Book highlights four in Diocese

* St. Vincent de Paul, Albany: The book applauds St. Vincent's "creative, multiple ministries [and] imaginative use of building spaces."

"The building space attracted us," Mr. Wilkes noted. "They've made things work for them that other churches haven't. They're very creative about it."

* St. John/St. Ann's, Albany: "Serves inner-city neighborhood with hot meal twice weekly at the Welcome Table; furniture program distributes to needy; inclusive community; evangelization program," reads the book excerpt.

Mr. Wilkes spoke approvingly of "the way they've treated the needy in their midst with great dignity. There's a love behind it."

* St. John Francis Regis, Grafton: A "small, rural parish with a large number of young families," the book notes, applauding parishioners' "high involvement, program for young moms, solid religious education, family activities [and] active music ministry."

"Many churches have similar things, but this program for young mothers is great," said Mr. Wilkes. St. John Francis Regis is rural and has many young families, he said, and parish staff "have been missionaries: They've said, `What are the needs out there, and how can we take care of them?'"

* St. Pius X, Loudonville: The book mentions its "strong social justice efforts, bereavement ministry, [involvement] in public policy issues, school [and] strong youth ministry."

The key to choosing St. Pius was "the social justice component," Mr. Wilkes said: The parish doesn't just address poverty within its midst but reaches out to try and change laws and policies.

(KB)

(06-07-01)