Updates From Father Michael - April 30, 2020

Updates from Father Michael – April 30, 2020

“Suffering, if it is accepted together, if it is borne together, is joy.” St. Teresa of Calcutta

The priests of Dutchess County have been genuinely concerned about our inability to administer the Last Rites of the Church in Hospitals and Nursing Homes due to COVID-19. A temporary solution has been found. Cardinal Dolan has given permission for Father Michael Connolly and Father Louis Masi from St. Mary, Fishkill, to be made available for Anointings and Last Rites in Hospitals and Nursing Homes. This means they have temporarily moved out of their rectories and are living in a designated facility. They have been taking training by Archcare and will be provided with appropriate safety gear. Negotiations are continuing to allow them to enter hospitals and nursing homes in Dutchess County to offer Anointings and Last Rites with all precautions being made. If you have a family member in need of the Last Rites, please call St. Columba and press the prompt for the Emergency Line. You will be told what can be done at each facility.

Father Connolly will have a limited ministry at St. Columba for the present time. He will livestream Mass from his location. He will help with Saturday confessions when we are outdoors. We are working so that he can check his voice mails remotely. We are grateful that he and Father Louis have offered themselves for this important ministry. Other priests in different regions of our Archdiocese have stepped up to do the same. Please pray for their health and safety.

We have a St. Columba Parish YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUmSrNxHbaWpiZ9q5F4q2Ww/videos  

We have begun posting our livestream Masses and other videos here, in addition to Facebook. They will not be “live,” but they will always be available. Some of you may find it easier to find us on YouTube.

We realize that we need to livestream Mass on a permanent basis, especially for our homebound parishioners. Mike Minor does production for the Town of East Fishkill and is very willing to work with us and help us set up a camera system in our church. More to come.

We told you that our Resurrection Sisters are healers, among their many other talents. The outdoor statue of the Sacred Heart is repaired and back in place! Thank you, Sisters!

I have scheduled Zoom meetings next week with our core staff (priests, sisters, deacons & Gary), and with our parish council. I will also be meeting with our parish marketing/evangelization group as well as with pastors hosting Catholic Schools in Dutchess County. The following week I will meet with our full staff and with our finance council. Ministry continues but in a different way.

You are always in our prayers. Stay safe!

“I realized that if all went well, I would not have that opportunity to love Jesus. And, I’m so happy!”  Bl. Chiara Badano

May - Month of the Rosary & Reconsecration of our Country to Mary on May 1

During the Month of May, Pope Francis is encouraging all of us to pray the Rosary each day, followed by two special prayers that he has composed. This can be a wonderful way to bring your family together for prayer!

 Also, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has announced the U.S. bishops will join the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops May 1 in consecrating the two nations to the care of the Blessed Mother under the title “Mary, Mother of the Church.”

“This will give the church the occasion to pray for Our Lady’s continued protection of the vulnerable, healing of the unwell and wisdom for those who work to cure this terrible virus,” said Archbishop Gomez in a letter to the U.S. bishops. Each year, the church seeks the special intercession of the Mother of God during the month of May.

“This year, we seek the assistance of Our Lady all the more earnestly as we face together the effects of the global pandemic,” he said.

Archbishop Gomez will lead the prayer of reconsecration May 1 at 3 p.m. (EDT) and has invited the bishops to join in from their respective dioceses and asked them to extend the invitation to the faithful in their dioceses for their participation. A guide to praying the liturgy at home is available here: https://lacatholics.org/consecration/ and here: http://www.usccb.org/about/communications/consecration.cfm.

If you have not prayed the Rosary for a while, click here for a guide on how to say the Rosary: http://www.kofc.org/en/resources/cis/devotionals/4772.pdf

Here at St. Columba, as we prepare to join the Church in the United States and Canada in re-consecrating ourselves to our Blessed Mother Mary, Mother of the Church, be on the lookout for a Facebook post https://www.facebook.com/StColumbaHJ/  today (Wednesday), Thursday, and Friday May 1st, at 12 noon! We will pray the Angelus prayer, hear a brief reflection from Fr. Connolly, pray a decade of the rosary, and finish with the prayers Pope Francis has invited us to pray during the month of May.

Here are the texts of the two prayers, written by Pope Francis, for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is asking people to recite the rosary each day in May and pray these prayers afterward.

FIRST PRAYER

O Mary,
You shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who, at the foot of the cross,
were united with Jesus’ suffering,
and persevered in your faith.

“Protectress of the Roman people,”
you know our needs,
and we know that you will provide,
so that, as at Cana in Galilee,
joy and celebration may return
after this time of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the will of the Father
and to do what Jesus tells us.
For he took upon himself our suffering,
and burdened himself with our sorrows
to bring us, through the cross,
to the joy of the Resurrection.
Amen.

We fly to your protection,
O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions
in our necessities,
but deliver us always
from every danger,
O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

SECOND PRAYER

“We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God.”

In the present tragic situation, when the whole world is prey to suffering and anxiety, we fly to you, Mother of God and our mother, and seek refuge under your protection.

Virgin Mary, turn your merciful eyes toward us amid this coronavirus pandemic. Comfort those who are distraught and mourn their loved ones who have died, and at times are buried in a way that grieves them deeply. Be close to those who are concerned for their loved ones who are sick and who, in order to prevent the spread of the disease, cannot be close to them. Fill with hope those who are troubled by the uncertainty of the future and the consequences for the economy and employment.

Mother of God and our Mother, pray for us to God, the father of mercies, that this great suffering may end and that hope and peace may dawn anew. Plead with your divine Son, as you did at Cana, so that the families of the sick and the victims be comforted, and their hearts be opened to confidence and trust.

Protect those doctors, nurses, health workers and volunteers who are on the frontline of this emergency, and are risking their lives to save others. Support their heroic effort and grant them strength, generosity and continued health.

Be close to those who assist the sick night and day, and to priests who, in their pastoral concern and fidelity to the Gospel, are trying to help and support everyone.

Blessed Virgin, illumine the minds of men and women engaged in scientific research, that they may find effective solutions to overcome this virus.

Support national leaders, that with wisdom, solicitude and generosity they may come to the aid of those lacking the basic necessities of life and may devise social and economic solutions inspired by farsightedness and solidarity.

Mary Most Holy, stir our consciences, so that the enormous funds invested in developing and stockpiling arms will instead be spent on promoting effective research on how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Beloved Mother, help us realize that we are all members of one great family and to recognize the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need. Make us strong in faith, persevering in service, constant in prayer.

Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, embrace all your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course.

To you, who shine on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope, do we entrust ourselves, O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.

Updates From Father Michael - April 28, 2020

Update from Father Michael – April 28, 2020

“If God sends you many sufferings, it is a sign that He has great plans for you and certainly wants to make you a saint.”  St. Ignatius of Loyola

We continue to stay the course. But we are also beginning to think of the future and what that might look like. A few of us are signed up for a webinar on Wednesday by FEMA which is particularly geared for houses of worship. Several pastors have been meeting via Zoom to give direction to the parishes of the Archdiocese of NY. What does seem clear is that changes will have to take place slowly. There is much to learn and to put in place. Patience will be asked of all.

I will meet by Zoom with Core Staff (Priests, Deacons, Sisters & Gary) on Monday, May 4 at 11:00 am, the Parish Council on Monday, May 4 at 7:00 pm, and with the Finance Council on Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 pm.

Lizzie Garcia is our Cardinal’s Appeal representative from the Archdiocese of NY. Lizzie sent out an email to let parishioners know that she and other reps will be making phone calls about the Appeal. This is done with my knowledge and permission. We lost the possibility of an In-Pew Appeal which often brings in over 25% of our goal. Please make Lizzie and the other reps feel welcome and consider their request. We are very aware that this is a difficult time for many, so if you are in financial duress, please do not feel obligated to donate this year. But, if you can help, please support all the good works of our Archdiocese. You can give by going to: https://cardinalsappeal.org/donate.

Our staff is simply amazed at your generosity. You are keeping us out of the red! We are especially delighted that so many are using We Share and E-Giving. And thanks to all who are mailing in their donation or dropping it in the SVDP box at the entrance of the church. God bless you and thank you!!!

John Thompson is our Adult Education Director. He is a great teacher and very dedicated to our program. We are about to begin a new venture – remote Adult Education by Flock Notes. Bishop Barron’s programs are fully integrated with Flock Notes. Soon you will hear about our plans for the next few months to bring us together and learn about our faith remotely. We are excited about the possibilities. More details to come.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Please do send in your Mother’s Day Intentions. We will offer prayers for our Mother’s, both living and deceased, at Mass on Mother’s Day and at Masses that following week. Mother’s Day cards and Intention envelopes can be found in the narthex of the church.

God bless you and stay safe!

“Mental and physical suffering is everywhere. Pain and suffering have come into your life but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the kiss of Jesus-signs that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you. Accept them as a gift-all for Jesus.” St. Teresa of Calcutta

"Were Not Our Hearts Burning Within Us!"

Today we recall the Resurrection appearance of Jesus on the Road to Emmaus – Emmaus – 7 miles from Jerusalem – it became famous 200 years before Christ – Judas the Maccabee (the Hammer) and his army won a victory at Emmaus against the Syrian forces of Antiochus Epiphanes – whose name meant “God Manifest.”  

A few days after that  victory the Maccabees took back the temple and tore down the Statue of Zeus  – They wanted to light the menorah – 8 branch candlestick -  but had only 1 flask of pure oil – one day’s worth – miraculously, the oil lasted 8 days – later, this became known as Hanukkah – the Festival of Lights

Sadly, Emmaus was no longer a place of victory – now it was a place of defeat. Jesus is dead – although Peter did speak of an empty tomb and some women said something about seeing him – but please, it must be all nonsense. The dream is over. So, they are walking away – in the wrong direction.

Human beings are always going in the wrong direction. Dante writes in the Divine Comedy: “Midway in the journey of my life – I found myself in a dark wood, for the straight way was lost.” They are lost!

Their other mistake – they left the community – they are off on their own – fear and doubt can grow when we are alone. This is one of the reasons we gather for Mass, even this way – because we need one another – we support one another – we lift each other up!

A Stranger joins them - I find that very comforting – even when we are going the wrong way, God searches for us and still walks with us.

Now - why could they not see it was Jesus?

-         Resurrected body? Did he look different? Or -

-         Just could not be Him! Did not fit!

The Stranger asks – what are you discussing? They give him a look – what is wrong with you? Don’t you know what happened??   – Actually, HE IS the ONLY ONE who really knew what happened! But we are so quick to tell God what we know, and what God should have done! The Stranger lets them talk on.

The Stranger then begins to make connections – was this not spoken of in the Scriptures? – the Messiah first must suffer! There is so much we can learn from the Scriptures: Every Sunday night for the last 40 years I have prayed Psalm 91 – “You will not fear the terror of the night – nor the arrow that flies by day – nor the plague that prowls in the darkness – nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.” Never have those words had such meaning for me as they do now!

The Stranger seems to have further to go – they make their best decision of the day - stay with us – act of hospitality - a brilliant move – God never imposes – it is by our invitation. Recall painting in St. Paul’s, London. Light of the World by Paul Hunt – Behold I stand knocking at the door - Handle on inside – we must open the door. Now more than ever, invite Him into your home – He may seem like a Stranger – but it is the Lord!

He enters as a guest – becomes the Host - That is what we call the piece of Bread – A Host. The Host takes The Host – breaks it - Their eyes were opened -   It was Jesus! - They knew Him in the Breaking of the Bread – Eucharist.

No longer a stranger, Jesus is revealed to them in Word – Eucharist – when 2 or 3 are gathered.

This is one reason why these days are so hard – we miss Eucharist – we miss one another – two out of three – so why do we give them up for now?

Many people watch Gov Cuomo as he speaks about the pandemic. He and our civic leaders are facing enormous challenges, and we must pray for them every day. But he said something last week that upset many people of faith:

“The number is down because we brought the number down.

God did not do that. Faith did not do that.”

My Dear Governor – a reason why the number is down is because so many of us have been taught to love God, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.” Many, many people are doing what they are doing, are serving, are in healthcare because they are living out their faith.

And we are making the sacrifice of not gathering for the Eucharist, of not gathering together - precisely because we Love God – who teaches us that love is willing the good of the other and there is a cost to that – and right now, for the good of every person - we put things on hold – because we love our brothers and sisters.

So, you see, this is where God is at work - in the hearts of believers – so, God did not do that – faith did not do that? On the contrary!

They said, were not our hearts burning within us – they are burning with the fire of God’s love – a love we pray, that will one day again bring us together for the Eucharist!

Notes From Father Michael - April 24, 2020

Notes from Father Michael – April 24, 2020

A reminder that our weekend liturgy schedule is posted on our website. Please direct fellow parishioners and friends to it and encourage them to sign up for Flock Notes to stay up to date - stcolumbaonline.org

Sad news from our Sisters – Jubilee has died. Those who have pets know they often become part of our families, and their loss is deeply felt. I imagine that few dogs received the love and care that Jubilee did. Jubilee was a joy. May the Lord comfort our Sisters.

We had our first Zoom staff meeting. It went rather well and gave us a chance to check in on one another. Most continue to work hard from home. I hope to have meetings with the Parish Council and Finance Council soon.

Bishop Colacicco tells me his email has been hacked and someone is using it to ask for money. Please be reminded that neither he nor our clergy would ever ask for money in a personal appeal. Please, NEVER RESPOND to something like that. If you ever receive a suspicious email connected with St. Columba, never hesitate to call, and confirm it first.

A glitch with sound at livestream Mass this am. Thanks for understanding! We are doing our best with basic technology and sometimes there will be glitches! Father Connolly taught me another way to connect sound to my iPhone so hopefully that will help.

Our American Bishops will join the Canadian Bishops in consecrating the faithful to Mary, Mother of the Church on May 1 at 3:00 pm eastern time. More info to follow.

The Little Sisters of the Poor have begun a Campaign – A Million Families – A Million Rosaries as we pray each day for an end to this pandemic. Do you want to join them? http://littlesistersofthepoor.org/a-million-families-a-million-rosaries/

Pray As You Go is an excellent daily prayer resource – click here https://pray-as-you-go.org/ They also have an app for your phone.

Imagine is a guide to Jesuit Contemplative Prayer. The author invites you to enter a number of scenes involving Jesus – why not give it a try - https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/04/12/imagine-guide-jesuit-prayer

Give Us This Day is like Magnificat. It has the readings and prayers of the day with reflections. During this time of pandemic, their materials are free to use - https://giveusthisday.org/Digital

“The number is down because we brought the number down. God did not do that. Faith did not do that.”

Thought you might be interested:

Bishop Barron's response to this statement by Governor Cuomo:

“The number is down because we brought the number down. God did not do that. Faith did not do that.”

Last week, Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York, made a rather interesting theological observation. Commenting on the progress that his state has made in fighting the Coronavirus, and praising the concrete efforts of medical personnel and ordinary citizens, he said, “The number is down because we brought the number down. God did not do that. Faith did not do that.” I won’t waste a lot of time exploring the hubris of that remark, which should be obvious to anyone. I might recommend, out of pastoral concern, that the governor read the first part of Genesis chapter 11.

What I will do instead is explain the basic intellectual confusion that undergirds Cuomo’s assertion, one that, I fear, is shared even by many believers. The condition for the possibility of the governor’s declaration is the assumption that God is one competitive cause among many, one actor jostling for position and time upon the stage with a coterie of other actors. On this reading, God does certain things—usually of a rather spectacular nature—and creaturely causes do other things, usually more mundane. Thus, we can clearly parcel out responsibility and credit—some to God and some to finite agents. But this account is deeply unbiblical and alien to the Catholic theological tradition.

To understand the scriptural sense of the play between divine and human causality, it is helpful to consult the cycle of stories dealing with King David in First and Second Samuel. What strikes the attentive reader is that nothing obviously “supernatural” takes place in these accounts. Practically everything that happens to David could be adequately accounted for on psychological, historical, military, or political grounds. However, throughout the narrative, God’s activity and involvement are assumed, for the author takes for granted the principle that the true God works not typically in an interruptive way but precisely through a congeries of secondary causes. Mind you, it is not the case that some explanations of David’s story are political or psychological and some properly theological; rather, everything is, at once, natural and supernatural—precisely because God’s causality is operating noncompetitively, on a qualitatively different level than creaturely causality. If you want a one-liner summary of this distinctively biblical perspective, you could not do better than this, from the prophet Isaiah: “O Lord, it is you who have accomplished all that we have done” (Isa. 26:12).

 Now, why should this be true? Here it would be helpful to turn to the Church’s greatest theologian, St. Thomas Aquinas. For Thomas, God is not the supreme being (ens summumin his Latin), but rather ipsum esse subsistens, which means “the sheer act of to be itself.” In a word, God is not one more instance of the genus “being,” one thing, however exalted, among others; instead, he is the self-explaining source of existence as such, that great font of being in and through which all finite things subsist and act. Therefore, God does not compete for space, so to speak, on the same ontological grid as creatures; a zero-sum game does not obtain in regard to God’s activity and creaturely activity—the more we ascribe to one, the less we have to ascribe to the other.

Allow me to ground this rather abstract rhetoric with a very homely example. If one were to ask what is necessary to make a bicycle, the response would be something like this: “tires, brake pads, a chain, a metal frame, the skill of the builder, perhaps a schematic to guide the building process, etc.”  No one would ever be tempted to respond as follows: “tires, brake pads, a chain, God, a metal frame, the skill of the builder, etc.” And yet, a smart religious person, upon finishing the project of constructing that bike, would quite legitimately say, “Thank God!” The prayer would be a humble acknowledgement, not that God in a fussily invasive way interfered with the building process, but that God is responsible for the entire nexus of causes and behaviors that made up the process. The upshot is that the two dimensions of causality—one finite and the other transcendent—operate simultaneously and noncompetitively: “You have accomplished all that we have done.”

All of which brings me back to Governor Cuomo. To claim that “God did not do that” because we did it is simply a category mistake. What brought the coronavirus numbers down?  It is perfectly accurate to say, “The skill of doctors and nurses, the availability of hospital beds, the willingness of so many to shelter in place, etc.” But it is also perfectly valid to say that God brought those numbers down, precisely by grounding the entire complex of creaturely causality just referenced.

This relationship holds at the metaphysical level, but it is perhaps even clearer when it comes to the psychological motivation of those dedicated physicians and nurses. Why ultimately were they willing to do what they did? I would be willing to bet a large percentage of them would say that it was a desire to serve others and to be pleasing to God.

So we should thank all of the good people involved in bettering our current situation, and we shouldn’t hesitate, even for a moment, to thank God as well. There is absolutely no need to play the zero-sum game proposed by the governor of New York.

Updates From Father Michael - April 21, 2020

“Knowing that beyond the dark clouds my Sun is shining, I should never dare to change my place.” –St. Therese of Lisieux

Flock Notes has been a tremendous tool – over 900 parish families are signed up and so receive our latest communications. Do you know parishioners who are not signed up? Encourage them to visit our website and fill out the form. It will take 1 minute!

Great work is being done by our Ministry of Care. They are staying in touch almost daily with over twenty parishioners. Do you know a parishioner who might also benefit? Leave a message at 227-7430.

Some are leaving messages for Laura in our Office. Laura is working from home and cannot retrieve your messages. Listen carefully to the voice prompts! You can leave messages for our Parish Manager – Gary Bartilucci, our Bookkeeper – Mary Gallagher, Father Connolly, and me. That is it for now until restrictions are lifted.

A parishioner suggested – a good way to time hand washing is to say two “Hail Mary’s.” But do not rush.

I am becoming acquainted with Zoom. We are starting to have weekly staff meetings, and I plan to meet next week with the Parish Council and soon after with the Finance Council. The St. Joseph’s Men’s Group is using Zoom very effectively – over 30 men are meeting every Saturday at 8:00 am. We are looking at ways to resume Adult Ed Classes using Flock Notes. Stay tuned.

Sister Kathleen and her faculty are doing tremendous work – and God bless our students and parents during this difficult time. Learning continues. Pray for our school and indeed all schools, teachers, students, and parents.

Religious Education in person classes will not be held again this semester. Sister Marie and her catechists have been doing their best to work with their students. We are grateful to all parents who are working with their children and instructing them in our Catholic faith. God bless you!

I am so grateful to all who continue to contribute to St. Columba. I am amazed by the response to We Share – over 135 parish families are signed up and are using it. This is in addition to the E-Giving Program we already had in place that deducts from bank accounts. This means over 230 parish families are using on-line giving. THANK YOU SO MUCH! And, many of you continue to mail in your envelopes or drop them in the SVDP box in Church. You are making a difference and helping us stay afloat. If you would like to support St. Columba by using We Share – go to our website and follow the instructions: www.stcolumbaonline.org. It is safe, easy, offers different options, and you are in control.

The Young Adult Office is offering – CatholicNYCPresents – Virtual talks on Monday through Thursday evenings from 7:30-8:15 pm – daily livestreams on Facebook LIVE by Catholic thinkers and teachers from across the country. Upcoming speakers include Jeannie and Jim Gaffigan, Jackie and Bobby Angel and more. Go to facebook.com/CatholicNYC 

God bless all of you – be safe – we miss you! We pray for the day when public Mass resumes again.

“It is to those who have the most need of us that we ought to show our love more especially.” St Francis de Sales

Liturgy Schedule & Divine Mercy

Our Liturgy Schedule during this Time of Pandemic

Reminder – All livestreams and postings on our Facebook page – Facebook.com/StColumbaHJ

Saturdays
Livestream Mass at 7:30 am in Rectory Chapel
Confessions 8:30 - 9:00 am & 4:00 - 5:00 pm - Outdoors - side parking lot
Please wear a face mask & keep social distance. Thank you!
Church open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sundays
Livestream Mass at 9:00 am in church (private, doors locked)
Church open 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Monday - Friday
Church open 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Livestream Mass at 8:30 am from rectory chapel
Adoration 4:00 - 8:00 pm

Divine Mercy Sunday – April 19, 2020

Father Connolly will offer a Divine Mercy Service that will be posted at 3:00 pm. It will include Exposition, a Reflection, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction.

Leanna Soyka Clarke and Cathy Reale will sing the Divine Mercy Chaplet and it will also be posted at 3:00 pm.

The very best resource on the internet is – www.thedivinemercy.org

We also encourage you to watch Divine Mercy Sunday on TV – Cablevision #135 EWTN. Most of it is Live from the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge:

Noon – Preview Show

1:30 pm – Mass & Divine Mercy Celebration

3:00 pm – Chaplet of Divine Mercy

4:00 pm – Divine Mercy Holy Hour – from EWTN Alabama

Divine Mercy Sunday - April 19

FROM FATHER MICHAEL - DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY – APRIL 19

Many of us grew up knowing nothing about Divine Mercy and the Chaplet. It was St. Pope John Paul II who established Divine Mercy Sunday and encouraged this devotion. Perhaps this is the year that many of us could learn more about it and even perhaps begin to include it in our daily prayers!

Usually Deacon Bill and his team organize a service for us. Please God we will do it next year. Instead, here at St. Columba, Father Connolly will offer Three days of Divine Mercy – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 3:00 pm. It will be posted on our Facebook page - facebook.com/StColumbaHJ  Each day will include Exposition, a Reflection, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction. Thank you, Father Connolly! Also, Michael Bilello will sing the Divine Mercy Chaplet and it will also be posted on our Facebook page at 3:00 pm Sunday.

The very best resource on the internet is – www.thedivinemercy.org. Many of us have traveled to Stockbridge to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy. This is their website. They have recorded a message about how we can pray Divine Mercy Sunday during this pandemic – www.thedivinemercy.org/articles/what-do-divine-mercy-sunday

We also encourage you to watch Divine Mercy Sunday on TV – Cablevision #135 EWTN. Most of it is Live from Stockbridge:

Noon – Preview Show

1:30 pm – Mass & Divine Mercy Celebration

3:00 pm – Chaplet of Divine Mercy

4:00 pm – Divine Mercy Holy Hour – from EWTN Alabama

Also be aware that the three Dioceses of NY, Brooklyn & Rockville Center have a TV Station – Cablevision #137 Catholic Faith Network – many good programs!

Updates From Father Michael - April 16, 2020

Notes from Father Michael – April 16, 2020

Hi Everyone,

Blessings during this Octave of Easter! Here are a few more updates:

Until restrictions are lifted, here is our Liturgy Schedule, beginning this Saturday:

Saturday – Livestream Mass at 7:30 am, Outdoor Confessions (side parking lot – if rain, indoors in far corners of church) from 8:30 – 9:00 am and 4:00 – 5:00 pm. Social distance must be kept. We are grateful if you wear a mask for Confessions. Church open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Sunday – Livestream Mass at 9:00 am (in church-private-doors locked). Church Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Monday to Friday – Church open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Livestream Mass in rectory chapel at 8:30 a.m., Adoration 4:00 – 8:00 pm (private prayer only). Would you like to volunteer to cover some time? Email Deacon Chris cmerenda@frontiernet.net.

If possible, please try to wear a mask when you enter our church for your safety and the safety of others. A gentle reminder – please do not enter if you are coughing or sneezing. Wait until you are better.

Sister Marie is working to heal the broken arm of the Sacred Heart Statue – did you know that Resurrection Sisters are healers as well?!

Please DO NOT drop off Rice Bowls at the present time. Please wait until restrictions are lifted. We have safety concerns about handling all that loose change. Thanks!

The 25^th and 50^th Wedding Anniversary Mass has been moved to September 20, 2020 at 12:00 noon.

Many, many thanks for your Easter Donations to your parish. God bless you for your generosity, especially during this time of need. If you would like to make an Easter gift, go to - https://stcolumbahj.weshareonline.org/

We invite you to contribute to the Annual Cardinal’s Appeal. Now more than ever, lets help support the essential services of our Archdiocese. Together we can reach our parish goal - https://cardinalsappeal.org/

God bless you!!!

Notes From Father Michael - April 14, 2020

Notes from Father Michael – April 14, 2020

Hi Everyone,

Blessings during this Octave of Easter! Here are a few updates:

We are sorry but we must close the church tomorrow (Wednesday). The air conditioning ducts are being cleaned. We hope the work can be accomplished in one day. We remind you that St. Denis will be open from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.

If possible, please try to wear a mask when you enter our church for your safety and the safety of others. A gentle reminder – please do not enter if you are coughing or sneezing. Wait until you are better.

Sadly, the large evergreen behind the outdoor Sacred Heart Statue was uprooted in Monday’s windstorm. It hit the statue, which fell. One arm broke off. We will see if it can be repaired. Interestingly, the pedestal was untouched.

Please DO NOT drop off Rice Bowls at the present time. Please wait until restrictions are lifted. We have safety concerns about handling all that loose change. Thanks!

Monday to Friday we are offering Adoration from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. No organized prayer, just private prayer. For this to work we need parishioners always present. Would you like to volunteer to cover some time? Email Deacon Chris cmerenda@frontiernet.net.

We continue to pray for your Intentions. It is best to email them – prayer@stcolumbaonline.org. All are reminded that because the rectory is a living space, it is closed to all except for essential staff who work briefly. 

For the foreseeable future, here is our weekend schedule:

Saturdays – Livestream Mass at 7:30 am. Outdoor Confessions (side parking lot – if rain, indoors in far corners of church) from 8:30 – 9:00 am and 4:00 – 5:00 pm. We are grateful if you wear a mask for Confessions.

Sundays – Livestream Mass at 9:00 am (in church-private-doors locked). Church Open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Some thoughts about Divine Mercy Sunday later this week.

God bless you!!!

Easter Day Flocknote - April 12, 2020

Although today may not be filled with the glorious gatherings, delicious brunches, and family Easter egg hunts we're accustomed to, Jesus Christ has still conquered the grave, and no virus, cancellations, or any circumstance can change that. 

Let us rejoice in this most important day! Try to find joy in the small blessings--the sunshine and blooming flowers--and also in the hope we have knowing our Savior has conquered death. 

Our church is praying for you, and we look forward to gathering together again soon!

Reminder - Our parish Livestream at  https://www.facebook.com/StColumbaHJ/ 

Easter Sunday Livestream from our church - 9:00 a.m, (church is locked)

Easter Sunday Mass from St. Patrick's Cathedral offered by Cardinal Dolan can be viewed on TV at 10:00 am - WPIX Channel 11.

Church is Open for Prayer - 11:00 am - 5:00 pm (facemasks not required but appreciated for everyone's safety!)

Please hold on to your Rice Bowls until we return to church..

Two opportunities today (Sunday):

Andrea Bocelli will perform a special solo concert of Sacred Music from the Duomo in Milan at 1:00 pm NY time: go to www.youtube.com/andreabocelli

The Sheen Center is offering the performance of Ken Jennings - "The Gospel of John" today and tomorrow for free. go to: https://www.sheencenter.org/shows/gospelofjohn/ 

We are most grateful for your Easter Gifts! Understanding the many challenges so many are facing, please donate whatever is within your means:

- Mail to St. Columba-PO Box 428- Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

- Drop in the SVDP Poor Box at the entrance to the church and mark your envelope  "St. Columba"

- Join our On Line Giving Program - We Share - https://stcolumbahj.weshareonline.org/  You can use credit card, debit card or your bank account - your choice!

Looking ahead to this week - The Octave of Easter

Monday - Staff will be off and will not check phones in the Church Office - Emergencies only. Church open 9 am - 5:00 pm - Livestream Mass at 10:00 am - No Adoration.

Tuesday to Friday - Church open 9:00 am to 8:00 pm - Livestream Mass at 10:00 am - Adoration in church from 4:00 - 8:00 pm.

God bless you and Happy Easter!!!

"He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said." - Matthew 28:6

Easter Sunday at St. Columba

Although today may not be filled with the glorious gatherings, delicious brunches, and family Easter egg hunts we're accustomed to, Jesus Christ has still conquered the grave, and no virus, cancellations, or any circumstance can change that. 

Let us rejoice in this most important day! Try to find joy in the small blessings--the sunshine and blooming flowers--and also in the hope we have knowing our Savior has conquered death. 

Our church is praying for you, and we look forward to gathering together again soon!

"He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said." - Matthew 28:6

Livestreams - facebook.com/StColumbaHJ

Livestream of Saturday Evening Easter Vigil Mass - 7:30 pm in church (church is locked). The Easter Vigil this year will include all 9 Readings from the Bible and the Renewal of Baptismal Promises. The Easter Candle will be simply lit – no Easter Fire - we will do the Sacraments of Initiation when restrictions are lifted, as well as the Blessing of Water. – 

Celebrant – Father Connolly

Livestream of the Easter Sunday Mass - 9:00 am in church (church is locked) Celebrant - Father Michael

Church Open on Easter Sunday - 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED - We greatly depend on the annual Easter Collection to pay our bills. Not having public Masses has created great financial concerns here at St. Columba. Understanding that many have been affected by these restrictions, we are grateful for any Easter Gift you can give your parish! You can give by: mailing your gift to St. Columba, PO Box 428, Hopewell Junction NY 12533 - OR - drop your gift in the Poor Box in Church - OR - join our online Giving Program - We Share - go to: stcolumbahj.weshareonline.org.  God bless you!!! 

Holy Saturday at St. Columba

HOLY SATURDAY AT ST. COLUMBA

“Something strange is happening – there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep.” (From an ancient homily of Holy Saturday)

The Church keeps vigil and waits – will the dawn reappear? Will the Sun rise again? We wait with faith – the Light will come that no darkness can extinguish!

During these difficult days, we continue to livestream our liturgies. Let us continue to pray for one another! Here is our Holy Saturday schedule:

Livestream Tenebrae (The Office of Readings and Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours + Lamentations of Jeremiah) – 9:00 am in church (church is locked)

Church open – 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Drive-In Blessing of Easter Food – 12:00 – 12:30 pm in front of the Rectory – please stay in your cars and roll down the window

Livestream of The Easter Vigil Mass - 7:30 pm in church (church is locked). The Easter Vigil this year will include all 9 Readings from the Bible and the Renewal of Baptismal Promises. The Easter Candle will be simply lit – no Easter Fire - we will do the Sacraments of Initiation when restrictions are lifted, as well as the Blessing of Water. –

Celebrant – Father Connolly

Holy Thursday Homily - Father Michael

 “How is this night different from all other nights?” These words were spoken last night in many Jewish homes on the night of Passover.

The question had a new answer this year. For the first time in many peoples lives, they did not attend a Seder with family and friends.

The word - Seder - means “order” – an ordered series of 15 steps – rituals, prayers, songs and stories.  At the center – the story of the Exodus – the journey from slavery to freedom.

Our Jewish friends will remind us that have celebrated Passover in far worse circumstances – in the year 70, the Roman General Titus besieged Jerusalem 3 days before Passover – it caused an epidemic and famine that killed over 1 million people. Yet, century after century, no matter what the circumstances, they continued to remember. Even in Auschwitz they stopped and prayed.

How is this Holy Thursday different from all other Holy Thursdays? We watched the Holy Father earlier today offer this Mass in an empty St. Peter’s Basilica – and he did not go out to wash the feet of prisoners.

It is a Holy Thursday  we will never forget – but we must remember that many of our brothers and sisters who experiencing far worse: every day an average of  8 Christians are killed because of their faith – every week an average of 180 Christian churches or buildings are attacked – and every month an average of 300 Christians are imprisoned unjustly.  Perhaps what we are going through can be offered for them? And, of course, for all who are suffering so much during this pandemic.  

Scholars are not sure - was Jesus celebrating the Passover, or was it the eve of the Passover at the Last Supper?  What is certain is that He was about to BECOME THE PASSOVER – He would pass over from death to life from the Cross to the Resurrection.

And amazingly, the night before He died, He was thinking about us!

He spoke of three things: Jesus gave us the gift of the Eucharist – He instituted the Priesthood – and gave us the command to serve.

1)     The Eucharist – Jesus took the Bread and Wine – and said – This Is My Body, This is My Blood, Do this in Memory of Me. Will we ever think of the Eucharist the same way again? Will we ever take it for granted again? They say - Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Has it? Do we treasure the Eucharist even more? Only time will tel, but I, for one, can’t wait until we are together again!

2)     The Priesthood – Jesus said: do this in memory of me – yes all of us – but the priest in particular is charged with this. To bring Jesus to the world – to be a light in darkness. I am thinking these days of the 87 priests who have died in Italy – a good number died because of the care they were giving their people with the virus. I am thinking of our hospital chaplains who are putting on layers of protection and going into rooms to give the Last Rites – at least two of our NY chaplains have the virus. I am thinking of Msgr Richie Guastella, Pastor of St. Clare’s in SI who died at 2:00 am today – Holy Thursday – from the virus. It is a good time to pray for priests and for vocations to the priesthood.

3)     The Mandatum – washing of feet. At the time of Jesus it was a good practice – we wash hand, they washed feet. People came into your house with all the dirt from the street on their feet. It was the job of the servant to wash feet. How shocking it was when Jesus bends down to perform this task. “As I have done, you also must do!” Our culture is very entertainment driven – heroes are actors, actresses, musicians, athletes, internet stars. Perhaps one good thing to come out of all this – we see who the real heroes are: regular people – doctors, nurses, emt’s, delivery drivers, postal workers, food store workers. May God truly bless them for what they are doing for us!

How is this night different from all other nights? I hope and pray we will never have another Holy Thursday like this!  Never have a Holy Thursday like this – but it is an opportunity - to see life, to see faith, to see one another in a new way. So now - Do this in memory of Me!