Albany Catholics aiding jobless

A group of Catholics in Albany and the Conventual Franciscan Friars of Rensselaer have formed Assisi in Albany, a new ministry to serve the unemployed, elderly and homeless.

Rev. Anthony Kall, OFM Conv., administrator of Holy Family parish in Albany, said the group hopes "to continue our Franciscan tradition of providing support where needed."

Deacon Raymond Sullivan, who is based at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, noted one component of the new organization: "a career counseling assistance ministry."

Right spot

The group is beginning to receive clients, primarily referred by the New York State Department of Labor's counseling center, which is located across the street from St. John's Lutheran Church on Central Avenue. That's where Assisi in Albany is based.

Deacon Sullivan said the location is ideal because people can visit the center at the church after they've filed the necessary applications for employment assistance and other services.

Bob Griffin, of Griffin Financial Group in Delmar, is another member of the Assisi in Albany committee. He noted that the collaboration between the Catholic group and the Lutheran parish is encouraging on an ecumenical basis.

"It may be that, through this association, our two groups may have a role to play with future communication among other church groups in the city for fund-raising efforts," he said.

Right time

Deacon Sullivan added, "We believe that the time is right for the Christian laity to come forward and become more involved in the needs of those who would otherwise fall through the cracks.

"We've been able to help one homeless man find a temporary place to live, and given him some suggestions and direction for employment sources. In another case, we've been able to help a recovering alcoholic. We're learning and adapting quickly to what the needs are here in this neighborhood."

Added Mr. Griffin, "We'll be here with our original intent in mind, and that is to provide ministerial support to individuals that live in this area. With our current employment assistance program, we have begun that process."

(For information on Assisi in Albany, call Deacon Sullivan at 391-2675, or Father Kall at 432-0114. Part of Assisi in Albany's vision statement says: "In an atmosphere of hospitality, we wish to extend an invitation to partner with others to take new, creative, imaginative and ground-breaking risks in service of one another.")

(2/16/06) [[In-content Ad]]