THE PARISHES

The parish makes a food pantry available to the needy in their area three days a week, and they serve 600 families a month in collaboration with other area parishes.

The parish ministries include a social justice committee, AIDS ministry, an education and family life committee, and a single professional group that includes between 25 and 40 singles who meet for study, service and social interaction on a monthly basis. The parish also has an active bereavement committee that ministers to those who have lost loved ones and family members.

"We have a very welcoming, active parish community at St. Vincent's," said Father O'Brien. "We have been blessed with a combination of excellent staff and very committed parish council members over the years."

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ST. JOHN/ST. ANN'S, ALBANY

In addition, the parish coordinates a program to supply furniture to those who need it, including those setting up households who have come out of addiction recovery programs.

The director of the parish's outreach program, Mary Malcolm, is involved in hospital visitation and visitation of the homebound, and the mayor's South End task force, a group interested in improving Albany's neighborhoods. The parish also has an active evangelization program.

"The people who come to Mass are not necessarily those to whom we minister during the week," said Sister Patricia. "They are people who want to help minister to the needy in this neighborhood. We have many volunteers that give of their time each week to feed and clothe those whose need is the greatest."

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ST. JOHN FRANCIS REGIS, GRAFTON

Every parishioner helps towards maintaining the grounds and building, and keeping the small parish running on a day-to-day basis. Families sign up to perform such tasks as cleaning the church and grounds.

Since there are only two staff members, Sister Kenan and Rev. Kenneth Gregory, the sacramental minister, it is important that everyone pitches in, Sister Kenan said, adding that "St. John's is truly 'the parishioners' church.' They have taken ownership of it and maintain it in every way."

A young mom's program supports mothers of children not yet in school. The community also stages special events, such as the annual Christmas Caroling day when carloads of volunteers visit families, the elderly and shut-ins, bringing holiday cheer. The parish also participates in a large summer Vacation Bible School with Grafton United Methodist Church.

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ST. PIUS X PARISH IN LOUDONVILLE

The parish school has grades from pre-K to 8th. There are 1,900 registered families in the parish. According to Father Farano, the major concentration of parish work is primarily on social justice efforts.

"Our public policy committee meets monthly and follows the directives of the U.S. bishops on pertinent issues, such as welfare, criminal justice, school vouchers and health care. The members study and digest these issues then put them forth for the larger community's awareness."

Among other programs, the parish has a bereavement ministry, religious education program, youth ministry program and adult faith formation committee.

Father Farano is aware of the deep level of community dedication and commitment his parishioners have: "There is a great deal of loyalty on the part of the parishioners. I noticed it as soon as I came. People just seem to 'roll up their sleeves' and get straight to work whenever work needs to be done."

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