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UPDATES FROM ST. COLUMBA – September 22, 2020

PRAY FOR OUR DEACON CANDIDATES – Stephen Broussard and Dennis McCormack are both away on retreat as they prepare to be ordained as Deacons for the Archdiocese of New York on October 31. Please continue to pray for them.

WEDNESDAY ADORATION – Adoration on this Wednesday will be from 4:00 – 6:30 pm. There will be a Confirmation Rehearsal at 7:00 pm. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

CONFIRMATION THIS SATURDAY – Bishop Dominick will offer the Sacrament of Confirmation this Saturday at 10:30 am. Please remember that this is not open to the public. Tickets have been issued as seating is limited. Please pray for our Confirmandi.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES RESUME THIS WEEK – We are grateful to all the catechists who have volunteered to teach our children this year. Due to the pandemic, all classes are online for now.  A Religious Ed Technology Fund has been established to assist this effort. Visit our parish WeShare page - https://stcolumbahj.weshareonline.org/ - to make a donation, or just mail it to the parish. Please pray for all our students as we begin another year of learning and grace.

TRI-PARISH LIFE CHAIN – A peaceful reminder of the sanctity of life. It will take place Saturday, October 10 from 10:00 am to 12 noon along Rt. 82 in front of St. Columba Church. Come for a few minutes or more: pray, wear a mask, and stay 6 ft apart. Signs will be provided.

AMERICA NEEDS FATIMA ROSARY RALLY – Right after the Life Chain, on Saturday, October 10 at 12:00 noon, we will join parishes across the country to pray the Rosary for America. We will beg God and Our Lady to save America from today’s chaos, immorality, and social upheaval. In 2019 there were 21,145 public rallies. This year St. Columba will join this effort. This is a Public Rosary so we will stay right on Rt 82 in front of the church. We are giving witness to our faith. Bring a Rosary. If you forget or do not have one, we will have a Rosary for you! Wear a mask and keep social distance. Thanks!

GOD SQUAD YOUTH GROUP – MESSAGE FROM FATHER CONNOLLY - Fr. Michael and I have missed you all a great deal and are so happy to have begun to see you again at the parish! I think it is about time we get the band back together, with the use of our outdoor space, social distancing, etc. I think we can safely begin to get together again. So, we would like to invite you to a 'Fall BBQ" on October 4th at 4pm in our backyard here behind the Rectory. This will just be a chance for us to be together again as well as to begin a bit of planning for what we might like to try to do together this year. Please join us! Let us know by Wednesday, September 30th if you'll be coming - email – rectory@stcolumbaonline.org so we can plan and have enough food. As always, be assured of our prayers. Please pray for us, too!

GODPARENT/SPONSOR REMINDER – During the pandemic we ARE NOT issuing these certificates in person after Mass. You are asked to call the church office and you will be put in touch with a priest who will handle this over the phone. Thanks!

CHURCH FINANCES – As we finish up the fiscal year report, our accountant indicates that we ended the fiscal year with at least a $30,000 deficit. A deficit is also projected for 2020-2021. Indications are that the collection is down about $1,000 per week which is the cause of the deficit. Appropriate actions now need to be taken to deal with our financial situation. Meetings are being held, and soon we will call the Finance Council together to help us make decisions. We are most grateful for the many parishioners who are keeping up with your church contributions. You keep your parish going, together with all your prayers and your participation. God bless you!

CARDINAL’S APPEAL as of September 18
Goal - $139,000.00
Pledge - $95,159.00
Number of Gifts – 405
Average Gift - $234.96
Any gift, large or small, is deeply appreciated!

RENEW AND REBUILD as of September 18
Goal - $1,709,000.00
Pledged - $1,758,846.92
Paid - $1,108,513.03
Many thank for keeping up with your pledge!

HURRICANE RELIEF AND WEST COAST WILDFIRES - We recently received a letter from Archbishop José Gomez, president of the USCCB, who reminded us that the traditional storm season has only just begun. Already we have witnessed the devastating impact of Hurricane Laura and the West Coast wildfires. Thousands of homes, businesses, and churches have been severely damaged or destroyed, and the impacts will be long-lasting. We offer our prayers to the families who have suffered great loss. As we often do in these situations, we are asked to take up voluntary special collections for the humanitarian, long-term recovery, and Church needs arising from these calamities. The funds collected will be used to support the efforts of Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services, the official relief agencies of American Catholic Church, as they and their local agencies respond to immediate emergency needs for such necessities as water, food, shelter, and medical care, and aid in long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts; and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church. Funds will be used in response to Hurricane Laura, the Wildfires, and any other disasters.

If you would like to contribute – put your donation (check written to St. Columba) in an envelope marked “Disaster Relief” and mail it to the rectory or drop it in the collection. We will send one check from our parish.

DAILY MASS CHANGE – All Masses Monday to Friday are now in the church. Our remaining outdoor Masses until the end of October are Saturdays at 8:00 am and on Sundays at 8:00 am and 10:00 am.

CALL TO HOLY ORDERS – Stephen Broussard and Dennis McCormack received the Call to Holy Orders on September 14 from Cardinal Dolan. They are to be ordained Deacons for the Archdiocese of New York on Saturday, October 31 at 9:00 am at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  We congratulate them and their wives, Laurie, and Allison, for the successful completion of a five-year journey of formation. Due to the pandemic, entrance to the Cathedral is by invitation only. The following day, November 1, they both will serve as Deacons at the 12:00 noon Mass. Father Michael will be the celebrant and homilist. Again, due to the pandemic, we cannot have a reception for them. But we can all offer them our prayers and support as they begin this new chapter of service to the Church and God’s holy people.

TV SYSTEM – It will be up and running in time for Confirmations on September 26. We have three new volunteers to assist us. More are welcome. Training will be provided. Please email manager@stcolumbaonline.org if you are interested in this ministry. The goal is to livestream one Mass each Sunday and as many daily Masses as possible. We will also livestream special parish liturgies such as Confirmations, First Communions, and the Deacon’s First Mass.

MEETING SPACE – During the pandemic, the school building will not be available for meetings. The gyms is used by the First Grade and the cafeteria is used by the Kindergarten. The Bishop Dom room is available. Contact our Parish Manager Gary if your group is interested in using it.

BLESSING OF ANIMALS – St. Francis Day is Sunday, October 4. We will have our annual Blessing of Animals on October 4 at 1:30 pm on the lawn in front of the church. All humans should wear masks and keep social distance!  

PILGRIMAGE TO OBERAMMERGAU 2022 – Father Michael has rescheduled the cancelled 2020 Oberammergau Pilgrimage for July 28-August 6, 2022. Those who were previously booked have first opportunity to make reservations. Please make sure you sign up soon. If there are any openings, it will be opened to the entire parish. We will keep you informed.

CONFESSIONALS – We are now hearing confessions in the confessionals. Plastic has been placed over the screens and temporary walls have been put up. So, for now, there is no face to face option. You can stand, kneel, or sit – your choice. Confessions are heard at St. Columba on Saturdays from 8:30 – 9:00 am and from 4:00 – 5:00 pm. There are some other options at our Cluster Parishes: St Kateri offers confessions on Mondays from 7:30 – 8:30 pm and on Wednesdays after the 9:00 am Mass. St. Denis offers confessions on Saturdays from 8:00 – 8:45 am and from 3:30 – 4:30 pm.

ST. DENIS – ST. COLUMBA SCHOOL IS OPEN – Almost 300 students are enrolled this year. Kindergarten and First Grade are full time. The rest of the school is hybrid: students rotate coming in three days a week or two days a week. Some students are full time online learning. Our principal, Sister Kathleen and her amazing faculty are working hard and facing these many challenges head on. Please pray for them and for the health and safety of all involved in our school.

CANTORS – We are looking for a few good cantors to join our rotation at weekend Masses. One needs a good voice and a willingness to practice and learn the chants we are using. Please email Gary at manager@stcolumbaonline.org if you would like to set up an audition. We will pass on the info to Cathy Reale.

USHERS AND GREETERS – This group has done an amazing job helping us to move back and forth between indoor and outdoor Masses. In November, we will move all Masses back into Church and return to our normal weekend schedule – 7:30, 9, 10:30 and noon. This is when we will need more help. New ushers and greeters will be needed. Would you be willing to join our Mass teams? Email Gary at manager@stcolumbaonline.org and let us know! We will get word to Pat Moor and his amazing team.

MEDICAL TEAM – We have a group of men and women who have volunteered to help keep us safe at Mass. They understand our medical equipment and know how to use it. Would you like to join our team? You will receive brief training. All we ask is that you be available in an emergency when you come to Mass. Please email Gary at manager@stcolumbaonline.org and we will get the info to Mary Ann Servidio.

SPRING SACRAMENTS IN THE FALL – Spring Confirmations cancelled due to the Pandemic will be offered on September 26 and October 3. Spring First Communions cancelled due to the Pandemic will be offered on October 17 and 24. Due to extremely limited seating, these liturgies will not be open to the public. Please pray for our Confirmandi and First Communicants.

WELCOME SISTER CHERREE!
We are delighted that the Sisters of the Resurrection have assigned another Sister to our convent and parish community. What an incredible blessing! We have asked Sister Cherree to offer a brief introduction. Welcome Sister Cherree!
Dear Parishioners of St. Columba Parish,

At the age of 10 my family left a small Island off the coast of Newfoundland called Bell Island.  Off to Brooklyn, NY we went.  As a young child I was in shock; I cried every day because trees grew out of concrete!  Meeting friends on our block and attending St. Agatha’s School I readily adapted to this strange new world.

I was 14 years old when my family moved to Howell, NJ.  After meeting a few neighbors, the next group I was introduced to was the Sisters of the Resurrection.  I was in the 1st grade when I knew I wanted to be a Sister.  In Newfoundland and then in Brooklyn I was taught by Sisters of Mercy.   And here was something new.  I attended St. Joseph HS, now Donovan Catholic, for my freshman year, and then entered the Aspirancy of the Sisters of the Resurrection for the remainder of my HS and Formation.

After teaching for 5 years in Schenectady, Lake Placid, and Newburgh, I was assigned to St. Veronica School in Howell, NJ.  My family was as surprised as I to be sent so near to home.  The first two years I taught 2nd grade, which was a delight for me.  Then I was asked to create a Pre-K program - I could not have been happier!  Rainbow Patch opened in the basement of the Convent and was there for 8 years before moving into the new addition of the “big school”.  At that time, I was assigned to St. Francis School in Newburgh, NY as principal.  It was only 2 years later that I was assigned back to St. Veronica School as principal. 

Those 30 years in administration were an absolute JOY for me!  I met so many people along the way.  And because I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you,  I look forward to getting to know you, too!

God was preparing me for  “Something New” as I awaited His still, small voice. I am very happy to be here with you at St. Columba.  I have visited our Sisters here numerous times and was always impressed with the beautiful spirit in your parish!  I am very excited to be here at St. Columba as Sr. Kathleen’s Administrative Assistant.  I thank God for His calling me to your wonderful parish.

May God fill you and your families with an abundance of His Love and Grace!

Sister Cherree Ann Power, C.R.

A New Way to Give to St. Columba – We Share

We estimate that since the pandemic began, our collections are running short about $1,000 per week. Can you help support your parish during this difficult time?

We Share is On Line giving with new options – you can give using a bank account, credit card or debit card. It is easy, safe and secure. It is used by hundreds of parishes. It is under your control! For questions and support go to: https://www.4lpi.com/my-account/donor-support/

This is a great new way to support St. Columba. If you are presently using E-Giving, you can stay or switch, your choice. If you want to switch to We Share, email manager@stcolumbaonline.org.

To get started, just click the image below. Thanks for supporting your parish, especially during these difficult days!

Please click on the icon below to start online giving:

St. Columba LIVESTREAM - Click here: http://www.facebook.com/stcolumbahj
Videos also archived on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/saintcolumbahopewell

LITURGY SCHEDULE DURING THIS TIME OF PANDEMIC

Weekend Masses

Outdoor Masses - bring chairs!
Saturday - 5:30 pm (in church)
Sunday - 8:00 am & 10:00 am (outdoors) - 12:00 noon (in church)
Church open 7:00 am until after last Mass or Baptism

Bad Weather - all indoors at 50% capacity

Daily Schedule
Monday - Wednesday - Friday
Mass at 7:00 am in Church
Adoration 4:00 - 8:00 pm (Benediction 7:50 pm)
Church open 6:00 am - 8:00 pm

Tuesday & Thursday
Mass at 7:00 pm in church
Adoration 4:00 - 6:45 pm (Benediction 6:35 pm)
Church open 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Saturday
Morning Mass at 8:00 am outdoors
Church open 7:00 am to 6:30 pm

Confessions on Saturdays from 8:30 - 9:00 am & 4:00 - 5:00 pm - Confessionals - no "face to face." 
Please wear a face mask & keep social distance. Thank you!

You are required to wear a facemask when you enter church or for confessions. You must keep it on during your time in church. This is for the safety of all. Thank you!
 

Collection baskets will be placed on the sidewalk near the altar at every Mass (in church near the entrance). You can walk up either before or after any Mass and drop your donation in the basket. At other times you are welcome to use the SVDP box in church or mail your gift. We are most grateful to so many who continue to support your parish.
 
Helpful reminders

• Still no requirement to attend Mass, especially if you feel unsafe. This particularly pertains to those 65 and older and with medical conditions.
• Bring chairs
• Wear a facemask
• Bring antibacterial
• Do not block traffic – do not park in fire lanes – park only in parking spaces – you can also park in the lot at the side of the church, behind the school and at ACME and walk over.
• School bathrooms will be open
• Reception of Communion is at the end of Mass – keep 6 ft distance on the Communion lines.

PLEASE BE REMINDED – BEFORE ENTERING OUR CHURCH – THINK – Do you have any cold or flu-like symptoms? – Have you spent time with anyone with a cold or flu-like symptoms? IF ANY APPLY TO YOU – DO NOT ENTER  – Stay home and get better - then come back!  Thank you!

Prayer Requests – The Prayer Intention Books in the narthex have been removed for safety. We still want to pray for your Intentions, especially for those who have the corona virus or have lost their lives because of it. We also want to pray for those on the front lines – doctors, nurses, emergency service workers and the people who care for our every day needs like grocery store workers, and those delivering the mail and our packages. Send your Intentions to rectory@stcolumbaonline.org 

The Parish Office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Appointments are preferred. Call ahead. You must wear a face mask. Plexiglass has been installed at the desks. 

Baptisms on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 & 3:00 pm. Contact Deacon Bill to schedule. Brief ceremonies. Social distancing. Limited attendance.

Sponsor and Godparent certificates can be obtained by calling the Parish Office and ask for a priest or deacon. During the pandemic they will not be done after Mass or in person, only over the phone. Thank you!

Funeral Masses and Memorial Masses can be scheduled at 50% capacity of Church, social distance and other precautions. Monday to Friday at 10:00 am or noon. Saturdays 9:30 am or 11:30 am.

Weddings can be scheduled observing all requirements for social distancing at 50 % capacity of church.

Wedding Anniversaries - 25th & 50th - have been moved to Sunday, September 20.

Communion Calls - Some of our EM's have volunteered to bring Communion to the homebound. How we do it will be quite different. First, the EM will make sure the homebound person’s family agrees to these weekly visits. Second, the EM will wear a mask and carry sanitizer for use both before and after distributing Holy Communion. Third, the EM will ask to meet the homebound person on the front porch or back deck (outside the house). The EM will not enter the house. If necessary, Communion will be given at the door. Fourth, the EM will briefly say a prayer at a distance, give Communion, say the Our Father at a distance and depart. Any conversations should take place before or after by phone. This is for the safety of the homebound person and the EM. If you know someone who is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion, email rectory@stcolumbaonline.org.

Anointings of those in danger of death and The Last Rites can possibly be offered, depending on the hospital or nursing home in Dutchess County. They can also be offered at home. Call the Parish Office. When the Office is closed you will be directed to the Emergency Line. 

First Communions have been rescheduled for October 17 at 9:30 am and 12:00 noon and on October 24 at 9:30 am. Call teh Religious Ed Office for more information.
 
Confirmations have been rescheduled for September 26 and October 3, 2020. Call the Religious Ed Office for more information.
 
Care Ministry usually offers rides to doctors and home visits. This is not possible right now. But they are happy to offer telephone calls to anyone who may feel isolated and would like to talk to a fellow parishioner. They are now in contact with over twenty parishioners. Call 227-7430 and leave a message.
 
St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry is available. Some of our parishioners may have been laid off or lost their jobs. The food pantry can help you – call 227-7863 and leave a message – they will get back to you. Please consider making a donation toward our Food Pantry. Make your check payable to SVDP Food Pantry. Send it to St. Columba Church, SVDP Food Pantry, PO Box 428. Hopewell Junction NY 12533.
 
Act of Spiritual Communion: It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion, which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion is an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and lovingly embrace him at a time or in circumstances when one cannot receive Him in sacramental Communion. The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass. Acts of Spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.

Prayer for Spiritual Communion My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you in my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, Come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there And unite myself wholly to you.  Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

Prayer to the Virgin Mary for Protection O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You, Our Lady of New York, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.
 
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

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