Friday, April 3, 2020

Updates From Father Michael - April 3, 2020


Confessions will be available this Saturday from 8:30 – 9:30 am and from 3:30 – 5:00 pm outdoors in our side parking lot. Please keep all required social distances. This will be the last opportunity before Easter. There are no Confessions on Holy Saturday. Under the present restrictions, it is sufficient to make an Examination of Conscience and then an Act of Contrition, with the intention to go to Confession when restrictions are lifted. This is especially important for our older parishioners and for all who are exhibiting ANY symptoms of cold or flu. Please do not come at this time for your safety and the safety of us all.

Palm Sunday Mass will be livestreamed at 9:00 am. Go to: facebook.com/StColumbaHJ  The church will be open from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. NO PALM will be distributed at the present time. For the first time we will just read the Passion. You can follow along in your Bible: go to Matthew 27: 11-54.

Bishop Barron reflects on the Stations of the Cross here: https://stations.wordonfire.org

A Service Project: This time of year, we usually tidy up the grounds, removing any litter from our property. Would you like to help? Under the circumstances, we cannot gather as a group. Rather, come any time this Monday and bring a garbage bag and wear gloves. Let Gary know that you are coming: manager@stcolumbaonline.org.

Another Service Project: My name is Ryan Lugo and I am 14 years old. I am currently a freshman at John Jay High School and a Life Scout from Troop 40 working toward Eagle. When it came time to select a project toward my Eagle Rank, Mr. Scampoli came to mind. Mr. Scampoli showed great strength and faith during his illness. These are two things that I could relate to as I have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and his example has helped me realize that my faith is what I need to help me through my challenges. I felt a Memorial Garden (outside the Adoration Chapel) where people could be reminded of his example would be the best way to honor him. In order to make this project happen, I need to raise $2,000. I am looking for monetary donations to fund the project. No amount is too small and if you can’t make a donation your help in spreading the word is greatly appreciated. Checks can be made out to Ryan Lugo and mailed to: 4 Jess Court, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 Questions? Please contact Ryan @: scampolimemorialgarden@gmail.com
A Note from Father Michael
Our Parish is delighted that Ryan has chosen this Eagle Scout Project. Ryan is a superb young man and a great member of our God Squad Teen Group. We wish to help Ryan by purchasing a fine and significant outdoor statue of St. Joseph that is comparable to the statue of the Blessed Mother that is nearby. The cost of the statue is about $4,500.00. If you would like to donate directly toward the statue, please contact me personally 845-227-8380.  Thank you! For all other donations for the project, please follow Ryan’s instructions.

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

HOLY WEEK AT ST. COLUMBA


HOLY WEEK 2020 AT ST COLUMBA

To help you pray our Livestream Masses and Liturgies, we suggest that you create a little Altar at home with candles, and perhaps a bible and other holy pictures. Then, actively participate in the Masses and Liturgies by standing, kneeling and sitting when appropriate. It may help you to feel more connected and to pray better.
Note - WPIX Channel 11 will telecast Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Masses from St. Patrick’s Cathedral with Cardinal Dolan at 10:00 am both days.

Palm Sunday
No Distribution of Palms – Health Risk!!!
Livestream Mass – 9:00 am in Church
Celebrant – Father Connolly
Church open - 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Holy Monday
Livestream Mass – 8:00 am in rectory chapel
Celebrant –Father Michael
Church open - 7:00 am – 8:00 pm with Adoration 4:00 – 8:00 pm

Holy Tuesday
Livestream Mass – 8:00 am in rectory chapel
Celebrant – Father Connolly
Church open - 7:00 am – 8:00 pm with Adoration 4:00 – 8:00 pm

Spy Wednesday
Livestream Mass – 8:00 am in rectory chapel
Celebrant – Father Michael
Church open - 7:00 am – 8:00 pm with Adoration 4:00 – 8:00 pm

Holy Thursday
Livestream Tenebrae – 9:00 am in Church
Church open - 11:00 am to 5:00 pm & 9:00 pm to Midnight
Livestream Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 7:00 pm in church
Celebrant – Father Michael

Good Friday
Livestream Tenebrae – 9:00 am in church
Church open - 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Livestream The Lord’s Passion – 4:00 pm in church
Celebrant – Father Connolly
Livestream Stations of the Cross – 7:00 pm in church
Celebrant – Father Michael

Holy Saturday
Livestream Tenebrae – 9:00 am in church
Church open – 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Livestream The Easter Vigil Mass – 7:30 pm in church
Celebrant – Father Connolly

Easter Sunday
Livestream Easter Sunday Mass – 9:00 am in church
Celebrant – Father Michael
Church open 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Updates From Father Michael - April 1, 2020


Updates From Father Michael – April 1, 2020

We sadly inform you that there will be NO DISTRIBUTION OF PALMS at this time. Dutchess County now has 396 cases of COVID-19 of which 384 have not yet recovered with 56 hospitalizations. East Fishkill ranks #3 (behind the City and Town of Poughkeepsie) with 32 cases. The vast majority have happened in the past 10 days. We must not put each other at risk! This is also the policy for the entire Archdiocese of New York as requested by Cardinal Dolan and our Vicar General, Msgr. Joseph LaMorte.

Instead, we hope that you will consider doing this – put a branch on your door:   https://thedeaconsbench.com/a-beautiful-idea-for-palm-sunday/?fbclid=IwAR2uUVSc2WKRr-h8HZbstAMn2WyWvYnlcZLfZ3x2m9wgdQIpa89z4C7vuSo

The Knights of Columbus have made this Way of the Cross available to print out -  https://www.kofc.org/en/resources/cis/cis363.pdf


Father Connolly has recorded a Holy Half Hour in our Church that you can use anytime: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MYIzl_5XodsghgnItm0k8J7vLsa9XDLq/view

Please hold on to your Rice Bowls until we return to church. There is too much risk to handle them at the present time.

We’ve got the hospital bed. Thanks for responding so quickly!!!

The Holy Week Schedule will be sent separately and posted on our web site!

God bless you – pray for the sick – and be safe.

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Updates From Father Michael - March 31, 2020


Some Updates from Father Michael – March 31, 2020

A parishioner needs a hospital bed. He must be confined to bed with a back fracture. With all that is going on they are hard to come by. Perhaps a parishioner has one they are not using? Call the Parish Office (227-8380 message for Father Michael) or email manager@stcolumbaonline.org.

Thanks for your Prayer Requests – we read them often and pray for you, particularly at Mass.

We have decided to change the dates for First Holy Communion: October 17 at 9:30 am & 12:00 noon and October 24 at 9:30 am. Sister Marie will be in touch with all the families with further details.

WPIX Channel 11 will telecast Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Masses from St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 10:00 am both days. We will soon let you know the dates and times for our Holy Week livestreams here at St. Columba.

Some of the men from our St. Joseph’s Men’s Group have started a 33 Day Consecration to St. Joseph. Go here to purchase an e-book and get started: 

Beginning on Divine Mercy Sunday – April 19 - we will no longer be using JS Paluch Company to publish our church bulletin. Our new company is John Patrick Publishing. They will (if they have not already) be contacting our advertisers.

Finally, our parish needs your continued support. Our collections are down by 1/2.  I understand that the financial circumstances of many of our families are uncertain, but please know of my deep gratitude for whatever you can contribute to support our Church during this challenging time. You can mail your contribution, drop it in the Poor Box in church or, if you would like to sign up for Electronic parish giving, you can do so at https://stcolumbahj.weshareonline.org/ , and if you would like to make a gift to the Cardinal’s Appeal to support the broader needs of our archdiocese, you can do so at https://cardinalsappeal.org/donate.

Stay safe – you are in our prayers!!!

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Updates From Father Michael - March 28, 2020

You just received a Flock Note about Confession. I programmed these notes a month ago. Sadly, we cannot have Reconciliation Monday this year. But we are still hearing Confessions outdoors on Saturdays from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. If it is raining, Father Connolly and I will be in the far corners of the church. Please remember to keep the 6-foot distance, and if you are coughing or sneezing, best to stay home, make a good Act of Contrition and come to Confession later when you are feeling better.

I am most grateful to our SVDP volunteers who are distributing gift cards today to 186 families in need. We thank the many Tri-Parish parishioners who have donated over 80% of the amount needed. God bless you. The food pantry is experiencing a rise in requests. In the next few days, we hope to have a direct donation button on our We Share site. Or, as always, mail your donation to SVDP c/o St. Columba or drop it in the Poor Box in church.

Stephen Broussard, one of our Deacon Candidates, shared this with me:  Devine Mercy Shrine Video (Yes we know it is spelled wrong but the link works!) This message from the Divine Mercy Shrine suggests that we place the Divine Mercy image on our doors. Father Connolly has placed one on the rectory door and on the church door.

We will have a special guest celebrant at our live streamed Mass this Sunday at 11:00 am – the Episcopal Vicar for the Upper Counties – Bishop Gerardo Colacicco. Watch it here: www.facebook.com/stcolumbahj

Thanks for your prayer requests – Father Connolly and I and our Resurrection Sisters read them each day and pray for your Intentions. Send them to prayer@stcolumbaonline.org. Our first priest in the metro area has died: from the Brooklyn Diocese – Father Jorge Ortiz Garay. He is the pastor of a classmate of Father Connolly. Pray for his soul and for Father Joe Dutan.

If you are feeling unsure or unsafe about COVID-19 please know that Arch Care is available to answer any questions that you may have. Call their dedicated COVID-19 hotline: 877-239-1998. This resource is available to you 24/7 or you can reach out via email at info@archcare.org.


Finally, our parish needs your continued support. Our collections are down by 1/2.  I understand that the financial circumstances of many of our families are uncertain, but please know of my deep gratitude for whatever you can contribute to support our Church during this challenging time. You can mail your contribution, drop it in the Poor Box in church or, if you would like to sign up for Electronic parish giving, you can do so at https://stcolumbahj.weshareonline.org/ , and if you would like to make a gift to the Cardinal’s Appeal to support the broader needs of our archdiocese, you can do so at https://cardinalsappeal.org/donate. 

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Updates From Father Michael - March 26, 2020


From Father Michael – Some updates! – March 26, 2020

The Church is open again - thanks for your patience!

St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry is getting ready to help their clients for Easter by distributing Gift Cards. Would you like to donate toward this effort? Soon we will have a link on We Share where it will go directly into their bank account. In the meantime, send it to SVDP c/o St. Columba Church, PO Box 428, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533. If you know of anyone in our community who has been laid off or lost their job and could use some help, please call the SVDP hotline - 227-7863, We are so grateful to our outstanding volunteers who are working to keep this valuable and important ministry going!

Our Town Supervisor, Nick D’Alessandro, reminds us that home-bound seniors in need here in East Fishkill can receive a lunch delivery. Call the Supervisor’s Office - 221-4303 or The Rec Office – 226-8395. We are so grateful for everything our Town is doing for us, especially our first responders. Pray that they may be kept safe.

We have set up a new way for you to let your priests know when someone needs prayers. At this time, we particularly want to know the names of those you know who have the corona virus or have died from it.  We also want to know names of people you know who are working in the front lines: doctors, nurses and including those at stores and delivering the mail and packages. Send this to prayer@stcolumbaonline.org.  The names will be placed in our rectory chapel and we will pray for them every day. Thanks!

Members of the faithful are invited to participate in the special prayer of the Holy Father on Friday, March 27 at 1:00 PM EDT which will be streamed on www.vaticannews.va.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Many Resources Available To You During This Time

Care Ministry wants to serve by offering supportive phone calls from fellow parishioners. If you know of anyone who might feel isolated and could benefit, please call their hotline 227-7430 and leave a message.

Counseling Services are still available through Catholic Charities using on line video like Zoom. If any parishioner might benefit from this, call Father Michael 227-8380 and he will be happy to make a referral. 


Faith Formation and Faith Enrichment Resources for your Flock

The following publishers have generously made their resources available to support prayer during these difficult days.

§  Liturgical Press: Give Us This Day. . .
§  Magnificat: English. . . | Spanish. . .
§  Bayard: Living with Christ. . .

 

Prayers

§  The Word Among Us: English. . . | Spanish. . .

USCCB
§  Daily Readings: English | Spanish ;  Daily Readings Audio

Youth Faith Formation
Every Monday the Office of Youth Faith Formation will release a resource to support family catechesis at https://archny.org/catechetical-resources

Young Adult Outreach
“CatholicNYC Presents” speaker series will go on Facebook Live through the CatholicNYC Facebook Page most nights from 7:30pm-8:15pm. https://www.facebook.com/CatholicNYC/

FORMED Resources for Families


If you have trouble accessing FORMED contact the Adult Faith Formation office at formed@archny.org

The Adult Faith Formation office will continue to update the archdiocesan website with resources. https://archny.org/ministries-and-offices/adult-faith-formation-2/an-unexpected-kind-of-lent-coronavirus/