Updates from Father Michael – May 30, 2020
Our Holy Father will lead a worldwide Rosary today –
Saturday – at 11:30 am connecting with all the Marian Shrines in the world. You
can participate by going here: https://youtu.be/wACfQl4PjhU
Congratulations to Deacon Bill Alvarado, who celebrates his 40th Anniversary of Ordination today. He, together with his wife Jean, have an effective and faith-filled ministry among us. God bless you on your special day!
Today is also the 50th Anniversary of
Ordination of our neighbor at St. Denis, Father Pat Dunne and of the former
Dean of Dutchess County and the former Pastor of St. Martin de Porres, Msgr.
James Sullivan. They are both great priests and we wish them Ad Multos Annos.
Today is also my niece’s birthday – Hayley Rose
McLoughlin. She just graduated from the Ohio State University. Where does the time
go?
Father Bob Abbatiello has been a friend for many years, especially
during the time he led CYFM. Father Bob’s family are active members of our
parish, so I regret to tell you of the death of his dad, Brandy Abbatiello. They
had a Burial Service at Fishkill Rural. Hopefully soon we can have a Memorial
Mass here.
Right now, Dutchess County is a Phase One. When we move to
Phase Two, we can begin to reopen our parish offices, at least on a part time
basis. We have ordered glass to be places around desks and for other necessary
equipment. When the Parish Office reopens, we will begin to take Announced Mass
intentions. We will decide this week the best way to do that, so stay tuned.
In our Archdiocese, the upper counties are at Stage 1 –
Church open for Prayer & Confessions. (We at St. Columba have always been
at Stage 1). Soon we will move to Stage 2 – Baptisms and Marriages limited to
ten people in attendance. When we hit Stage 2, Deacon Bill will again be able
to start scheduling Baptisms. Those who already had a Baptism scheduled will
have first choice. All Baptisms will be done individually – one family at a
time. Available times will be Saturdays at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm and on
Sundays at 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Baptisms can also be offered weekday
by request. Water will be replaced after every Baptism. Sponsor forms cannot be
done in person at this time. Call either myself or Father Connolly and we will do
it via phone.
We are happy to tell you that we have received a
substantial donation that will cover over 80% of the cost of installing a permanent
livestream system in church with two robotic cameras. Our intention is to
livestream one Mass each Sunday for years to come so that our sick and
homebound parishioners can always stay connected to us. Our social media committee
will soon reach out for volunteers to run this mini-TV station. The equipment
will be ordered this week.
Our SDSC school 8th Graders will participate in
a livestream Retreat Day this Thursday, June 4 led by CYFM. At the end, Bishop
Colacicco will join them, speak to our graduates, and offer a special blessing.
On Friday, June 12 they will participate in a livestream Graduation Ceremony
and then come in cars to receive their diplomas and awards in person. We are so
proud of our graduates and wish them every grace and blessing in the years
ahead.
Father’s Day cards and Intention envelopes are now
available in the church. We have also placed boxes of missalettes on a table in
the narthex. They are free to take since we can not use books in church for the
foreseeable future.
Here
is our Cardinal’s Appeal update:
Goal
- $139,000.00
Pledges
- $78,777.00
Gifts
Given – 324
Average
Gift - $243.14
Thank
you so much! Please help us make our goal and give to the Appeal. Go to - https://www.cardinalsappeal.org/
Here is our Renew and Rebuild Update:
Goal
- $1,709,000.00
Pledges
- $1,760,771.92
Paid
- $1,019,644.46
Gifts
Given – 508
Thank
you so much for keeping up with your Pledges. When all the money is in, we can replace
the school windows.
Those enrolling in our Religious Education program can now
make payments using We Share. You are also now able to make Instant Donations
to St. Columba Church with your smart phone using QR code or text. Signs in
church show what to do it.
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