eNOTES FOR NOVEMBER 23, 2017
(with bulletin information for the weekends of December 3 and 10, 2017)
Please note, this edition is delivered a week early to accomodate the Thanksgiving Holiday.
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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 4 for the December 7 edition of eNotes with bulletin information for the weekends of December 17 and 24. 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 THE CHANCELOR:
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RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS: Second Collection on December 9 and 10
The Retirement Fund for Religious is the second collection the weekend of December 9 and 10. Please use the information provided to help our parishioners help our religious communities. For pulpit announcement, bulletin announcements and the Bishop's Letter bulletin insert for December 2/3 click HERE. For more information, contact Deacon Jim Crowley at jcrowley@rcdony.org
FROM THE FISCAL DEPARTMENT:
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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.
FROM THE eNOTES EDITOR:
eNOTES: Changes and Early Submission Date for Thanksgiving
Starting with the THIS issue of eNotes, rather than sending the content of eNotes in each email, we will send the link to the webpage where the issue is posted. This reduces preparation time, makes eNotes more readable and facilitates corrections that occasionally need to be made.
If you have any concerns or questions, please email mdonders@rcdony.org. Thank you
Bulletin Editors: Please add these notices to your parish bulletin(s). You can simply cut the text and paste it in your bulletin.
YOUTH MINISTER CERTIFICATION COURSES: Courses 3 & 4 are available!
Register to spend a morning completing two courses in the Youth Minister Certification Program and sharing ideas with fellow youth ministers!
Course 3 (Communicating with Youth & Parents) and Course 4 (Discussing Faith & Morals with Youth in a Secular Culture) will be offered on November 4 in Watertown and November 18 in Plattsburgh from 9:00-12:00.
Register by emailing vdemers@rcdony.org.
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OPERATION ANDREW DINNERS: Fall Season in Malone and Watertown
Want to know about being a priest? Just dinner and talk! Any man middle school age and above is welcome to attend. Parents are welcome too!
November 30: St. John Bosco Church Malone
Holy hour to know your vocation at 5pm, Vespers and dinner follow with Bishop LaValley and area priests.
If interested, contact your pastor. RSVP to: Cathy Russell, Vocation Coordinator crussell@rcdony.org or 315-393-2920
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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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COUNCIL OF DEACONS: Fall meeting with Bishop LaValley
The next meeting of the Council is 10:30am December 9, 2017. We will meet in Brzana Hall at St. Mary Cathedral. For more information, contact Dcn. Kevin Mastellon kmastellon@spwatn.org or 315-836-6287
UPDATED
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.
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 2/3 Bulletin)
(editor's note: at the time of posting, we had not received new environmental stewardship submissions. We are recycling a post from last year. We will update eNotes as soon as new posts are received.)
How “green “will your Christmas be? How can our celebration of Christmas this year reflect Christian simplicity, social justice and care for our common home? The three R’s (reduce, reuse, and recycle) could prove helpful in finding ways to respond to the challenge. Using this as a guide could make a merrier Christmas for everyone on the planet. While there is still time, have this conversation with a friend.
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PLANNED GIVING: What is my tax situation for 2017?
If your income has been particularly high this year and you expect it will decline, it might be a good time to increase giving before December runs out. You could even prepay some of your 2017 gifts to be able to capture this year’s tax benefits.
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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FABULOUS FALL CRAFT FESTIVAL: Get a head start on your Christmas shopping!!
Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Sacred Heart Parish Center, 8 Hall Street, Chazy, NY from 9 am - 3 pm.
Great craft festival with over 25 craft vendors from New York and Vermont. Hot lunches, baked goods, silent auction, in addition to hundreds of handcrafted items. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping.
For more info, contact Noreen Barcomb at sacredheart@westelcom.com or 518-846-7650.
FREE Admission.
HEARTS ON FIRE: Friday, December 1, 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, December 1)
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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SPAGHETTI & MEATBALL DINNER: Knights of Columbus fundraiser, Evans Mills, NY
Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner Saturday, December 2, 2017
Serving from 4 to 7 PM at St. Mary's Parish Center in Evans Mills, NY
Benefit Indian River Council 7471 Knights of Columbus
For more info call 315-629-4678 (parish office)
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FALL INTO WINTER CRAFT FAIR: Peru, NY
St. Augustine's Spectacular Annual Craft Fair. Located in the glorious downtown Peru New York!!!!
FREE!!!!!
Located in Peru New York at The Parish Center 3030 Main Street.
The FUN begins at 10 am until 3 pm
Contact Judy Akey for additional information.
Tel. 518-726-6037 (call or text)
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ST. AUGUSTINE CHRISTMAS TEA: North Bangor, NY
HOMETOWN COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
St. Augustine's Parish will hold their annual Christmas Tea "Hometown Country Christmas" on Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 11:00AM-3:00PM at the Parish Hall located at 2472 State Rte. 11, North Bangor. In addition, there will be crafts,
baked goods, The Cake Walk, a Chinese Auction, Raffle and free coffee, tea, punch and cookies. A lunch of soup and sandwiches will be available. Santa will make a surprise visit for the children in the afternoon around 2:00PM. Please come and enjoy the festivities!
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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
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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
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VERMONT CATHOLIC WOMENS RETREAT:
Come and join Catholic women of all ages as we celebrate the gift of our faith, develop a greater understanding of God's everlasting Mercy, and ultimately deepen our relationship with Christ!
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Mother Mary Catherine of the Divine Word M.W.
WHEN: Saturday November 18, 2017, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
WHERE: Holy Family - St. Lawrence Parish Center, 36 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452
REGISTRATION FEE: $30.00
For more information or to register, see http://vermontcatholic.org
UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE DIOCESAN CALENDAR
Nov. 15: DOVS Luncheon and Guest Speaker
Nov. 18: Youth Minister Training
Nov. 19: Campaign for Human Development/Black and Indian Missions
Nov. 30: Operation Andrew
Dec. 5: Council of Priests Meeting
Dec. 6: Diocesan Staff Meeting
Dec. 10: Religious Retirement Collection
Dec. 13: FFM Advisory Committee Meeting
Dec. 13: Living Stones Planning Committee Meeting
Dec. 16: Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting
Bulletin Announcements opposing Assisted Suicide
Office of Vocations General Intercessions
Office of Vocations General Intercessions Cycle B NEW
Office of Vocations Bulletin Blurbs Cycle B
Office of Vocation Seasonal Bulletin Blurbs
Office of Vocations Newsletters