School this year. Mark your calendar NOW and register early to save $20. We are challenging everyone to not only register yourself but bring a family member or friend to share the day.
Please go to the event website for the bio’s of the speakers, schedule for the day and to register. Register online at www.ignitecatholicmen.org
SACRED HEART FRATERNITY: Come join our Franciscan Secular Order! (Next Meeting, February 9)
Meets At St. John The Baptist, Plattsburgh
All men and women, single or married, who want to live as St. Francis and live "Gospel to Life and Life to Gospel" can become part of the Secular Franciscan Order. We gather together at 12:30 p.m. the second Sunday of every month for prayer, fellowship, and formation in Plattsburgh's St. John the Baptist Church's basement. In addition, we do a retreat once a year and support in some capacity an organization that helps people, like a soup kitchen.
Contact David Garrant: 518-578-8377
PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY WITH FATHER AMYOT: Celebrate the Jubilee Year
Celebrate the Year of Faith PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY
Hosted by Father Andrew Amyot Visiting: Venice • Florence • Assisi • Rome
Only $4,599 from Montreal 11 Days - November 5-15, 2025 (Air/land price is $3,949 plus $650 government taxes/airline surcharges) The Opportunity to pass through the Holy Doors of the Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City & the other 3 Major Basilicas.
For a brochure and more information contact: Father Andrew Amyot at (315) 384-6028 or mail: P.O. Box 637 Norfolk, NY 13667, e-mail: fraamyot2@gmail.com Space is limited! Call today!
Office of Worship: Worship Notes Summer 2024
Office of Vocations Bulletin Blurbs, Cycle C
Office of Evangelization Bulletin Blurbs Cycle C
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.
The next submission deadline is Sunday, March 2 for the March 4, 2025 edition of eNotes with bulletin information for the weekends of March 16 and 23, 2025. 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.