WHEN ST. THOMAS the Apostle parish in Delmar held its first-ever block party last weekend, among the entertainment was the chance to meet some unusual animals-including Shakespeare the "bard" (barred) owl, held by bird rehabilitator Linda Brown. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PARISHIONERS OF ST. VINCENT de Paul parish in Albany participated in an annual service day last weekend, volunteering at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Above, Bill Dollard helps high school senior Erin Levesque weight and label a box for distribution to people in need; learn more in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
"A WORLD AT PRAYER is a world at peace," said the famed "Rosary priest," Rev. Patrick Peyton, CSC. His Family Rosary ministry co-sponsored this year's diocesan Rosary celebration at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany last weekend. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and Deacon Tim Kosto kneel before the Eucharist and pray the Rosary. For more photos and photos of a living Rosary at Mater Christi School in Albany, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
ALL FOUR DIOCESAN HIGH SCHOOLS - Bishop Maginn in Albany, Catholic Central in Troy, Saratoga Central Catholic and, above, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons in Schenectady - held walks simultaneously on Oct. 10 to raise money for their schools. The walk-a-thon has become an annual event; see more photos of ND-BG's "Golden Gallop" walk in The Evangelist's print edition, along with photos of a fundraiser by St. Mary's School in Waterford. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
VIRGINIA PARTLOW, ERIN GALVIN, Gianna Liberatore and Teresa Coppola hang out and DJ the October Bash at St. Edward's parish in Clifton Park, a party by the youth ministry. This week's issue of The Evangelist focuses on Catholic teens; see more photos from the party on page 13. (Nate Whitchurch)
THE CATHEDRAL of the Immaculate Conception in Albany was the site for the Albany Diocese's annual Marriage Jubilee celebration last weekend, honoring couples marking special wedding anniversaries. At left, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger takes the offertory gifts from Conrad and Lorraine DeCuyper; for more photos and a list of couples' anniversaries, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE KICKOFF OF the "Year of Consecrated Life" decreed by Pope Francis, celebrating clergy and religious worldwide, was marked for the Albany Diocese Nov. 20 with a Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Above, Resurrection Sister Mary Lucille Borowski, Daughter of Charity Sister Christine Mura and Presentation Sister Mary Christopher Allie prepare the altar at the liturgy; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ABOVE, THE CANADIAN PACIFIC Holiday Train pulls into the village of Delanson, where Knights of Columbus and other volunteers from Our Lady of Fatima parish wait to give out hot chocolate to the crowd. The holiday trains are an annual fundraiser for North American food banks; see more photos and information in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DAVID DONATO IS anointed with holy oil by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger during confirmation ceremonies at Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock. Thirteen people were confirmed there last week; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JONATHAN SZOZDA AS Joseph and Rachael McOmber as Mary await the coming of Jesus during a dress rehearsal for the Christmas pageant at St. Michael's parish in Cohoes. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
During a dress rehearsal for the Christmas pageant at St. Michael's parish in Cohoes, little angels Ayla, Kinley and Kelsey wait for their turn to take the stage.(Nate Whitchurch photos)
St. Mary's parish in Granville just held its first-ever bilingual Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and celebration. Above, Rev. Joseph Arockiasamy, pastor, poses with the families; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DEACON FREDERICK "RICK" LESSER hugs his children, Taryn Schmidt Lesser, Evan Schmidt Lesser and Craig Schmidt Lesser, during the sign of peace at his ordination ceremony to the transitional diaconate last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. A widower, Deacon Lesser will be ordained a priest in June. See more photos in our special section on vocations in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE TIMING TURNED OUT to be apt, said Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, for an interfaith prayer service for peace that had been scheduled for Jan. 13 at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The service was held just days after three days of attacks by extremists in Paris shocked the world, beginning with the massacre of a dozen staff of the satirical weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo, which had published caricatures of the prophet Muhammad.Representatives of the Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim faiths participated in the service at the cathedral and read from the sacred texts of each faith. Above, dancers from the Albany Hindu Temple perform: (front row) Praaghya Meyyan, (back row) Sreehitha Manga, Rishita Nagothi, Shruti Kamat and Raji Ramasamy. (NATE WHITCHURCH PHOTO)
THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Mass was celebrated Jan. 25 at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, welcoming students from across the Albany Diocese and presenting awards for service to Catholic educators. Here, Stacy Marando and daughters Antonella and Alessandra represent All Saints Catholic Academy, Albany, in the procession; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE HEADLINE ABOVE is Vietnamese for "Happy New Year." The Vietnamese Apostolate of the Albany Diocese celebrated Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, with a special Mass and reception last weekend at Sacred Heart parish in Albany. Here, Cien Vu and Son Ho light incense before the procession. See more photos and information in The Evangelist's print edition.
TERRI BURDICK CHECKS her tickets for the 50/50 raffle during a Mardi Gras festival at Immaculate Conception parish in Hoosick Falls. Mardi Gras, also known as "Fat Tuesday" or Shrove Tuesday, is celebrated just before Lent begins. New Orleans is most famous for its Mardi Gras celebration, but many parishes around the Albany Diocese hold their own parties each year as Ash Wednesday approaches. See more photos from Hoosick Falls in The Evangelist's print edition.
CANDIDATES AND CATECHUMENS gather around Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger as he declares them members of the elect during the Rite of Election at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The ceremony recognizes people's intention to join the Catholic Church. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MORGAN LOW, BLAINE KEEBERN AND ALEXIS MILLER from the Boland School dance down the aisle of St. Augustine's Church in Troy during the procession at a special St. Patrick's Day Mass. The liturgy celebrated Irish heritage with pipes, hymns and more; see The Evangelist's print edition for more photos.
THE TELEVISED EASTER MASS celebrated by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, which will air Easter morning on stations across the Albany Diocese, was taped last week at Sacred Heart parish in Troy. Above, students from Sacred Heart School meet the Bishop afterward; for airtimes for the Mass, see the homepage. For more photos of the Mass, see The Evangelist's print edition.(Nate Whitchurch photo)
ECUMENICAL "CROSS WALKS" have become popular on Good Friday -- including this one, which began at Sacred Heart parish in Castleton and included four area churches. Above, Rev. Dirk Gieser of Emmanuel Reformed Church and his sons lead the walkers with the cross; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A TALENT SHOW hosted by Holy Spirit parish in Gloversville last weekend brought out the artistic side of adults and children alike. Above, assistant Scout Huckans shows magician Preston Gillis that the flowerpot he magically emptied really has nothing inside it; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
RETIRED ALBANY POLICE OFFICER Steven Stella plays "Taps" at a memorial Mass for police officers from across New York State who lost their lives in the line of duty. The liturgy was offered May 5 at St. Mary's parish in Albany. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER delivers his homily as diaconate candidates Brian Kelly, Frank Garceau, Patrick Rice and Stephen Matthews listen. The four new deacons were ordained last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; to see more, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
FIRST SERGEANT PAUL PETERS inspects the cadets' uniforms before commencement at LaSalle Institute in Troy begins to make sure all is in order. For more photos of the class of 2015, see The Evangelist's June 4 Graduation Issue. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SISTER ROSEMARY CUNEO, CR, director of the diocesan Vocations Awareness Council, addresses runners at the annual Run 4 Vocations, held on Memorial Day at The Crossings Park in Colonie. The run is an effort to "raise prayers" for local vocations to religious life. See more photos in the vocations section in The Evangelist's June 11 issue. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE GRADUATING CLASS of 2015 at Bishop Maginn High School in Albany was the last to graduate from the school's current site, as it moves to a new location for the next school year. Above, Britney Wallace shakes Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger's hand; see more photos in The Evangelist's June 18 print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
NEWLY-ORDAINED REV. FREDERICK LESSER embraces his children, Taryn, Evan and Craig, after receiving his stole and chasuble during his ordination to the priesthood June 20 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A "ZEPPOLE" SIGN noting that Italian fried dough will be for sale afterward sneaks into a photo of an outdoor Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and priests from Schenectady parishes during the annual festa at St. Anthony's parish in Schenectady. See more scenes from the festa in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS from around the Albany Diocese just spent five days at Pyramid Life Center in Paradox for Breakaway and the Christian Leadership Institute, retreat experiences for the two respective age groups that feature service, prayer and outdoor activities. Above, Rev. Joseph Busch delivers a homily during a liturgy for youth and their families; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER uses a giant squirt gun to bless teens from all over the Albany Diocese attending the annual St. Isaac Jogues Youth Conference, a week of talks on faith, music activities, held this year at St. Ambrose parish in Latham. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition (to subscribe, call 518-453-6688). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A RAMADAN DINNER was held last week at Mater Christi parish in Albany to give Catholics and the chance to learn about their Muslim neighbors. Guests from the Turkish Cultural Center in Menands shared the meal with Mater Christi parishioners; above, Mustafa Balcioglu helps serve food. Learn more in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AS SEMINARIANS PREPARE to start another year of formation for the priesthood, the Albany Diocese each year holds the rite of candidacy, a ceremony marking the Church's public acceptance of their candidacy for the priesthood. This year, Holy Trinity parish in Cohoes hosted the gathering. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger blesses the seminarians for the coming year; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. Call 518-453-6688 to subscribe. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AS SEMINARIANS PREPARE to start another year of formation for the priesthood, the Albany Diocese each year holds the rite of candidacy, a ceremony marking the Church's public acceptance of their candidacy for the priesthood. This year, Holy Trinity parish in Cohoes hosted the gathering. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger blesses the seminarians for the coming year; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SEMINARIAN SAMUEL BELLAFIORE sings the "Ave Maria" as Rev. Rendell Torres plays the cello during a "concert for vocations" last week at St. Edward's parish in Clifton Park. The evening included a holy hour of prayer for vocations to the priesthood, plus musical performances by men in religious life and discerning a vocation. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BLESS YOU, PRINCIPALS
SEVENTH-GRADER MADISON PETRIE does the limbo during a Halloween dance at Holy Family parish in Little Falls. The event was sponsored by the parish youth ministry; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE "MEGA-BOWL" is an annual faculty-vs.-seniors volleyball game at Saratoga Central Catholic High School that brings out the competitive spirit in the school community, all in good fun. Above, teacher Lauren Barnes sets up the ball; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IT'S BEEN 20 YEARS since Warren County's "Northern Points Cluster" was formed from parishes in Chestertown, Hague and North Creek. Last weekend, St. Isaac Jogues in Chestertown/Hague (formerly St. John the Baptist and Blessed Sacrament) and St. James in North Creek celebrated their linkage with a special Mass. Above, leaving St. Isaac Jogues during the recessional are altar server Nick Watson; former pastors Rev. George Fleming (now pastor of St. James parish in Chatham, St. Joseph's in Stuyvesant Falls/Stottville and St. John the Baptist parish in Valatie) and Joseph O'Brien (now pastor of Holy Spirit in East Greenbush); Rev. Daniel Nelson, OFM, a psychology professor from Siena College in Loudonville who helps out with Masses for the cluster, and current pastor Rev. John O'Kane; Deacons Robert Wubbenhorst and Joseph Tyrrell of Bolton Landing; and Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard. See more photos of the Mass in The Evangelist's print edition. (Tom Killips photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER GREETS students after a Mass for the high schools of the Albany Diocese last week at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Before the liturgy, the Bishop blessed the new site of Bishop Maginn High School, nearby in the former Cathedral Academy building. For more photos of the liturgy, see The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH in Greenfield Center, right, marked its 75th anniversary as an independent parish with an "historic picnic" last weekend. Above, four-year-old Reina Fortman polishes off a cupcake; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DEACON MIGUEL FABIAN PRAYS the Rosary during the Albany Diocese's annual Rosary Celebration at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. This year's celebration, with Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard as the presider, included the luminous mysteries of the Rosary prayed in Spanish. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition; to subscribe, call 518-453-6688. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. MICHAEL'S PARISH in Cohoes hosted a Rosary rally last weekend for parishioners from Holy Trinity and St. Michael's Churches in Cohoes, St. Mary's in Waterford and St. Augustine's in Troy. Above, Dick LaRose and Jack Flood of St. Augustine's hold a banner; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CASTLETON CELEBRATES WORLD YOUTH DAY...and you can go to WYD 2016 with Bishop Scharfenberger! bove, junior Ethan Samariva does the first reading at a World Youth Day celebration at Sacred Heart parish in Castleton. See more photos of that event in The Evangelist's print edition. Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger has invited young people from the Albany Diocese to join him on a diocesan trip to next year's World Youth Day: July 24-Aug. 2, 2016, in Krakow, Poland. The trip includes stops in Wadowice, where St. John Paul II was born; the site of the former Auschwitz concentration camp; and the Jasna Gora monastery where the famous Black Madonna is kept. The trip costs $3,345; learn more by calling Faith Journeys at 1-877-732-4845, ext. 200, and see more details on the diocesan website, www.rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
HOLY CROSS PARISH in Morris hosted an ecumenical Thanksgiving service last weekend with members of other local churches. Above, the children's choir sings; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A CROSS THAT ONCE graced St. Alphonsus Church in Glens Falls, which closed in 2010, has been moved to St. Alphonsus Cemetery. At a ceremony last weekend, Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard blessed and dedicated the cross in its new home. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition (to subscribe, call 518-453-6688). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AT AN ADVENT GATHERING at Christ the King parish in Westmere, Albany, Tim and Meghan Esmay make Advent wreaths with their children, Timothy and Grace; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688.)
Angels Savanah Prendergast, Lilly Heggner, Linda Rea and Elise Laurange sit patiently before the Nativity play starts at St. Michael's parish in Troy. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
FRANCIS VIVACQUA lays prostrate before the altar at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, a sign of his humble submission to God's will, during his ordination as a transitional deacon for the Albany Diocese. He will continue with studies for the priesthood. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SOPHIA GOSS TRIES to stack dice on a popsicle stick held in her mouth during a "New Year's one-minute challenge" at a youth night sponsored by Immaculate Conception parish in Glenville. See more of the teens rise to fun challenges in photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688. (Nate Whitchurch photo
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ends Feb. 6; last weekend's activities for the national celebration of Catholic education included a Mass at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the kickoff of the annual diocesan art show of works by students. Above, Sofia Spera, Luke and Madeline Estep and Katherine Barkanian of St. Ambrose School in Latham process into the cathedral; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BROOKE THOMAS HELPS Kendall Sullivan put on a temporary tattoo during a Mardi Gras celebration at Notre Dame-Visitation parish in Schuylerville. The traditional party before Lent began also included games, food, crafts and a lesson on Lent; see The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JENNIFER GONZALEZ OF St. Joseph's parish in Greenwich signs the Book of the Elect during the Rite of Election last weekend at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, signifying her intention to become a Catholic. Learn more about the ceremony and see photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DURING a presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross at St. Joseph's parish Greenwich, Mary (Danielle Boyea) holds Jesus (Nicholas Marci) after the crucifixion. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
TWO YEARS AFTER a fire devastated St. Anthony's parish in Schenectady, the church has been renovated and reopened. Above, Brother Ron McCloskey assists Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger in the blessing of the baptismal font during a rededication Mass last weekend; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE came to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany on the feast of the Annunciation to consecrate themselves to Mary; many more participated at their own parishes. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger delivers his homily at the cathedral; learn more about Marian consecration in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
EVERYONE HAS A VOCATION in life, notes Rev. Anthony Ligato, diocesan vicar for vocations - so a Vocations Summit was held last weekend at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville to teach parishes how to promote vocations of all kinds. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and priests process into the Coliseum for Mass. See more photos and a related story in The Evangelist's print edition; to subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
LOCAL AND STATE POLICE OFFICERS process into St. Mary's Church in Albany for the annual police memorial Mass to honor members of law enforcement agencies across New York State who died during the past year. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BETWEEN MARCH AND MAY, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard have presided over 29 confirmation ceremonies across the Albany Diocese. "Confirmation season" came to a close last weekend; the next-to-last confirmation on the schedule was at St. John the Baptist parish in Greenville for young people from four parishes in Greene County. Above, William Creter of St. John's is greeted by the Bishop; see more photos from Albany, Cairo, Glens Falls, Haines Falls, Little Falls, Gloversville, Greenville, Palenville, Johnstown, Valatie and Windham in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CATHOLIC ADVOCATES, INCLUDING Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, Catholic Charities employees and others, joined a march for farmworker justice that began on Long Island in May and ended at the State Capitol in Albany June 1. New York farmworkers were asking for collective bargaining, overtime pay, a day of rest, bathrooms, clean water in the fields and more. Here, the Bishop speaks to the crowd. The march supported the Farmworkers' Fair Labor Practices Act; learn more at www.ruralmigrantministry.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
A VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at St. Mary's parish in Coxsackie last week gave kids ages three to 12 the chance to find their inner cowboys and cowgirls, with teens pitching in as guides. The theme was "Son Barnyard Roundup."<br> Here, seven-year-old Reaghan Hellen kicks a ball and Libby Hellen plays a game of Memory with four-year-old Mercy Besenfelder. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, contact Ann Egan, 518-453-6688 or ann.egan@rcda.org.)
PARISHIONERS LINE UP to take chili samples to rate during last weekend's chili cookoff at Our Lady of Hope parish in Fort Plain. Check out the chili in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. PIUS X PARISH in Loudonville held its "first annual" service day last weekend, focused on the works of mercy during this Year of Mercy. Above, Eric Hausamann tills the garden at the Sister Maureen Joyce Garden of Feed'n in Albany; Jonah Hymes decotares a baby onesie, illustrating the "clothe the naked" Corporal Work of Mercy; and Greg Aidala and Abreham Myers clear vines from the fence at the Sister Maureen Joyce Garden. See more adults and youth at work in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
CATHOLIC CHARITIES CALLS its senior meal sites "The Friendship Cafe." Last week, eighth-graders from St. Thomas the Apostle School in Delmar spent some time at two Schenectady-area sites, serving lunch and chatting with patrons. Above, Nicole Quinn brings a meal to Gloria Borggreen; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DANI SEABOLT (CENTER) KNEELS and prays as Jesus (played by Chris Sevinsky) holds back her bullies and bad influences during a skit at the St. Isaac Jogues Youth Conference, held July 16-18 at St. Ambrose parish in Latham. The annual conference welcomes hundreds of teens for Masses, workshops, speakers, games and other faith-boosting activities. See The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.)(
REV. RENDELL TORRES, BRYAN BROOKS and Dustin Blanchard check their GPS maps during a hike for young adults from Our Lady of Hope parish in Whitehall and St. Ann's in Fort Ann. The hike provided time for exercise, prayer and socializing; check out more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ROWAN BROWN (CENTER) ENTERTAINS his friends by grinning around an apple slice during snacktime at the vacation Bible school at St. Michael the Archangel parish in South Glens Falls. For more photos of the fun for kindergarten-through-fourth-grade kids, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AT A COMMISSING CEREMONY for Catholic school leaders in the Albany Diocese, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and Amanda Goyer, new assistant principal at St Mary's Academy in Hoosick Falls, lead a prayer for the new educators. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A WELCOME PICNIC at Christ Sun of Justice parish in Troy, located on the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, begins with Mass and ends with a life-sized game of Monopoly. Above, RPI sophomore Nicholas Runyan serves as a eucharistic minister; for photos of the Mass and Monopoly game, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IT'S THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY of Blessed Sacrament parish in Mohawk. Last weekend, parishioners gathered for a special Mass and banquet. Above, Rev. Mark Cunningham, sacramental minister, is joined by Revs. Terence Healy, Leo Potvin, Qui Vo and Christopher Welch during the Liturgy of the Eucharist; for more anniversary photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE GUTCH FAMILY WALKS through the holy door at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany before it is closed as the Year of Mercy concludes. Last weekend, the Albany Diocese marked not just the end of the jubilee year, but a Diocese-wide consecration to the Divine Mercy and the 164th anniversary the dedication of the cathedral. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ADVENT BEGINS NOV. 27. St. Lucy/St. Bernadette parish in Altamont got a jump on the season by having parishioners make Advent wreaths and other crafts. Here, brothers Dan and Andrew Vandeusen make a wreath; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
LAST WEEK, BISHOP Edward B. Scharfenberger accepted an invitation to celebrate a Mass in the Extraordinary Form (in Latin) at St. Joseph's parish in Troy, Above, Ernie Luther lights the candles before the liturgy begins; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
'And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we saw His glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth....' -- John 1:14 GOOD DAD: Tyler Winchell, portraying Joseph, shares a tender moment with seven-month-old Elliot Sutherland as the baby Jesus while Mary (Anne Offsay) beams during a live Nativity at St. Ann's parish in Fort Ann. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DRUMMER BOYS AND GIRLS took center stage last weekend at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Watervliet when parishioner and conductor Richard Albagli brought in the Empire State Youth Orchestra's youth and repertory percussion ensemble. The teens gave a concert after Mass and a Christmas party. Above, Justus Demarest plays a drum; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK in the Albany Diocese is being celebrated this week with activities at all the schools, including a special Mass last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. At right, Chloe and Renee Pascoe and principal Michael Kosar process with a banner celebrating their school, Holy Spirit in East Greenbush. See more photos on the back page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE VIETNAMESE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY at Sacred Heart parish in Albany celebrated Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, with a special Mass and meal last weekend. Here, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger celebrates the Liturgy of the Eucharist, assisted by Rev. Linh Hoang, OFM, of Siena College in Loudonville; Deacon Walter Ayres of the diocesan Commission on Peace and Justice; Vincentian Revs. Joseph Linh Nguyen and Dominick Thach Vu, CM; Rev. Peter Bao Nguyen, SJ; and Rev. Quy Vo, pastor of Ss. Anthony and Joseph parish in Herkimer and St. John the Baptist in Newport. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
LUKE CRISAFULLI BUTTERS PHYLLO DOUGH as chefs Tim Cummings and Freddy Jimenez supervise during a cooking class for young adults at St. Pius X parish in Loudonville. For more photos of the "chefs in training," see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MARCH 1 WAS Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent. Here, three-year-old Sebastian Herlihy enjoys dessert during a Mardi Gras party at St. Mary's/St Paul's parish in Hudson Falls before Lent. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS were invited to Siena College in Loudonville last weekend for a "Deanery Youth Lenten experience," getting the chance to meet students, attend Mass and learn about the faith. Above, Siena chaplain Rev. Larry Anderson, OFM, holds hands with students while praying; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EMERITUS HOWARD J. HUBBARD reached a milestone recently: his 40th anniversary as a bishop. The jubilee of his episcopal ordination was marked with a Mass with priests of the Albany Diocese at St. Pius X parish in Loudonville. Above, Bishop Emeritus Hubbard at the consecration with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and fellow priests. See story on homepage. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE ANNUAL CHRISM MASS at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany is the liturgy at which sacred oils are blessed for use in sacraments all year in the Albany Diocese. Sacred chrism is used at baptisms, ordinations, to anoint new Catholics and for the sacrament of anointing of the sick. The Mass was celebrated April 6 by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. Here, Bishop Scharfenberger breathes over an urn filled with oil to symbolize the infusion of the Holy Spirit. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (NATE WHITCHURCH PHOTO)
SISTERS JENNA AND LILY ALTIERI hold hands in the parade of children that kicked off an Easter egg hunt at Sacred Heart parish in Castleton last weekend, part of Easter activities that took place all over the Albany Diocese. For more photos of the joyful children, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A SPLASH OF COLOR seems appropriate for spring, and the parishes of the Albany Diocese are reveling in it. A multicultural "Spring Fling" Easter celebration for St. Joseph's parish in Broadalbin and St. Francis of Assisi in Northville is the impetus for Rev. Jun Segura, pastor, and Lorena Diana to perform a traditional Mexican dance. For more photos of both events, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
A SPLASH OF COLOR seems appropriate for spring, and the parishes of the Albany Diocese are reveling in it. Here, a colorful Erin Quigley does the second reading during a teen Mass at Holy Spirit parish in Gloversville. For more photos of parish events, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
ST. MARY'S PARISH IN GRANVILLE had a dual celebration last weekend: Young people from that parish and from St. Ann's in Fort Ann and Our Lady of Hope in Whitehall were confirmed, and Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger helped to rededicate the church after major renovations. Above, the Bishop confirms Breanna Bressette from St. Ann's; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
NEW MEMBERS WAIT to be installed in the Ladies of Charity during a Mass for the organization's 400th anniversary, held last weekend at St. Pius X parish in Loudonville. See The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MICHAEL ALABASTRO PRAYS with his sons, Matthew and Paul, before a statue of Our Lady of Fatima during a celebration of the 100th anniversary of apparitions of Mary in Fatima, Portugal. The diocesan event was held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, with processions, Masses and prayers. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
ORDAINED LAST WEEKEND at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany were four new deacons for the Albany Diocese: from left, director of diaconate formation Deacon Frank Berning, new Deacons Anthony Cortese and Zachariah Chichester, Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, new Deacons Andrew Haskins and Gary Miles, and Rev. Anthony Ligato, diocesan vicar for vocations. Read about the new deacons on the homepage. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SAM BEROWSKI, A SECOND-GRADER at St. Francis de Sales School in Herkimer, leads a song during a children's Mass at St. Francis parish attended by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, who was visiting the school. Also listening to the reading is Rev. Mark Cunningham, pastor. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.(Nate Whitchurch photo)
PRAYERS FOR A "culture of life" are offered during the annual Rosary Walk for life last week, a procession around the State Capitol in Albany led by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. Legislation being debated in New York State includes abortion expansion, physician-assisted suicide and more. Read more in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE NEWEST PRIEST of the Diocese of Albany, Rev. John Henry Cronin III, was ordained last weekend at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Above, a beaming Father Cronin processes out of the cathedral. Read his biography at www.evangelist.org and see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA SCHOOL in Schenectady just dedicated its new Early Childhood Education Center, a renovated convent that will serve nursery and pre-kindergarten students. Above, nursery school classes watch the dedication ceremony; see more photos and pictures of a dedication at St. Thomas parish in Cherry Valley in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE THEME OF a vacation Bible school in Schenectady helped kids explore the true meaning of Christmas-and enjoy fun activities in the process, like the hokey pokey dance led by Sister Laurie-Marie Parisi, CR. For more photos and a related "Christmas in July" story, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, email ann.egan@rcda.org or call 518-453-6688. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE GRAFTON SUMMER FESTIVAL brings out area residents every year to show their hometown pride. That includes Catholics from of Our Lady of the Snow Church in Grafton, a mission of Our Lady of Victory parish in Troy, as well as OLV parishioners. Above, the band Hawaii Five-O!, comprised of OLS youth, takes the stage at the festival: Tom Eaton on trumpet, Oz McClamrock on saxophone, Moses Torres on bass, Atticus Trayford on drums and Richard Sitterly on guitar. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE SS MARIA ADDOLORATA SOCIETY at Our Lady Queen of Apostles parish in Frankfort, a rosary group created to honor Mary, just celebrated its 100th anniversary with a full day of events, including a Mass, concert and barbecue. Above, Frankfort native Rev. Francis Vivacqua, parochial vicar at St. Mary's parish in Ballston Spa, chats with members of the society. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JUDE AGNEW cuts out pictures of fruit -- specifically, the fruits of performing the corporal works of mercy -- during a vacation Bible school at St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam. See more photos of the summertime activity and other local events in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AT SACRED HEART parish in Sidney, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and Rev. Bernard Osei Ampong, pastor, celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Bishop was visiting to consecrate two new altars at the Delaware County parish. Learn more in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE OPENING MASS for diocesan high schools to start the school year was celebrated at Catholic Central High School in Troy last week. Here, Rev. Robert Longobucco, diocesan vicar for Catholic faith formation and education and pastor of St. Kateri Tekakwitha parish in Schenectady, welcomes the students at the begining of the liturgy. For more photos, see the home page and The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER led last weekend's diocesan Marriage Jubilee celebration at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany for couples noting special wedding anniversaries. Here, ostess Nadine Cunningham pins a corsage to Rose Burke of St. Pius X parish in Loudonville, married 60 years to Thomas Burke. For more on the topic of marriage, see the home page and The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
PARISH RESPECT LIFE REPRESENTATIVES are commissioned by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger during the diocesan Respect Life Mass last weekend at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. The Mass also honored Mary during October, which is the month of the Rosary as well as Respect Life Month. For more photos, see the home page and The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IT'S A BANNER YEAR for St. Clement's parish in Saratoga Springs: The parish is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Last week, there was a special centennial Mass and reception. Above, Rev. Paul Borowski, CSsR, former pastor, and Deacon Lawrence Willette are joined by Revs. Robert Harrison and Arthur Tuttle, CSsR, parochical vicars; and Revs. Francis Sullivan, Joseph Tizio and current pastor George Blasick, CSsR, during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. See more photos on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
STUDENTS IN BUSINESS CLASSES at LaSalle Institute in Troy just had their annual bowl-a-thon fundraiser to support the school's business program. Students are raising money to buy a 3D printer for the business department, for other needs and for a trip to Disney in March. At right, senior Jon McClement concentrates as he bowls a frame at Uncle Sam Lanes in Troy. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, contact 518-453-6688 or ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY parish in Watervliet brought attention to the abuse, trafficking and abandonment of children in the United States with a candlelight prayer vigil in front of the Watervliet Price Chopper. Pictured are parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary holding signs and praying during the vigil. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. The Church supports the WePROTECT Global Alliance against online child sexual abuse and exploitation; learn more at www.weprotect.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CHRISTINA CUTI PUTS CANDLES in her Advent wreath after assembling it during an event at Sacred Heart parish in Cairo. The Advent wreath, with its three purple candles and one pink candle, symbolizes the coming of Christ, the Light of the World; the evergreen boughs are a symbol of everlasting life. A candle is lit each Sunday of Advent as Christmas nears. See more photos on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ON DEC. 8, THE FEAST of the Immaculate Conception, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger reconsecrated the Albany Diocese to Mary, its patroness, during a Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Here, Rev. David LeFort, vicar general of the Diocese and administrator of the cathedral, assists Bishop Scharfenberger in reciting the "Prayer of Consecration to Merciful Love." See more photos on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition (call 518-453-6688 to subscribe). Learn more about Marian consecration at www.rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
Last weekend, the Rite of Election was held at the <A HREF="http://www.cathedralic.com">Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany</A>, with 84 candidates and 44 catechumens signing the Book of the Elect to symbolize their intention to join the Catholic Church at Easter. Here, Joe Tiffault of St. Paul the Apostle parish in Schenectady adds his name to the Book of the Elect, signifying his intention to join the Catholic Church. Learn more about those becoming Catholic at Easter on the home page and in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
"The angel said to them, 'This will be a sign for you: You will find a child lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest....'" -- Luke 2:10,12-14 A choir of angels sings and Mary and Joseph (Chloe Overbaugh and Aarom Madej) travel by donkey in the nativity play at St. Stanislaus parish in Amsterdam. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
FOR THE YEAR OF MERCY, ninth-graders in faith formation at Christ the King parish in Westmere, Albany, have been learning about the mission and ministry of Jesus - which means they've studied the Corporal Works of Mercy. Recently, they made large boxes that represent buildings depicting the works of mercy, calling the exhibit "the Matthew 25 Village" after the Gospel passage in which Jesus describes the works of mercy. Students conducted tours of the display in the parish's chapel after all Masses last weekend. Here, Abigail Olm talks about "visiting the imprisoned" with Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard, who was filling in as Sunday presider at the parish. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE ALBANY DIOCESE GAINED four more priests last weekend when Revs. Patrick Rice, Francis Vivacqua, Steve Matthews and Brian Kelly were ordained at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. They're pictured here(left to right) listening to Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger's homily; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
REV. ANTHONY LIGATO, diocesan vicar for vocations, calls seminarians Joe Aini, [[Samuel Bellafiore or Kyle Eads]], Zachariah Chichester, Adam Feisthamel and Kyle Gorenski forward to be blessed as they prepare to begin another year of studies for the priesthood for the Albany Diocese. See more photos of the "Rite of Sending," held this year at Mater Christi parish in Albany, in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS MASS at Holy Family parish in Little Falls included a reenactment of the Christmas story by kids from the parish. Here, a choir of elementary school students begins the Mass with a song. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition (call 518-453-6688 to subscribe). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AT A "CONCERT FOR VOCATIONS" promoting the call to religious life in the Albany Diocese, seminarians Nate Resila, Kyle Eads and Sam Bellafiore are joined by Nicholas Ascioti, musical director at St. Jude the Apostle parish in Clifton Park, to lead the crowd in prayer. The concert was held at St. Edward the Confessor parish in Clifton Park; for more photos of talented local men and women in religious life, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER for the Care of Creation, Sept. 1, was an occasion for an interfaith prayer service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Representatives of many local faith communities participated - including, above, Deacon Walter Ayres, director of the diocesan Commission on Peace and Justice, who welcomed those gathered. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH in Hoosick Falls kicked off Advent last weekend with an outdoor Christmas tree lighting, blessing of its Nativity, a brass band and even visits from saints-including, at right, St. Nicholas, posing with Grace Wysocki as St. John the Baptist and Brigid Toleman as St. Lucy. See more scenes from Hoosick Falls in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IN BASKETBALL, IT'S a violation when a player stops dribbling and starts again. In this case, a double dribble is a good thing: Sixth-grader John Sobieski is practicing his dribbling skills during the Golden Knight basketball camp sponsored by Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady. Check out more photos of the summer skills camp in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MAKING SANDWICHES FOR HUNGRY patrons of the City Rescue Mission was just one of the Corporal Works of Mercy completed by youths from Sacred Heart parish in Castleton during a service day last week for the Church's jubilee Year of Mercy. Above, ninth-graders Liam Danaher, Anthony Piazzolla and Mathew Powers get to work; see The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
RELICS OF ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE were available for veneration last weekend at the National St. Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine in Fonda. Relics of the Polish friar, martyred in a World War II concentration camp, are on a tour of the U.S. and Canada overseen by the Conventual Franciscan friars' Our Lady of Angels Province, which includes friars serving in the Albany Diocese. Above, young Kateri Lushia and her mother, Amelia, kiss the relic of St. Maximilian; see more photos and information in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE ALBANY DIOCESE HELD its first-ever Summit on the Family last weekend at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville. A follow-up to the recent Summit on Vocations, it focused on the vocation of family life. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger leads a procession out of the shrine's coliseum with the Blessed Sacrament; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
NEW GRADUATES CELEBRATE after commencement for Catholic Central High School in Troy last weekend. The 77 members of CCHS' class of 2017 have earned $10.5 million in college scholarships and grants. See more photos and commencement coverage in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE ANNUAL father-daughter dance at Immaculate Conception parish in Glenville put dads and daughters on the dance floor last weekend. Above, Ryan Reed plays "freeze dance" with his daughter, Madyson. To see more fathers and daughters stepping out, turn to the home page and The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
SMILING FACES WERE EVERYWHERE during the annual Festa last weekend at Our Lady Queen of Peace parish in Schenectady. Above, Morgan Hall and Arianna Liberatore ride the roller-coaster; at right, Sal Fazzone helps two-year-old Gianni net a duck to win a prize. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
LEFT, OLIVER FALLON IS KNIGHTED by Alan Burke during a "moving-up ceremony" for new Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, held last weekend at St. Augustine's parish in Troy. The induction ceremony for 44 candidates from nine regional assemblies was hosted by the Father Van Rensselaer Assembly No. 702. Below, knights and their wives stand for prayer, for more photos, see page 3. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
A LADIES' ADVENT TEA last weekend at Our Lady of the Valley parish in Middleburgh was a social event that drew many women of the parish. Here, Nora Dougherty pours some tea for Jan Dano; for more photos of the unusual Advent celebration, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DURING THE RITE OF ELECTION last weekend at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger congratulates those announcing their intention to join the Catholic Church. For more on the annual ceremony, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PARISHES ALL OVER the Albany Diocese have been celebrating "Scout Sunday," a day to recognize the Boy and Girl Scout troops sponsored by local churches. Scouts participate in Masses as greeters, lectors and more. Above, at Our Lady of the Assumption parish in Latham, weekend assistant Rev. James Daley greets scouts and other children before they leave for faith formation. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AS CATHOLIC CHARITIES celebrates 100 years of service in the Albany Diocese this year, a centennial liturgy was held June 4 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Here, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard present Sister Mary Ann LoGuidice, RSM, retired executive director of Catholic Charities' Community Maternity Services, with an award honoring the late Sister Maureen Joyce, RSM, who was CEO of Catholic Charities for 20 years until her death in 2010. Read more about the centennial and see photos of the Mass in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
RESPECT LIFE MONTH is coming in October. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger gives a reflection during an annual memorial service for aborted children at Albany Rural Cemetery. For more photos and coverage of life issues, see the homepage and The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CATHOLICS ACROSS THE Albany Diocese have been working to entrust themselves completely to Christ’s merciful love and enable the Holy Spirit to perform works of mercy through them. The process culminated in last weekend's annual Divine Mercy consecration, celebrated by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. At left, the Bishop speaks with the Alabastro family of Corpus Christi parish in Round Lake at the Mass. See more on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF St. Mary's parish in Crescent was marked last weekend with a joyful anniversary Mass. Here, Rev. Joseph Cebula, pastor, delivers the homily as Deacon Andrew Grebe and Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger listen. See more on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
TO PROMOTE A "culture of life," Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger leads Catholics of the Albany Diocese each year on a Rosary Walk for Life in Albany, processing near the State Capitol while praying the Rosary. Above, participants pray in front of the New York State Museum. See more on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER poses for photos with newly-confirmed Catholics outside of Holy Trinity parish in Hudson. The Bishop confirmed 91 people from all the parishes of Columbia County, including nine from the Spanish community. See more on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A "CARDBOARD CITY" takes shape near Sacred Heart parish in Troy as teens prepare to spend a night on the street to show solidarity with homeless families in the city. Above, ninth-grader Erin Pendergast tapes together her cardboard shack; see more photos on the home page and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
FOUR NEW DEACONS were ordained last weekend at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. Here, newly-ordained Deacon Douglas Erickson kneels before Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and is presented with the Book of the Gospels. See more on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE CATHEDRAL OF the Immaculate Conception in Albany celebrates the feast of Corpus Christi, the body and blood of Christ, with a Mass and procession. Above, Rev. David LeFort, rector of the cathedral and vicar general of the Albany Diocese, carries the consecrated Eucharist during the procession; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SARATOGA CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL graduates celebrate after commencement last weekend, held at St. Clement's Church in Saratoga Springs. Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard officiated as 36 seniors received their diplomas. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
REV. ZACHARIAH CHICHESTER is the newest priest of the Albany Diocese, ordained last weekend by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Here, the Bishop places the offertory gifts in Father Chichester's hands as a sign of his duty to preside at the celebration of the Eucharist. See more photos and coverage of vocations on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
HUNDREDS OF HISPANIC CATHOLIC leaders from across New York State gathered in Albany last weekend for the Regional V Encuentro, discussing how the Church in America can best serve the needs of the Hispanic/Latino faithful. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger celebrates the opening Mass. Read a full story on the homepage. (Emily Benson photo) 6/28/18
ON JUNE 16, REV. ZACHARIAH CHICHESTER was ordained a priest of the Albany Diocese by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. In a remarkable coincidence, on June 2, Rev. Jeff Chichester — pictured above — was ordained a priest of the Rochester Diocese by Bishop Salvatore Matano. The two new priests even bear a resemblance to one another, although they don't seem to be related. Father Jeff Chichester is a native of St. Luke the Evangelist parish in Livingston County, while Father Zachariah Chichester hails from Columbia County. Read about the Albany Diocese's Father Chichester at www.evangelist.org and about Rochester's Father Chichester at www.catholiccourier.com. (Catholic Courier photo/Jeff Witherow) 7/5/18
SPEAKER MEGAN MASTROIANNI and teens from across the Albany Diocese join keynote speaker Jamie Cleaton in prayer during the St. Isaac Jogues Youth Conference, held last weekend at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville. The conference teaches teens in high school how to have a better relationship with God in everyday life. See more photos on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PEOPLE WHO EXERCISE know that it helps their fitness level to periodically change up their workouts, trying different exercises. St. Edward the Confessor parish in Clifton Park just followed this principle when in comes to the faith of children, offering a summer "Cross Training Camp" with activities, Bible stories and music. At left, Gianna Benson and Lilly Iacovetti dance; for more photos of the fun, see the homepage and The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SEMINARIANS HEADING "back to school" are blessed each year during Candidacy and the Rite of Sending as they begin or return to their studies for the priesthood. Here, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger speaks to the group; see more photos of the ceremony at St. Jude the Apostle parish in Wynantskill, plus other vocations news, on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THREE-YEAR-OLD CHARLOTTE HUHNICUTT delights in feeding a goat at the parish festival at St. Mary's in Glens Falls as her father looks on. See more photos of the fun on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, contact 518-453-6688 or ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BEFORE A CROWD OF 3,000 CATHOLICS, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger delivers his homily during the historic Hearts Aflame Eucharistic Congress at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville. See more on the homepage or in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MAISY THE IRISH WOLFHOUND looks wary as Rev. Matthew Wetsel blesses her with holy water and her owners, Veronica and Kevin Quinn, look on. The blessing of pets at Holy Trinity parish in Johnstown was a celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of animals. See more on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JOSEPH AND HELEN O'BRIEN, married 66 years, pose with their son, Rev. Joseph O'Brien, pastor of Blessed Sacrament parish in Albany, during the annual diocesan Marriage Jubilee celebration last weekend at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. For more photos, see the homepage; for a list of couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MOURNERS PRAY after the funeral Mass Oct. 13 at St. Stanislaus parish in Amsterdam for eight of the 20 people killed in a tragic limousine accident in Schoharie Oct. 6. A story and more photos are on the homepage. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
RAY DANSEREAU, COMMISSIONED at the Albany Diocese's annual Respect Life Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany as a respect life representative for Mater Christi parish in Albany, holds two-month-old Catherine as her big brother, Ray Jr., tweaks her nose. See more photos on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
St. Luke’s Church on 1241 State St. in Schenectady was established in 1916 and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. The first Mass was celebrated on July 30, 1916 at 2 p.m. in Tuxedo Hall on State Street. That first Mass had 15 parishionioners; today more than 1,100 families are members. Due to demand, a basement church was constructed and the first Mass was celebrated on Palm Sunday, March 28, 1920. As the community continued to grow, the cornerstone of the present church was dedicated in 1936 by Bishop Edmond F. Gibbons. The current pastor, Rev. Dominic P. Isopo was appointed by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard on Aug. 8, 1994. The culturally rich and diverse parish is home to various ministries, including: The Martha Ministry, the Urban Ministry and the Daily Bread Food Pantry, which is the second-largest food pantry in Schenectady County. Part of the church’s mission statement reads “St. Luke’s parish is a culturally, economically, and socially diverse community of baptized women, men and children, who, inspired by the wisdom of the Gospel and by the tradition of the Catholic Church, are committed to fulfilling the mission and ministry of Jesus.” Source: st.lukesschenectady.org
Members of Cathedral parish in Albany and a youth group from Immaculate Conception parish in Hoosick Falls tried to enjoy a Tri-City Valley Cats baseball game last weekend, but the weather didn't cooperate. The deluge hits Katie Pacuk from St. Mary's parish in Coxsackie, Tom Dynan from Annunciation in Queensbury and Amanda Patten from Immaculate Conception. (Nate Whitchurch photo, 08-04-11)
Parishioners of Christ Sun of Justice parish in Troy joined others at RPI's Chapel and Cultural Center recently to learn the art of making Ukrainian Easter eggs, or "pysanky." Andrea Mileo applies wax to her egg.
Deacon Jerry Christiano, 85, samples his latest tap dance piece. (Angela Cave photo)
TEENS FROM AROUND the Albany Diocese participated in last week's Service Action Learning Team (SALT), doing community service at many sites. At New Day Art, an Albany Catholic Charities program, Noreen Brady of St. Peter's parish in Saratoga Springs pushes Haleem on the swings. For more photos, see our print edition.(Nate Whitchurch photo)
SUSAN HERZOG, A CANDIDATE in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program for those joining the Catholic Church, lights a candle during a seder meal at St. John the Evangelist parish in Schenectady. For more on the traditional ceremony, see our print edition.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CONVERGED on the New York State Capitol last week for a prayer rally in defense of traditional marriage. Here, a color guard escorts priests, legislators and speakers to the rally.
Andrea Manion lifts her daughter, Ruby Bashant, to crown the Blessed Mother at St. Mary's Church in Ballston Spa in May.
St. Mary's/St. Alphonsus School and St. Mary's parish food pantry in Glens Falls were the beneficiaries of the first-ever "Kerry Blue Hustle" 5K race and one-mile kids' fun run in late May. Small runners strut their stuff.
TWO-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL LAPE pauses for a drink during the ceremony at which his father, Stephen, was ordained a deacon for the Albany Diocese. Michael is snuggled in the arms of his mother, Melissa. For more photos of the ordination of three deacons, see our print edition.
PRIESTS lay their hands upon Rev. Jay Atherton, ordained a priest of the Albany Diocese June 11 in a ceremony at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. For more photos, see our print edition.
THERESA LAPOINT GETS A HUG from Rev. Joseph Manerowski for her help during renovations to St. Mary's Church in Glens Falls, which was rededicated last weekend.
A GAMUT OF EXPRESSIONS cover the faces of children at St. Francis of Assisi parish in Northville during a summer carnival. Here, Liz Nealon, Bridget McGill and John Nealon take a spin on a scrambler.
REV. ROBERT DEMARTINIS, pastor of St. Stanislaus parish in Amsterdam, sits on the Vespa scooter he uses to save gas while driving around the city. At 60 miles per gallon, it's also a money-saver - although not an option in bad weather.
COOPER PELLETT EXAMINES a pine cone during a forest walk by kids in the summer enrichment program sponsored by St. Clement's School in Saratoga Springs. For more photos, see our print edition.
AL ABERICO SHARES a cookie offered by granddaughter Addy during a sweet moment at a parish picnic for St. Joseph's in Fort Edward and St. Mary's/St. Paul's in Hudson Falls. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A SPECIAL "TABLE OF THE LORD" televised Mass for the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the U.S. was taped last week at the WXXA-Fox 23 television studio in Guilderland. The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard - shown delivering the homily - will air on Sunday, Sept. 11 (check local listings for times or ad on page 8 of our print edition). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A PRAYER SERVICE commemorating 9/11 gathered Catholics from Herkimer County last Sunday, the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the U.S. Held at Annunciation parish in Ilion, it included Boy Scouts, shown saluting during the National Anthem. For more photos of the Ilion event, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Members of Cathedral parish in Albany and a youth group from Immaculate Conception parish in Hoosick Falls tried to enjoy a Tri-City Valley Cats baseball game last weekend, but the weather didn't cooperate. The deluge hits Katie Pacuk from St. Mary's parish in Coxsackie, Tom Dynan from Annunciation in Queensbury and Amanda Patten from Immaculate Conception. (Nate Whitchurch photo, 08-04-11)
Parishioners of Christ Sun of Justice parish in Troy joined others at RPI's Chapel and Cultural Center recently to learn the art of making Ukrainian Easter eggs, or "pysanky." Andrea Mileo applies wax to her egg.
Deacon Jerry Christiano, 85, samples his latest tap dance piece. (Angela Cave photo)
TEENS FROM AROUND the Albany Diocese participated in last week's Service Action Learning Team (SALT), doing community service at many sites. At New Day Art, an Albany Catholic Charities program, Noreen Brady of St. Peter's parish in Saratoga Springs pushes Haleem on the swings. For more photos, see our print edition.(Nate Whitchurch photo)
SUSAN HERZOG, A CANDIDATE in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program for those joining the Catholic Church, lights a candle during a seder meal at St. John the Evangelist parish in Schenectady. For more on the traditional ceremony, see our print edition.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CONVERGED on the New York State Capitol last week for a prayer rally in defense of traditional marriage. Here, a color guard escorts priests, legislators and speakers to the rally.
Andrea Manion lifts her daughter, Ruby Bashant, to crown the Blessed Mother at St. Mary's Church in Ballston Spa in May.
St. Mary's/St. Alphonsus School and St. Mary's parish food pantry in Glens Falls were the beneficiaries of the first-ever "Kerry Blue Hustle" 5K race and one-mile kids' fun run in late May. Small runners strut their stuff.
TWO-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL LAPE pauses for a drink during the ceremony at which his father, Stephen, was ordained a deacon for the Albany Diocese. Michael is snuggled in the arms of his mother, Melissa. For more photos of the ordination of three deacons, see our print edition.
PRIESTS lay their hands upon Rev. Jay Atherton, ordained a priest of the Albany Diocese June 11 in a ceremony at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. For more photos, see our print edition.
THERESA LAPOINT GETS A HUG from Rev. Joseph Manerowski for her help during renovations to St. Mary's Church in Glens Falls, which was rededicated last weekend.
A GAMUT OF EXPRESSIONS cover the faces of children at St. Francis of Assisi parish in Northville during a summer carnival. Here, Liz Nealon, Bridget McGill and John Nealon take a spin on a scrambler.
REV. ROBERT DEMARTINIS, pastor of St. Stanislaus parish in Amsterdam, sits on the Vespa scooter he uses to save gas while driving around the city. At 60 miles per gallon, it's also a money-saver - although not an option in bad weather.
COOPER PELLETT EXAMINES a pine cone during a forest walk by kids in the summer enrichment program sponsored by St. Clement's School in Saratoga Springs. For more photos, see our print edition.
AL ABERICO SHARES a cookie offered by granddaughter Addy during a sweet moment at a parish picnic for St. Joseph's in Fort Edward and St. Mary's/St. Paul's in Hudson Falls. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A SPECIAL "TABLE OF THE LORD" televised Mass for the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the U.S. was taped last week at the WXXA-Fox 23 television studio in Guilderland. The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard - shown delivering the homily - will air on Sunday, Sept. 11 (check local listings for times or ad on page 8 of our print edition). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A PRAYER SERVICE commemorating 9/11 gathered Catholics from Herkimer County last Sunday, the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the U.S. Held at Annunciation parish in Ilion, it included Boy Scouts, shown saluting during the National Anthem. For more photos of the Ilion event, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE FALL FESTIVAL at St. Gabriel's Church in Rotterdam last weekend was really a last burst of summer for parishioners like seven-year-old Gabriel Calandra pictured attempting the beanbag toss. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SKYLAR THE COLLIE is all ears as owner Elizabeth Mascioli stands by at St. Joseph's parish in Greenwich. Rev. Martin Fisher was blessing animals for the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. See more in our print edition - special Pet Pages. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE "FEAST OF THE Lord of Miracles" (Señor de los Milagros de Nazarenas) was celebrated last weekend at St. Anthony's Church in Schenectady. Above, Jose Mirllones guides men carrying an icon down the aisle of the church; to learn more about this feast, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
COUPLES GATHERED FOR the annual Marriage Jubilee celebration last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, an opportunity to mark wedding anniversaries and renew vows. Jeanne and Jim Carras, married 25 years, participated in the Mass. For our special section on the sacrament, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. MARY'S PARISH in Oneonta sponsored a "pumpkins in the park" fundraiser for the parish food pantry last weekend that featured all kinds of Halloween fun in Wilbur Park - including three-year-old Cahner Brunswick's attempt to bite an apple without using his hands during a game. For more pictures, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ANNIE DYESS OF THE Albany United Methodist Society performs a solo, joined by granddaughter Ariana Meralb, during an annual ecumenical musical celebration sponsored by the Capital Area Council of Churches. The event was held at All Saints Church in Albany; for more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PRINCIPAL JAMES LEVESKAS lets students at St. Ambrose School in Latham feel his freshly-shaved head - a look he got after they met his fundraising challenge for the school. See more photos of this and the "Race for Education" in our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PROUD GRANDFATHER Deacon Earle Flatt watches as his granddaughter, Leah Chatnik, is confirmed by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard at St. Madeleine Sophie parish in Schenectady. For more coverage of young Catholics, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Mark Vandeusen and son Daniel decorate an Advent candle together during St. Lucy/St. Bernadette parish in Altamont's LIGHT faith formation session before Advent.
THE YOUTH MINISTRY at Christ the King parish in Westmere, Albany, sponsored a "day at the North Pole" for children while parents got their Christmas errands done. "Reindeer" Cody Ingraham gives Seamus Kelly a sleigh ride. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SEVEN-MONTH-OLD Charolette Marola - held by her mother, Michelle - was probably the youngest participant at the taping of Bishop Howard J. Hubbard's televised Christmas Mass, celebrated at St. Jude the Apostle parish in Wynantskill. For more photos and airtimes for the Mass, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SACRED HEART PARISH in Stamford held its children's Christmas pageant last weekend. Carolyn Larson as the angel Gabriel tells Mary Wenner, portraying Mary, that she will be the mother of God. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SULLIVAN CROTTY of Christian Brothers Academy in Albany is covered on his way to the basket by Jacob Bishop from Catholic Central High in Troy; the two schools battled it out during a varsity basketball game last weekend. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
LOU ANTHONY, AN ALUMNUS of the class of 1974, waits on the bench with teammates during the alumni hockey game for LaSalle Institute in Troy. See more photos in our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ELLEN FITZGERALD EXAMINES art by students from St. Thomas the Apostle School in Delmar during the annual Catholic Schools Week art exhibit at Empire State Plaza in Albany. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DADS AND DAUGHTERS stepped out during a father/daughter Valentine dance recently at Immaculate Conception parish in Glenville - including, above, Jeff O'Rourke, who took the floor with his girls, seven-year-old Mattingly and five-year-old Allie. For more photos, see our print issue. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DURING A RETREAT for young adults at Pyramid Life Center in Paradox, participants take a stroll in the Adirondack woods. The weekend retreat included prayer, faith-sharing and social and outdoor activities. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
"THE MAJORITY OF participants were kids, teens and young adults who recognize abortion for what it is - the tragic killing of their generation - and they want their government to make the laws just," said Rev. Rendell Torres of Holy Spirit parish in Gloversville, who attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C., with a contigent from the Albany Diocese. Above, David Puglisi, Thomas Buff and Dan Whelly of St. Joseph's/St. Michael's/Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Amsterdam reach the steps of the Supreme Court. For more, see our print edition.
THE RITE OF ELECTION and Rite of Calling Candidates to Continuing Conversion, welcoming people on their journey to become Roman Catholic, were held last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Rodriguez family of St. Helen's/Our Lady of Fatima parishes in Schenectady signs the Book of the Elect. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE SOUP KITCHEN formerly located in the old St. Patrick's School building in Albany was moved last week to the former St. George's Church - and also renamed the Sister Maureen Joyce Center, honoring the late CEO of Catholic Charities of the Albany Diocese. Meals are already being served to as many as 150 people per day. Here, Cory and Eddie Galvin load boxes of food for the move. For more photos and information on the project, see our print issue. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
TASHA MATTISON SHOPS for clothes at The Baby's Place in Warrensburg while her daughter Evony plays. The thrift store is one of the many works of North Country Ministry, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year of helping the needy in the northernmost parts of the Albany Diocese. See more in our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Kevin and Veronica Quinn, parents of seminarian Deacon Daniel Quinn (soon to be ordained a priest), present the oil for sacred chrism and the Bishop blesses the oils (Nate Whitchurch photo).
THE "WOMEN SAYING YES TO GOD" prayer service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany brought women from all over the Albany Diocese together to be recognized for their faith. An honoree receives a rose from Sharon Prescott; for more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
The renovated residence for the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in Menands was rededicated and blessed, with about 65 sisters in attendance. Here, Rev. Thomas McKenna, CM, blesses DePaul House. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. MATTHEW'S PARISH in Voorheesville just celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special Mass. Mary Flansburg processes in with a banner, followed by Bob Prentiss with the Book of the Gospels. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DOZENS OF RUNNERS, walkers and children turned out for the Albany Diocese's annual "Run 4 Vocations" last weekend at The Crossings in Colonie. Instead of dollars, participants asked people to pledge prayers for vocations of all kinds. Here, Sister Rosemary Cuneo, CR, of the diocesan Vocations Team speaks to the runners; for more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
OUR LADY OF VICTORY parish in Troy held a "family fun and ethnic food festival" last weekend, with tasty treats and games. Proceeds will be used to update the faith formation program's audio-visual equipment. Here, 18-month-old Morgan Marriner gets some help from her father, Andy, to pick up ducks in one game. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Cardinal Peter Turkson of the Vatican's Pontifical Council on Justice and Peace shows appreciation to Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany for the Diocese's hosting a Mass of Thanksgiving for Medicus Christi, a local organization that brings medical care to the poor in the cardinal's native Ghana. For more, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Cadets wait to be called to receive their diplomas at commencement ceremonies for LaSalle Institute in Troy. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Priesthood candidates Daniel Quinn and Michael Taylor lie prostrate before the altar at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - a sign of humble submission to God's will - just before they are ordained to the priesthood for the Albany Diocese by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. For more on last weekend's ordination ceremony, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MORE THAN A DOZEN inmates at Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Fort Ann were confirmed last weekend by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. Above, a serious moment with confirmand Brian Nin and his sponsor, Ernesto Ramos. See more photos in our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH in Schenectady marked its 150th anniversary last weekend. For photos of the momentous occasion, see our print edition. (James Rutsky photo)
VOLUNTEERS FROM SCHENECTADY'S Works of Mercy Initiative held a service day recently to help residents of Rotterdam Junction still repairing damage from last summer's Tropical Storms Irene and Lee. Above, Noreen Bonk of St. Gabriel's parish in Rotterdam spreads soil that had been carried into a homeowner's yard by flooding. See more photos in our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at St. Madeleine Sophie parish in Schenectady last week included coloring plates to look like hot air balloons, demonstrated above by Lauren Vottis. See more photos on the back page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MARIAH FOLTAN CHASES her sister, Bianca, through a play area during a game of tag, part of a "kickball in the park" Monday night game series by the youth ministry at St. Thomas parish in Delmar. See the back page for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A MAY CROWNING by Julia Caiola was part of an outdoor Mass celebrating the new S.S. Maria Addolorata Society prayer garden at Our Lady Queen of Apostles parish in Frankfort. For more photos, turn to page 9. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
REV. WILLIAM GORMAN BAPTIZED Elaina Gagnon recently - and had another up-close encounter with the now four-month-old at last weekend's parish picnic for St. John the Baptist parish in Newport. See more picnic photos on page 13. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
KIDS PLAY WITH -- and under -- a parachute during Camp Annunciation, a faith-based day camp sponsored by Annunciation parish in Queensbury. For more photos of the campers and volunteers, see the back page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AT A WELCOME PICNIC to kick off the academic year at Christ Sun of Justice parish in Troy -- based on the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute -- Rev. Edward Kacerguis, pastor, asks students trivia questions. The quiz was part of the picnic's "Olympic challenges;" for more photos, see the back page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
RENEE GERAGHTY LEADS a pack of teammates and opponents down the field in a pee-wee soccer game at Mater Christi parish in Albany. For more photos of the league for three- to six-year-olds, turn to the back page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP HOWARD J. HUBBARD BLESSES the Kateri Meadow Natural Burial Preserve, located at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna, during a dedication ceremony last week. The first Catholic natural burial preserve in New York State, it provides for a Church-accepted burial that is environmentally-friendly. Learn more on page 13. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
READY FOR HER CLOSEUP is Gemma, brought by Caitlyn McClay to a blessing of the animals at St. Joseph's parish in Greenwich. See more photos and news on furry friends in our special "Pet Pages" section, pages 11-13. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
NOELLE RYAN PRAYS the Hail Mary during the diocesan Rosary celebration at Our Lady of Knock Shrine in East Durham last weekend. October is the month dedicated to the Rosary; see more coverage on pages 12-13. (James Rutsky photo)
HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS Thomas and Adele Hutton of St. Clare's parish in Colonie, married 43 years, share a Sign of Peace during the annual Marriage Jubilee celebration at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. For more photos of last weekend's celebration and a list of couples marking anniversaries, see our special section, pages 8-9. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DEBORAH AMELL OF Clifton Park touches a statue of St. Kateri Tekakwitha during a celebration of Kateri's canonization at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville. For more photos, see page 3. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THERESA STEELE, AN ALGONQUIN from Clay, N.Y., performs a Native American smudging (purification) ceremony during a diocesan Mass of Thanksgiving for the canonization of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. For more photos of the Mass, held last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, see page 14. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ALL 23 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS of the Albany Diocese were represented at a special liturgy at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception last weekend, with students showing their school pride and faculty and more honored for service. Above, sisters Caitlin and Erin Barrow of St. Mary's School in Ballston Spa wait with their mother, Meghan, to lead the procession into the Cathedral. See more photos in our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE TELEVISED CHRISTMAS MASS celebrated by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, which is aired across the Albany Diocese each year, was taped last week at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Schenectady. Above, the Bishop is assisted by Deacon Joseph Cechnicki, parish life coordinator for St. Adalbert's parish in Schenectady, during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Mass will air: * on WXXA-TV, Fox 23, and Time Warner Cable channel 8, at 5 a.m. on Christmas Day; * for most Time Warner Cable subscribers in the greater Capital Region, on public access channel 18 (in Ilion, on channel 99) at 9 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. Christmas Day; * for Time Warner Cable subscribers in the Ilion area, on channel 99 at 9 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. Christmas Day; * for Time Warner Cable subscribers in the Oneonta area, on channel 23 at 10 a.m. Christmas Day; * for Time Warner Cable subscribers in the Herkimer area, on channel 99 at 12:01 a.m. and 8 a.m. Christmas Day; * for cable TV subscribers in the Schenectady area, on Open Stage Media channel 16 at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve and 1 p.m. Christmas Day; and * for cable TV subscribers in the Town of Bethlehem, on channel 18 at midnight (12 a.m.) and 8 a.m. Christmas Day. For more photos, see page our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem...to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. - Luke 2:4-7 (Pictured: a "greccio" or Nativity play at St. Mary's parish, Nassau; see more photos in our print edition.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CONNOR STEPHENS DISPLAYS his pride at "growing a beard" for his role as a shepherd in the Nativity play at Sacred Heart parish in Castleton. For more photos of the memorable pageant, see our print edition.
PRESENTING THE CLASS OF 2013: Christian Brothers Academy graduates Kieran Rock, Matthew Burton, William Van Ullen, Rafael Campiz, Troy Heidenberg and Samuele Polsinelli receive academic awards at the Albany school's commencement ceremonies. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
"GOLDEN," A TEDDY BEAR belonging to Madelon Swinton of St. Mary's School in Waterford that was brought around the world by airline pilot Tyler Darby and profiled in The Evangelist's Dec. 13 issue (see story at www.evangelist.org), found a new home at Christmas. Madelon sent the bear to Mr. Darby's daughter, Lily, one of his three-year-old triplets, who'd fallen in love with Golden when the pilot stopped at home with the bear. Above, a delighted Lily opens her gift, which came with a book about Golden's round-the-world travels. "When I started to read [the] letter, I choked up," wrote Mr. Darby. "Both [my wife and I] were wiping our eyes." Lily loves Golden "so much, and the box is now his bed," the pilot added.
St. Adalbert's parish in Schenectady celebrated its Polish heritage last weekend with "At the Stable," a Christmas concert of Polish and English songs and readings. Above, Konrad Drzymalski plays a violin solo; see the print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE "MIDDLE SCHOOL MONDAY" youth group at St. Edward's parish in Clifton Park got together for a fun craft last weekend: making birdhouses. Above, sixth-graders Kara Le Coz and Emma Vosko start to paint their birdhouse. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK, an art exhibit was held at Albany's Empire State Plaza. Above, a drawing by Audrey Simard of Catholic Central High School in Troy; for more on the exhibit and reception, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MORE THAN 170 PEOPLE added their names to the Book of the Elect, signifying their desire to be in full communion with the Catholic Church, during the Rite of Election at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception last weekend. The 65 catechumens and 108 candidates from 46 parishes across the Albany Diocese will receive the sacraments at Easter vigil Masses. Here, Michael Reeves of St. John the Evangelist parish in Schenectady stands with his sponsor; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (NATE WHITCHURCH PHOTO)
A MARDI GRAS POTLUCK dinner at St. Stephen's parish in Hagaman included a mask contest: Here, Helen LaPort models hers while chatting with Joe LaPort. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
REV. CHRISTOPHER DEGIOVINE of The College of Saint Rose in Albany delivers a reflection on "Vatican II at 50" during a celebration by parishes of the Greene County Deanery of the Second Vatican Council's 50th anniversary. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH in Albany hosted its annual St. Patrick's Day Mass last weekend, with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, pipes and drums and a harpist. Above, band member Christina Curran. See The Evangelist's print edition for more photos.(Nate Whitchurch photo)
DURING THE ANNUAL Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, the sacred oils used in anointing the sick and other sacraments are blessed. The oils are also used for the dedication of churches and altars. At this liturgy, baptized and ordained Catholics also recommit themselves to service as "Church in the world." Here, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard mixes perfumed oil presented by Matthew Bonanni with the chrism oil. (NATE WHITCHURCH PHOTO)
JACQUIE KING, SISTER JOANNE ST. HILAIRE, CSJ, and Mary Ann Louison pray over those gathered at "From All Generations Women Saying Yes to God." The annual celebration at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception recognizes women who have served parishes and lived their faith in their communities. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
WHEN ARTIST CHRISSEY DITTUS checked out the stained glass windows at Sacred Heart parish's "old" circa-1874 chapel in Lake George last fall, reading a brochure that discusses the local saints like St. Isaac Jogues who are featured in each one, she was inspired to paint St. Kateri Tekakwitha, who was about to be canonized. Having finished the painting, she prayed over what to do with it - and then ran into Jack Abrahams of Sacred Heart's Knights of Columbus, who was helping to plan an annual gala that supports the parish, particularly its renovations. Mrs. Dittus donated her painting for the gala's auction, attended by 171 people, where it earned $850 for Sacred Heart. Mr. Abrahams told The Evangelist that the painting is "breathtaking" and an exact replica of the church window. Frank and Marion Sause, who run Cramer's Point Motel in Lake George, were the top bidders; Mrs. Dittus said they told her that they hung the painting among photos of their children, so St. Kateri can watch over them. "It touches my heart," the artist said. Learn more about Sacred Heart's windows at www.sacredheartcatholiccommunity.com by clicking on "church history."
A SURPRISE VISIT from foundress Sister Catherine McAuley - in the person of Sister Kathleen Pritty, pictured above - was part of a Mass last weekend at Blessed Sacrament parish in Albany marking 150 years of ministry by the Sisters of Mercy in the Albany Diocese. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ACTOR WILLIAM DEVANE, an Albany native, dropped in on the Drama Club at Mater Christi School in Albany as the students rehearsed for their upcoming production of "The Wizard of Oz." Above, he poses with the cast. Learn how the visit came about in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE ANNUAL SPRING RUNOFF for St. John's/St. Ann's Outreach Center in Albany was held last weekend at the Albany Riverfront Corning Preserve. The event helps residents of the city's South End served by the center. Above, Michelle Juett of Scotia runs in the 5K; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SEAN GARRY TAKES IN the joy of the moment as he processes down the aisle at St. John the Baptist parish in Greenville to make his First Communion. The parish also held a May crowning; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE PARISH in Hancock and the Little Victory Players staged a production of "Song of Bernadette," the story of St. Bernadette Soubirous, a teenager who had visions of Mary in Lourdes, France, in 1858. Above, Ray Patton as Dr. Pierre Dozous examines miraculously healed burns on the hands of St. Bernadette, played by Rachel Hunter. See The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
NEWLY-ORDAINED REV. SCOTT VANDERVEER, who was ordained a priest of the Albany Diocese last weekend, is helped into his vestments for the first time by retired Bishop Matthew Clark. In an unusual coincidence, Bishop Clark, who is a native of Troy, headed Father VanDerveer's home diocese of Rochester. See more photos from the ordination ceremony in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DURING DAVID PIETRYKA'S confirmation, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard pauses to chat with him for a moment. The ceremony was held at Our Lady of Hope parish in Whitehall to confirm Catholics from that parish and from St. Mary's in Granville; see The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SACRED HEART PARISH in Troy is celebrating its 100th anniversary and the 85th anniversary of the parish school this year, so many events are underway. Above, Ray and Diane Lammon present the offertory gifts to Bishop Howard J. Hubbard at a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated last weekend; see The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SABRINA KINCAID SMILES in anticipation as she prepares to choose someone to chase her in a game of "Duck, Duck, Goose" during a vacation Bible school at Corpus Christi parish in Round Lake. Parishes across the Albany Diocese are offering vacation Bible schools this summer; see more photos from this one in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JAMES HORN TAKES a bite of "pizza fritta" at the annual festa for Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Schenectady. The three-day festa last weekend included rides, music and many Italian treats; see The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AN ECUMENICAL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at St. Mary's parish in Oneonta was apparently an event fit for a king: Above, Chase dances in a crown, cape and "God" wristband. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE "RITE OF SENDING" is an evening prayer service held each year to ceremonially send future priests of the Albany Diocese off to begin another year of seminary studies. Above, candidates for the priesthood and seminarians already in formation join in prayer at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Watervliet. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JAKOB DEJOHN COLORS during "Camp Annunciation," a vacation Bible school at Annunciation parish in Queensbury. The camp was held last week as summer wound down and students looked toward the new school year. See more photos in the back-to-school section of The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PARISHIONERS CHAT WITH Rev. Thomas Morrette, pastor, at the feast of the Assumption festival at All Saints on the Hudson parish in Mechanicville/Stillwater. The day featured games, music, Italian food and more; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY of the parish of St. Paul the Apostle in Hancock was celebrated last weekend with a Mass with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard and other parish events. "The other day I took a walk in our cemetery and looked at the names of those placed in the ground there. There are many names of old Hancock families....They are our parish; they are our saints," said Rev. Christopher Welch, pastor. Above, the Bishop, Father Welch and Rev. Gordon Polenz of Sacred Heart parish in Sidney kneel at the altar for the litany of the saints. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PARISHIONER RICHARD DOTY helps to bless the newly-installed "heritage window" at Our Lady of the Assumption parish in Latham during celebrations of the parish's 50th anniversary last weekend as Rev. Geoffrey Burke, pastor, and designer Kevin Morgan watch. "A parish is not buildings or structures, but the tapestry of the individuals, families, staff and parishioners whose lives are woven together over the years by the celebration of their faith," the parish noted in its anniversary history. OLA's goal is to "continue to share our faith with others, as well as continuing to be a welcoming community for the building up of God's kingdom of justice and peace."For more photos of the anniversary, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY in Albany remembered those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, during a "Patriot Day" flag-raising ceremony last week. Above, flag-bearers Austin Nevins and Kilhari Cortina (front row), along with Giovanni Lisi, John-Robert Graham and Dan O'Connor, prepare to raise the flag. See more photos of the ceremony in The Evangelist's print edition. (Dave Oxford photo)
THREE-YEAR-OLD Eleamor Layton contemplates a shot as her father, Chris, offers golfing advice during a family fun day at Mater Christi School and parish in Albany. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DON AND CONNIE ZAPOLSKI, married for 30 years, hold hands while renewing their vows during the diocesan Marriage Jubilee celebration, held annually at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. For more photos and a list of couples celebrating anniversaries at the events, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch)
AN ANGEL STATUE donated in honor of pastor emeritus Rev. James Lefebvre of St. Mary's parish in Albany by current pastor Rev. John Provost and parishioners stands watch as Father Lefebvre (seated) greets Rev. Peter Young after a surprise dedication ceremony in Altamont. The statue and serenity garden dedicated to Father Lefebvre are at the Beacon of Hope Care Center, which hosts an anti-drunk-driving program. Father Lefebvre, who was chaplain for decades for the Albany Police Department, as well as the FBI and the Northeast Chiefs of Police Association, thought he was simply coming to bless the statue. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Dave Oxford photo)
THE RELIGIOUS SISTERS OF MERCY are celebrating 150 years of ministry in the Albany Diocese. One event to mark the milestone was a Mass at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception last weekend. Above, Mercy Associate Joanne Scheibly carries a maypole in the procession; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
TO MARK NOVEMBER as Native American Month, St. Margaret of Cortona Church in Rotterdam Junction - a mission of St. Joseph's parish in Schenectady - held a drumming ceremony after a Mass last weekend. Native American friends of the parish attended the liturgy and then demonstrated with drum, flute and song some of the ways they engage in communal spiritual celebration. They explained the significance of their instruments and songs and paid tribute to new local saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Here, the Voice of the Grove drummers and singers sing a Native American song. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE ABOVE HEADLINE is a quote from a John Wayne movie, but it might also apply to pint-sized pilgrim Troy McCart, who seems to be having trouble hanging onto a basket during a Thanksgiving play at St. Mary's Academy in Hoosick Falls. Grace Dow is beside him. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Dave Oxford photo)
PARISHIONERS OF OUR LADY of Hope Church in Copake Falls decorate the altar with roses for a festival honoring Mary under another title: Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1531, Our Lady appeared to a peasant named Juan Diego near Mexico City and told him to ask the bishop to build a church on that spot. The bishop demanded a sign from above, so Our Lady had Juan gather flowers in his cloak, in December, to show him. When Juan opened the cloak, the image of Guadalupe was emblazoned on the cloth, which is still preserved in a shrine. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron of Mexico, the United States and all of the Americas. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MICHELANGELO CREATED THE PIETA -- the famous statue of Mary holding the broken body of her Son, Jesus -- in the year 1499. Last weekend, faith formation students at Holy Trinity parish in Johnstown recreated the image when they presented the Living Stations of the Cross. Here, Mary, played by Tara Sweeney, holds Jesus, played by Michael Carpenter. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
WHEN ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH in West Winfield/Richfield Springs encouraged men of the parish to join the Knights of Columbus, an impressive 60 parishioners signed up. Above, candidates raise their hands and take a solemn vow at the induction ceremony last weekend; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH IN GREENWICH held an epiphany pageant last weekend, with children depicting the Holy Family's visit by the magi. Above, Charlotte Whelan spots something exciting as she and Reese Antiello take a break after portraying angels; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ELLEN LYGA AND ISABELLA NAEGELE carry a banner for their school, St. Francis de Sales in Herkimer, at the annual Catholic Schools Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. An art show at the Empire State Plaza afterward showcased art from diocesan schools. See more photos from the Mass in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Bishop-elect Scharfenberger and Bishop Hubbard at the press conference announcing the Bishop-elect's appointment
REV. JAMES KANE OFFERS a blessing during a dedication ceremony for the new Seafarers Center at the Port of Albany. Father Kane is director of the Albany Diocese's Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and pastor of St. Patrick's parish in Ravena. Learn more about the center and read other stories on development in a special "Faith and Foundations" section in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DURING A "PARADE through the Bible" last weekend at St. Mary's parish in Clinton Heights, children acted out Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments. Here, kindergartner Brandon Andres holds his shield from the David and Goliath presentation; find photos of other favorite stories in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PEOPLE JOINING the Catholic Church signed the Book of the Elect during the Rite of Election last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, signifying their intention to receive the sacraments at the Easter vigil Mass. Above, Sharon Manion of Annunciation parish in Ilion signs; for more photos and an explanation of the ceremony, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CAROL STOCKMAN LEAVES NO DOUBT that it's a St. Patrick's Day celebration at Our Lady of the Assumption parish in Queensbury as she enjoys a corned beef dinner with her husband, Gordon. For more St. Patrick's Day photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
"WOMEN SAYING YES to God," an annual recognition ceremony for women from the Albany Diocese who faithfully serve their parishes and communities, was held last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Above, Ruth Jojo of the diocesan Women's Commission thanks Sister Nola Brunner, CSJ, for her decades of service to the Albany Diocese and presents her with an award. Sister Nola recently retired as vicar for religious and diocesan archivist. See more photos of women being honored in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AS THE EVANGELIST arrives in readers' mailboxes April 10, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger is being ordained a bishop and installed as Bishop of the Albany Diocese. Recently, he taped his first televised Easter Mass, to be aired Easter morning. Above, the new Bishop elevates the host during the liturgy of the Eucharist at St. Thomas the Apostle parish in Delmar; see more photos of the taping in The Evangelist's print edition, as well as the broadcast schedule. Next week's issue of The Evangelist will be a special issue on Bishop Scharfenberger. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER, 10th Bishop of the Albany Diocese, was ordained and installed April 10. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER pours sacred chrism oil into a vessel during the annual Chrism Mass at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the liturgy at which the oils used in baptisms, confirmation, anointing of the sick and more are blessed. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DOMINIQUE STAVIS, A JUNIOR at Catholic Central High School in Troy, begins the "Diocesan Dash" at The Crossings in Colonie. The 5K race and walk May 3 raised money for the Albany Diocese's "Beacon of Hope" scholarship fund for Catholic high schools. Learn more in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IT WAS CONFIRMATION DAY last weekend for Lakota Gannet of Holy Family Church in Downsville - a mission of St. John the Baptist parish in Walton - and about 70 of her peers from 10 parishes in Otsego and Delaware Counties. It was also Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger's 10th time officiating at a confirmation ceremony in the Albany Diocese. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AT THE TOWN PARADE to mark Ravena's centennial, St. Patrick's parish in Ravena sponsored a float. Above, Gene Doane waves, dressed as St. Patrick, along with his daughter, Mary. See more photos of parish events in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CATHERINE QUINN HELPS Danielle Palmiotto adjust her cap at commencement ceremonies for the Academy of the Holy Names in Albany. See more coverage of local graduates on our home page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AS THE LAST day of school - June 20 - approached, St. Kateri Tekakwitha School in Schenectady held a carnival, with games, food, children's activities, a bounce house and more. Above, pre-kindergartner Teddy Grimmer plays a duck pond game as fellow students watch; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
REVS. JAMES DAVIS and Brian Slezak process down the aisle at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany after their ordination to the priesthood June 14. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition; read about the Albany Diocese's two new priests on the home page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A PRO-LIFE PROCESSION heads back to St. Mary's Church in Albany after reciting the Rosary while walking around the State Capitol. The "Rosary Walk for Life," which included Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, was sponsored by the state's Knights of Columbus. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition; read a previous story on the home page of this website. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. PETER'S PARISH in Saratoga Springs has been celebrating its 175th anniversary with a series of events-most recently, a Mass with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. At right, Wesleigh Dunn lights her sister Frances' candle from her own; for more photos, turn to page 11. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH in Hoosick Falls invited new graduates from the parish on a free canoe trip down the Battenkill River last week. Above, Kyle McCune waves as the rest of the grads pass by; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
LAST WEEK, ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE parish in Schenectady once again sponsored the Guilderland Workcamp, a group of hundreds of adult and teenage volunteers who come to the area each summer to provide free home repairs to elderly, low-income and disabled residents of seven local towns. The parish coordinates the activities of the week-long workcamp and has sent youth to help in other areas. Above, Dan Arrato from Connecticut and John Hatter from New Jersey saw pieces for a new porch; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE BLACK CATHOLIC APOSTOLATE of the Albany Diocese, based at St. Joan of Arc parish in Menands, celebrated its 30th anniversary last weekend with a vigil service, brunch and anniversary Mass. Above, Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, a special guest at the Mass, blesses a child at communion time. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PORTER DRISCOLI COLORS a basketball player during the Eagles' Nest summer program sponsored by St. Mary's Academy in Hoosick Falls as a way to work on academics and have fun in the "off-season." See the special Back-to-School section (see link on homepage). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SCORES OF MARONITE CATHOLICS turned out for the consecration and dedication of a new church building in Watervliet for their parish, St. Ann's. Above, Rev. Georges Bouchaaya, MLM, pastor; Bishop Gregory Mansour of the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn; and Chorbishop Joseph Kaddo pose surrounded by parishioners and clergy and religious of the Albany Diocese. For more photos of the dedication, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A REUNION OF ALUMNI from both the former Bishop Scully High School and St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam last weekend included a Mass and opportunities to look at the school. (SMI is in the same building that was once Bishop Scully High.) Here, Rev. Patrick Iannotti, who taught at Bishop Scully High for 15 years, delivers the homily at the Mass. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
KINDERGARTNERS SING a song with some help from volunteers during a vacation Bible school week at Our Lady Queen of Peace parish in Schenectady. Not just music, but games, science experiments, Bible skits and more were included in the faith-based week. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CLERGY FROM ACROSS THE ALBANY DIOCESE join Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger at a Mass to celebrate the 175th anniversary of St. Augustine's parish in Troy and the 150th anniversary of the church building. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
WHEN BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER remarked in a recent interview with local media that he hadn't found pizza in the Albany Diocese as good as that in his hometown of Brooklyn, Catholic Charities challengeded him to taste-test local eateries' pizzas as a fundraiser for its programs. Above, he gets to work; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
WHEN ST. THOMAS the Apostle parish in Delmar held its first-ever block party last weekend, among the entertainment was the chance to meet some unusual animals-including Shakespeare the "bard" (barred) owl, held by bird rehabilitator Linda Brown. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PARISHIONERS OF ST. VINCENT de Paul parish in Albany participated in an annual service day last weekend, volunteering at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Above, Bill Dollard helps high school senior Erin Levesque weight and label a box for distribution to people in need; learn more in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
"A WORLD AT PRAYER is a world at peace," said the famed "Rosary priest," Rev. Patrick Peyton, CSC. His Family Rosary ministry co-sponsored this year's diocesan Rosary celebration at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany last weekend. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and Deacon Tim Kosto kneel before the Eucharist and pray the Rosary. For more photos and photos of a living Rosary at Mater Christi School in Albany, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
ALL FOUR DIOCESAN HIGH SCHOOLS - Bishop Maginn in Albany, Catholic Central in Troy, Saratoga Central Catholic and, above, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons in Schenectady - held walks simultaneously on Oct. 10 to raise money for their schools. The walk-a-thon has become an annual event; see more photos of ND-BG's "Golden Gallop" walk in The Evangelist's print edition, along with photos of a fundraiser by St. Mary's School in Waterford. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
VIRGINIA PARTLOW, ERIN GALVIN, Gianna Liberatore and Teresa Coppola hang out and DJ the October Bash at St. Edward's parish in Clifton Park, a party by the youth ministry. This week's issue of The Evangelist focuses on Catholic teens; see more photos from the party on page 13. (Nate Whitchurch)
THE CATHEDRAL of the Immaculate Conception in Albany was the site for the Albany Diocese's annual Marriage Jubilee celebration last weekend, honoring couples marking special wedding anniversaries. At left, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger takes the offertory gifts from Conrad and Lorraine DeCuyper; for more photos and a list of couples' anniversaries, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE KICKOFF OF the "Year of Consecrated Life" decreed by Pope Francis, celebrating clergy and religious worldwide, was marked for the Albany Diocese Nov. 20 with a Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Above, Resurrection Sister Mary Lucille Borowski, Daughter of Charity Sister Christine Mura and Presentation Sister Mary Christopher Allie prepare the altar at the liturgy; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ABOVE, THE CANADIAN PACIFIC Holiday Train pulls into the village of Delanson, where Knights of Columbus and other volunteers from Our Lady of Fatima parish wait to give out hot chocolate to the crowd. The holiday trains are an annual fundraiser for North American food banks; see more photos and information in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DAVID DONATO IS anointed with holy oil by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger during confirmation ceremonies at Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock. Thirteen people were confirmed there last week; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JONATHAN SZOZDA AS Joseph and Rachael McOmber as Mary await the coming of Jesus during a dress rehearsal for the Christmas pageant at St. Michael's parish in Cohoes. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
During a dress rehearsal for the Christmas pageant at St. Michael's parish in Cohoes, little angels Ayla, Kinley and Kelsey wait for their turn to take the stage.(Nate Whitchurch photos)
St. Mary's parish in Granville just held its first-ever bilingual Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and celebration. Above, Rev. Joseph Arockiasamy, pastor, poses with the families; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DEACON FREDERICK "RICK" LESSER hugs his children, Taryn Schmidt Lesser, Evan Schmidt Lesser and Craig Schmidt Lesser, during the sign of peace at his ordination ceremony to the transitional diaconate last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. A widower, Deacon Lesser will be ordained a priest in June. See more photos in our special section on vocations in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE TIMING TURNED OUT to be apt, said Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, for an interfaith prayer service for peace that had been scheduled for Jan. 13 at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The service was held just days after three days of attacks by extremists in Paris shocked the world, beginning with the massacre of a dozen staff of the satirical weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo, which had published caricatures of the prophet Muhammad.Representatives of the Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim faiths participated in the service at the cathedral and read from the sacred texts of each faith. Above, dancers from the Albany Hindu Temple perform: (front row) Praaghya Meyyan, (back row) Sreehitha Manga, Rishita Nagothi, Shruti Kamat and Raji Ramasamy. (NATE WHITCHURCH PHOTO)
THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Mass was celebrated Jan. 25 at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, welcoming students from across the Albany Diocese and presenting awards for service to Catholic educators. Here, Stacy Marando and daughters Antonella and Alessandra represent All Saints Catholic Academy, Albany, in the procession; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE HEADLINE ABOVE is Vietnamese for "Happy New Year." The Vietnamese Apostolate of the Albany Diocese celebrated Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, with a special Mass and reception last weekend at Sacred Heart parish in Albany. Here, Cien Vu and Son Ho light incense before the procession. See more photos and information in The Evangelist's print edition.
TERRI BURDICK CHECKS her tickets for the 50/50 raffle during a Mardi Gras festival at Immaculate Conception parish in Hoosick Falls. Mardi Gras, also known as "Fat Tuesday" or Shrove Tuesday, is celebrated just before Lent begins. New Orleans is most famous for its Mardi Gras celebration, but many parishes around the Albany Diocese hold their own parties each year as Ash Wednesday approaches. See more photos from Hoosick Falls in The Evangelist's print edition.
CANDIDATES AND CATECHUMENS gather around Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger as he declares them members of the elect during the Rite of Election at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The ceremony recognizes people's intention to join the Catholic Church. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MORGAN LOW, BLAINE KEEBERN AND ALEXIS MILLER from the Boland School dance down the aisle of St. Augustine's Church in Troy during the procession at a special St. Patrick's Day Mass. The liturgy celebrated Irish heritage with pipes, hymns and more; see The Evangelist's print edition for more photos.
THE TELEVISED EASTER MASS celebrated by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, which will air Easter morning on stations across the Albany Diocese, was taped last week at Sacred Heart parish in Troy. Above, students from Sacred Heart School meet the Bishop afterward; for airtimes for the Mass, see the homepage. For more photos of the Mass, see The Evangelist's print edition.(Nate Whitchurch photo)
ECUMENICAL "CROSS WALKS" have become popular on Good Friday -- including this one, which began at Sacred Heart parish in Castleton and included four area churches. Above, Rev. Dirk Gieser of Emmanuel Reformed Church and his sons lead the walkers with the cross; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A TALENT SHOW hosted by Holy Spirit parish in Gloversville last weekend brought out the artistic side of adults and children alike. Above, assistant Scout Huckans shows magician Preston Gillis that the flowerpot he magically emptied really has nothing inside it; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
RETIRED ALBANY POLICE OFFICER Steven Stella plays "Taps" at a memorial Mass for police officers from across New York State who lost their lives in the line of duty. The liturgy was offered May 5 at St. Mary's parish in Albany. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER delivers his homily as diaconate candidates Brian Kelly, Frank Garceau, Patrick Rice and Stephen Matthews listen. The four new deacons were ordained last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; to see more, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
FIRST SERGEANT PAUL PETERS inspects the cadets' uniforms before commencement at LaSalle Institute in Troy begins to make sure all is in order. For more photos of the class of 2015, see The Evangelist's June 4 Graduation Issue. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SISTER ROSEMARY CUNEO, CR, director of the diocesan Vocations Awareness Council, addresses runners at the annual Run 4 Vocations, held on Memorial Day at The Crossings Park in Colonie. The run is an effort to "raise prayers" for local vocations to religious life. See more photos in the vocations section in The Evangelist's June 11 issue. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE GRADUATING CLASS of 2015 at Bishop Maginn High School in Albany was the last to graduate from the school's current site, as it moves to a new location for the next school year. Above, Britney Wallace shakes Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger's hand; see more photos in The Evangelist's June 18 print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
NEWLY-ORDAINED REV. FREDERICK LESSER embraces his children, Taryn, Evan and Craig, after receiving his stole and chasuble during his ordination to the priesthood June 20 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A "ZEPPOLE" SIGN noting that Italian fried dough will be for sale afterward sneaks into a photo of an outdoor Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and priests from Schenectady parishes during the annual festa at St. Anthony's parish in Schenectady. See more scenes from the festa in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS from around the Albany Diocese just spent five days at Pyramid Life Center in Paradox for Breakaway and the Christian Leadership Institute, retreat experiences for the two respective age groups that feature service, prayer and outdoor activities. Above, Rev. Joseph Busch delivers a homily during a liturgy for youth and their families; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER uses a giant squirt gun to bless teens from all over the Albany Diocese attending the annual St. Isaac Jogues Youth Conference, a week of talks on faith, music activities, held this year at St. Ambrose parish in Latham. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition (to subscribe, call 518-453-6688). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A RAMADAN DINNER was held last week at Mater Christi parish in Albany to give Catholics and the chance to learn about their Muslim neighbors. Guests from the Turkish Cultural Center in Menands shared the meal with Mater Christi parishioners; above, Mustafa Balcioglu helps serve food. Learn more in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AS SEMINARIANS PREPARE to start another year of formation for the priesthood, the Albany Diocese each year holds the rite of candidacy, a ceremony marking the Church's public acceptance of their candidacy for the priesthood. This year, Holy Trinity parish in Cohoes hosted the gathering. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger blesses the seminarians for the coming year; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. Call 518-453-6688 to subscribe. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AS SEMINARIANS PREPARE to start another year of formation for the priesthood, the Albany Diocese each year holds the rite of candidacy, a ceremony marking the Church's public acceptance of their candidacy for the priesthood. This year, Holy Trinity parish in Cohoes hosted the gathering. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger blesses the seminarians for the coming year; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SEMINARIAN SAMUEL BELLAFIORE sings the "Ave Maria" as Rev. Rendell Torres plays the cello during a "concert for vocations" last week at St. Edward's parish in Clifton Park. The evening included a holy hour of prayer for vocations to the priesthood, plus musical performances by men in religious life and discerning a vocation. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BLESS YOU, PRINCIPALS
SEVENTH-GRADER MADISON PETRIE does the limbo during a Halloween dance at Holy Family parish in Little Falls. The event was sponsored by the parish youth ministry; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE "MEGA-BOWL" is an annual faculty-vs.-seniors volleyball game at Saratoga Central Catholic High School that brings out the competitive spirit in the school community, all in good fun. Above, teacher Lauren Barnes sets up the ball; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IT'S BEEN 20 YEARS since Warren County's "Northern Points Cluster" was formed from parishes in Chestertown, Hague and North Creek. Last weekend, St. Isaac Jogues in Chestertown/Hague (formerly St. John the Baptist and Blessed Sacrament) and St. James in North Creek celebrated their linkage with a special Mass. Above, leaving St. Isaac Jogues during the recessional are altar server Nick Watson; former pastors Rev. George Fleming (now pastor of St. James parish in Chatham, St. Joseph's in Stuyvesant Falls/Stottville and St. John the Baptist parish in Valatie) and Joseph O'Brien (now pastor of Holy Spirit in East Greenbush); Rev. Daniel Nelson, OFM, a psychology professor from Siena College in Loudonville who helps out with Masses for the cluster, and current pastor Rev. John O'Kane; Deacons Robert Wubbenhorst and Joseph Tyrrell of Bolton Landing; and Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard. See more photos of the Mass in The Evangelist's print edition. (Tom Killips photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER GREETS students after a Mass for the high schools of the Albany Diocese last week at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Before the liturgy, the Bishop blessed the new site of Bishop Maginn High School, nearby in the former Cathedral Academy building. For more photos of the liturgy, see The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH in Greenfield Center, right, marked its 75th anniversary as an independent parish with an "historic picnic" last weekend. Above, four-year-old Reina Fortman polishes off a cupcake; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DEACON MIGUEL FABIAN PRAYS the Rosary during the Albany Diocese's annual Rosary Celebration at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. This year's celebration, with Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard as the presider, included the luminous mysteries of the Rosary prayed in Spanish. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition; to subscribe, call 518-453-6688. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. MICHAEL'S PARISH in Cohoes hosted a Rosary rally last weekend for parishioners from Holy Trinity and St. Michael's Churches in Cohoes, St. Mary's in Waterford and St. Augustine's in Troy. Above, Dick LaRose and Jack Flood of St. Augustine's hold a banner; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CASTLETON CELEBRATES WORLD YOUTH DAY...and you can go to WYD 2016 with Bishop Scharfenberger! bove, junior Ethan Samariva does the first reading at a World Youth Day celebration at Sacred Heart parish in Castleton. See more photos of that event in The Evangelist's print edition. Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger has invited young people from the Albany Diocese to join him on a diocesan trip to next year's World Youth Day: July 24-Aug. 2, 2016, in Krakow, Poland. The trip includes stops in Wadowice, where St. John Paul II was born; the site of the former Auschwitz concentration camp; and the Jasna Gora monastery where the famous Black Madonna is kept. The trip costs $3,345; learn more by calling Faith Journeys at 1-877-732-4845, ext. 200, and see more details on the diocesan website, www.rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
HOLY CROSS PARISH in Morris hosted an ecumenical Thanksgiving service last weekend with members of other local churches. Above, the children's choir sings; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A CROSS THAT ONCE graced St. Alphonsus Church in Glens Falls, which closed in 2010, has been moved to St. Alphonsus Cemetery. At a ceremony last weekend, Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard blessed and dedicated the cross in its new home. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition (to subscribe, call 518-453-6688). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AT AN ADVENT GATHERING at Christ the King parish in Westmere, Albany, Tim and Meghan Esmay make Advent wreaths with their children, Timothy and Grace; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688.)
Angels Savanah Prendergast, Lilly Heggner, Linda Rea and Elise Laurange sit patiently before the Nativity play starts at St. Michael's parish in Troy. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
FRANCIS VIVACQUA lays prostrate before the altar at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, a sign of his humble submission to God's will, during his ordination as a transitional deacon for the Albany Diocese. He will continue with studies for the priesthood. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SOPHIA GOSS TRIES to stack dice on a popsicle stick held in her mouth during a "New Year's one-minute challenge" at a youth night sponsored by Immaculate Conception parish in Glenville. See more of the teens rise to fun challenges in photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688. (Nate Whitchurch photo
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ends Feb. 6; last weekend's activities for the national celebration of Catholic education included a Mass at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the kickoff of the annual diocesan art show of works by students. Above, Sofia Spera, Luke and Madeline Estep and Katherine Barkanian of St. Ambrose School in Latham process into the cathedral; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BROOKE THOMAS HELPS Kendall Sullivan put on a temporary tattoo during a Mardi Gras celebration at Notre Dame-Visitation parish in Schuylerville. The traditional party before Lent began also included games, food, crafts and a lesson on Lent; see The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JENNIFER GONZALEZ OF St. Joseph's parish in Greenwich signs the Book of the Elect during the Rite of Election last weekend at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, signifying her intention to become a Catholic. Learn more about the ceremony and see photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DURING a presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross at St. Joseph's parish Greenwich, Mary (Danielle Boyea) holds Jesus (Nicholas Marci) after the crucifixion. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
TWO YEARS AFTER a fire devastated St. Anthony's parish in Schenectady, the church has been renovated and reopened. Above, Brother Ron McCloskey assists Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger in the blessing of the baptismal font during a rededication Mass last weekend; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE came to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany on the feast of the Annunciation to consecrate themselves to Mary; many more participated at their own parishes. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger delivers his homily at the cathedral; learn more about Marian consecration in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
EVERYONE HAS A VOCATION in life, notes Rev. Anthony Ligato, diocesan vicar for vocations - so a Vocations Summit was held last weekend at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville to teach parishes how to promote vocations of all kinds. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and priests process into the Coliseum for Mass. See more photos and a related story in The Evangelist's print edition; to subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
LOCAL AND STATE POLICE OFFICERS process into St. Mary's Church in Albany for the annual police memorial Mass to honor members of law enforcement agencies across New York State who died during the past year. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BETWEEN MARCH AND MAY, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard have presided over 29 confirmation ceremonies across the Albany Diocese. "Confirmation season" came to a close last weekend; the next-to-last confirmation on the schedule was at St. John the Baptist parish in Greenville for young people from four parishes in Greene County. Above, William Creter of St. John's is greeted by the Bishop; see more photos from Albany, Cairo, Glens Falls, Haines Falls, Little Falls, Gloversville, Greenville, Palenville, Johnstown, Valatie and Windham in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CATHOLIC ADVOCATES, INCLUDING Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, Catholic Charities employees and others, joined a march for farmworker justice that began on Long Island in May and ended at the State Capitol in Albany June 1. New York farmworkers were asking for collective bargaining, overtime pay, a day of rest, bathrooms, clean water in the fields and more. Here, the Bishop speaks to the crowd. The march supported the Farmworkers' Fair Labor Practices Act; learn more at www.ruralmigrantministry.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
A VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at St. Mary's parish in Coxsackie last week gave kids ages three to 12 the chance to find their inner cowboys and cowgirls, with teens pitching in as guides. The theme was "Son Barnyard Roundup."<br> Here, seven-year-old Reaghan Hellen kicks a ball and Libby Hellen plays a game of Memory with four-year-old Mercy Besenfelder. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, contact Ann Egan, 518-453-6688 or ann.egan@rcda.org.)
PARISHIONERS LINE UP to take chili samples to rate during last weekend's chili cookoff at Our Lady of Hope parish in Fort Plain. Check out the chili in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. PIUS X PARISH in Loudonville held its "first annual" service day last weekend, focused on the works of mercy during this Year of Mercy. Above, Eric Hausamann tills the garden at the Sister Maureen Joyce Garden of Feed'n in Albany; Jonah Hymes decotares a baby onesie, illustrating the "clothe the naked" Corporal Work of Mercy; and Greg Aidala and Abreham Myers clear vines from the fence at the Sister Maureen Joyce Garden. See more adults and youth at work in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
CATHOLIC CHARITIES CALLS its senior meal sites "The Friendship Cafe." Last week, eighth-graders from St. Thomas the Apostle School in Delmar spent some time at two Schenectady-area sites, serving lunch and chatting with patrons. Above, Nicole Quinn brings a meal to Gloria Borggreen; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DANI SEABOLT (CENTER) KNEELS and prays as Jesus (played by Chris Sevinsky) holds back her bullies and bad influences during a skit at the St. Isaac Jogues Youth Conference, held July 16-18 at St. Ambrose parish in Latham. The annual conference welcomes hundreds of teens for Masses, workshops, speakers, games and other faith-boosting activities. See The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.)(
REV. RENDELL TORRES, BRYAN BROOKS and Dustin Blanchard check their GPS maps during a hike for young adults from Our Lady of Hope parish in Whitehall and St. Ann's in Fort Ann. The hike provided time for exercise, prayer and socializing; check out more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ROWAN BROWN (CENTER) ENTERTAINS his friends by grinning around an apple slice during snacktime at the vacation Bible school at St. Michael the Archangel parish in South Glens Falls. For more photos of the fun for kindergarten-through-fourth-grade kids, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AT A COMMISSING CEREMONY for Catholic school leaders in the Albany Diocese, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and Amanda Goyer, new assistant principal at St Mary's Academy in Hoosick Falls, lead a prayer for the new educators. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A WELCOME PICNIC at Christ Sun of Justice parish in Troy, located on the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, begins with Mass and ends with a life-sized game of Monopoly. Above, RPI sophomore Nicholas Runyan serves as a eucharistic minister; for photos of the Mass and Monopoly game, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IT'S THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY of Blessed Sacrament parish in Mohawk. Last weekend, parishioners gathered for a special Mass and banquet. Above, Rev. Mark Cunningham, sacramental minister, is joined by Revs. Terence Healy, Leo Potvin, Qui Vo and Christopher Welch during the Liturgy of the Eucharist; for more anniversary photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE GUTCH FAMILY WALKS through the holy door at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany before it is closed as the Year of Mercy concludes. Last weekend, the Albany Diocese marked not just the end of the jubilee year, but a Diocese-wide consecration to the Divine Mercy and the 164th anniversary the dedication of the cathedral. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ADVENT BEGINS NOV. 27. St. Lucy/St. Bernadette parish in Altamont got a jump on the season by having parishioners make Advent wreaths and other crafts. Here, brothers Dan and Andrew Vandeusen make a wreath; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
LAST WEEK, BISHOP Edward B. Scharfenberger accepted an invitation to celebrate a Mass in the Extraordinary Form (in Latin) at St. Joseph's parish in Troy, Above, Ernie Luther lights the candles before the liturgy begins; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
'And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we saw His glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth....' -- John 1:14 GOOD DAD: Tyler Winchell, portraying Joseph, shares a tender moment with seven-month-old Elliot Sutherland as the baby Jesus while Mary (Anne Offsay) beams during a live Nativity at St. Ann's parish in Fort Ann. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DRUMMER BOYS AND GIRLS took center stage last weekend at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Watervliet when parishioner and conductor Richard Albagli brought in the Empire State Youth Orchestra's youth and repertory percussion ensemble. The teens gave a concert after Mass and a Christmas party. Above, Justus Demarest plays a drum; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK in the Albany Diocese is being celebrated this week with activities at all the schools, including a special Mass last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. At right, Chloe and Renee Pascoe and principal Michael Kosar process with a banner celebrating their school, Holy Spirit in East Greenbush. See more photos on the back page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE VIETNAMESE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY at Sacred Heart parish in Albany celebrated Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, with a special Mass and meal last weekend. Here, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger celebrates the Liturgy of the Eucharist, assisted by Rev. Linh Hoang, OFM, of Siena College in Loudonville; Deacon Walter Ayres of the diocesan Commission on Peace and Justice; Vincentian Revs. Joseph Linh Nguyen and Dominick Thach Vu, CM; Rev. Peter Bao Nguyen, SJ; and Rev. Quy Vo, pastor of Ss. Anthony and Joseph parish in Herkimer and St. John the Baptist in Newport. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
LUKE CRISAFULLI BUTTERS PHYLLO DOUGH as chefs Tim Cummings and Freddy Jimenez supervise during a cooking class for young adults at St. Pius X parish in Loudonville. For more photos of the "chefs in training," see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MARCH 1 WAS Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent. Here, three-year-old Sebastian Herlihy enjoys dessert during a Mardi Gras party at St. Mary's/St Paul's parish in Hudson Falls before Lent. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS were invited to Siena College in Loudonville last weekend for a "Deanery Youth Lenten experience," getting the chance to meet students, attend Mass and learn about the faith. Above, Siena chaplain Rev. Larry Anderson, OFM, holds hands with students while praying; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EMERITUS HOWARD J. HUBBARD reached a milestone recently: his 40th anniversary as a bishop. The jubilee of his episcopal ordination was marked with a Mass with priests of the Albany Diocese at St. Pius X parish in Loudonville. Above, Bishop Emeritus Hubbard at the consecration with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and fellow priests. See story on homepage. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE ANNUAL CHRISM MASS at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany is the liturgy at which sacred oils are blessed for use in sacraments all year in the Albany Diocese. Sacred chrism is used at baptisms, ordinations, to anoint new Catholics and for the sacrament of anointing of the sick. The Mass was celebrated April 6 by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. Here, Bishop Scharfenberger breathes over an urn filled with oil to symbolize the infusion of the Holy Spirit. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (NATE WHITCHURCH PHOTO)
SISTERS JENNA AND LILY ALTIERI hold hands in the parade of children that kicked off an Easter egg hunt at Sacred Heart parish in Castleton last weekend, part of Easter activities that took place all over the Albany Diocese. For more photos of the joyful children, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A SPLASH OF COLOR seems appropriate for spring, and the parishes of the Albany Diocese are reveling in it. A multicultural "Spring Fling" Easter celebration for St. Joseph's parish in Broadalbin and St. Francis of Assisi in Northville is the impetus for Rev. Jun Segura, pastor, and Lorena Diana to perform a traditional Mexican dance. For more photos of both events, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
A SPLASH OF COLOR seems appropriate for spring, and the parishes of the Albany Diocese are reveling in it. Here, a colorful Erin Quigley does the second reading during a teen Mass at Holy Spirit parish in Gloversville. For more photos of parish events, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
ST. MARY'S PARISH IN GRANVILLE had a dual celebration last weekend: Young people from that parish and from St. Ann's in Fort Ann and Our Lady of Hope in Whitehall were confirmed, and Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger helped to rededicate the church after major renovations. Above, the Bishop confirms Breanna Bressette from St. Ann's; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
NEW MEMBERS WAIT to be installed in the Ladies of Charity during a Mass for the organization's 400th anniversary, held last weekend at St. Pius X parish in Loudonville. See The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MICHAEL ALABASTRO PRAYS with his sons, Matthew and Paul, before a statue of Our Lady of Fatima during a celebration of the 100th anniversary of apparitions of Mary in Fatima, Portugal. The diocesan event was held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, with processions, Masses and prayers. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
ORDAINED LAST WEEKEND at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany were four new deacons for the Albany Diocese: from left, director of diaconate formation Deacon Frank Berning, new Deacons Anthony Cortese and Zachariah Chichester, Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, new Deacons Andrew Haskins and Gary Miles, and Rev. Anthony Ligato, diocesan vicar for vocations. Read about the new deacons on the homepage. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SAM BEROWSKI, A SECOND-GRADER at St. Francis de Sales School in Herkimer, leads a song during a children's Mass at St. Francis parish attended by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, who was visiting the school. Also listening to the reading is Rev. Mark Cunningham, pastor. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.(Nate Whitchurch photo)
PRAYERS FOR A "culture of life" are offered during the annual Rosary Walk for life last week, a procession around the State Capitol in Albany led by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. Legislation being debated in New York State includes abortion expansion, physician-assisted suicide and more. Read more in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE NEWEST PRIEST of the Diocese of Albany, Rev. John Henry Cronin III, was ordained last weekend at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Above, a beaming Father Cronin processes out of the cathedral. Read his biography at www.evangelist.org and see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA SCHOOL in Schenectady just dedicated its new Early Childhood Education Center, a renovated convent that will serve nursery and pre-kindergarten students. Above, nursery school classes watch the dedication ceremony; see more photos and pictures of a dedication at St. Thomas parish in Cherry Valley in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE THEME OF a vacation Bible school in Schenectady helped kids explore the true meaning of Christmas-and enjoy fun activities in the process, like the hokey pokey dance led by Sister Laurie-Marie Parisi, CR. For more photos and a related "Christmas in July" story, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, email ann.egan@rcda.org or call 518-453-6688. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE GRAFTON SUMMER FESTIVAL brings out area residents every year to show their hometown pride. That includes Catholics from of Our Lady of the Snow Church in Grafton, a mission of Our Lady of Victory parish in Troy, as well as OLV parishioners. Above, the band Hawaii Five-O!, comprised of OLS youth, takes the stage at the festival: Tom Eaton on trumpet, Oz McClamrock on saxophone, Moses Torres on bass, Atticus Trayford on drums and Richard Sitterly on guitar. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE SS MARIA ADDOLORATA SOCIETY at Our Lady Queen of Apostles parish in Frankfort, a rosary group created to honor Mary, just celebrated its 100th anniversary with a full day of events, including a Mass, concert and barbecue. Above, Frankfort native Rev. Francis Vivacqua, parochial vicar at St. Mary's parish in Ballston Spa, chats with members of the society. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JUDE AGNEW cuts out pictures of fruit -- specifically, the fruits of performing the corporal works of mercy -- during a vacation Bible school at St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam. See more photos of the summertime activity and other local events in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AT SACRED HEART parish in Sidney, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and Rev. Bernard Osei Ampong, pastor, celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Bishop was visiting to consecrate two new altars at the Delaware County parish. Learn more in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE OPENING MASS for diocesan high schools to start the school year was celebrated at Catholic Central High School in Troy last week. Here, Rev. Robert Longobucco, diocesan vicar for Catholic faith formation and education and pastor of St. Kateri Tekakwitha parish in Schenectady, welcomes the students at the begining of the liturgy. For more photos, see the home page and The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER led last weekend's diocesan Marriage Jubilee celebration at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany for couples noting special wedding anniversaries. Here, ostess Nadine Cunningham pins a corsage to Rose Burke of St. Pius X parish in Loudonville, married 60 years to Thomas Burke. For more on the topic of marriage, see the home page and The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
PARISH RESPECT LIFE REPRESENTATIVES are commissioned by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger during the diocesan Respect Life Mass last weekend at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. The Mass also honored Mary during October, which is the month of the Rosary as well as Respect Life Month. For more photos, see the home page and The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IT'S A BANNER YEAR for St. Clement's parish in Saratoga Springs: The parish is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Last week, there was a special centennial Mass and reception. Above, Rev. Paul Borowski, CSsR, former pastor, and Deacon Lawrence Willette are joined by Revs. Robert Harrison and Arthur Tuttle, CSsR, parochical vicars; and Revs. Francis Sullivan, Joseph Tizio and current pastor George Blasick, CSsR, during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. See more photos on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
STUDENTS IN BUSINESS CLASSES at LaSalle Institute in Troy just had their annual bowl-a-thon fundraiser to support the school's business program. Students are raising money to buy a 3D printer for the business department, for other needs and for a trip to Disney in March. At right, senior Jon McClement concentrates as he bowls a frame at Uncle Sam Lanes in Troy. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, contact 518-453-6688 or ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY parish in Watervliet brought attention to the abuse, trafficking and abandonment of children in the United States with a candlelight prayer vigil in front of the Watervliet Price Chopper. Pictured are parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary holding signs and praying during the vigil. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. The Church supports the WePROTECT Global Alliance against online child sexual abuse and exploitation; learn more at www.weprotect.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CHRISTINA CUTI PUTS CANDLES in her Advent wreath after assembling it during an event at Sacred Heart parish in Cairo. The Advent wreath, with its three purple candles and one pink candle, symbolizes the coming of Christ, the Light of the World; the evergreen boughs are a symbol of everlasting life. A candle is lit each Sunday of Advent as Christmas nears. See more photos on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ON DEC. 8, THE FEAST of the Immaculate Conception, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger reconsecrated the Albany Diocese to Mary, its patroness, during a Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Here, Rev. David LeFort, vicar general of the Diocese and administrator of the cathedral, assists Bishop Scharfenberger in reciting the "Prayer of Consecration to Merciful Love." See more photos on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition (call 518-453-6688 to subscribe). Learn more about Marian consecration at www.rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
Last weekend, the Rite of Election was held at the <A HREF="http://www.cathedralic.com">Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany</A>, with 84 candidates and 44 catechumens signing the Book of the Elect to symbolize their intention to join the Catholic Church at Easter. Here, Joe Tiffault of St. Paul the Apostle parish in Schenectady adds his name to the Book of the Elect, signifying his intention to join the Catholic Church. Learn more about those becoming Catholic at Easter on the home page and in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
"The angel said to them, 'This will be a sign for you: You will find a child lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest....'" -- Luke 2:10,12-14 A choir of angels sings and Mary and Joseph (Chloe Overbaugh and Aarom Madej) travel by donkey in the nativity play at St. Stanislaus parish in Amsterdam. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
FOR THE YEAR OF MERCY, ninth-graders in faith formation at Christ the King parish in Westmere, Albany, have been learning about the mission and ministry of Jesus - which means they've studied the Corporal Works of Mercy. Recently, they made large boxes that represent buildings depicting the works of mercy, calling the exhibit "the Matthew 25 Village" after the Gospel passage in which Jesus describes the works of mercy. Students conducted tours of the display in the parish's chapel after all Masses last weekend. Here, Abigail Olm talks about "visiting the imprisoned" with Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard, who was filling in as Sunday presider at the parish. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE ALBANY DIOCESE GAINED four more priests last weekend when Revs. Patrick Rice, Francis Vivacqua, Steve Matthews and Brian Kelly were ordained at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. They're pictured here(left to right) listening to Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger's homily; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
REV. ANTHONY LIGATO, diocesan vicar for vocations, calls seminarians Joe Aini, [[Samuel Bellafiore or Kyle Eads]], Zachariah Chichester, Adam Feisthamel and Kyle Gorenski forward to be blessed as they prepare to begin another year of studies for the priesthood for the Albany Diocese. See more photos of the "Rite of Sending," held this year at Mater Christi parish in Albany, in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS MASS at Holy Family parish in Little Falls included a reenactment of the Christmas story by kids from the parish. Here, a choir of elementary school students begins the Mass with a song. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition (call 518-453-6688 to subscribe). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AT A "CONCERT FOR VOCATIONS" promoting the call to religious life in the Albany Diocese, seminarians Nate Resila, Kyle Eads and Sam Bellafiore are joined by Nicholas Ascioti, musical director at St. Jude the Apostle parish in Clifton Park, to lead the crowd in prayer. The concert was held at St. Edward the Confessor parish in Clifton Park; for more photos of talented local men and women in religious life, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER for the Care of Creation, Sept. 1, was an occasion for an interfaith prayer service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Representatives of many local faith communities participated - including, above, Deacon Walter Ayres, director of the diocesan Commission on Peace and Justice, who welcomed those gathered. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH in Hoosick Falls kicked off Advent last weekend with an outdoor Christmas tree lighting, blessing of its Nativity, a brass band and even visits from saints-including, at right, St. Nicholas, posing with Grace Wysocki as St. John the Baptist and Brigid Toleman as St. Lucy. See more scenes from Hoosick Falls in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IN BASKETBALL, IT'S a violation when a player stops dribbling and starts again. In this case, a double dribble is a good thing: Sixth-grader John Sobieski is practicing his dribbling skills during the Golden Knight basketball camp sponsored by Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady. Check out more photos of the summer skills camp in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MAKING SANDWICHES FOR HUNGRY patrons of the City Rescue Mission was just one of the Corporal Works of Mercy completed by youths from Sacred Heart parish in Castleton during a service day last week for the Church's jubilee Year of Mercy. Above, ninth-graders Liam Danaher, Anthony Piazzolla and Mathew Powers get to work; see The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
RELICS OF ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE were available for veneration last weekend at the National St. Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine in Fonda. Relics of the Polish friar, martyred in a World War II concentration camp, are on a tour of the U.S. and Canada overseen by the Conventual Franciscan friars' Our Lady of Angels Province, which includes friars serving in the Albany Diocese. Above, young Kateri Lushia and her mother, Amelia, kiss the relic of St. Maximilian; see more photos and information in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE ALBANY DIOCESE HELD its first-ever Summit on the Family last weekend at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville. A follow-up to the recent Summit on Vocations, it focused on the vocation of family life. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger leads a procession out of the shrine's coliseum with the Blessed Sacrament; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
NEW GRADUATES CELEBRATE after commencement for Catholic Central High School in Troy last weekend. The 77 members of CCHS' class of 2017 have earned $10.5 million in college scholarships and grants. See more photos and commencement coverage in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE ANNUAL father-daughter dance at Immaculate Conception parish in Glenville put dads and daughters on the dance floor last weekend. Above, Ryan Reed plays "freeze dance" with his daughter, Madyson. To see more fathers and daughters stepping out, turn to the home page and The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
SMILING FACES WERE EVERYWHERE during the annual Festa last weekend at Our Lady Queen of Peace parish in Schenectady. Above, Morgan Hall and Arianna Liberatore ride the roller-coaster; at right, Sal Fazzone helps two-year-old Gianni net a duck to win a prize. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
LEFT, OLIVER FALLON IS KNIGHTED by Alan Burke during a "moving-up ceremony" for new Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, held last weekend at St. Augustine's parish in Troy. The induction ceremony for 44 candidates from nine regional assemblies was hosted by the Father Van Rensselaer Assembly No. 702. Below, knights and their wives stand for prayer, for more photos, see page 3. (Nate Whitchurch photos)
A LADIES' ADVENT TEA last weekend at Our Lady of the Valley parish in Middleburgh was a social event that drew many women of the parish. Here, Nora Dougherty pours some tea for Jan Dano; for more photos of the unusual Advent celebration, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DURING THE RITE OF ELECTION last weekend at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger congratulates those announcing their intention to join the Catholic Church. For more on the annual ceremony, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PARISHES ALL OVER the Albany Diocese have been celebrating "Scout Sunday," a day to recognize the Boy and Girl Scout troops sponsored by local churches. Scouts participate in Masses as greeters, lectors and more. Above, at Our Lady of the Assumption parish in Latham, weekend assistant Rev. James Daley greets scouts and other children before they leave for faith formation. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AS CATHOLIC CHARITIES celebrates 100 years of service in the Albany Diocese this year, a centennial liturgy was held June 4 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Here, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard present Sister Mary Ann LoGuidice, RSM, retired executive director of Catholic Charities' Community Maternity Services, with an award honoring the late Sister Maureen Joyce, RSM, who was CEO of Catholic Charities for 20 years until her death in 2010. Read more about the centennial and see photos of the Mass in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
RESPECT LIFE MONTH is coming in October. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger gives a reflection during an annual memorial service for aborted children at Albany Rural Cemetery. For more photos and coverage of life issues, see the homepage and The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CATHOLICS ACROSS THE Albany Diocese have been working to entrust themselves completely to Christ’s merciful love and enable the Holy Spirit to perform works of mercy through them. The process culminated in last weekend's annual Divine Mercy consecration, celebrated by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. At left, the Bishop speaks with the Alabastro family of Corpus Christi parish in Round Lake at the Mass. See more on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF St. Mary's parish in Crescent was marked last weekend with a joyful anniversary Mass. Here, Rev. Joseph Cebula, pastor, delivers the homily as Deacon Andrew Grebe and Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger listen. See more on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
TO PROMOTE A "culture of life," Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger leads Catholics of the Albany Diocese each year on a Rosary Walk for Life in Albany, processing near the State Capitol while praying the Rosary. Above, participants pray in front of the New York State Museum. See more on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER poses for photos with newly-confirmed Catholics outside of Holy Trinity parish in Hudson. The Bishop confirmed 91 people from all the parishes of Columbia County, including nine from the Spanish community. See more on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A "CARDBOARD CITY" takes shape near Sacred Heart parish in Troy as teens prepare to spend a night on the street to show solidarity with homeless families in the city. Above, ninth-grader Erin Pendergast tapes together her cardboard shack; see more photos on the home page and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
FOUR NEW DEACONS were ordained last weekend at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. Here, newly-ordained Deacon Douglas Erickson kneels before Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and is presented with the Book of the Gospels. See more on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE CATHEDRAL OF the Immaculate Conception in Albany celebrates the feast of Corpus Christi, the body and blood of Christ, with a Mass and procession. Above, Rev. David LeFort, rector of the cathedral and vicar general of the Albany Diocese, carries the consecrated Eucharist during the procession; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SARATOGA CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL graduates celebrate after commencement last weekend, held at St. Clement's Church in Saratoga Springs. Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard officiated as 36 seniors received their diplomas. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
REV. ZACHARIAH CHICHESTER is the newest priest of the Albany Diocese, ordained last weekend by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Here, the Bishop places the offertory gifts in Father Chichester's hands as a sign of his duty to preside at the celebration of the Eucharist. See more photos and coverage of vocations on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
HUNDREDS OF HISPANIC CATHOLIC leaders from across New York State gathered in Albany last weekend for the Regional V Encuentro, discussing how the Church in America can best serve the needs of the Hispanic/Latino faithful. Above, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger celebrates the opening Mass. Read a full story on the homepage. (Emily Benson photo) 6/28/18
ON JUNE 16, REV. ZACHARIAH CHICHESTER was ordained a priest of the Albany Diocese by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. In a remarkable coincidence, on June 2, Rev. Jeff Chichester — pictured above — was ordained a priest of the Rochester Diocese by Bishop Salvatore Matano. The two new priests even bear a resemblance to one another, although they don't seem to be related. Father Jeff Chichester is a native of St. Luke the Evangelist parish in Livingston County, while Father Zachariah Chichester hails from Columbia County. Read about the Albany Diocese's Father Chichester at www.evangelist.org and about Rochester's Father Chichester at www.catholiccourier.com. (Catholic Courier photo/Jeff Witherow) 7/5/18
SPEAKER MEGAN MASTROIANNI and teens from across the Albany Diocese join keynote speaker Jamie Cleaton in prayer during the St. Isaac Jogues Youth Conference, held last weekend at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville. The conference teaches teens in high school how to have a better relationship with God in everyday life. See more photos on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call (518) 453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PEOPLE WHO EXERCISE know that it helps their fitness level to periodically change up their workouts, trying different exercises. St. Edward the Confessor parish in Clifton Park just followed this principle when in comes to the faith of children, offering a summer "Cross Training Camp" with activities, Bible stories and music. At left, Gianna Benson and Lilly Iacovetti dance; for more photos of the fun, see the homepage and The Evangelist's print edition. (To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SEMINARIANS HEADING "back to school" are blessed each year during Candidacy and the Rite of Sending as they begin or return to their studies for the priesthood. Here, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger speaks to the group; see more photos of the ceremony at St. Jude the Apostle parish in Wynantskill, plus other vocations news, on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THREE-YEAR-OLD CHARLOTTE HUHNICUTT delights in feeding a goat at the parish festival at St. Mary's in Glens Falls as her father looks on. See more photos of the fun on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, contact 518-453-6688 or ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BEFORE A CROWD OF 3,000 CATHOLICS, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger delivers his homily during the historic Hearts Aflame Eucharistic Congress at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville. See more on the homepage or in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MAISY THE IRISH WOLFHOUND looks wary as Rev. Matthew Wetsel blesses her with holy water and her owners, Veronica and Kevin Quinn, look on. The blessing of pets at Holy Trinity parish in Johnstown was a celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of animals. See more on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JOSEPH AND HELEN O'BRIEN, married 66 years, pose with their son, Rev. Joseph O'Brien, pastor of Blessed Sacrament parish in Albany, during the annual diocesan Marriage Jubilee celebration last weekend at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. For more photos, see the homepage; for a list of couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MOURNERS PRAY after the funeral Mass Oct. 13 at St. Stanislaus parish in Amsterdam for eight of the 20 people killed in a tragic limousine accident in Schoharie Oct. 6. A story and more photos are on the homepage. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
RAY DANSEREAU, COMMISSIONED at the Albany Diocese's annual Respect Life Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany as a respect life representative for Mater Christi parish in Albany, holds two-month-old Catherine as her big brother, Ray Jr., tweaks her nose. See more photos on the homepage and in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
St. Luke’s Church on 1241 State St. in Schenectady was established in 1916 and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. The first Mass was celebrated on July 30, 1916 at 2 p.m. in Tuxedo Hall on State Street. That first Mass had 15 parishionioners; today more than 1,100 families are members. Due to demand, a basement church was constructed and the first Mass was celebrated on Palm Sunday, March 28, 1920. As the community continued to grow, the cornerstone of the present church was dedicated in 1936 by Bishop Edmond F. Gibbons. The current pastor, Rev. Dominic P. Isopo was appointed by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard on Aug. 8, 1994. The culturally rich and diverse parish is home to various ministries, including: The Martha Ministry, the Urban Ministry and the Daily Bread Food Pantry, which is the second-largest food pantry in Schenectady County. Part of the church’s mission statement reads “St. Luke’s parish is a culturally, economically, and socially diverse community of baptized women, men and children, who, inspired by the wisdom of the Gospel and by the tradition of the Catholic Church, are committed to fulfilling the mission and ministry of Jesus.” Source: st.lukesschenectady.org
Members of Cathedral parish in Albany and a youth group from Immaculate Conception parish in Hoosick Falls tried to enjoy a Tri-City Valley Cats baseball game last weekend, but the weather didn't cooperate. The deluge hits Katie Pacuk from St. Mary's parish in Coxsackie, Tom Dynan from Annunciation in Queensbury and Amanda Patten from Immaculate Conception. (Nate Whitchurch photo, 08-04-11)
Parishioners of Christ Sun of Justice parish in Troy joined others at RPI's Chapel and Cultural Center recently to learn the art of making Ukrainian Easter eggs, or "pysanky." Andrea Mileo applies wax to her egg.
Deacon Jerry Christiano, 85, samples his latest tap dance piece. (Angela Cave photo)
TEENS FROM AROUND the Albany Diocese participated in last week's Service Action Learning Team (SALT), doing community service at many sites. At New Day Art, an Albany Catholic Charities program, Noreen Brady of St. Peter's parish in Saratoga Springs pushes Haleem on the swings. For more photos, see our print edition.(Nate Whitchurch photo)
SUSAN HERZOG, A CANDIDATE in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program for those joining the Catholic Church, lights a candle during a seder meal at St. John the Evangelist parish in Schenectady. For more on the traditional ceremony, see our print edition.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CONVERGED on the New York State Capitol last week for a prayer rally in defense of traditional marriage. Here, a color guard escorts priests, legislators and speakers to the rally.
Andrea Manion lifts her daughter, Ruby Bashant, to crown the Blessed Mother at St. Mary's Church in Ballston Spa in May.
St. Mary's/St. Alphonsus School and St. Mary's parish food pantry in Glens Falls were the beneficiaries of the first-ever "Kerry Blue Hustle" 5K race and one-mile kids' fun run in late May. Small runners strut their stuff.
TWO-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL LAPE pauses for a drink during the ceremony at which his father, Stephen, was ordained a deacon for the Albany Diocese. Michael is snuggled in the arms of his mother, Melissa. For more photos of the ordination of three deacons, see our print edition.
PRIESTS lay their hands upon Rev. Jay Atherton, ordained a priest of the Albany Diocese June 11 in a ceremony at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. For more photos, see our print edition.
THERESA LAPOINT GETS A HUG from Rev. Joseph Manerowski for her help during renovations to St. Mary's Church in Glens Falls, which was rededicated last weekend.
A GAMUT OF EXPRESSIONS cover the faces of children at St. Francis of Assisi parish in Northville during a summer carnival. Here, Liz Nealon, Bridget McGill and John Nealon take a spin on a scrambler.
REV. ROBERT DEMARTINIS, pastor of St. Stanislaus parish in Amsterdam, sits on the Vespa scooter he uses to save gas while driving around the city. At 60 miles per gallon, it's also a money-saver - although not an option in bad weather.
COOPER PELLETT EXAMINES a pine cone during a forest walk by kids in the summer enrichment program sponsored by St. Clement's School in Saratoga Springs. For more photos, see our print edition.
AL ABERICO SHARES a cookie offered by granddaughter Addy during a sweet moment at a parish picnic for St. Joseph's in Fort Edward and St. Mary's/St. Paul's in Hudson Falls. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A SPECIAL "TABLE OF THE LORD" televised Mass for the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the U.S. was taped last week at the WXXA-Fox 23 television studio in Guilderland. The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard - shown delivering the homily - will air on Sunday, Sept. 11 (check local listings for times or ad on page 8 of our print edition). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A PRAYER SERVICE commemorating 9/11 gathered Catholics from Herkimer County last Sunday, the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the U.S. Held at Annunciation parish in Ilion, it included Boy Scouts, shown saluting during the National Anthem. For more photos of the Ilion event, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Members of Cathedral parish in Albany and a youth group from Immaculate Conception parish in Hoosick Falls tried to enjoy a Tri-City Valley Cats baseball game last weekend, but the weather didn't cooperate. The deluge hits Katie Pacuk from St. Mary's parish in Coxsackie, Tom Dynan from Annunciation in Queensbury and Amanda Patten from Immaculate Conception. (Nate Whitchurch photo, 08-04-11)
Parishioners of Christ Sun of Justice parish in Troy joined others at RPI's Chapel and Cultural Center recently to learn the art of making Ukrainian Easter eggs, or "pysanky." Andrea Mileo applies wax to her egg.
Deacon Jerry Christiano, 85, samples his latest tap dance piece. (Angela Cave photo)
TEENS FROM AROUND the Albany Diocese participated in last week's Service Action Learning Team (SALT), doing community service at many sites. At New Day Art, an Albany Catholic Charities program, Noreen Brady of St. Peter's parish in Saratoga Springs pushes Haleem on the swings. For more photos, see our print edition.(Nate Whitchurch photo)
SUSAN HERZOG, A CANDIDATE in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program for those joining the Catholic Church, lights a candle during a seder meal at St. John the Evangelist parish in Schenectady. For more on the traditional ceremony, see our print edition.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CONVERGED on the New York State Capitol last week for a prayer rally in defense of traditional marriage. Here, a color guard escorts priests, legislators and speakers to the rally.
Andrea Manion lifts her daughter, Ruby Bashant, to crown the Blessed Mother at St. Mary's Church in Ballston Spa in May.
St. Mary's/St. Alphonsus School and St. Mary's parish food pantry in Glens Falls were the beneficiaries of the first-ever "Kerry Blue Hustle" 5K race and one-mile kids' fun run in late May. Small runners strut their stuff.
TWO-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL LAPE pauses for a drink during the ceremony at which his father, Stephen, was ordained a deacon for the Albany Diocese. Michael is snuggled in the arms of his mother, Melissa. For more photos of the ordination of three deacons, see our print edition.
PRIESTS lay their hands upon Rev. Jay Atherton, ordained a priest of the Albany Diocese June 11 in a ceremony at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. For more photos, see our print edition.
THERESA LAPOINT GETS A HUG from Rev. Joseph Manerowski for her help during renovations to St. Mary's Church in Glens Falls, which was rededicated last weekend.
A GAMUT OF EXPRESSIONS cover the faces of children at St. Francis of Assisi parish in Northville during a summer carnival. Here, Liz Nealon, Bridget McGill and John Nealon take a spin on a scrambler.
REV. ROBERT DEMARTINIS, pastor of St. Stanislaus parish in Amsterdam, sits on the Vespa scooter he uses to save gas while driving around the city. At 60 miles per gallon, it's also a money-saver - although not an option in bad weather.
COOPER PELLETT EXAMINES a pine cone during a forest walk by kids in the summer enrichment program sponsored by St. Clement's School in Saratoga Springs. For more photos, see our print edition.
AL ABERICO SHARES a cookie offered by granddaughter Addy during a sweet moment at a parish picnic for St. Joseph's in Fort Edward and St. Mary's/St. Paul's in Hudson Falls. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A SPECIAL "TABLE OF THE LORD" televised Mass for the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the U.S. was taped last week at the WXXA-Fox 23 television studio in Guilderland. The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard - shown delivering the homily - will air on Sunday, Sept. 11 (check local listings for times or ad on page 8 of our print edition). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A PRAYER SERVICE commemorating 9/11 gathered Catholics from Herkimer County last Sunday, the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the U.S. Held at Annunciation parish in Ilion, it included Boy Scouts, shown saluting during the National Anthem. For more photos of the Ilion event, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE FALL FESTIVAL at St. Gabriel's Church in Rotterdam last weekend was really a last burst of summer for parishioners like seven-year-old Gabriel Calandra pictured attempting the beanbag toss. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SKYLAR THE COLLIE is all ears as owner Elizabeth Mascioli stands by at St. Joseph's parish in Greenwich. Rev. Martin Fisher was blessing animals for the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. See more in our print edition - special Pet Pages. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE "FEAST OF THE Lord of Miracles" (Señor de los Milagros de Nazarenas) was celebrated last weekend at St. Anthony's Church in Schenectady. Above, Jose Mirllones guides men carrying an icon down the aisle of the church; to learn more about this feast, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
COUPLES GATHERED FOR the annual Marriage Jubilee celebration last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, an opportunity to mark wedding anniversaries and renew vows. Jeanne and Jim Carras, married 25 years, participated in the Mass. For our special section on the sacrament, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. MARY'S PARISH in Oneonta sponsored a "pumpkins in the park" fundraiser for the parish food pantry last weekend that featured all kinds of Halloween fun in Wilbur Park - including three-year-old Cahner Brunswick's attempt to bite an apple without using his hands during a game. For more pictures, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ANNIE DYESS OF THE Albany United Methodist Society performs a solo, joined by granddaughter Ariana Meralb, during an annual ecumenical musical celebration sponsored by the Capital Area Council of Churches. The event was held at All Saints Church in Albany; for more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PRINCIPAL JAMES LEVESKAS lets students at St. Ambrose School in Latham feel his freshly-shaved head - a look he got after they met his fundraising challenge for the school. See more photos of this and the "Race for Education" in our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PROUD GRANDFATHER Deacon Earle Flatt watches as his granddaughter, Leah Chatnik, is confirmed by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard at St. Madeleine Sophie parish in Schenectady. For more coverage of young Catholics, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Mark Vandeusen and son Daniel decorate an Advent candle together during St. Lucy/St. Bernadette parish in Altamont's LIGHT faith formation session before Advent.
THE YOUTH MINISTRY at Christ the King parish in Westmere, Albany, sponsored a "day at the North Pole" for children while parents got their Christmas errands done. "Reindeer" Cody Ingraham gives Seamus Kelly a sleigh ride. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SEVEN-MONTH-OLD Charolette Marola - held by her mother, Michelle - was probably the youngest participant at the taping of Bishop Howard J. Hubbard's televised Christmas Mass, celebrated at St. Jude the Apostle parish in Wynantskill. For more photos and airtimes for the Mass, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SACRED HEART PARISH in Stamford held its children's Christmas pageant last weekend. Carolyn Larson as the angel Gabriel tells Mary Wenner, portraying Mary, that she will be the mother of God. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SULLIVAN CROTTY of Christian Brothers Academy in Albany is covered on his way to the basket by Jacob Bishop from Catholic Central High in Troy; the two schools battled it out during a varsity basketball game last weekend. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
LOU ANTHONY, AN ALUMNUS of the class of 1974, waits on the bench with teammates during the alumni hockey game for LaSalle Institute in Troy. See more photos in our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ELLEN FITZGERALD EXAMINES art by students from St. Thomas the Apostle School in Delmar during the annual Catholic Schools Week art exhibit at Empire State Plaza in Albany. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DADS AND DAUGHTERS stepped out during a father/daughter Valentine dance recently at Immaculate Conception parish in Glenville - including, above, Jeff O'Rourke, who took the floor with his girls, seven-year-old Mattingly and five-year-old Allie. For more photos, see our print issue. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DURING A RETREAT for young adults at Pyramid Life Center in Paradox, participants take a stroll in the Adirondack woods. The weekend retreat included prayer, faith-sharing and social and outdoor activities. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
"THE MAJORITY OF participants were kids, teens and young adults who recognize abortion for what it is - the tragic killing of their generation - and they want their government to make the laws just," said Rev. Rendell Torres of Holy Spirit parish in Gloversville, who attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C., with a contigent from the Albany Diocese. Above, David Puglisi, Thomas Buff and Dan Whelly of St. Joseph's/St. Michael's/Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Amsterdam reach the steps of the Supreme Court. For more, see our print edition.
THE RITE OF ELECTION and Rite of Calling Candidates to Continuing Conversion, welcoming people on their journey to become Roman Catholic, were held last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Rodriguez family of St. Helen's/Our Lady of Fatima parishes in Schenectady signs the Book of the Elect. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE SOUP KITCHEN formerly located in the old St. Patrick's School building in Albany was moved last week to the former St. George's Church - and also renamed the Sister Maureen Joyce Center, honoring the late CEO of Catholic Charities of the Albany Diocese. Meals are already being served to as many as 150 people per day. Here, Cory and Eddie Galvin load boxes of food for the move. For more photos and information on the project, see our print issue. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
TASHA MATTISON SHOPS for clothes at The Baby's Place in Warrensburg while her daughter Evony plays. The thrift store is one of the many works of North Country Ministry, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year of helping the needy in the northernmost parts of the Albany Diocese. See more in our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Kevin and Veronica Quinn, parents of seminarian Deacon Daniel Quinn (soon to be ordained a priest), present the oil for sacred chrism and the Bishop blesses the oils (Nate Whitchurch photo).
THE "WOMEN SAYING YES TO GOD" prayer service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany brought women from all over the Albany Diocese together to be recognized for their faith. An honoree receives a rose from Sharon Prescott; for more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
The renovated residence for the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in Menands was rededicated and blessed, with about 65 sisters in attendance. Here, Rev. Thomas McKenna, CM, blesses DePaul House. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. MATTHEW'S PARISH in Voorheesville just celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special Mass. Mary Flansburg processes in with a banner, followed by Bob Prentiss with the Book of the Gospels. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DOZENS OF RUNNERS, walkers and children turned out for the Albany Diocese's annual "Run 4 Vocations" last weekend at The Crossings in Colonie. Instead of dollars, participants asked people to pledge prayers for vocations of all kinds. Here, Sister Rosemary Cuneo, CR, of the diocesan Vocations Team speaks to the runners; for more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
OUR LADY OF VICTORY parish in Troy held a "family fun and ethnic food festival" last weekend, with tasty treats and games. Proceeds will be used to update the faith formation program's audio-visual equipment. Here, 18-month-old Morgan Marriner gets some help from her father, Andy, to pick up ducks in one game. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Cardinal Peter Turkson of the Vatican's Pontifical Council on Justice and Peace shows appreciation to Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany for the Diocese's hosting a Mass of Thanksgiving for Medicus Christi, a local organization that brings medical care to the poor in the cardinal's native Ghana. For more, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Cadets wait to be called to receive their diplomas at commencement ceremonies for LaSalle Institute in Troy. For more photos, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Priesthood candidates Daniel Quinn and Michael Taylor lie prostrate before the altar at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - a sign of humble submission to God's will - just before they are ordained to the priesthood for the Albany Diocese by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. For more on last weekend's ordination ceremony, see our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MORE THAN A DOZEN inmates at Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Fort Ann were confirmed last weekend by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. Above, a serious moment with confirmand Brian Nin and his sponsor, Ernesto Ramos. See more photos in our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH in Schenectady marked its 150th anniversary last weekend. For photos of the momentous occasion, see our print edition. (James Rutsky photo)
VOLUNTEERS FROM SCHENECTADY'S Works of Mercy Initiative held a service day recently to help residents of Rotterdam Junction still repairing damage from last summer's Tropical Storms Irene and Lee. Above, Noreen Bonk of St. Gabriel's parish in Rotterdam spreads soil that had been carried into a homeowner's yard by flooding. See more photos in our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at St. Madeleine Sophie parish in Schenectady last week included coloring plates to look like hot air balloons, demonstrated above by Lauren Vottis. See more photos on the back page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MARIAH FOLTAN CHASES her sister, Bianca, through a play area during a game of tag, part of a "kickball in the park" Monday night game series by the youth ministry at St. Thomas parish in Delmar. See the back page for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A MAY CROWNING by Julia Caiola was part of an outdoor Mass celebrating the new S.S. Maria Addolorata Society prayer garden at Our Lady Queen of Apostles parish in Frankfort. For more photos, turn to page 9. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
REV. WILLIAM GORMAN BAPTIZED Elaina Gagnon recently - and had another up-close encounter with the now four-month-old at last weekend's parish picnic for St. John the Baptist parish in Newport. See more picnic photos on page 13. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
KIDS PLAY WITH -- and under -- a parachute during Camp Annunciation, a faith-based day camp sponsored by Annunciation parish in Queensbury. For more photos of the campers and volunteers, see the back page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AT A WELCOME PICNIC to kick off the academic year at Christ Sun of Justice parish in Troy -- based on the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute -- Rev. Edward Kacerguis, pastor, asks students trivia questions. The quiz was part of the picnic's "Olympic challenges;" for more photos, see the back page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
RENEE GERAGHTY LEADS a pack of teammates and opponents down the field in a pee-wee soccer game at Mater Christi parish in Albany. For more photos of the league for three- to six-year-olds, turn to the back page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP HOWARD J. HUBBARD BLESSES the Kateri Meadow Natural Burial Preserve, located at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna, during a dedication ceremony last week. The first Catholic natural burial preserve in New York State, it provides for a Church-accepted burial that is environmentally-friendly. Learn more on page 13. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
READY FOR HER CLOSEUP is Gemma, brought by Caitlyn McClay to a blessing of the animals at St. Joseph's parish in Greenwich. See more photos and news on furry friends in our special "Pet Pages" section, pages 11-13. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
NOELLE RYAN PRAYS the Hail Mary during the diocesan Rosary celebration at Our Lady of Knock Shrine in East Durham last weekend. October is the month dedicated to the Rosary; see more coverage on pages 12-13. (James Rutsky photo)
HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS Thomas and Adele Hutton of St. Clare's parish in Colonie, married 43 years, share a Sign of Peace during the annual Marriage Jubilee celebration at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. For more photos of last weekend's celebration and a list of couples marking anniversaries, see our special section, pages 8-9. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DEBORAH AMELL OF Clifton Park touches a statue of St. Kateri Tekakwitha during a celebration of Kateri's canonization at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville. For more photos, see page 3. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THERESA STEELE, AN ALGONQUIN from Clay, N.Y., performs a Native American smudging (purification) ceremony during a diocesan Mass of Thanksgiving for the canonization of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. For more photos of the Mass, held last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, see page 14. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ALL 23 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS of the Albany Diocese were represented at a special liturgy at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception last weekend, with students showing their school pride and faculty and more honored for service. Above, sisters Caitlin and Erin Barrow of St. Mary's School in Ballston Spa wait with their mother, Meghan, to lead the procession into the Cathedral. See more photos in our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE TELEVISED CHRISTMAS MASS celebrated by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, which is aired across the Albany Diocese each year, was taped last week at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Schenectady. Above, the Bishop is assisted by Deacon Joseph Cechnicki, parish life coordinator for St. Adalbert's parish in Schenectady, during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Mass will air: * on WXXA-TV, Fox 23, and Time Warner Cable channel 8, at 5 a.m. on Christmas Day; * for most Time Warner Cable subscribers in the greater Capital Region, on public access channel 18 (in Ilion, on channel 99) at 9 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. Christmas Day; * for Time Warner Cable subscribers in the Ilion area, on channel 99 at 9 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. Christmas Day; * for Time Warner Cable subscribers in the Oneonta area, on channel 23 at 10 a.m. Christmas Day; * for Time Warner Cable subscribers in the Herkimer area, on channel 99 at 12:01 a.m. and 8 a.m. Christmas Day; * for cable TV subscribers in the Schenectady area, on Open Stage Media channel 16 at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve and 1 p.m. Christmas Day; and * for cable TV subscribers in the Town of Bethlehem, on channel 18 at midnight (12 a.m.) and 8 a.m. Christmas Day. For more photos, see page our print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem...to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. - Luke 2:4-7 (Pictured: a "greccio" or Nativity play at St. Mary's parish, Nassau; see more photos in our print edition.) (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CONNOR STEPHENS DISPLAYS his pride at "growing a beard" for his role as a shepherd in the Nativity play at Sacred Heart parish in Castleton. For more photos of the memorable pageant, see our print edition.
PRESENTING THE CLASS OF 2013: Christian Brothers Academy graduates Kieran Rock, Matthew Burton, William Van Ullen, Rafael Campiz, Troy Heidenberg and Samuele Polsinelli receive academic awards at the Albany school's commencement ceremonies. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
"GOLDEN," A TEDDY BEAR belonging to Madelon Swinton of St. Mary's School in Waterford that was brought around the world by airline pilot Tyler Darby and profiled in The Evangelist's Dec. 13 issue (see story at www.evangelist.org), found a new home at Christmas. Madelon sent the bear to Mr. Darby's daughter, Lily, one of his three-year-old triplets, who'd fallen in love with Golden when the pilot stopped at home with the bear. Above, a delighted Lily opens her gift, which came with a book about Golden's round-the-world travels. "When I started to read [the] letter, I choked up," wrote Mr. Darby. "Both [my wife and I] were wiping our eyes." Lily loves Golden "so much, and the box is now his bed," the pilot added.
St. Adalbert's parish in Schenectady celebrated its Polish heritage last weekend with "At the Stable," a Christmas concert of Polish and English songs and readings. Above, Konrad Drzymalski plays a violin solo; see the print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE "MIDDLE SCHOOL MONDAY" youth group at St. Edward's parish in Clifton Park got together for a fun craft last weekend: making birdhouses. Above, sixth-graders Kara Le Coz and Emma Vosko start to paint their birdhouse. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK, an art exhibit was held at Albany's Empire State Plaza. Above, a drawing by Audrey Simard of Catholic Central High School in Troy; for more on the exhibit and reception, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MORE THAN 170 PEOPLE added their names to the Book of the Elect, signifying their desire to be in full communion with the Catholic Church, during the Rite of Election at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception last weekend. The 65 catechumens and 108 candidates from 46 parishes across the Albany Diocese will receive the sacraments at Easter vigil Masses. Here, Michael Reeves of St. John the Evangelist parish in Schenectady stands with his sponsor; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (NATE WHITCHURCH PHOTO)
A MARDI GRAS POTLUCK dinner at St. Stephen's parish in Hagaman included a mask contest: Here, Helen LaPort models hers while chatting with Joe LaPort. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
REV. CHRISTOPHER DEGIOVINE of The College of Saint Rose in Albany delivers a reflection on "Vatican II at 50" during a celebration by parishes of the Greene County Deanery of the Second Vatican Council's 50th anniversary. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH in Albany hosted its annual St. Patrick's Day Mass last weekend, with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, pipes and drums and a harpist. Above, band member Christina Curran. See The Evangelist's print edition for more photos.(Nate Whitchurch photo)
DURING THE ANNUAL Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, the sacred oils used in anointing the sick and other sacraments are blessed. The oils are also used for the dedication of churches and altars. At this liturgy, baptized and ordained Catholics also recommit themselves to service as "Church in the world." Here, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard mixes perfumed oil presented by Matthew Bonanni with the chrism oil. (NATE WHITCHURCH PHOTO)
JACQUIE KING, SISTER JOANNE ST. HILAIRE, CSJ, and Mary Ann Louison pray over those gathered at "From All Generations Women Saying Yes to God." The annual celebration at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception recognizes women who have served parishes and lived their faith in their communities. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
WHEN ARTIST CHRISSEY DITTUS checked out the stained glass windows at Sacred Heart parish's "old" circa-1874 chapel in Lake George last fall, reading a brochure that discusses the local saints like St. Isaac Jogues who are featured in each one, she was inspired to paint St. Kateri Tekakwitha, who was about to be canonized. Having finished the painting, she prayed over what to do with it - and then ran into Jack Abrahams of Sacred Heart's Knights of Columbus, who was helping to plan an annual gala that supports the parish, particularly its renovations. Mrs. Dittus donated her painting for the gala's auction, attended by 171 people, where it earned $850 for Sacred Heart. Mr. Abrahams told The Evangelist that the painting is "breathtaking" and an exact replica of the church window. Frank and Marion Sause, who run Cramer's Point Motel in Lake George, were the top bidders; Mrs. Dittus said they told her that they hung the painting among photos of their children, so St. Kateri can watch over them. "It touches my heart," the artist said. Learn more about Sacred Heart's windows at www.sacredheartcatholiccommunity.com by clicking on "church history."
A SURPRISE VISIT from foundress Sister Catherine McAuley - in the person of Sister Kathleen Pritty, pictured above - was part of a Mass last weekend at Blessed Sacrament parish in Albany marking 150 years of ministry by the Sisters of Mercy in the Albany Diocese. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ACTOR WILLIAM DEVANE, an Albany native, dropped in on the Drama Club at Mater Christi School in Albany as the students rehearsed for their upcoming production of "The Wizard of Oz." Above, he poses with the cast. Learn how the visit came about in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE ANNUAL SPRING RUNOFF for St. John's/St. Ann's Outreach Center in Albany was held last weekend at the Albany Riverfront Corning Preserve. The event helps residents of the city's South End served by the center. Above, Michelle Juett of Scotia runs in the 5K; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SEAN GARRY TAKES IN the joy of the moment as he processes down the aisle at St. John the Baptist parish in Greenville to make his First Communion. The parish also held a May crowning; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE PARISH in Hancock and the Little Victory Players staged a production of "Song of Bernadette," the story of St. Bernadette Soubirous, a teenager who had visions of Mary in Lourdes, France, in 1858. Above, Ray Patton as Dr. Pierre Dozous examines miraculously healed burns on the hands of St. Bernadette, played by Rachel Hunter. See The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
NEWLY-ORDAINED REV. SCOTT VANDERVEER, who was ordained a priest of the Albany Diocese last weekend, is helped into his vestments for the first time by retired Bishop Matthew Clark. In an unusual coincidence, Bishop Clark, who is a native of Troy, headed Father VanDerveer's home diocese of Rochester. See more photos from the ordination ceremony in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DURING DAVID PIETRYKA'S confirmation, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard pauses to chat with him for a moment. The ceremony was held at Our Lady of Hope parish in Whitehall to confirm Catholics from that parish and from St. Mary's in Granville; see The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SACRED HEART PARISH in Troy is celebrating its 100th anniversary and the 85th anniversary of the parish school this year, so many events are underway. Above, Ray and Diane Lammon present the offertory gifts to Bishop Howard J. Hubbard at a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated last weekend; see The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SABRINA KINCAID SMILES in anticipation as she prepares to choose someone to chase her in a game of "Duck, Duck, Goose" during a vacation Bible school at Corpus Christi parish in Round Lake. Parishes across the Albany Diocese are offering vacation Bible schools this summer; see more photos from this one in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JAMES HORN TAKES a bite of "pizza fritta" at the annual festa for Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Schenectady. The three-day festa last weekend included rides, music and many Italian treats; see The Evangelist's print edition for more photos. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AN ECUMENICAL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at St. Mary's parish in Oneonta was apparently an event fit for a king: Above, Chase dances in a crown, cape and "God" wristband. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE "RITE OF SENDING" is an evening prayer service held each year to ceremonially send future priests of the Albany Diocese off to begin another year of seminary studies. Above, candidates for the priesthood and seminarians already in formation join in prayer at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Watervliet. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
JAKOB DEJOHN COLORS during "Camp Annunciation," a vacation Bible school at Annunciation parish in Queensbury. The camp was held last week as summer wound down and students looked toward the new school year. See more photos in the back-to-school section of The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PARISHIONERS CHAT WITH Rev. Thomas Morrette, pastor, at the feast of the Assumption festival at All Saints on the Hudson parish in Mechanicville/Stillwater. The day featured games, music, Italian food and more; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY of the parish of St. Paul the Apostle in Hancock was celebrated last weekend with a Mass with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard and other parish events. "The other day I took a walk in our cemetery and looked at the names of those placed in the ground there. There are many names of old Hancock families....They are our parish; they are our saints," said Rev. Christopher Welch, pastor. Above, the Bishop, Father Welch and Rev. Gordon Polenz of Sacred Heart parish in Sidney kneel at the altar for the litany of the saints. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PARISHIONER RICHARD DOTY helps to bless the newly-installed "heritage window" at Our Lady of the Assumption parish in Latham during celebrations of the parish's 50th anniversary last weekend as Rev. Geoffrey Burke, pastor, and designer Kevin Morgan watch. "A parish is not buildings or structures, but the tapestry of the individuals, families, staff and parishioners whose lives are woven together over the years by the celebration of their faith," the parish noted in its anniversary history. OLA's goal is to "continue to share our faith with others, as well as continuing to be a welcoming community for the building up of God's kingdom of justice and peace."For more photos of the anniversary, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY in Albany remembered those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, during a "Patriot Day" flag-raising ceremony last week. Above, flag-bearers Austin Nevins and Kilhari Cortina (front row), along with Giovanni Lisi, John-Robert Graham and Dan O'Connor, prepare to raise the flag. See more photos of the ceremony in The Evangelist's print edition. (Dave Oxford photo)
THREE-YEAR-OLD Eleamor Layton contemplates a shot as her father, Chris, offers golfing advice during a family fun day at Mater Christi School and parish in Albany. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DON AND CONNIE ZAPOLSKI, married for 30 years, hold hands while renewing their vows during the diocesan Marriage Jubilee celebration, held annually at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. For more photos and a list of couples celebrating anniversaries at the events, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch)
AN ANGEL STATUE donated in honor of pastor emeritus Rev. James Lefebvre of St. Mary's parish in Albany by current pastor Rev. John Provost and parishioners stands watch as Father Lefebvre (seated) greets Rev. Peter Young after a surprise dedication ceremony in Altamont. The statue and serenity garden dedicated to Father Lefebvre are at the Beacon of Hope Care Center, which hosts an anti-drunk-driving program. Father Lefebvre, who was chaplain for decades for the Albany Police Department, as well as the FBI and the Northeast Chiefs of Police Association, thought he was simply coming to bless the statue. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Dave Oxford photo)
THE RELIGIOUS SISTERS OF MERCY are celebrating 150 years of ministry in the Albany Diocese. One event to mark the milestone was a Mass at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception last weekend. Above, Mercy Associate Joanne Scheibly carries a maypole in the procession; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
TO MARK NOVEMBER as Native American Month, St. Margaret of Cortona Church in Rotterdam Junction - a mission of St. Joseph's parish in Schenectady - held a drumming ceremony after a Mass last weekend. Native American friends of the parish attended the liturgy and then demonstrated with drum, flute and song some of the ways they engage in communal spiritual celebration. They explained the significance of their instruments and songs and paid tribute to new local saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Here, the Voice of the Grove drummers and singers sing a Native American song. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE ABOVE HEADLINE is a quote from a John Wayne movie, but it might also apply to pint-sized pilgrim Troy McCart, who seems to be having trouble hanging onto a basket during a Thanksgiving play at St. Mary's Academy in Hoosick Falls. Grace Dow is beside him. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Dave Oxford photo)
PARISHIONERS OF OUR LADY of Hope Church in Copake Falls decorate the altar with roses for a festival honoring Mary under another title: Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1531, Our Lady appeared to a peasant named Juan Diego near Mexico City and told him to ask the bishop to build a church on that spot. The bishop demanded a sign from above, so Our Lady had Juan gather flowers in his cloak, in December, to show him. When Juan opened the cloak, the image of Guadalupe was emblazoned on the cloth, which is still preserved in a shrine. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron of Mexico, the United States and all of the Americas. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
MICHELANGELO CREATED THE PIETA -- the famous statue of Mary holding the broken body of her Son, Jesus -- in the year 1499. Last weekend, faith formation students at Holy Trinity parish in Johnstown recreated the image when they presented the Living Stations of the Cross. Here, Mary, played by Tara Sweeney, holds Jesus, played by Michael Carpenter. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
WHEN ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH in West Winfield/Richfield Springs encouraged men of the parish to join the Knights of Columbus, an impressive 60 parishioners signed up. Above, candidates raise their hands and take a solemn vow at the induction ceremony last weekend; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH IN GREENWICH held an epiphany pageant last weekend, with children depicting the Holy Family's visit by the magi. Above, Charlotte Whelan spots something exciting as she and Reese Antiello take a break after portraying angels; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ELLEN LYGA AND ISABELLA NAEGELE carry a banner for their school, St. Francis de Sales in Herkimer, at the annual Catholic Schools Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. An art show at the Empire State Plaza afterward showcased art from diocesan schools. See more photos from the Mass in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
Bishop-elect Scharfenberger and Bishop Hubbard at the press conference announcing the Bishop-elect's appointment
REV. JAMES KANE OFFERS a blessing during a dedication ceremony for the new Seafarers Center at the Port of Albany. Father Kane is director of the Albany Diocese's Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and pastor of St. Patrick's parish in Ravena. Learn more about the center and read other stories on development in a special "Faith and Foundations" section in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DURING A "PARADE through the Bible" last weekend at St. Mary's parish in Clinton Heights, children acted out Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments. Here, kindergartner Brandon Andres holds his shield from the David and Goliath presentation; find photos of other favorite stories in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PEOPLE JOINING the Catholic Church signed the Book of the Elect during the Rite of Election last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, signifying their intention to receive the sacraments at the Easter vigil Mass. Above, Sharon Manion of Annunciation parish in Ilion signs; for more photos and an explanation of the ceremony, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CAROL STOCKMAN LEAVES NO DOUBT that it's a St. Patrick's Day celebration at Our Lady of the Assumption parish in Queensbury as she enjoys a corned beef dinner with her husband, Gordon. For more St. Patrick's Day photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
"WOMEN SAYING YES to God," an annual recognition ceremony for women from the Albany Diocese who faithfully serve their parishes and communities, was held last weekend at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Above, Ruth Jojo of the diocesan Women's Commission thanks Sister Nola Brunner, CSJ, for her decades of service to the Albany Diocese and presents her with an award. Sister Nola recently retired as vicar for religious and diocesan archivist. See more photos of women being honored in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AS THE EVANGELIST arrives in readers' mailboxes April 10, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger is being ordained a bishop and installed as Bishop of the Albany Diocese. Recently, he taped his first televised Easter Mass, to be aired Easter morning. Above, the new Bishop elevates the host during the liturgy of the Eucharist at St. Thomas the Apostle parish in Delmar; see more photos of the taping in The Evangelist's print edition, as well as the broadcast schedule. Next week's issue of The Evangelist will be a special issue on Bishop Scharfenberger. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER, 10th Bishop of the Albany Diocese, was ordained and installed April 10. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER pours sacred chrism oil into a vessel during the annual Chrism Mass at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the liturgy at which the oils used in baptisms, confirmation, anointing of the sick and more are blessed. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
DOMINIQUE STAVIS, A JUNIOR at Catholic Central High School in Troy, begins the "Diocesan Dash" at The Crossings in Colonie. The 5K race and walk May 3 raised money for the Albany Diocese's "Beacon of Hope" scholarship fund for Catholic high schools. Learn more in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IT WAS CONFIRMATION DAY last weekend for Lakota Gannet of Holy Family Church in Downsville - a mission of St. John the Baptist parish in Walton - and about 70 of her peers from 10 parishes in Otsego and Delaware Counties. It was also Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger's 10th time officiating at a confirmation ceremony in the Albany Diocese. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AT THE TOWN PARADE to mark Ravena's centennial, St. Patrick's parish in Ravena sponsored a float. Above, Gene Doane waves, dressed as St. Patrick, along with his daughter, Mary. See more photos of parish events in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CATHERINE QUINN HELPS Danielle Palmiotto adjust her cap at commencement ceremonies for the Academy of the Holy Names in Albany. See more coverage of local graduates on our home page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
AS THE LAST day of school - June 20 - approached, St. Kateri Tekakwitha School in Schenectady held a carnival, with games, food, children's activities, a bounce house and more. Above, pre-kindergartner Teddy Grimmer plays a duck pond game as fellow students watch; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
REVS. JAMES DAVIS and Brian Slezak process down the aisle at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany after their ordination to the priesthood June 14. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition; read about the Albany Diocese's two new priests on the home page. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A PRO-LIFE PROCESSION heads back to St. Mary's Church in Albany after reciting the Rosary while walking around the State Capitol. The "Rosary Walk for Life," which included Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, was sponsored by the state's Knights of Columbus. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition; read a previous story on the home page of this website. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
ST. PETER'S PARISH in Saratoga Springs has been celebrating its 175th anniversary with a series of events-most recently, a Mass with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. At right, Wesleigh Dunn lights her sister Frances' candle from her own; for more photos, turn to page 11. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH in Hoosick Falls invited new graduates from the parish on a free canoe trip down the Battenkill River last week. Above, Kyle McCune waves as the rest of the grads pass by; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
LAST WEEK, ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE parish in Schenectady once again sponsored the Guilderland Workcamp, a group of hundreds of adult and teenage volunteers who come to the area each summer to provide free home repairs to elderly, low-income and disabled residents of seven local towns. The parish coordinates the activities of the week-long workcamp and has sent youth to help in other areas. Above, Dan Arrato from Connecticut and John Hatter from New Jersey saw pieces for a new porch; for more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
THE BLACK CATHOLIC APOSTOLATE of the Albany Diocese, based at St. Joan of Arc parish in Menands, celebrated its 30th anniversary last weekend with a vigil service, brunch and anniversary Mass. Above, Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, a special guest at the Mass, blesses a child at communion time. See more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
PORTER DRISCOLI COLORS a basketball player during the Eagles' Nest summer program sponsored by St. Mary's Academy in Hoosick Falls as a way to work on academics and have fun in the "off-season." See the special Back-to-School section (see link on homepage). (Nate Whitchurch photo)
SCORES OF MARONITE CATHOLICS turned out for the consecration and dedication of a new church building in Watervliet for their parish, St. Ann's. Above, Rev. Georges Bouchaaya, MLM, pastor; Bishop Gregory Mansour of the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn; and Chorbishop Joseph Kaddo pose surrounded by parishioners and clergy and religious of the Albany Diocese. For more photos of the dedication, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
A REUNION OF ALUMNI from both the former Bishop Scully High School and St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam last weekend included a Mass and opportunities to look at the school. (SMI is in the same building that was once Bishop Scully High.) Here, Rev. Patrick Iannotti, who taught at Bishop Scully High for 15 years, delivers the homily at the Mass. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
KINDERGARTNERS SING a song with some help from volunteers during a vacation Bible school week at Our Lady Queen of Peace parish in Schenectady. Not just music, but games, science experiments, Bible skits and more were included in the faith-based week. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
CLERGY FROM ACROSS THE ALBANY DIOCESE join Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger at a Mass to celebrate the 175th anniversary of St. Augustine's parish in Troy and the 150th anniversary of the church building. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
WHEN BISHOP EDWARD B. SCHARFENBERGER remarked in a recent interview with local media that he hadn't found pizza in the Albany Diocese as good as that in his hometown of Brooklyn, Catholic Charities challengeded him to taste-test local eateries' pizzas as a fundraiser for its programs. Above, he gets to work; see more photos in The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photo)
![REV. ANTHONY LIGATO, diocesan vicar for vocations, calls seminarians Joe Aini, [[Samuel Bellafiore or Kyle Eads]], Zachariah Chichester, Adam Feisthamel and Kyle Gorenski forward to be blessed as they prepare to begin another year of studies for the priesthood for the Albany Diocese. See more photos of the "Rite of Sending," held this year at Mater Christi parish in Albany, in The Evangelist's print edition. To subscribe, call 518-453-6688 or email ann.egan@rcda.org. (Nate Whitchurch photo)](https://theevangelist.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/theevangelist/4499_t1110.jpg?86c3b3ce6e536231b1331a9413d91adf0581eba1)
!["GOLDEN," A TEDDY BEAR belonging to Madelon Swinton of St. Mary's School in Waterford that was brought around the world by airline pilot Tyler Darby and profiled in The Evangelist's Dec. 13 issue (see story at www.evangelist.org), found a new home at Christmas. Madelon sent the bear to Mr. Darby's daughter, Lily, one of his three-year-old triplets, who'd fallen in love with Golden when the pilot stopped at home with the bear. Above, a delighted Lily opens her gift, which came with a book about Golden's round-the-world travels. "When I started to read [the] letter, I choked up," wrote Mr. Darby. "Both [my wife and I] were wiping our eyes." Lily loves Golden "so much, and the box is now his bed," the pilot added.](https://theevangelist.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/theevangelist/4087_t580.jpg?8f1b5874916776826eb17d7e67de7278c987ca33)
