The Most Reverend Edward B. Scharfenberger, D.D. Bishop of Albany The Very Reverend David R. LeFort, S.T.L., V.G., Rector The Reverend John Tallman, Parochial Vicar In residence The Most Reverend Howard J. Hubbard, D.D. Bishop Emeritus Religious Education and Faith Formation Dr. Thomas Fowler Cathedral Social Services Department Sister Margaret Mary Hohl, D.C. Director of Music and Organist Dr. Brian F. Gurley Coordinator of Development / Public Relations / Events Mr. Thomas M. Prindle Parish Secretary Pilar Dell Parish Bookkeeper Mrs. Kathy Zorian Facilities Manager Mr. Kurt Schlachter Sacristans Mr. Brian Cosgrave Mr. Martin Powell Trustees Mrs. Debra Bleezarde Mr. Claude Rounds Parish Council Chair Mrs. Gerry Johnson Rectory and Cathedral Offices 125 Eagle Street Albany, New York 12202-1718 Phone: 518-463-4447 Email: CICAlban@rcda.org Fax: 518-514-1441 Web address: www.cathedralic.com Follow us on facebook! https:://www.facebook.com/albanycathedral Religious Education Office Email: FFCICa@rcda.org Phone: 518-463-4447 ext. 4 Church Music Office Phone: 518-463-4447 ext. 5 Email: brian.gurley@rcda.org Social Services/Food Pantry Office Sister Margaret Mary Hohl, D.C. 93 Park Avenue, basement office Phone: 518-463-2279 Email: socser@nycap.rr.com Cathedral Convent 93 Park Avenue Albany, New York 12202 Phone: 518-436-7697 Development / Public Relations / Events Office Mr. Thomas Prindle Phone: 518-453-6657 Email: thomas.prindle@rcda.org CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION in the city and Diocese of Albany Established 1848 Corner of Eagle Street and Madison Avenue (at the Empire State Plaza), Albany, NY Mission Statement We, the worshipping community of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, rooted in the Gospel and the celebration of the Eucharist, seek to make known God s love in the world through serving one another, sharing our faith and welcoming all. Schedule of Liturgical Celebrations The Holy Eucharist (Mass) Sunday Masses: (Anticipated Mass) 5:15 p.m. on Saturday 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday Weekdays: Monday-Wednesday-Friday 12:15 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday 7:15 a.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) Monday-Wednesday-Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturday: 4:00-5:00 p.m. and by appointment Please pass the bulletin on to a neighbor or friend. The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony Religious Education To register, and for information, call: Parish Food Pantry 93 Park Avenue; Basement, Entrance at north side of building Food and personal care items collected on the last Sunday of the month. Food distributed Monday-Friday l0:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Pastoral Visits Contact the rectory office to schedule a tour. Tours of the Cathedral available by appointment Personal amplifying units for the hearing impaired are available in the sacristy. Handicapped-Accessible www.cathedralic.com
OF THE IMMACULATE Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord First Reading: Isaiah 50;4-7 As we enter Holy week, the readings focus on the reason for Jesus suffering and Death. This selection from one of the four Suffering Servant songs summarizes well Jesus ministry, why he was rejected, how he responded, and what ultimately led to his suffering and Death. Through it all, Jesus trusted in God, knowing he would never be disgraced for attuning himself to God s ways. Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-1 This well known text from Paul s letter to the Philippians speaks of Jesus kenosis, or emptying of his God-self in order to become fully human. In becoming human, Jesus chooses not to grasp onto divinity but rather empties himself, taking the form of a slave. He humbly and fully accepts all the limitations that being human entails, while being totally obedient, that is, attuned are oriented, to God s ways. Such a lifestyle brought about opposition, rejection, and ultimately death at the hands of those unwilling to tolerate such a challenging message. Throughout, Jesus trusted in and turned to God for strength and courage. Gospel: Mark 14:1 15:47 [15:1-39] Marks Passion narrative highlights Jesus 'willingness to empty himself out for others. He does not resist his fate. Rather, he accepts it as the inevitable result of aligning himself with a God who invites all to empty themselves for the sake of others. Such a mission is not easily accepted by most individuals, which is exactly why jesus became fully human. Both fully human and fully divine, Jesus shows us that not only is it possible to live out that mission, but that is what God has always desired of us. Reflection Of the Passion accounts, Mark s is the most concrete, the most blunt. It is unadorned tragedy. Thus, it is all too easy for us to become overwhelmed or blinded by it, to be unable to look beyond the events it relates with the eyes of faith. The passion is a tragedy, but it is also a story of glory. That is why we read the Passion today, the first day of the week we call Holy. The passion of Jesus Christ sets the tone for all that takes place this week: the reconciliation of sinners, the commemoration of the Passover and the first Eucharist, the veneration of the cross, the expectant vigiling, the welcoming and initiation of the elect, the bright light and overwhelming joy of Easter. The Passion of Jesus Christ leads us to all these. The Passion of Jesus Christ enables us to recognize God present in the humiliations and failings of life. The passion of Jesus Christ makes any passion we may undergo holy. 2 The parish family of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception extends sincere condolences to the family of those who have died, especially Pastor Emeritus Reverend James Lefebvre Grant them, O Lord, we pray, and all who sleep in Christ, a place of refreshment, light and peace. On May 1st we will welcome our new Deacon Tim Kosto. Tim is a native of western New York. He came to the capital district in 1998 to pursue a doctorate in Chemical Engineering at RPI and stayed in the area after graduating. He works as an engineer in a manufacturing company in eastern Rensselaer County and lives with his wife Kathryn, in an 18th century home in Schodack that they have restored together. They enjoy maintaining their home, gardening, bicycling, poetry and their pets. Tim was ordained a permanent deacon May 24, 2014 and has completed a Master s degree at St. Bernard s. Since his ordination, Tim has served at the Church of St. Mary in Clinton Heights, where he also continues to participate in Family Promise, a service ministry providing shelter for homeless families in the Capital District.
PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD Social Services/Food Pantry News Sister Margaret Mary The food pantry is busy this week before Easter. We are in need of $10 Gift cards that will be given out to our seniors and homebound friends. Thank you for your continued generosity and I wish you all a blessed Easter! THE FOOD PANTRY WILL CLOSE AT 12:00 PM ON GOOD FRIDAY. The rectory office will be closed on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. The collection for Holy Thursday will go towards the Cathedral Food Pantry. Once a year, on Good Friday, our parish is called on to support Christians in the Holy Land. Many Christians in the Holy Land depend on this Special Pontifical Collection. It offers a direct link for people of our diocese to be witnesses for peace, supporting parishes and schools, outreach to the poor, welcome to pilgrims, maintenance of the shrines, and conducting pastoral ministry in the land of Our Lord. Please help by giving to the collection on Good Friday. Stewardship Treasure The collection for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 11th was $3,951.54. The collection for Restoration was $932.25. The attendance was 509. Thank you for all you have given to the Cathedral. Join us on the journey at Spring Enrichment this May Life is an ongoing journey that begins with God who holds our hand and invites us to hold the hands of our brothers and sisters on every step of the way. We re companions on this journey. Why not seek the Lord and join fellow companions at this year s Spring Enrichment. The Albany Diocese s Spring Enrichment will be at the College of St. Rose in Albany, Wednesday, May 16 Friday, May 18. With over 100 two hour and 25 one hour mini courses to choose from there should be something for just about everyone at this year s program. For details go to www.rcda.org/ springenrichment or call the Catholic School Office at 518-453- 6602 for information. Fifth Annual Rosary Walk for Life with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger Saturday April 28,2018 beginning at 11:00 AM Join Bishop Scharfenberger, lay faithful, and clergy in reciting the rosary in procession to the capitol to promote a culture of life. Join the Cathedral Parish Family for a Cathedral Brunch. Hosted by Rev. David R. LeFort Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 12:30 pm at the Wolferts Roost Country Club, Albany. Registration forms can be found at the doors of the church. Communal Penance Service-March 27, 2018 at 7:00 pm Rehaersal for Holy Thursday & Good Friday March 28 at 6:00 pm Holy Thursday March 29th,Liturgy at 5:30 Night Prayer at 10:00 pm Good Friday March 30th stations of the Cross 3:00 pm Good Friday Liturgy 5:30 pm Rehearsal for Easter Vigil March 31 at 10:00 am Easter Vigil March 31st at 8:00 pm Solemn Vigil of Easter and the Resurrection of the Lord with Bishop Scharfenberger. CATHEDRAL BRUNCH April 29th GOLF CLASSIC June 25 JOINT PARISH PICNIC September 23 Rosemarie Abitz, Jeffrey Abraham, Robert Buell, Shirley Anderson, Lucy Apisa, Stephen Beattie, Grace Isabelle Caruso, Carmella Cervera, Mary Faith Colvin, Theresa Cooney, Sr., Gertrude Cosenke, RSCJ, Marc Daniels, John Dare, Jr., Denise Degasparis, Michael Dolan, Ann Doherty, JoAnn DeLucia, Diane Fontanelli, Angelo Frattianni, Janette Fusco, Michael Gilman, Bernice Girma, Karen Goral, Carol Greenshields, Jean Gutbrodt, Bryan Hanley, Sophie Hanley, Jacqueline Heisler, Kenneth Hockeson; Douglas Hoffeler, Dorothy Jordan, Reny Jose, Bill Keane, Amy Keegan, Mary Lauria, Donald Law, Gayle Leonard, Rebecca Leno, Therese Lenz, Diane Lo Prete, John McGrath, Sr., Maria Mercurio, CSJ, Stephanie Merenda, Diane Mueller, James Murphy, Mary Murphy, Joseph Oathout, Shane O Donnell, Josephine Pitcherale, Marcia Pedone, Catherine Rappazzo, Mark Roman, Matthew Rosato, Anna Ruggeri, Megan Ruthman, Joe Shea, Elaine Spoor, Jane Strodel, Adam Ventura, Sebastian Vicencio, Richard Warner, Raphael Warner 3
March 25, 2018 Cathedral Liturgical Celebrations, Meetings and Mass Intentions for the week of March 25-April 1, 2018 Saturday, March 24, 5:15 P M Mass -Bishop Scharfenberger Sunday, March 25, 9:00 am Mass Intention Salvatore Alessi Requested by Alessi Family 10:00 am Faith Formation 11:00 am Mass 5:00 PM Mass Intention Shirley&Thomas Riley Requested by Family Monday, March 26 12:15 P M Mass Tuesday, March 27 7:15 am Mass 12:00 P M AA meeting (rectory) 7:00 PM Communal Penance Service Bishop Scharfenberger Wednesday, March 28 12:15 P M Mass Thursday, March 29 Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord s Supper 5:30 P M Liturgy of the Last Super 10:00 P M Night Prayer Friday, March 30 Good Friday of the Lord s Passion 3:00 PM Stations of the Cross 5:30 PM The Lord s Passion Saturday, March 31, Holy Saturday 8:00P M Easter Vigil-Bishop Scharfenberger Sunday, April 1, Easter Sunday 9:00 am Mass 11:00 am Mass- Bishop Scharfenberger 5:00 PM Mass 4A
March 18, 2018 From Father LeFort With the observance of Palm Sunday, we enter into the most solemn week of the year. Holy Week offers us an opportunity to pause in the midst of our overly hectic life and to give some thought to the great love and mercy that was poured out on us through the events that we commemorate. To prepare for the observance of the Sacred Triduum, that is, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Great Easter Vigil/Easter Sunday, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated in our Cathedral Church this Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Bishop Scharfenberger will lead us as we ask for forgiveness for our sins, faults and failings and renew our belief in the absolute and infallible mercy of God through the merits of his divine Son, Jesus Christ. Please join in this wonderful celebration of God s merciful love. Come as individuals, as a family, as a group of friends. Invite anyone and everyone to this celebration of God s mercy; the mercy symbolized so powerfully by the cross and empty tomb. We will have several visiting priests to assist with individual confessions. On Holy Thursday, at 5:30 p.m. we gather with Bishop Scharfenberger to celebrate the Liturgy of the Lord s Supper. On Good Friday, the Stations of the Cross will be prayed at 3:00 p.m. Then at 5:30 p.m. we will join Bishop Scharfenberger for the Liturgy of the Lord s Passion and Death. The Great Easter Vigil will be celebrated on Holy Saturday at 8:00 p.m. During this liturgy we will baptize and receive into the Church our elect who has been preparing all year for the Rites of Initiation. On Easter Sunday we continue the celebration of Christ s resurrection at the 9:00 a.m. Mass, the 11:00 a.m. Mass, and 5:00 p.m. Mass. Please make a special effort to come together for these special celebrations. They speak to the heart of our faith. The effort you make to be with our parish community for these observances will be rewarded time and time again throughout the year. 4B