Our Creation Care Team, thanks all of our friends from our local Sister Parishes, Christ the King and St. Matthews who joined our Pilgrimage to the Navajo Nation with Sr. Larraine Lauter, Director of Water with Blessings and neighbors of the Navajo Nation. We encountered the beauty of the Western Four Corners of the Navajo Nation and heard witness testimony from Navajo women on their experience with climate change, the stripping of the earth caused by uranium mines and the devastation that remains. They gave witness to the lack of water not only for daily use but the lack of water for livestock, farming and herbs needed for healing. Many to this day live without what many of us may take for granted; running water or electricity even though power lines run over head on their property. Reminder for all of us to return to what God has created us to be...not simply caretakers of Creation rather work together to restore our Relationship with Creation and our Creator. We invite you to read the book Ladder to the Light, by Steven Charleston, leading voice of justice for Indigenous Peoples, the environment and spiritual renewal in North America. Together may we climb the Ladder to the Light.
Faith and Fun March Madness Game Plan on being a Disciple: A follower of Jesus 1. Gotta Believe in God and the truths in the Apostles Creed 2. Gotta keep Growing: that relationship with Jesus, Prayer, Mass, FF Classes, HOPE, read Scripture. 3. Gotta Gather: Can't be a team on your own! Be in communion with one another, celebrate the Sacraments, Mass, Eucharist, Reconciliation, join in Faith and Fun Nights. 4. Gotta LOVE! God, Others and SELF 5. LEAD! Gotta get out there and be the hands and feet of Christ. Special thanks to all you March Madness Players the Apostles & Saints for a fun night! Special shout out to Gigi, CORE Team, CORE parents: Cat Adlerman and Cathy Teplitzky, Team HOPE players: Catechist Jim Blendell, Gatekeeper Andrew Matthews, Referees Justin & James Angermeier. Team HOPE looks forward to a rematch.
Chef McKnight of the Capital City Rescue Mission thanks all who dropped off needed items before the storm and after the storm this past week! There is no stopping the generous hearts of St. Thomas! Special thanks to our young church for organizing our collection! To see more pictures click here.
Wednesdays at 12 Noon at the Pine Hills Branch of Albany Public Library This 6-week series of discussions (and tea!) will explore a different short story or poem each week. The writings variously involve the themes of patience, environment, commitment, life & death, childhood, and war. Discussion will be facilitated by Rev. Daniel Quinn, Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church. Mar. 8 - Leaf by Niggle by J.R.R. Tolkien Mar. 15 - The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono Mar. 22 - The Hound of Heaven by Francis Thompson Mar. 29 - Lepanto by G. K. Chesterton Apr. 5 The River by Flannery O'Connor Apr. 12 Parker's Back by Flannery O'Connor Readings are accessible online: Blessed SacramentAlbany.org If you can't view them online, please visit the 2nd floor reference desk of the Pine Hills Branch of the Library to view a print copy that can be read in-house.
This movie visually represents the gospel while showing us the humanity of Jesus and his disciples. Feel the disciple’s pain, sorrow, confusion, joy, love, and passion as you watch how Jesus not only has an impact on their lives, but how Jesus and the disciples can have a direct impact on YOUR life! St. Matthew's invites you to join them at 1:00PM each of the following dates Sun, March 5th Episodes 1 & 2; Sun, March 19th Episodes 5 & 6; Sun, March 12th Episode 3 & 4; Sun, April 2nd Episodes 7 & 8 Viewing times will be approximately 2 hours with discussions afterwards.
Young adults are invited to join others from across the diocese for "Good News & Cold Brews" -- a Young Adult Happy Hour and presentation on an interesting and relevant topic to help us on our faith journeys. March 7 at 7 PM at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet Provincial House 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham. The guest presenter is Sr. Eileen McCann speaking about St. Joseph in a presentation entitled, “Joseph, Dreamer or Believer: Is There a Difference?”. Most of the limited scripture references to Joseph refer to his dreams. In prayer and conversation we will unpack these dreams and learn more about the faithfulness of this holy man as he strove to be husband and earthly father to Mary and Jesus. Attendees must register. Click here to register.
Muchas Gracias St. Thomas! Together we raised $714.00 at our Souper Bowl Soup Sale for our Sister Parish in Mexico! Fr. Leskavor was the winner of our Los Ponchos Gift Card. We thank our Pueblo to People Committee and Young Church for hosting our event and you our parish family for your continued generosity and support. Click here for pictures.
How environmentally friendly are your facial tissue, toilet tissue, and paper towels How well are companies you are supporting with your purchases Caring for Creation? To learn, follow this link to the Natural Resources Defense Council Scorecard. https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/issue-with-tissue-2022-scorecard.pdf
Here’s an opportunity to warm your body with a hearty breakfast on a winter morning and warm your heart by helping a good cause. Scout Troop 71 is hosting a fundraiser with an all you can eat Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, March 5th from 8:00 AM until noon at St. Thomas School. The breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, bacon and beverages. The cost is $12 for ages 15 and older and $6 for ages 5-14. Children under 5 and Cub Scouts in uniform eat free! There is no advance sale. Payment can be made at the Breakfast by cash, check or credit card.
The Spirit was alive and soaring at our Confirmation Retreat! We spent the day equipped with our Compasses: the Creed and Our Father exploring the truths of being Catholic. We learned about the symbols that are in Greek and Latin used in our Church environment that hold so much meaning. We affirmed God’s love for us is an Agape Love, a love that seeks nothing in return. We spent quiet time with Jesus in the Chapel meditating on the great mysteries and gifts of our faith in the Sacraments. During our Ceremony of Light with our parents we accepted responsibility for our faith. Together with Fr. Rick, our families and you our St. Thomas family, we celebrated the gift of the Eucharist. Continue to pray for us as we continue our preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday May 7, at 2pm at the Cathedral. “Come Holy Spirit!” Click here for more photos.
Special thanks to our host Sarah and our storytellers Karen & Christopher Gavin’s for sharing their faith journey of love with us at our Feb. Agape Latte. A few take ways: remember Karen’s 3 L’s “Church, Family, School”! Surround yourself with similar minded friends who will can be your rock. And love can be found in the most unexpected ways… for God is love. Happy Valentine’s Day to you. Click for more photos
***Due to the weather forecast for tomorrow night, this event has been canceled.*** St. Matthew’s Church in Voorheesville, welcomes the IHC Mystery Players who will present the “The Way of the Cross” on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 7:30 pm. The Immaculate Heart Central High School (IHC) Mystery Players is comprised of High School Students who brings the Stations of the Cross to a modern level through the use of special lighting, music, pantomime and paraliturgical readings, recreating the Paschal Mystery in a moving dramatic presentation. The IHC Mystery Players have ministered extensively throughout New York State, as well as in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Canada. We strongly encourage everyone to attend this unique and powerful Lenten prayer experience. This year, St. Matthew’s is the only local location for this Lenten Presentation that you won’t want to miss. Please be advised, small children may be frightened due to the nature of the play.
We thank all of our Scouts, leaders and scout families who joined us at our Scout Mass to celebrate the connection between scouting and our faith. Our Diocesan Patch celebrating Scouting and our Eucharistic Revival reminds us all to be His welcoming light to all. Thank you for being a scout. Thank you for being His light to All! Click here for more photos.
Join us for the next installment of the "Furthering Your Faith" Series on Wednesday, February 15th at 6pm. Fr. Stephen Yusko will present the topics of Heaven and Hell at Christ the King Church. This event presentation is free and open to anyone. The talk will begin at 6 pm followed by an opportunity for questions. Following the presentation, Eucharistic Adoration will be held from 7-8pm, with Priests available to hear confessions during this time. “Furthering Your Faith” is a collaboration between parish networks in the Capital Region, offering monthly lectures on a variety of topics germane to Catholic life. Each one-hour talk will be followed by a period of prayer, featuring an hour of Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction.
Thank you St. Thomas for pulling together 21 Bags of Love filled with household items, treats, soup, peanut butter, festive kitchen towels, napkins and MORE! Our Bags of love our finding their way to our homebound seniors during home visits with our Pastoral Care Associate, Julie Bablin and her wonderful volunteers. Special shout out to our young church and all who shared warm greetings of love in the form of homemade cards. We thank our Creation Care Team and all you Clynkers for purchasing the bags. Excellent work TEAM LOVE! “Everything should be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14. Click here for more photos.
Take a risk for God! Enter the mission field where bold action meets lasting outcomes. Over 750 priest alumni discerned a sacred call later in life. Maturity with God’s grace can move mountains. Can you leave it all to follow Christ? Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, MA is offering ‘First Friday Visits’ on: February 3rd, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Option to attend virtually or in person. Holy Hour and Evening Prayer. In Person includes dinner with the seminarians and a tour. Virtual includes a Zoom visit following Holy Hour. Make a resolution to be courageous. Consider a priestly call. Contact: [email protected] or 781.899.5500 ext. 134. www.psjs.edu.
Thank you St. Thomas for continuing to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors! Our Regift it Christmas Drive was so successful that items donated were not only given to Sr. Maureen Joyce Center but were also shared with their neighbors at the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless! Rob from Miracle Network drove off with a van full on needed items for their weekly food boxes for Veterans! Special shout out to our young church, Savannah, Laney and Luke for sorting and greeting! Thank you St. Thomas for warming the hearts of our neighbors this January! For more pictures, click here.
9 Days for Life is an annual novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. Please join us spiritually and sign up by clicking here or join us January 19-27 at 9am on Facebook.