RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WEEK IN DIOCESE

June 22-29 will be the observance of Religious Freedom Week across the United States, focusing on supporting religious liberty at home and abroad. The U.S. bishops have two websites, www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek and www.usccb.org/freedom, with resources for observing the week and learning about threats to religious liberty.

In the Albany Diocese, several events will be tied in to Religious Freedom Week:

* At Immaculate Conception parish in Glenville, there will be a religious freedom vigil June 28, 6:30 p.m., on the church lawn, with recitation of the Rosary and fellowship.

* A Catholic Professionals Conference will be offered June 30 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, sponsored by the Albany diocesan Catholic Lawyers and Medical Guilds. The event includes a morning conference on “compassionate care at the end of life,” discussing palliative and hospice care, legal and moral questions raised by end-of-life laws and proposed assisted suicide legislation, and questions to consider regarding medical decision-making and guardianship; and an afternoon mini-retreat on “spiritual healing and compassion.” There will also be adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, confession and Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. General Admission is $25, or $65 for medical and legal professionals. Register at https://albanyclg.eventbrite.com or call Tom Fallati, (518) 944-7457.

* On July 4, a patriotic Rosary for protection of religious liberty in the U.S. will be prayed following 9 a.m. Mass at St. Madeleine Sophie Church. Call (518) 355-5919.