Church of the Immaculate Conception A Roman Catholic Community

400 Saratoga Road, Glenville, NY 12302

Hours: Monday-Friday 9-12 & 1-4

Office / Rectory Parish Center

Fax Email

Website

518-399-9168 518-399-9210 518-384-3278 icchurch400@gmail.com www.icglenville.com Find us on Facebook

The Eucharist is celebrated…. Sunday, the Lord’s Day 8 am and 11 am Anticipated on Saturday 5 pm Mon, Tues, Wed 9 am

Thursday, Friday 7 am First Saturday of the month 7:30 am (except Nov 2)

Reconciliation Saturday 4:00 pm and by appointment

Calendar of Events

Sunday Monday Tuesday

10/27 8 am Mass 11 am Mass 12 Noon Afterglow

10/28 9 am Mass—followed by Prayer Shawl Ministry

Readers Meeting Noon or 6:30 pm

6:30 pm Our Lady Queen of Peace Prayer Group

10/29 9 am Mass 9:30 am-6 pm Adoration

Wednesday Thursday Friday

10/30 9 am Mass

10/31 All Hallows Eve 7 am Mass 4 pm Recovery Mtg 7pm TOPS Mtg 7 pm Choir

11/1 Solemnity of All Saints

7 am Mass 9 am Mass 6:30 pm Mass

Saturday Sunday Upcoming

11/2 All Souls’ Day 9 am All Souls’ Liturgy 9 am-Noon Scouts Bottle & Can Collection 4 pm Reconciliation 5 pm Mass MONK’S BREAD SALE

11/3 8 am Mass 11 am Mass with clow 12 Noon Afterglow

MONK’S BREAD SALE

11/8 Chowder Fest 11/10 New Family Blessing & Breakfast 11/11 Veteran’s Day Offices Closed Mass at 9 am 11/15 Cabaret Dinner Theater & Art Show

PASTORAL STAFF Pastor Rev. Jerome R. Gingras ic400saratoga@gmail.com Pastor Emeritus Rev. J. Thomas Connery Director of Music Ministries William Jon Gray music.immaculateconception@gmail.com Pastoral Associate for Administration Fran Rossi Szpylczyn Pastoral Associate for Administration Kathy Friscic Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation Madeline Fretto Pastoral Associate for Youth Ministries Christine Goss Pastoral Care Coordinator Rachel Winters pastoralcareic@gmail.com Facilities Maintenance Christoph Belrose, Ken Hodge

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 27, 2019

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 27, 2019

SAT 8:15 am Prayer Service for Morning of Service Oct 26 5:00 pm +Robert Dame, +William Kasson, and +Chris Korner - Mary Agnes Dame and family +Bart Chabot - Manny & Barbara Salorio +Baby Kaedin Muller Vosburgh - Audrey & Vern Ketchum +Charlotte Sauve - Pat & Arleen DiCaprio SUN 8:00 am +Josephine & +Rudolph Macejka - family October 27 +Paul Rossi (49th Ann) - family +Frank Keville - family +Shirley Zimmermann - Theresa & Marko +Joe & +Kelly Glasser - family +Frances & +James Hamilla - family 11:00 am +Max & +Agnes Taberski - Ron & MaryAnn Johnson +Peter Kopchik - family +Ed Grega - wife Ann +Chester C. Moskal Sr. - Betty Greene MON 9:00 am +Al Angelino - wife October 28 +Ferdinando Adamo “Fred” Colucci - Lora Colucci TUES 9:00 am +Rose McKeever - Fran Szpylczyn October 29 +Charlotte Sauve - Ray & Joanne Germain 9:30am 6:00 pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament WED 9:00 am +Edda Sacco - Pauzé family October 30 +Pasquale Cianfarani - Aragona family THUR 7:00 am +Parish family members and friends October 31 FRI 7:00 am +George Linney - daughter Marge November 1 +Joan Weaver - family +Charlotte Sauve - Month’s Mind SAT 9:00 am All Souls’ Mass Nov 5 5:00 pm +Chester Moskal - Roger & Maryann Haskell +Barton Chabot - Carol Longo +Bonnie Wood - Schultz family +Charlotte Sauve - Brenda Bulman SUN 8:00 am +Gilda & +Charles Rizzo - family November 3 +Gerri Branch - Marilyn Moynihan +Frank Keville - family 11:00 am +Marie Cloiture - Raymonde Santucci +Louis Cloiture - Raymonde Santucci +Anthony Santucci - Raymonde Santucci Chester Moskal, Sr. - Fank family +Peggy MacArthur - Tom & Diane Bigos ~If you would like to bring up the gifts, contact an usher before Mass.~

Mass Intentions

October 26-Nov 3

Monks’ Bread Fundraiser - $5/loaf - $8/biscotti box (8) Delivery/pickup is December 14/15 after each Mass in the parish center gathering space. Order your delicious fresh baked bread or biscotti after Mass Nov 2 &3, Nov 16 & 17, and Nov 23 & 24. Members of the Welcoming Committee will be happy to assist you in the Gathering Space. Samples will be available to taste on Nov 2 & 3. They are all delicious and freeze beautifully. Payment is due at time of ordering. Your purchase supports our church and the monks, too! Contact Michele Geissler at (518) 779-3049 or icmeg63@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

Thanksgiving and Christmas Assistance Do you know someone who needs food for Thanksgiving, and food and gifts for Christmas? If yes, please call the parish office, (518 399-9168), and give them the needed information. All applications must be received by Wednesday, Nov. 6.

Chowder Fest - November 8 Take a break from shopping/cooking and enjoy a hot steaming bowl of CHOWDER on Friday, November 8 in the Flicker Room. The Glenville Knights of Columbus will be serving your choice of New England Clam, Manhattan Clam or Corn chowder from 4:30-7 pm. Adults are $8.00, Family of 4, $25.00, takeout available at $10.00/quart, 2 for $18.00. All proceeds go to the Coats for Kids program.

Speaker at Rosary Altar Society Meeting – Nov 4

The Rosary Altar Society will have its monthly meeting on Monday, November 4, at 6:30 pm in the Flicker Room.

Following the recitation of the rosary and a brief meeting, NANCY LETHBRIDGE will speak about RECOVERY INTERNATIONAL. This organization offers a cognitive behavioral training method developed by the late Dr. Abraham A. Low. For over 80 years, this method has helped people learn to identify and manage negative thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviors that can lead to emotional distress and related physical symptoms. We are collecting paper products for the Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets that are assembled by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Please place these items into the boxes at the church entrances or bring them to the meeting. They will be greatly appreciated. If you need a ride, call Dorothy at 518-399-2842. All women of the parish are warmly invited to attend.

All Saints Day - I heard a story the other day of a very holy man. The commentator said, "We shouldn't call him a saint. If we sancti-fy him, we don't have to imitate him." This is precisely the opposite of the meaning of saints! Throughout the Church's history, we have honored saints, but not to set them apart. We honor saints to remind us what is possible for a person who loves God. The saints have stories as varied as our own. We have bishops, martyrs, teachers, doctors, former thieves and prostitutes, politicians and kings, soldiers and pacifists, single mothers, desert hermits ? the list goes on! On this Solemnity of All Saints, we remember this garden of holiness, rich with diverse flowerings of a holy life. When you look at the life of your favorite saint, ask yourself, "How can I imitate this person? What is possible for me when I love God?"

YOUTH MINISTRY 399-9203 Christine Goss & Patty Nally

cicyouth@nycap.rr.com Fall Wednesday Night Mini-Courses have concluded. Please be sure to turn in your mini-course reflection form.

Fall Sunday Night Mini-Courses continue Oct 27, and Nov 3 & 10 from 6:30– 8 pm in the Parish Center.

7th Grade – Making Good Choices 8th Grade – Mary: Blessed Mother 9th Grade – Life Lessons from Two Francises 10th Grade – Contemporary Issues in Catholic Faith

—- Confirmation —-

Confirmation Large Group Session #2 Monday, Nov 18 from 7–8:30 pm in the Flicker Room

Confirmation candidates are reminded that you should be prayerfully considering who you will ask to serve as your sponsor for Confirmation. If you have any questions about selecting a sponsor, please contact our office.

Safe Environment Training for Youth Ministries Participants In accordance with Diocesan Policy, all participants are asked to attend safe environment training each year. The training topics change from year to year and cover a wide range of personal safety topics. If you have not yet signed up for a safe environment training date, please contact our office ASAP

Remaining training dates are (select 1): Sunday, November 3, from 5:30 – 6:15 pm

Monday, December 9, from 6:00 – 6:45 pm

Are you interested in delivering meals on Thanksgiving with Catholic Charities in Schenectady? Contact our office and we will provide you with the information.

Volunteers Needed – contact YM to sign up Hospitality Weekend – November 2/3 – help out at the Mass of your choice Knights of Columbus Chowder Fest – Friday, November 8 – set up, serve and clean up from 4–7 pm St. Vincent de Paul Food Basket Packing – Saturday, Nov 23 – in the Parish Center starting at 9 am

FAITH FORMATION 518-399-9210 Madeline Fretto & Michele DeLorenzo

mat417@nycap.rr.com

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE:

BINGO NIGHT is now Friday, December 6, 2019. Due to a scheduling conflict, Faith Formation Bingo Night will not be held on its previously announced date of Nov 22. Please plan on joining us on our new scheduled date Friday, December 6!!! Safe Environment Training begins today through Tuesday during our regular scheduled class times.

HOME STUDY Evaluation #1 will be held on Sunday November 3, from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Check the board for your

room assignment and remember to bring your book!

UPCOMING EVENTS IN FAITH FORMATION Family Mass — — — — — — — -Nov 24 11 am 6TH Grade Praying in Color — — — Nov 26 5-6:30 pm Advent Mass — — — — — — — Dec 15 11 am Christmas Eve Mass Procession — Dec 24 4 pm Children’s Choir for Christmas Eve —Dec 24 4 pm Rehearsal for Dec 24 — — — — — Dec 18 4:30 pm

Watch for information to be sent home and also in the bulletin.

Dr. Bill Gray, our Choir Director, is inviting all children who love to sing to sign-up for the Children’s Choir and sing at the 4 pm Christmas Eve Family Mass. If you would like to be part of the choir for this beautiful Mass, contact Mr. Gray or Mrs. Fretto. NO SESSIONS 11/10 through 11/16. Classes will resume on Sunday, November 17, at 9:15 am.

“If you are more fortunate than others, it’s better to build a longer table than a taller fence.” ~ Mary Englebreit

Last week’s collection for parish operation amounted to $13,364 and for renovations $1,000. Our offering to the World

Missions collection was $2,519 and our children sacrificially gifted $2. God bless you for your faithful stewardship.

Albany NY Chapter of Magnificat (a Ministry to Catholic Women) is hosting a Women's Breakfast on Saturday, November 9 from 9 am-12 Noon at the Vista Restaurant at Van Patten Golf Club, Clifton Park. Our speaker is Sister Teresa Grace Baillargeon, CR, Directress of Vocations for the Sisters of the Resurrection. Register by Saturday, Nov. 1; send a check for $20 payable to Albany NY Chapter of Magnificat, PO Box 340, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Include your name, address, phone # and email address. Questions: call Kathleen at 518-930-8380. Online registration -- www.magnificat-

ministry.org/ny-albany. All ladies age 16 and older are invited.

RCDA Marian Consecration & Renewal with 33 Days to Morning Glory or a Marian Consecration book of your choice – Bishop Ed is inviting everyone in the diocese to join him in a 33-day preparation period beginning Tuesday, November 5. The preparation will culminate with the renewed Consecration to Jesus through Mary at our cathedral on Sunday, December 8 at 11 am. Do not worry if you begin the preparation late or fall behind on chapters. Simply catch up when you can. Visit www.rcda.org/marianconsecration for information. Thank you!

New Family Blessing and Welcoming Breakfast

On Sunday, November 10, at the 8 am Mass, a special blessing will be placed upon the newest members of our parish family. Please call 518-399-9168 and let us know if you will be there, and if you plan to remain after Mass for breakfast. If you have recently joined the parish and have not received your mailed invitation, give us a call. If you were invit-ed previously and were unable to attend, please consider at-tending now - we would love for you to be present. Call to let us know!

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith

will deepen and grow

Sunday, Oct 27, 2019 THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Judgment is a boomerang Judge not or you’ll be judged, as scripture tells us. We’re also put on notice that the measure we use against others is the one we’re choosing for ourselves. This is why Saint John Climacus insists that to condemn another person is to ruin our own souls. Francis de Sales observes: “If your heart is gentle, your judgment will be gentle”—no surprise from the patron saint of compassionate counsel. Doctor of the church Catherine of Siena put it plainly: “The habit of judging keeps the soul far from Thee.” The jury is in: Judgment is out!

READINGS: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14 (150). “ ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity.’ ”

Monday, Oct 28, 2019 FEAST OF SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES It helps to have friends in low places Everyone at one time or another has probably felt like a lost cause and a desperate case. Lucky for us, we have a patron saint: Saint Jude the Apostle. He became patron of the lost because he was neglected for a long time when it came to Catholic veneration: Little is known about him and his name is unsettlingly close to that of Judas Iscariot. Eventually it was thought that Jude would seize any opportunity to help and became the saint to turn to when situations become especially dire. When you’re at your lowest, he’s there to remind you that Christ is there with you too.

READINGS: Ephesians 2:19-22; Luke 6:12-16 (666). “Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.”

Tuesday, Oct 29, 2019 FEAST OF MARCELLUS Forging a difficult peace Saint Marcellus, a Roman centurion who cast aside sword and armor to serve Christ and the cause of peace, was killed for his audacity. His last words to his judge, “May God be good to you,” indicate he’d also made peace within. Are we at peace with ourselves, abandoning the self-criticism and “shoulds,” and with those around us and closest to us, who—let’s face it—at times can be so annoying!? Imagine a conversation between Marcellus and the leaders of Pax Christi International (.net), a Catholic peace movement with 120 member organizations. What areas in the world might they identify where peace is most at risk?

READINGS: Romans 8:18-25; Luke 13:18-21 (480). “Creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God.”

Wednesday, Oct 30, 2019 Preparing for paradox A fundamental principle of God’s reign as announced by Jesus is a paradox: The lowly will rise, the high and mighty will fall. It carries over into other familiar gospel images: The blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the virgin conceives. Our Blessed Mother echoes the theme in her Magnificat: “He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.” Wisdom, therefore, dictates that we position ourselves advantageously for the coming of the Kingdom. It’s like cleaning out your house before a move. What passing worldly value can you get rid of today to better prepare you for the eternal reign of God?

READINGS: Romans 8:26-30; Luke 13:22-30 (481). “For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Thursday, Oct 31, 2019 God lights the darkness It’s Halloween, the day we spoof evil spirits by dressing up like them. We roam around in the dark to show we are not afraid. Today’s gospel, though, reminds us of the fear created by a cruel despot like Herod who stands ready to kill Jesus. Regardless of our Halloween rituals, such fear still lives in the world. Our faith that nothing can separate us from the love of God is what prepares us to cope with it. Today as you don a costume or give a treat to a trickster, recall that core belief of God’s abiding presence.

READINGS: Romans 8:31b-39; Luke 13:31-35 (482). “Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities . . . will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Friday, Nov 1, 2019 Solemnity of All Saints Family reunion—Christian style! Everybody loves a big reunion with loved ones—the joy of seeing one another, telling stories, and of course the food and fun! The Solemnity of All Saints is exactly like this, Francis said. “We are united with all the saints: not only the most well-known . . . but also those ‘next door,’ our family members and acquaintances who are now part of that great multitude. Therefore, today is a family celebration. The saints are close to us, indeed they are our truest brothers and sisters. They understand us, love us, know what is truly good for us, help us and await us.” With whom do you celebrate today?

READINGS: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a (667). “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

Saturday, Nov 2, 2019 All Souls’ Day COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED Leave the door open A variety of cultures and traditions approach this time of year with a special reverence for those who have come before us and passed beyond us. In northern nations, perhaps the reflective mood is prompted by the shortening days and lengthening darkness, as brightly colored autumn leaves wither and brown and fall to the ground. Ancients saw it as a time when the veil between this world and the afterword briefly lifted, the doorway between the worlds cracked opened. Take a moment today to reflect on your ancestors going back generations who passed on their faith, hope, and love to you. Pray for their peaceful repose in the loving embrace of the Timeless One.

READINGS: Wisdom 3:1-9; Romans 5:5-11 or 6:3-9; John 6:37-40 (668). “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts.”

Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com.

Scripture citations from the New American Bible Revised Edition. Contributors: Alice Camille, Peg Ekerdt, Sister Colleen Gibson, S.S.J., Daniel Grippo,

Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann, Fr Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Jennifer Tomshack, Patrice J. Tuohy

We are collecting winter Coats for Kids from this weekend through Nov 10. We are also collecting hats, scarfs, gloves and boots. Collection boxes will be at all church entrances.

Donations must be clean, and without rips or tears. The donated winter clothing will be made available to families that participate in the St Vincent de Paul thanksgiving food baskets. Unclaimed clothing will be donated to Things of My Very Own. This is a wonderful opportunity to clean your closets and help others in need. CHILDREN’S CLOTHING ONLY PLEASE.

For inquiries, contact Maryann Haskell at (518) 331-6706.

From the Pastor:

It is the prayers of the needy that scripture tells us God hears. Sirach mentions the widow and the orphan, the lowly and the oppressed. Jesus tells of the tax collector, acknowledging his sinfulness and his need for God’s mercy. The Lord hears he cry of the poor, we sing in the psalm. Let us look inside ourselves and recognize our own needful nature, our humble humanity, and our poverty, which need not be material. What prayer do we need to make to God today? And what do we have to be open to receiving?

Last Monday we celebrated our autumn Mass of Anointing. Over 150 people from our parish, surrounding parishes and local nursing homes attended. Following the Mass we served our guests a delicious home-cooked turkey dinner. I am most grateful to Rachel Winters, our Pastoral Associate for Pastoral Care and all of her helpers and assistants for making this beautiful Mass and meal possible.

On Saturday October 19, our “Friends-In-Deed” social and service ministry hosted a pot luck dinner. It was a great success and everyone gathered outside for a campfire, s’mores, and singing after the meal. Thank you to Cindy Peterson for pulling this together and for all who joined in!

Next Friday, November 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints. For Catholics, it is a day that we are expected to attend Mass and celebrate those men and women who truly became disciples of the Lord. We honor them for their faithfulness and heroic work while they were on earth. We pray to them to intercede for us and we look to them as models as we try to more full live out the call to be disciples ourselves. Masses will be celebrated on Friday at 7 am, 9 am and 6:30 pm.

On November 2, we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day). Days have grown significantly shorter, temperatures have become cooler, soon (and let’s hope not too soon!) snow may be in the forecast. Leaves are falling from threes, crops have been harvested, and plants are wilting and dying. It is only natural that we think about death. On this day, we remember all those who have died, especially family members, parish members, friends and others who lives were extraordinary to us. We take comfort in our faith that in death, our lives change but do not end. Mass will be offered at 9 am on this day. Families of those who were buried from our church since last October will join us at this Mass and a rose given to them as their loved ones names are called. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

We will be taking orders for Monk’s Bread on Nov 2 &3, Nov 16 & 17, and Nov 23 & 24 after all Masses. Delivery will be on Sunday, December 15 in the Gathering Space of the Parish Center.

On Sunday, November 10 at the 8 am Mass, we will be welcoming and blessing our new parishioners. If you were unable to attend and receive this welcome at the time of your registration, please feel free to stand and be blessed.

As I write this letter, we are gearing up for our Parish Day of Service. So much planning and preparation go into this day and I suspect it will be another great success. God give us good weather and generous hearts!

‘Til next week, be good, say your prayers and do good deeds! Fr. Jerry

Book Club will meet Wednesday, November 6, from 7-8:30 pm in the library. We will be discussing Saving Simon: How a Rescue Donkey Taught Me the Meaning of Compassion by Jon Katz. New readers welcome. Questions? Call Simone McGuinness at 518-399-9506.

Diocese of Albany Catholic Charismatic Renewal is sponsoring a Day of Healing and Teaching with Fr. Richard McAlear, OMI on Nov. 16 from 9 am-3 pm at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 175 Williams Rd, Troy, NY 12180. Cost: $25 per person/$45 per couple. Call Jack at 518-334-6503 or Diane at 518-663-5125 (after 6 pm) for more info.

“Resolve to Love” - 2019 World Community Day sponsored by Church Women United

Friday, Nov 1 at 9:30 am Charlton-Freehold Presbyterian Church ,768 Charlton Rd, 12019

For info, call Nancy Bellamy at 518-399-8508

Victory Celebration Potluck Dinner will take place on Sunday, November 3 from 3:15-6 pm at the Ancient Order of Hibernians, 1748 State St, Schenectady. All are invited to attend. Anyone who has prayed and sacrificed during the 40 Days for Life Campaign (at home, in church or in front of Planned Parenthood) is encouraged to come with your family. We will pray, eat, sing, share vigil experiences, make new friends in our local pro-life community. This way we can be stronger in defense of life. Please bring a dish to share. Questions, call Viviane-518-384-0699; Sarah - sch40days@gmail.com.

40 Days for Life - Victory Prayer Vigil - Join us on Sunday, November 3, from 2-3 pm as we gather in front of Planned Parenthood, 1040 State St, Schenectady, for our Victory Prayer Vigil to praise, worship and thank God for the many blessings received during our Fall 40 Days for Life Campaign. First timers are welcomed to join us. Please take a leap of faith and make this sacrifice and be a witness for Jesus – STAND UP FOR LIFE!

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, New York,

is a community of faithful Christians, who have come together under the wisdom of the Holy Spirit

and the guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to give witness to Jesus Christ.

Our mission is to celebrate the Eucharist;

to joyfully proclaim the Good News; to care for those in need; to actively foster stewardship of time, talent and treasure; and, as a

parish family, to grow in faith, love, and peace.

Welcome! We welcome visitors to our community

with great joy!

All Catholics who regularly worship at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, as well as those living in the greater Glenville area, are invited to become a part of our parish community. Our church is equipped with audio devices for the hearing-impaired and is handicapped-accessible. Please see our ushers for assistance.

We pray for those who have died recently, especially

+Carol Kniskern. Now absent from the body; they are present with the Lord.

Remember in your prayers all who are sick or suffering in any way - mind, body or spirit. We remember especially: Connie Janack, Joyce Maddalone, Joanne, Susan, Adelaide, Robert, Christine, Christopher, Mike, Tom, Nick, Lorraine B, Theresa & Ziggy, Dave, Phil, Marian, Edward, James, Joshua, Doug D, Kathy, John G, Nancy G, Paul Swere, Sue Jones, Candace, Jennifer, Gloria Blum, Edward, James, Josh, Helen, infant needing surgery, Josie, Eva, Gerri Gibney, Peggy T, Jacqueline, Debbie, John K, LM, BC, Pasquale Basilio, Michael Martin, John Cook, Milly Morgan, Henry, Edward R, Diane M, Art, Erin Hecker, James Kochen, Jim Fiedler, Anna & Abby Scott, “ E J “ Knapik, Justin, Ron Wood, Patrick Richardson, Marie Stern, Tony, Linda A, Christopher, Bernadette Steele, Paula, Stan J, John P, Carson, Susan Kopchik, Kevin Sarsick, Karen Rhodes, Kyleigh, Jennifer Jones, Brian Troiano, Joe Barnick, Valerie Saenger, Paul A, Lisa Bovino, Loretta & Sarah Gallagher, Patty, Jeffrey, Anna, Angelina, Darlene Polsinelli, Tina Masterson, JoAnn Masterson, Madeline Trull, Nicholas Watrobski, Barbara Mlodzianowski. Names remain for two months; call the rectory for additions.

Reconciliation The opportunity for Reconciliation is available on Saturdays from 4-4:30 PM and by appointment. Parish celebrations of Reconciliation are announced during Advent and Lent.

Baptism The celebration of baptism is the first sacrament of initiation which begins our journey of following Christ. Infant baptisms take place throughout the year, except during Advent and Lent. Baptism for school age children is arranged as needed. Adult baptism and the reception of baptized non-Catholics into the Catholic church typically occurs during the Easter Vigil. For information on any baptism needs, please contact the parish office at 399-9168.

Confirmation Those wishing to be included in the annual parish celebration of Confirmation are asked to call the Parish Office. Students must be in the 11th Grade and be enrolled in the two-year Faith Formation Program. Adults may arrange for Confirmation by contacting the parish priest.

Marriage A registered parishioner who wishes to celebrate his or her marriage at Immaculate Conception is asked to contact the Parish Office, at least six months prior to the anticipated date and before any other arrangements have been finalized, to begin sacramental preparation.

Anointing of the Sick The Sacrament of the Sick is intended for those who are ill or infirm. Parishioners planning to enter the hospital are encouraged to receive this sacrament prior to admission. Arrangements to receive the Sacrament can be made by calling the Parish Office. Please be aware that the hospital will not inform us of admissions. A communal celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick takes place seasonally.

Holy Orders Men interested in the Priesthood or Permanent Diaconate, and those men and women interested in Religious Life or Lay Ministry are encouraged to contact the Vocation Office at 518-312-9297 or www.albanyvocations.org. Please join our community in praying for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, religious life and lay ministry in our Church.

The orphans in Haiti can still use your help! Christmas Shoeboxes Project is Cancelled

The collection for the Cardinal Stepinac Children Center in Haiti, under the direction of Fr. Belanich, held at St. Mary’s School for the past 16 years has been cancelled indefinitely. A very large container of donated items, sent to the orphanage in Haiti, was confiscated by an unknown source and never recovered. After much deliberation, the sponsors of this project decided to continue to solicit monetary donations to buy Christmas gifts for the 51 orphans at the Center. We hope each child will be able to open one gift on Christmas morning. Leftover donations will be used for the children’s needs. This project has a deadline of Nov 1. If you can help in any way, please send your check (no cash) to Jake Stomieroski, YM Director at St. Mary’s School, 40 Thompson St, Ballston Spa 12020. For inquiries call 518-884-8479. Make checks payable to St. Mary’s Church. Thank you in advance for helping the orphans have a magical Christmas. With your love and concern for them—it can happen. God bless.

All Souls envelopes are available at the church entrances.

The annual Youth Rally and Mass for Life will be held on January 24, 2020 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. The Albany Diocese has access to a number of free tickets, which must be requested by November 12. If you are interested in this event, contact Christine Goss at 518-399-9203 or cicyouth@nycap.rr.com. To find out more about the Youth Rally and Mass for Life, including the schedule for each venue, or to contact them with certain questions, you may visit the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/youthrallyandmassforlife or http://youthrallyandmassforlife.org.