Parishes mark anniversaries with multiple events

A 14-karat gold-on-brass ornament has been created by the Charleston Mint to commemorate the 50th anniversary of St. Madeleine Sophie parish in Guilderland.

Founded as a mission in 1939, St. Madeleine Sophie was erected as a parish in 1947 by Bishop Edmund F. Gibbons. The church building has since undergone renovation and expansion to meet the changing needs and growth of its membership, which numbers around 2,000.

The ornament features a miniature replica of the colonial-style white clapboard church and its beautifully landscaped grounds. The keepsakes, which are being sold for $12 each, come with a small certificate that includes a brief history of the parish as well as a notation that reads: "With gratitude to Almighty God for His blessings throughout our history, we celebrate this anniversary at a time of renewed commitment to the love of God and neighbor."

Events galore

Although St. Madeleine Sophie's official anniversary date won't be celebrated until Nov. 23, festivities are already in the works, noted Rev. James Belogi, pastor.

A number of parishioners have been giving their time and talents for months in order to ensure the milestone will be suitably marked. On August 10, for example, a parish-wide picnic will take place at Tawasentha Park.

School children, meanwhile, will be encouraged to become more deeply involved in the anniversary through a poster and essay contest in September. On October 10, a dinner-dance will be hosted by a committee headed by Beth Flatt.

Anniversary Mass

A highlight of the year will be the arrival of Bishop Howard J. Hubbard at the church on Nov. 23 to celebrate the anniversary Mass. A reception organized by Therese and Greg Belardi will follow in the parish hall.

In addition to the commemorative ornament, St. Madeleine Sophie parishioners will have another memento of the anniversary year: a parish directory containing photographs of church members and other relevant information, including a brief history of the parish. A copy will be given to every registered parish family.

Peter DeLuccia, who has been a member of St. Madeleine Sophie for 35 years, said the fact that he "grew up in the church" has proven to be an asset because he was on hand for many of the events that helped to shape the current parish. Even so, researching the parish's early years has proven fascinating.

Like many people, he was intrigued to learn the original church building was originally a dance hall called George's Place. For a time in the 1940s, he noted, St. Madeleine Sophie was a mission church of St. Luke's in Schenectady.

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