Vocations

Construct no wall around sacred space

Images of endless war, overflowing refugee camps, hate-filled terrorists, billion-dollar weapons, starved children — I want to flee this world’s violence.
Saying yes to forever

A recent trend when announcing engagements and weddings is to use the term “We are saying yes to forever,” rather than “We are getting married.” While some might see this as cute or romantic, I find it hopeful and inspiring. What may have started as a catchy hashtag could have a profound effect on the perception of marriage.
The Gift of Giving

Deacon Jim Bower, interim administrator of Holy Family parish in Little Falls, was awarded the 2018 Spirit of Giving Award through the Gram Lorraine Christmas Program.
Ordained at tumultuous time, priest of 50 years reflects

Fifty years ago, my classmates here present and I were all asking the same question amid a world that was in turmoil. Before our ordination to the priesthood in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated; right after our ordination, Sen. Robert Kennedy was assassinated.
Live-streamed Masses not changing priests’ homilies

As more parishes live-stream or record Masses, are priests changing their homilies or routines to cater to a wider, online audience?
Faith formation leader’s work is ‘100 percent a vocation’

Since becoming pastoral associate for faith development at St. Matthew’s parish in Voorheesville, Joy Galarneau has found more than a career.
Mercy sisters’ grants aid Albany non-profits

The Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community has awarded $400,000 in grants to nearly 40 non-profit organizations in the northeastern United States in areas the sisters serve, including the Albany Diocese.
MOVING TOWARD DIACONATE

FUTURE DEACONS CELEBRATED the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders last weekend in a ceremony held at St. Joseph's Provincial House in Latham. In this rite, candidates offer themselves to God and the Church, an official recognition of a vocation.
Twins from Saint Rose travel to France with Sisters of St. Joseph

In June, the Association of Colleges of the Sisters of St. Joseph (ACSSJ) sponsored its first student pilgrimage to Le Puy, France, the village where the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet were founded.
CAREER CHOICE: PRIESTHOOD

SEMINARIANS HEADING "back to school" are blessed each year during Candidacy and the Rite of Sending as they begin or return to their studies for the priesthood. Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger leads the ceremony at St. Jude the Apostle parish in Wynantskill. (Nate Whitchurch photos)

The Evangelist - The Official Publication of the Diocese of Albany