Specials thanks to all who joined us to pray the Rosary for Peace and for the special intentions of families facing the “unthinkable” in the loss of innocent lives in the Texas and Buffalo. Mary comforter of the afflicted Pray for us! Special thanks to Deacon Al for leading us in prayer, our young church who lead us in song: Ainsley Stone, Katherine and Sarah Bernasconi. We too, thank our volunteers who lead us in prayer in English and Spanish and all of you who joined us to honor our Mother Mary. In this time of loss and struggle let us remember the words of Mary’s son, “ I, the Lord and with you always, until the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20 Mary Queen of Peace, Pray for us! Mary Queen of Families, Pray for us!

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN! This is the Easter Greeting proclaimed throughout the Easter Season in the Ukrainian Eastern Catholic Church. Thank you St. Thomas, for giving living witness to this Easter Message through our Easter Tuesday Drives! Fr. Mikhail Myshchuk, pastor of the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Chruch in Watervliet, thanks you for the medical supplies and donations of $275 for our brothers and sisters caught in the cross fire of war and destruction. Special thanks to Ted Witting and Nick for sorting and greeting at our drive. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ!

On behalf of the Veteran’s Miracle Network we thank you for your generous donation of needed items. Together we packed Rob’s van! Your donations will create “boxes of care” by volunteer Marines to be distributed throughout the area. We thank all who serve our country for their sacrifices and courage. God Bless America!

“It is not enough to say we are Christians. We must live the faith not only with our words, but with our actions.” Pope Francis. Coordinators from Catholic Charities Community Maternity Services are most appreciative of your donation of diapers and educational interactive toys that can be shared with parents in their Parenting Intervention Programs. Special shout out to our young church Nick for greeting and sorting donated baby items. God bless you St. Thomas for supporting life and putting your faith into action!

Hear author, mother and EWTN host, Patricia Sandoval share her story - 3 abortions, working for Planned Parenthood and a homeless drug addict before returning to the Catholic faith. She speaks of God's redeeming love. Saturday, May 21st starting with the Flame of Love Rosary at 5 pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Thank you so much for the van load of delightful children’s books for Grassroots Givers! Special shout out to Christine and her son John, from our Creation Care Team for organizing along with Mary Ellen and Ellen from our Faith Formation Program! Together we all made a difference in the life of a child! “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places you’ll go.” Dr. Suess

If you missed are Many Blessings of Art Show this past weekend no worries! We have a table set up in the Gathering Hall with a few our beautiful hand painted glassware items and unique wave art by our kindergarten class at St. Thomas! Just leave your donation in the jug on the Table. Very special shout out Daniel Ryan for his donation of one of a kind birdhouses and Alex for sharing his musical talent during the Art Show! Special thanks to Denise Chonski, Art Teacher at St. Thomas School, for her support and guidance. Thank you St. Thomas for assisting our neighbors of the Navajo Nation who are without access to clean water. All donations will be shared with Water with Blessings, for Sawyer PointOne Water Filters. A filter costs $75 and within 5 minutes can filter one gallon of water for families who must haul their water. Thank you for making a difference!

“Healing the pain of abortion, one weekend at a time.” Rachel’s Vineyard is a retreat of healing and reconciliation for women and men whose lives have been touched by abortion. The retreat will be held May 20-22, 2022 at the Dominican Retreat & Conference Center in Niskayuna. The weekend will combine discussions, spiritual exercises, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a Memorial Service and a Mass of Entrustment. Participation is strictly confidential and offers a beautiful opportunity to experience God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion. The cost is $195, which includes a private room, meals and retreat materials. Financial assistance will be available for those unable to pay the entire cost. For more information or to register contact: Pat Mousaw, 518-222-1160, or Katie Bolibaugh, 518-495-3574, or e-mail: [email protected] . For a complete listing of retreat dates and locations contact: 1-877-HOPE-4 ME or visit the Rachel’s Vineyard website: www.rachelsvineyard.org .