eNOTES FOR JANUARY 12, 2021
(with bulletin information for the weekends of January 24 and 31)
Jump to: HIGHLIGHT NEW POSTS PREVIOUSLY POSTED LINKS
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 January 22 for the January 26 edition of eNotes with bulletin information for the weekends February 7 and 14. 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.
HIGHLIGHTS
NEW
BISHOP LAVALLEY'S RESPONSE TO THE INCIDENT IN WASHINGTON DC
The Most Rev. Terry R. LaValley, bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, shares his thoughts and prayers in response to the incident at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Prayer to St. Joseph
Joseph, you were a man who carried into dark of anxious sleep the haunting mystery of deep, unsettled doubt. But yet, within, and all untouched, your citadel of trust was calm, serene and still and flamed your unstarred night into the answering of dawn in God’s unchanging will. O carpenter of faith, build our inwardness into a city lamped with trust; and when we, too, must face the nights and tread the desert’s way, let us, like you, take Mother and Child into the Egypt of each day. Good St. Joseph, come to our aid in these times of anguish and difficulty. Take under your protection the critical and troubling circumstances of the day. Keep us calm and serene, so aware of your Presence. AMEN.
CLICK IMAGE TO DOWLOAD POSTER
DIOCESAN MASS FOR LIFE: Sunday, January 24, 2021
Bishop LaValley will celebrate a Mass for Life on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral in Ogdensburg. It will be live-streamed at www.rcdony.org/livemass
Join in person or virtually to pray for a deeper respect for human life.
For more information contact the Respect Life Office at cminer@rcdony.org
NEW POSTS
From The Diocesan Offices:
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD PRAYER BOOKLET
UPDATED
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL FOR JOYS/SORROWS OF ST. JOSEPH:
Requested by Bishop LaValley
Observing the Seven Joys and Sorrows of St. Joseph
When: Sundays from Jan. 31 to March 14
The Devotion to the Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St. Joseph is observed on the seven Sundays preceding the March 19 feast of St. Joseph. The suggested prayers of the faithful may be downloaded HERE.
A Prayer booklet prepared by Fr. Joe Giroux can be download HERE or by clicking on the image above.
THE SEARCH: a virtual discussion via Zoom
The office of New Evangelization will offer an opportunity to view and discuss Formed.org program THE SEARCH.
The Search is a 7-episode program that explored the deepest questions of the human heart: Why am I here? What's life all about? What happens when we die? — and guides you through the great big story of everything, as astrophysicists, psychologists, neuroscientists, artists, chemists and professors point to one big (surprising) conclusion: Jesus Christ, and the Catholic Church. What do you seek?
We will meet seven consecutive Mondays from 6:30-8pm starting February 1, 2021 to view and discuss The Search episodes via Zoom.
| Feb 1: | Episode 1: What Do You Seek? |
| Feb. 8: | Episode 2: Who Are You? |
| Feb. 15: | Episode 3: Why a God? |
| Feb. 22: | Episode 4: What’s our Story? |
| Mar. 1: | Episode 5: Who is Jesus? |
| Mar. 8: | Episode 6: Am I Saved: |
| Mar. 15: | Episode 7: Why a Church? |
Online Registration form is at https://www.rcdony.org/thesearch. For more information, contact Marika Donders at mdonders@rcdony.org or 315-3932920 ext. 1380.
NEW
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR CONSECRATED LIFE: Celebrating the men and women dedicated to discipleship
The Church celebrates World Day of Prayer For Consecrated Life on February 6-7, 2021. On this day we recognize the countless men and women who live consecrated life in various way as well as their contributions to the growth of the Church. We especially pray for those men and women in our diocese who daily live the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience while belonging to a community and tirelessly working in ministry. Through their example of discipleship, may we be inspired to deeper communion with Christ and may there be an increase in vocations to the consecrated life.
If you would like to speak with a religious priest, brother or sister, or would like more information, contact the Vocation Office at 315-393-2920 or email Fr. Chris Carrara at ccarrara@rcdony.org or Cathy Russell at crussell@rcdony.org.
Regular Features:
NEW
SAFE ENVIRONMENT CORNER: Did you know?
Did You Know… Harvard Medical School found that kids who are spanked only once a month had 14-19% smaller brains than kids who are never spanked. Children who are spanked also have 5 less IQ points later than children who were never spanked. For information about painless parenting, visit https://nohitzone.com/
NEW
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 further information, contact Scott Lalone, Executive Director of Development/Foundation at the Diocese of Ogdensburg at 315-393-2920 or slalone@rcdony.org.
NEW
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
for the January 23/24 Bulletin
In the midst of our troubled and hurting world we are reminded in the quote from Leonard Cohen, ''There is a crack in everything; that is how the light gets in." As we begin this week, let us pray that we find a way to allow God’s light to shine in us by embracing one new concrete practice of good stewardship of the earth’s resources. A good starting point might be: only use what I need.
NEW
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
for the January 30/31 Bulletin
In this year dedicated to St. Joseph perhaps he can be a valuable guide in our daily challenge to be good stewards of God’s creation. Often one can feel overwhelmed by the task of caring for our natural resources and succumb to temptation to do nothing. Sister Madalieva, CSJ reminds us, "For Joseph it wasn’t a question of success, but it was being faithful to the mix we call life." Maybe one lesson for us is to be humble enough to do the simple thing in front of us, i.e. putting on a sweater instead of turning up the heat; turning off that light when I don’t need it; turning off the water facet while not needed.
Parish Events and Notifications
No new parish events were submitted. Please check your parish bulletins and previously posted submissions below.
Other Notices:
NEW
CLOSING OF PPC: Attention All Pro-lifers
Plattsburgh Pregnancy Center on 62 Brinkerhoff Street, in Plattsburgh, has received notice of the resignation of its two anchor people, effective February 1, 2021. If they are not replaced by others, the center will need to close at the end of January.
If you are interested in submitting an application for one of those positions, or know someone who is, please send inquiries to the PPC Board:
plattsburghpregnancycenter@yahoo.com
Or call 518-324-2010
PREVIOUSLY POSTED
The Diocese of Ogdensburg is actively following the directive of the county public health departments to ensure that all diocesan parishes, schools, ministries, and charities are responding appropriately to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). For up-to-date diocesan resources, live-streamed Masses, and other information related to the Coronavirus pandemic, please visit www.rcdony.org/covid-19 .
Parishes are encouraged to share the information found on this page with parishioners via their websites, social media or any other available communications methods. 
Mary Immaculate, our Mother and our Patroness,
we ask you to intercede for us with your Son,
as you did at the wedding in Cana.
Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our diocese, our nation and our world,
for our families and loved ones,
the protection of your Maternal mantle from this dreaded virus.
In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace and healing Presence of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.
We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.
Keep us in the embrace of your arms,
Help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus our Lord.
AMEN.
JANUARY RETREAT DAY: Walking with St. Joseph as Our Guide
“Walking with St. Joseph as our Guide.” This year, the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph being declared the “Patron of the Church,” has been dedicated to St. Joseph in our diocese since May 1 and in the universal Church since December 8. Our attention is focused on one in the background of the Nativity scene. This retreat day will consider the mind and heart of St. Joseph, as reflected in his actions, and how he may be a faithful guide and companion in our own lives. It will also provide opportunities for prayer and sharing.
When: Saturday, January 16 from 10:00 am to 2:00pm
Facilitator: Sister Bethany Fitzgerald, SSJ
Where: VIRTUAL on ZOOM
No cost. If you wish to make an offering for the retreat, mail to: Sisters of St. Joseph, 1425 Washington St, Watertown, New York 13601
To register: Email srbethssj@gmail.com or 315-212-6592
RESPECT LIFE SECOND COLLECTION: January 23/24, 2021
The Respect Life Second Collection is held in parishes each January, near the anniversary of the Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision which legalized abortion in our nation. In 2021, this collection will be held the weekend of January 23/24. Grants from the collection benefit pro-life projects in our diocese. Thank you for your support of efforts to build a culture of life.
ADVOCACY IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND
You now have the tools to make your voice heard to your elected officials right in the palm of your hand. The Catholic Action Network (CAN) can text critical advocacy alerts directly to your smartphone, with links to quickly send messages to your elected officials on urgent issues of the day. To sign up, just text the word CAN to 50457. You’ll immediately receive a one-time link to complete your registration, which is free. Please consider signing up today.
More information is available at https://www.nyscatholic.org/nys-catholic-conference-action-center/
ONGOING
IRON SHARPENS IRON PROJECT: Videos From The Conference
Description: Check out the Iron Sharpens Iron Project at https://www.rcdony.org/vflc to see the videos from the Virtual Family Life Conference or to submit a video of your family doing something fun.
For more information, contact Steve Tartaglia at startaglia@rcdony.org
UPDATE:
RESPECT LIFE: Mass and videos
Due to the pandemic the Diocese of Ogdensburg will not be sponsoring trips to Washington, D. C. for the annual March For Life. Bishop LaValley will be celebrating a Mass for Life, live streamed at 11am on January 24th, 2021. Click on www.rcdony.org/livemass.
Please also check out Colleen Miner’s previously recorded presentation on Respect Life/Public Policy:
and Christina Tartaglia’s previously recorded reading of a Pro Life Book for children:
SUPPORT GROUP FOR SEPARATED OR DIVORCED: Colton and Surrounding Areas
We are forming a support group for separated/divorced people in Colton and the surrounding areas. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please contact Steve Tartaglia at startaglia@rcdony.org or 315-393-2920 for more information.
LINKS
Office of Vocation General Intercessions Cycle B
Office of Vocations Bulletin Blurbs Cycle B
Office of Vocation Seasonal Bulletin Blurbs