Author: admin_deb

IN THE LOOP

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There will be a wine-and-cheese social after Mass on Saturday, May 31 and a coffee hour after Mass on June 1. Plan to drop in and say hello.

     Religious Education re-registration for existing students and registration for new students will take place in Deacon John Hall after Mass on Sunday, June 1 and Sunday, June 8.

The Adult Faith Formation Committee will meet after the 10 o’clock Mass on Sunday, June 8. Everyone is welcome.

Beginning Experience® is a Catholic peer ministry that serves those who have lost a spousal relationship. It is hosting “In the Beginning … Coping with Life Alone,” a one-day Zoom program from 9 a.m-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 28. For info, call Jim at (845) 220-7883 or Denise at (845) 325-3147.

The group is also holding its annual Spiritual Renewal Program from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, at Mount Alvernia Retreat Center in Wappingers Falls. This year’s theme is “Finding Hope.”  Contact Jim Cox at jcox1853@gmail.com or Charisse de los Reyes at calexareys@gmail.com to register.

 

     Capuchin Youth & Family Ministries is returning to Appalachia July 12-20 for its 32nd mission to one of the poorest communities in the nation.

Also, the Catholic Literature Arts summer program (CLASP) will take place August 3-8 in Wappingers Falls. This theater-arts summer camp ends with the performance of an original musical. For info: cyfm.org.

The Carmelite Jubilee Italy Pilgrimage with The National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel will take place October 21-30 and include stops in Florence, Assisi and Rome. The cost is $5,599 per person, double occupancy; $500 deposit is due now. Call Carol Bezak, 845-343-1879,f for information and the complete brochure.

CONSOLATION CORNER

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In an ongoing effort to support parishioners and friends during the difficult time of bereavement, this column, written by Julie Laurenzi, a retired licensed clinical social worker and head of our Consolation Ministry, will periodically appear to offer information on a variety of related topics. Feel free to reach out to her directly at 518-225-1170 or Julie.laurenzi@gmail.com with questions or suggestions

Funerals are a fact of life, and the older we get, the more frequent they can become. Yet, funerals find many of us “tongue-tied.” We want to be supportive but feel awkward. A common question is: “What should I say” –  or not say?

Remember that your presence itself is a gift. Families may not recall what you say, but they will remember you were there. Attend the visitation or funeral and sign the book.

Appearing too upbeat may not be helpful, and offering platitudes may not be comforting. For example, don’t say, “I know exactly how you feel” or “God never gives us more than we can handle” or “Just try to be strong.”  Instead, a simple and sincere “My condolences” is often enough, or “I’m thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.” If you have more of a connection with the bereaved, phrases such as “We all need support in times like this, and I’m here for you,” “I know how special she was to you” or “Your Mom was an inspiration to me” are all appropriate.

If you have a positive story, telling it may evoke other memories and be a source of healing. However, be mindful of how many people are in line behind you waiting to pay their respects and adjust the amount of time you spend talking. Greeting the guests can be overwhelming and exhausting for the family.

Another option would be to share a memory in a note sent shortly after the funeral. This also gives you time to read your message out loud and ask yourself:  “How would I feel if someone wrote this to me?”

GOTTA BE IN IT TO WIN IT!

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We are in the throes of this year’s raffle-fundraiser. As of May 27, 336 tickets have been sold, generating a total of $8,400 – or $4,200 for St. Paul’s. Thank you to all who have participated. Tickets and payment are due to the office by Tuesday, July 9.

You can use, or share with others, the QR code at right to purchase tickets. It is specific to St. Paul’s. Please note that this is NOT the same QR code found on the printed tickets; that QR code is there to thwart fraud. Printed tickets are also available in the office or in the sacristy after Mass.

Last year, St. Paul’s, St. Stephen’s in Warwick and St. Mary’s in Washingtonville each had a $1,000 winner – and St. Paul’s was a big winner with $8,962.50 from those ticket sales!

Along with the top prize of a $30,000 gift card, there’s a $10,000 gift card, an $8,000 gift card and 20 additional $1,000 gift cards

Any surplus funds after raffle expenses are paid are used for Catholic causes determined by the organizer, Catholic Parish Initiatives. This year, the cause could be to “reinvest” funds so each participating parish has a winner.

For information: www.catholicinitiatives.org

The livestreamed drawing takes place on July 19 and can be viewed at parishraffle.com

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL SERIES

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Chris Worthington and Deb Harrison, our youth ministers, have launched a new venture: The SPYM Family Devotional Series!  They first review the reading in the “Living Faith: Daily Catholic Devotions” to ascertain the day’s core message and then determine how to present it to their audience. A short video, which includes a Scripture reading and thoughts for our youth and their parents to reflect upon, is then recorded and uploaded. Each weekday offers a new Devotional, which can be accessed using the YouTube link below or on Facebook and Instagram. Check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzyEey5tXCyu