Troy parish named for angel readies for 125th anniversary

When parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Troy were invited to write prayers to mark their parish's 125th anniversary, most included lines thanking their church's namesake for watching over them.

"It's pretty clear from the responses we've received so far that many of our parishioners regard St. Michael as their special guardian," said parish council president Cheryl Kawola, who is chairing the parish's anniversary committee. "A lot of the prayers people are making up and submitting thank him for watching over the parish and its congregation for the last 125 years."

A large bronze statue of St. Michael the Archangel that stands outside the church (right) may have provided inspiration for some of the prayer-writers.

Creativity

Wanting to be sure the anniversary would be remembered for its spiritual -- as well as social -- merits, the committee began soliciting original prayers to be shared with fellow parishioners.

"We're hoping to feature one prayer a month in our bulletin and are considering putting out a booklet at the end of the anniversary year containing a collection of all the prayer submissions from our parishioners," Ms. Kawola said.

She also hopes some of the children's reflections on the parish's patron saint may be brought to light once religious education classes resume in the fall. Children will also be visible at the Blessing of the Animals in October as well as at Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, which will tie in with the 125th anniversary theme: "A Spirit of Trust and Love."

Early celebration

"Our parish is somewhat unusual in that we are going to begin celebrating a full year before our anniversary date rolls around in September of 1998," explained Ms. Kawola. "Rather than waiting until next fall, our celebrations will begin with special Masses on the weekend of Sept. 27-28. The final Mass on the 28th will be followed by a parish picnic at the East Greenbush Town Park."

A commemorative logo designed by graphic artist Harry Fleming is already being printed on t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and totebags that will be available for sale at the picnic and throughout the anniversary year.

It is hoped that a banner to be created by parishioner Pat Mangan will also be on display at special anniversary events, which Rev. James Mackey, pastor, is helping to coordinate.

(Anniversary events for 1998 include a golf tournament in May, a trip to Boston in June, a family day at the Great Escape in July, a day at the races in Saratoga Springs in August, and a dinner-dance next September. A highlight will be the arrival of Bishop Howard J. Hubbard to celebrate the 125th anniversary Mass on Sept. 27, 1998.)

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