Stewardship Highlights: A Closer Look at Our Pastoral Council

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1 Volume 1 Issue 3 February 2006 Blessings st.mary s Church of St. Mary Parish Newsletter Stewardship Highlights: A Closer Look at Our Pastoral Council By Jessica C. Memole The parishioners of St. Mary s serve their community in countless different ways. Some of these acts of stewardship are quite visible, like ministering to the faithful during Mass, while other contributions to our church go virtually unnoticed by the congregation, like the work done by members of the Pastoral Council. The main focus of the Pastoral Council is one of vision, says Carol Tenzyk, facilitator of the council. The council is prayerful and we all have a common goal to work on what is best for St. Mary s. To accomplish this goal, the ten members of the Pastoral Council meet with Father Jerry Gingras once a month to discuss how St. Mary s can reach its full potential presently and in the coming years. Currently, the Pastoral Council is working to combine the Faith Formation program with the Youth Ministry. Another goal of the Pastoral Council is to be more visible so parishioners are aware of its existence, understand its function, and feel comfortable approaching council members with questions or concerns. This is to help take a little pressure off Father Jerry. If someone has a question concerning St. Mary s, we are the people they should seek out, Carol explains. If we don t know the answer, we will get the answer. Most members of the Pastoral Council serve for a three-year term. When a parishioner s term has concluded, prospective members are invited to join the council. The decision to join the Pastoral Council is made cautiously and prayerfully, and prospective members treat their invitation as a calling. Many of the members of the Pastoral Council serve St. Mary s in other capacities as well. The council s facilitator, Carol Tenzyk, is also the parish Liturgical Coordinator, and can be spotted at nearly every weekly Mass, quietly striving to ensure a spiritual and meaningful celebration. Co-chair Santino Bonanni serves as both a Eucharistic minister and an usher during weekend Mass. Many families would also recognize Austin Byrnes, who coordinates the Pastoral Council members (back row) Andrew Quell, Fr. Jerry, Austin Byrnes, Denise Buono, and Christopher Desany; (front row) Carol Tenzyk and Santino Bonanni, members not present are Judy Salisbury, David Burns, David Hans, and Debbie Tagliento. inside this issue Pastor s Corner Looking back on Where Does Our Money Go? Giving back to St. Mary s. Faith Formation programs for children and adults, with the assistance of council member Denise Buono, who is also a Eucharistic minister. David Burns, a lector for weekend celebrations, additionally serves the parish youth as an eighth grade Faith Formation instructor. Debbie Tagliento is a Eucharistic minister, along with David Hans, who chairs our Stewardship Council. Andrew Quell, who recently led the parish Youth Ministry, is also a member and a Eucharistic minister, along with Judy Salisbury, who devotes her time to the Rosary Altar Society and the Liturgical Committee. Christopher Desany is a faithful parishioner, who is very dedicated to the community of St. Mary s. I know the community of St. Mary s well, says Father Jerry, but I like having the Council behind me. In the past, St. Mary s had a Parish Council that helped facilitate the daily affairs of parish life. Today, the mission of the Pastoral Council is more encompassing; while everyday business is still discussed each month, the future of the parish as a Catholic community is the Pastoral Council s main focus. I want to include the Council when decisions are made, says Fr. Jerry. It really is the voice of the people. Do You Know? Do you know the history of Lent? Spotlight Get to know Ray and Rose Ann Fabian.

2 Blessings st. mary s Church of St. Mary Parish Newsletter Published three times a year and mailed free of charge to the entire parish community. Church of St. Mary at Clinton Heights 163 Columbia Turnpike Rensselaer, New York Telephone: Fax: stmaryny@nycap.rr.com PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Jerome R. Gingras, Pastor NEWSLETTER STAFF Editor: Shannon Hutton Designer: David Schillinger Contributors: Mary Cimo Pat Hughes Jessica Memole Jackie Stack Carol Tenzyk If you have any questions or comments please contact Shannon Hutton at bhutton1@nycap.rr.com. Pastor s Corner Father Jerome R. Gingras Do You Know? By Jackie Stack Do You Know the History of Lent? The season of Lent developed... as days of preparation for the Easter initiation of catechumens into the fullness of the community, according to the Huck and Chinchar book Liturgy with Style and Grace. Over time, the keeping of forty days became common practice and the entire parish community entered into the season of Lent with those catechumens to be initiated at Easter. The presence of those who seek full belonging leads those who already belong into a thoughtfully-kept Lent. Even if there are no catechumens preparing for initiation, Lent remains a season focused on the renewal of baptism: inviting all to hear the gospel well, to take it in with great seriousness, and to experience something of the dying and rising that baptized life is all about. Lent at St. Mary s is usually marked by the presence of catechumens who stay for the Liturgy of the Word and then are kindly dismissed. These catechumens are sent by us to the Bishop for the Rite of Election, and then return for our prayers during the three weeks of Scrutiny. Do you have any questions about being a Catholic? If so, drop me a note in the collection basket or me at jajadave@nycap.rr.com and I ll try to find the answer for you! January gets its name from the Roman god, Janus, who is depicted with two faces one looking forward and the other looking back. What an appropriate image for us at this time of the year as we bid goodbye to the old, and welcome the new. As I look back on last year, I cannot help but remember the sad events that took place in our world and in our country: the aftermath of the Tsunami, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and other violent storms, the death of the Pope and, of course, the continuation of the war in Iraq and the loss of so many lives and the disruption of so many others. Yet, I also remember so many good events that took place over the past year the blessings. For example, countries, communities and individuals stepped forward and offered food, clothing, shelter, love and support to those whose lives were in ruin; a new Pope was chosen to lead the Church, and legitimate elections were held for the first time in a country that has long been without them. While Janus could use his second face to peer into the future, we cannot. Yet it s by looking at the past that we can see that God is always with us. We see that God has carved our names in God s hand; that God will never leave us orphaned; that God will love us until the end of time. Truly, God s blessings abound even in our darkest hours. I am confident that 2006 will be filled with blessings as well as challenges. Why am I so confident you ask? Well, because I know God and God s love for us. I know that God is rich in mercy, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. I also know you, the community of St. Mary, and the goodness and generosity you are so capable of. As we begin this new year, let us look beyond whatever challenges there may be, and be confident that God s blessings are always coming our way. Peace, Fr. Jerry MISSION STATEMENT The Church of St. Mary is a Catholic Community, united in faith and Eucharist with the Diocese of Albany, New York, and the Church throughout the world. As a Catholic Community, we believe in and model our lives on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are committed to active worship and prayer, life long faith formation, and the physical and spiritual support of those in need. All are welcome into our community. Because of our belief in God s abiding presence, and with the support of the Holy Spirit, we share a common commitment to Stewardship which invites disciples of Jesus Christ to acknowledge their gifts from God and to share those gifts of time, talent and treasure justly and charitably in the service of the parish community and the local and global community.

3 Where Does Our Money Go? Our homes are usually our most valuable financial asset, and therefore we take great pride in taking care of them as best we can. Our homes have an emotional value too, and reflect the changes and milestones in our lives. The contents are a family history of sorts including the pictures on the wall, a piece of furniture we may have inherited, or perhaps an empty bedroom we keep for a child away at college. As parishioners, we are also part of another family with a second home, the Church of St. Mary, our home of worship. This home also plays a significant role in our lives as we gather to pray, to celebrate the sacraments, to ask for forgiveness, to mourn the loss of loved ones, or to simply feel closer to God. Several of St. Mary s parishioners support their home of worship by making generous contributions through wills, memorial foundations, or by giving funds when they saw an area in need of improvement. Mildred Schermerhorn passed away in August of 2003 and generously willed $2,000 to St. Mary s. That money was used for the new St. Joseph Daily Chapel in the parish center. St. Mary s received $2,000 from the estate of Albert Carpinello in December of This donation was used to help purchase our parish truck. In lieu of anniversary gifts, Mike and Rosalie Riley generously requested donations be made to their home of worship. Those donations, as well as a donation from Nicholas Spagnola in honor of his late wife, Florette, and a donation from Mary Ann Wilson in honor of her mother, parishioner Mary Cataldo, have contributed to the remodeling of the sacristy. When Jack Chenette passed away in May of 2004, his family asked that friends and family make donations to St. Mary s in lieu of flowers. More than $1,000 was donated in his name, and the money was used to purchase communion vessels, a touching remembrance for the family. Other gifts, including $5,000 generously willed to St. Mary s by Jack Sheehan who died in April of 2004 and a $5,000 gift from the Knights of Columbus - Francis Cardinal Spellman Council No. 6027, have been put into St. Mary s Welcome to St. Mary s Ed and Christina Willigan with Emily, Katie, and Anna Noel Barresi, Bryan Stewart and daughter Marina Ann Marie Parisi Eugene Cellini and son Andrew By Mary Cimo endowment fund. St. Mary s is a home of worship that has faithfully served its parishioners and community for decades. When discussing the contributions made by parishioners, Father Jerry said he believes, It s nice to give back to our church which gives so much to us. Tom and Sarah McKay and daughter Cameron Margaret and Jay O Conner and son Simon Nikki and Paul Fettuccia and son Franco (son Nicholas not present)

4 spotlight Getting to Know Each Other Better By Shannon Hutton Ray and Rose Ann Fabian Ray and Rose Ann Fabian have been members of the St. Mary s family for 50 years. Over the last five decades, as our parish family grew, so did theirs. Their four daughters all received their First Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary s. All of their children also went to St. Mary s school, and three of their daughters were married at our church. Ray and Rose Ann have eleven grandchildren. Over the last 50 years, Ray and Rose Ann have shared their time and talent serving St. Mary s in various ways. Ray has been a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, member of the Pastoral Council, and President of the Holy Name Society. Rose Ann belonged to the St. Mary s Mother s Club and was the assistant leader for St. Mary s Girl Scout troop. Rose Ann smiles in agreement when Ray says We met most of our best friends at St. Mary s. Where is your hometown? Ray & Rose Ann: Granville, New York. How do you enjoy spending your free time? Ray & Rose Ann: Going out to dinner and traveling with really good friends. We have traveled with a group of good friends for about 10 to 12 years. Where is your favorite place on earth? Why? Ray & Rose Ann: Hawaii, we went for our 25th wedding anniversary with our travel group. What continues to keep you coming to St. Mary s? Ray: It s our church and really the only church we ve ever belonged to. We thoroughly enjoy St. Mary s; our friends are here and we couldn t think of going anywhere else. Rose Ann: God. What changes have you seen at St. Mary s? Ray: Physical configuration within in the church and the change from Latin to the vernacular; the priest used to stand with his back to the congregation. Rose Ann: More modern. What do you see in St. Mary s future? Ray: It will be going strong for a lot of years. I hope Father Jerry will be there another 40 to 50 years. Rose Ann: We hope it will continue. Ray: Painting and fishing. What is your favorite time of the year? Why? Ray & Rose Ann: Every season, except winter. We enjoy Spring because it s a time of awakening with everything coming into bloom, and we dread the coming of winter. What do you hope to hear God say when you enter heaven? Ray: Welcome. Rose Ann: Yes, that would be a good one! (referring to Ray s answer).

5 Our Parish Family Photos St. Joseph Daily Chapel Emily Layman - RCIA candidate St. Mary's Three Kings David Cordova - new parishioner & catechumen Father Jerry having fun with the Murphys

6 Many Hands Make Light Work By Pat Hughes Whether you can commit for one event, or you are ready to get more involved in a Ministry, devoting some time to helping out will bring light into your life and the lives of others. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: ST. MARY S CHOIR If you are looking for a way to get involved and enjoy music, consider participating in St. Mary s Choir. They are always looking for more people to sing or play instruments. They especially need someone who plays bass and someone who plays drums. The choir rehearses Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. They are also looking for children in 2nd grade and up to sing in a children s choir on Easter Sunday. If you d like to join, or learn more about the choir, please call Brendan Carr at Ash Wednesday is the first day of The answers will be provided at the entrance to church in February. Kids Spot Church of St. Mary 163 Columbia Turnpike Rensselaer, NY Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Rensselaer, NY Permit No. 117