Saint Columba RC Church

A Great 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 sign up click below

 stcolumbahj.weshareonline.org

ASCENSION THURSDAY
This Thursday is Ascension Thursday, a holy day of obligation. Masses will be offered on Wednesday at 5:30 pm and on Thursday at 7:00 am, 12:00 noon and at 7:30 pm.

ADORATION SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Tuesday – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Wednesday – No Adoration (Mass at 5:30pm)
Thursday – 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Mass at 7:30 pm)
Friday – No Adoration (Missa Cantata and Wedding Rehearsal)

MISSA CANTATA ON FRIDAY
All are welcome to join us at St. Columba Church this Friday, May 14th, at 5:00pm for a Missa Cantata, or “Sung Mass,” in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. Fr. Louis Masi, Parochial Vicar of St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Fishkill, will celebrate this Mass for the Friday after the Ascension of our Lord with the Commemoration of St. Boniface of Tarsus.

Ascension Thursday May 13, 2021
(Music for Masses Wednesday 5:30 pm and Thursday 7:30 pm)

Entrance:
1.      Hail the day that sees him rise, Alleluia!
          To his throne above the skies; Alleluia!
          Christ, the Lamb for sinners giv’n, Alleluia!
          Now ascends the highest heav'n. Alleluia!

2.      There the glorious triumph waits; Alleluia!
          Lift your heads, eternal gates; Alleluia!
          Christ has conquered death and sin; Alleluia!
          Take the King of glory in! Alleluia!
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt.; st. 5 from The New Century Hymnal, © 1992, The Pilgrim Press

Presentation:
1.      Come down, O Love divine,
          Seek now this soul of mine,
          And visit it with your own ardor glowing;
          O Comforter, draw near,
          Within my heart appear,
          And kindle it, your holy flame bestowing.

2.      O let it freely burn,
          Till earthly passions turn
          To dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
          And let your glorious light
          Shine ever on my sight,
          And clothe me round, the while my path illuming.

3.      And so the yearning strong,
          With which the soul will long,
          Shall far outpass the power of human telling;
          For none can guess Love’s grace
          Till it become the place
          Wherein the Holy Spirit makes a dwelling.
Text: Discendi, Amor Santo; Bianco da Siena, d.c. 1434; tr. by Richard F. Littledale, 1833-1890

Communion:
1.      You, Lord, are both Lamb and Shepherd. 
          You, Lord, are both prince and slave. 
          You, peacemaker and sword-bringer 
          Of the way you took and gave. 
          You, the everlasting instant; 
          You whom we both scorn and crave.

2.      Clothed in light upon the mountain, 
          Stripped of might upon the cross, 
          Shining in eternal glory, 
          Beggar’d by a soldier’s toss. 
          You, the everlasting instant; 
          You, who are both gift and cost.

3.      You, who walk each day beside us, 
          Sit in power at God’s side. 
          You, who preach a way that’s narrow, 
          Have a love that reaches wide. 
          You, the everlasting instant; 
          You, who are our pilgrim guide.

4.      Worthy is our earthly Jesus! 
          Worthy is our cosmic Christ! 
          Worthy your defeat and vict’ry. 
          Worthy still your peace and strife. 
          You, the everlasting instant; 
          You, who are our death and life.
Text: Christus Paradox, Sylvia Dunstan, 1955-1993, © 1991, GIA Publications, Inc.  

Recessional: 
1.      Sing we triumphant hymns of praise
         To greet our Lord these festive days,
         Alleluia, Alleluia!
        Who by a road before untrod
        Ascended to the throne of God,
        Alleluia, Alleluia…
2.     In wond’ring awe his faithful band
       Upon the Mount of Olives stand. 
       Alleluia, Alleluia!
       And with the Virgin Mother see
       Their Lord ascend in majesty.
       Alleluia,Alleluia,...

Reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A700-703. All rights reserved.

OBERAMMERGAU – AUSTRIA AND BAVARIA 2022 WITH FATHER MICHAEL
Pilgrimage packages for the 2022 Oberammergau Passion Play are now available for a limited time! In 2020, the famed performance depicting the Passion of Christ, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across the globe, had to be postponed due to COVID-19. Now, it is harder to get tickets for the 2022 performance than ever before!
Peter's Way Tours still has space available on our PILGRIMAGE July 28 – August 6, 2022 to the once-a-decade event. Join us and attend a showing that has been re-scheduled, something that has happened only a handful of times in the play's long history. This will indeed be a special and historic pilgrimage that few people ever get to make! Here is a graced opportunity to pray for us and for our world, enjoying along the way wonderful shrines and sights.
For more information call Father Michael or contact Peter’s Way Tours (note – if the dates do not work for you there are other tours to choose from) peter@petersway.com or 800-225-7662.

DONATIONS FOR INDIA
India is facing a massive surge in the virus. Cardinal Dolan invites parishes to collect funds which will be sent to the “Catholic Near East Welfare Association” a papal humanitarian relief agency which is already working in India to assist all regardless of their faith. Please put your donation in an envelope marked “India” and drop it in the collection this weekend or mail it or place it in one of our drop boxes. (Checks made out to St. Columba – one check will be sent from the parish). In recent years, our summer priests have all come from India. This is a good way to say thanks for their service.

PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council serves as a consultative group for our Pastor, Father Michael in the pastoral care of the parish.  He often runs questions past the Council, and the Council, in turn, serves as a voice for parishioners. They are a valuable resource for him. The Council meets generally on the 2^nd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm. Terms are three years for adults, and teens for one year. Nominations for the Council will be taken the weekends of May 16 and 23. You can fill out a card in the narthex or email your nomination to rectory@stcolumbaonline.org. Those nominated (adults and teens) must be registered members of the parish, fully initiated in the Faith, and living their Faith in accord with Catholic teachings. Teens must be in High School and have received Confirmation.

OUR COLLECTION HAS RETURNED
Our ushers and greeters have begun to take collections. One collection basket will remain at the entrance for your convenience. Other ways to give to St. Columba include WeShare, E-Giving or by mailing your donation. Thank you for your generosity to your parish. NOTE – we have decided that when there is a special collection, you should drop a separate envelope in the first collection. There will be only one collection taken at any Mass.

VBS – CATHOLIC KIDS CAMP
We plan to offer an in-person VBS program called Catholic Kids Camp this summer on July 12-16. As Deacon Reilly has retired, a new Director has been chosen. We are excited that Sister Cherree Ann Power, one of our Resurrection Sisters, will direct our program. Sister has over 44 years of experience in Catholic Education. Catholic Kids Camp will be supported by our Religious Education Office, so Sister Marie Pappas will also be involved. Planning has begun and we will announce the details soon! Stay tuned!

RICE BOWLS
It is time to return your Rice Bowls! Please bring them to Mass. All donations will be sent to Catholic Relief Services. Thank you for your generosity.

LOCAL FIRES AND ASSISTANCE
There have been some tragic house fires recently, and some parishioners have been affected. If you would like to help them, the best way to do so is to provide gift cards so that food, clothing, and household items can be purchased. Please – no cash. Please mail or drop your gift cards (like Shoprite, Kohls, Walmart etc.) off at the church office and we will get them to our parishioners in need.

YOUTH MINISTER INTERVIEWS
We are currently interviewing for the position of Youth Minister for our High School Youth Group. Meetings are generally held on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturday each month after the 5:30 pm Mass. There is a stipend. If you would like to be interviewed, please submit your resume to Father Michael.

BAPTISM PREP PROGRAM NEW LEADERSHIP
We are grateful to Deacon Bill Alvarado, who has for many years overseen our Baptism Preparation Program. He is now stepping down and has passed the reigns to Deacon Dennis McCormack. Deacon Dennis is now the initial point of contact for any families who wish to have a Baptism at St. Columba. He can be reached at 845-227-8380 x13 or at baptisms@stcolumbaonline.org

WELCOME BACK
Cardinal Dolan is encouraging all Catholics in the Archdiocese of New York to return to Mass. We are glad that you are back! It is important for you to know that St. Columba has successfully been gathering for Mass since last June with no incidents of exposure – a remarkable record. We are doing many things to ensure safety. Our fan system is constantly moving the air and ultraviolet lights are attached to the system. Weather permitting windows are open. The pews are disinfected between Masses. No reservations are needed. Everyone enters through the front door. All are required to wear masks covering the mouth and nose. Ushers/greeters seat everyone using our 50% seating configuration. Collection baskets are at the front entrance, but we will also begin taking up a collection in May. Ministries in the sanctuary are just priests/deacons to limit exposure. There is no sign of peace. Hands are purified immediately before distributing Holy Communion. If the priest/deacon makes contact, he puts the ciboria on the table and disinfects his hands again.  As people are greeted after Mass, we keep social distance. Is it 100% safe? Just like going to a grocery store, restaurant, doctor, dentist, hair stylist, etc. there are inherent risks. But we have done everything we can to create a safe environment. Come and see!

PLEASE COME ON TIME!
Our ushers/greeters have a challenge – to seat everyone according to our configuration. This takes time. It would be most helpful if everyone comes on time to Mass. It makes it much harder for the ushers/greeters once Mass begins. They have been instructed not to seat anyone during the readings and homily (only during the psalm). It is a real distraction for those already seated. Please help them to perform their ministry efficiently by coming to Mass on time. Thanks!

ABOUT LAST RITES AND ANOINTING OF THE SICK
If possible, please do not wait until the last minute to request these Sacraments. Due to COVID, we are still not back to normal. For example, as of April 15, patients at Vassar Hospital may only have one visitor per day. Parish priests may not normally visit and must get permission in extraordinary cases, which can take time. We have been calling the Vassar Hospital Catholic Chaplain for anointings. He has access and is usually very dependable but may not always be available. Or, for Wingate, parish priests can visit in emergencies but must get a rapid test first which is not always quickly available. Trust us, we are often very frustrated and cannot wait until the situation normalizes. In the meantime, remember that the Anointing of the Sick is available every day after Mass or by appointment. Your priests will also administer Last Rites at home. Anyone present must be wearing a mask. Again, if possible, do not wait until the last minute especially after hours. Of course, emergencies cannot be planned, and we will do our best to help.

CARDINAL’S APPEAL
We are happy to announce that St. Columba has reached the assigned goal of the Cardinal’s Appeal. Thank you so much! Outstanding! Now, any amount received over our parish goal will include a rebate to St. Columba. If you have not done so already, please consider donating to the Appeal. Any gift, large or small, is deeply appreciated.

GIVE TO THE CARDINAL’S APPEAL
Watch the video - https://vimeo.com/509065100/4eb731b736.
Click here to give - http://www.cardinalsappeal.org/       Parish 392 St. Columba HJ

CARDINAL’S APPEAL 2021 as of May 7, 2021
Parish Goal - $97,000.00
Pledges from Parishioners - $115,412.00
Number of Gifts – 430
Average Gift - $268.40
Thank you - thank you - thank you! We have reached our goal! Now our parish will receive a percentage back for all money collected over our goal. God bless you and thank you for your generosity!

RENEW AND REBUILD LOAN
We are happy to announce that our loan with Tompkins Mahopac Bank for the work in the church has been completely repaid thanks to our many generous and faithful parishioners. Any remaining money to be collected through Renew and Rebuild will stay in the dedicated account for the replacement of school windows in the summer of 2022. Thanks again to our donors for enabling us to beautify St. Columba Church.

RENEW AND REBUILD as of May 7, 2021
Pledge Goal - $1,709,000.00
Amount Pledged - $1,766,771.92
Paid - $1,311,940.62
Number of Gifts - 525

ENROLL NOW ST. DENIS – ST. COLUMBA SCHOOL 2021-2022 – Do not delay as classes are filling fast. Go to stcolumba.net

STILL TIME TO APPLY FOR CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - Watch this - https://youtu.be/gJzpuQxM4Ew

TRAVELING AND LOOKING FOR A CATHOLIC CHURCH? Churches Open Near Me

PLEASE CONSIDER REMEMBERING St. COLUMBA PARISH IN YOUR WILL - For more information go to - https://plannedgiving.archny.org/

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

Prayer Requests – 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. 

Church capacity - 50% of pews are open but with social distancing, capacity is at about 33%..

Baptisms on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 & 3:00 pm. One family at a time. Contact Deacon Dennis to begin the process.

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.

Funeral Masses and Memorial Masses can be scheduled 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 about 33 % capacity of church.

Communion Calls - Some of our EM's have volunteered to bring Communion to the homebound. If you know someone who is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion, email rectory@stcolumbaonline.org.

Blog By Father Connolly
https://www.millennialpriestblog.com

Podcast - "Raising Saints" for Catholic Families by Father Connolly & Alexandra Sullivan
https://anchor.fm/raisingsaints

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