CHRISTMAS: A TIME FOR SHARING AND LOVING
As always, St. Edward’s Parishioners SHINED! Year after year, your expressions of LOVE are humbling. Thank you is not enough. May every blessing enfold you for your extreme generosity in giving to:
Building Fund and Christmas Raffle
Gifts for the Elderly Gifts for Families in Need
Food Pantry (Ongoing)
PROVIDE
Birthright and Mary’s Corner
EMBRACE for the homebound
Catholic Relief Services
Fair Trade Coffee and products Fall School Supplies for Kids
Fall Coat Drive
Thanksgiving Basket Brigade
Etc., etc., and BEYOND
Welcome to our first monthly newsletter. As time goes on we hope this becomes a place where people can come to find a variety of information on the goings on in our parish community. If you would like to help contribute pictures, videos, or any information that you feel may be important to our community please feel free to reach out to us in the parish office.
Holiday Gifts for Families Gives Thanks
This year marked the 45th year since Ann O'Rourke and her family, along with the parishioners of St. Edward's, began a ministry to provide for families in need for the holidays. It all started in her basement to provide gifts for 10 families. 45 years later, through the generosity of our parish community, we provided over 1000 gifts to St. John's/St. Ann's Outreach Center, the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, StreetSoldiers Troy, Mary's Corner, and families from our own community.
This year marked the 45th year since Ann O'Rourke and her family, along with the parishioners of St. Edward's, began a ministry to provide for families in need for the holidays. It all started in her basement to provide gifts for 10 families. 45 years later, through the generosity of our parish community, we provided over 1000 gifts to St. John's/St. Ann's Outreach Center, the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, StreetSoldiers Troy, Mary's Corner, and families from our own community.
In 2014 the Times Union featured this ministry in an article in the Capital Region https://blog.timesunion.com/giving/her-traits-generosity-modesty/2378/
Ann was quoted as saying " that as the program continues to expand, she hopes to carry on as its shepherd with help from her children, grandchildren, and church family". Ann would be proud to know that her hopes are a reality as this ministry continues to grow. And yes, her daughter, Eileen, daughter-in-law Pam and grandchildren, Sean and Jillian work side by side with a multitude of volunteers as well as behind the scenes.
StreetSoldiers Troy said it best as they expressed their heartfelt thanks in a letter stating "your village helping our village, as we have so often experienced, it truly takes a village for all this to happen." Thank each and every one of you for being a part of our village!
Ann was quoted as saying " that as the program continues to expand, she hopes to carry on as its shepherd with help from her children, grandchildren, and church family". Ann would be proud to know that her hopes are a reality as this ministry continues to grow. And yes, her daughter, Eileen, daughter-in-law Pam and grandchildren, Sean and Jillian work side by side with a multitude of volunteers as well as behind the scenes.
StreetSoldiers Troy said it best as they expressed their heartfelt thanks in a letter stating "your village helping our village, as we have so often experienced, it truly takes a village for all this to happen." Thank each and every one of you for being a part of our village!
Prayer shawls have been made for centuries. They are universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, warmth & beautify. St. Edward’s is blessed to have many gifted crafters who have embraced this ministry.
In addition to providing these shawls to our parishioners we regularly send shawls and prayer blankets to the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s. If you would like a prayer shawl to bring to someone please contact the parish office.
Our Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Edwards is broader than Shawls as we also make Binky Caps, Crib Blankets, and Bunting. Articles are knitted, crocheted, quilted & loomed. They are given to adults and children that are in need of prayer because of health or other circumstances. If you are interested in joining this group and knit, crochet or quilt, please come! We gather the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm in the Faith Formation wing. Patterns are available and donations of yarn and/or gift certificates to stores that sell yarn are greatly appreciated.
In the past 18 months our Mary's Ladies of the Knots ministry has grown from approximately 20 women to now include close to 70 very dedicated women.
These wonderful women have completed 210 quilts and gifted them to many local organizations including St Anne’s Institute, Ballston Spa Shelter for Battered Women, and Captain (teen shelter).
This year, in addition to the above organizations, we have agreed to supply quilts to the local chapter of a national organization called “Sleep in Heavenly Peace.” This is a volunteer driven organization that makes and supplies bunk beds to children without beds in our area.
The generosity of our women is overwhelming as all of the fabric and materials we use to make the quilts is purchased by them each month. We continue to be amazed at how dedicated these women are to our ministry.
This year, in addition to the above organizations, we have agreed to supply quilts to the local chapter of a national organization called “Sleep in Heavenly Peace.” This is a volunteer driven organization that makes and supplies bunk beds to children without beds in our area.
The generosity of our women is overwhelming as all of the fabric and materials we use to make the quilts is purchased by them each month. We continue to be amazed at how dedicated these women are to our ministry.
Join ladies of our parish in prayerful devotion to Mary the Undoer of Knots as they make and gift knotted fleece quilts to those in our community who face “knots” in their lives. The next meeting is 10:00 AM, Monday, February 3rd. No sewing skills needed, just the ability to tie a knot! For more info email Joanne DeNovio at denovioj@yahoo.com.
Many thanks to all who participated in EMBRACE's cookie exchange on December 14. We were able to bring some Christmas cheer to some of our homebound parishioners and friends. Our elves delivered cookies to and visited with over 150 individuals and families. As always, your generosity in the giving of your time and gifts is a wonderful blessing to our parish.
EMBRACE is a ministry of compassion, offering assistance to families and individuals who are facing difficult circumstances. Our goal is to ease the burden on people who are dealing with family crises by providing meals and offering support through our parish community. If you know of someone who needs our help, please contact us to initiate the process. If you know of someone who might enjoy some Christmas cheer, contact Beth Lee (518-727-0215 or leebee880@gmail.com) or Mary Jo Brue (518-371-7372 ext. 223 or maryjo.brue@stedwardsny.org) with his or her name and address, or if you need assistance, if you’d like to volunteer, or with any questions. We all need a little help now and then. Here’s our chance to EMBRACE someone who could use a hand.
Big Yellow Bag Support Yields Funds for Outreach
Thanks to everyone who recycled their big yellow bag at St. Edward's. Because of your efforts Saratoga Sod presented us with a $530 donation that will help us help others through our Outreach ministries.
St. Edward’s has an ONGOING FOOD PANTRY COLLECTION year ‘round. We support the Mechanicville and Jonesville Food Pantries with your generous donations! With the winter weather upon us, the food pantries are especially in need of non-perishables. We have suggested food items in the Sunday bulletin (on page 3) each week. Please place your donations on the pews in the Atrium or Gathering Area. Your donations will be appreciated by many families in Saratoga County!
One of our parishioners, Alexandra Barone, is currently working in Morocco with the Peace Corp. Below is a letter she sent about her time there so far. Please keep her in your prayers as she continues to do God's work.
Hello everyone, Merry Christmas!
I have been in Morocco since September. Training was very intense but thank God, I made it through. During those months; I was learning the Moroccan Arabic dialect called Darija and working in a youth center along with 5 other trainees. We quickly became a close group and I am grateful to have them as friends and fellow PCVs. On November 27th, I officially was sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I live in a desert oasis of date trees everywhere and sometimes when I am walking, I get hit in the head with some random dates. Thankfully I am not alone. I will begin working in January and hopefully I will move into my own apartment!
It is very hard being away from everyone, especially during the Christmas season. I miss my Saint Edwards family so much, especially the lovely ladies I served communion with at the 11am masses. It is a memory I will cherish with me. While there are no Catholic Churches in the area, I have had a lot of time to pray and reflect on the opportunity I have being here.
I realize it is a busy time for you all there, but could you ask everyone to keep me in their thoughts and prayers? While everything sounds amazing, there are so many times where I struggle with adjusting and integration and especially language.
I look forward to hearing from you soon! I keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers always. Always thinking of you all.
God bless,
Alexandra Barone
Winter is here and that means the roads can become dangerous. Please click here to familiarize yourself with our inclement weather policy. All building closures and cancellations due to weather will always be broadcast through Facebook, the website, the parish app, and TV and radio.
Each year our Christmas flowers that you see around the parish are provided through donations in memory of loved ones. Below is a list of all of those who were remembered this Christmas Season
Save the date – St. Edward’s Annual Cabin Fever Party will be 6:00 - 10:00 PM Friday, February 21, 2020.
St. Edward's has access to Formed.org, an online platform providing access to the best Catholic audio talks, movies, ebooks, and video-based studies! Click below to take advantage of this amazing resource completely free or get suggestions for where to start!
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ANNUAL SPAGHETTI DINNER
Our annual Spaghetti Dinner will be Saturday, February 1st from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM Dinner will be served by the Youth Ministry after the 4:00 PM Mass in the Atrium. The menu will include Spaghetti, Meatballs, Salad, Bread, Desserts, Coffee, Tea, and Soda. Tickets will be on sale for $7.00 fro adults, $5.00 for Children 6-12 years old, and children under 6 are FREE. TAKE OUT IS AVAILABLE Proceeds Support Youth Ministry.
Do you ever find yourself wondering what to do on a Friday morning? If so, come and join us after Mass at the Knights of Columbus' weekly breakfast. Each week the Knights provide a wonderful breakfast with eggs, home fries, fruit, and more. Come join us for a wonderful morning of fellowship. The Knights kindly ask for a $3.00 donation to help with the cost of the food. They even made the Times Union! Click here to read the article.
Our next VIRTUS training will be held on Wednesday, January 22, at 6:30 PM. Please register online here by January 21st. If you have any questions please contact Eddie Trevino at eddie.trevino@stedwardsny.org.
Did you know that St. Edward's had a prayer chain? If you are in need of prayer, or know someone who may be, please submit your prayer request here and it will be sent to St. Edward's prayer chain so that we can pray for you.
Did you know that we have a Family Mass on the first Sunday of every month? At the 9:00 AM Mass the homily is geared towards the children and we try to have youth participation in the liturgy. If you would be interested in having your child participate, please reach out to the Faith Formation office.
Our next VIRTUS training will be held on Wednesday, January 22, at 6:30 PM. Please register online here by January 21st. If you have any questions please contact Eddie Trevino at eddie.trevino@stedwardsny.org.
Can you believe its been two years since we came together, joined by Bishop Scharfenberger, to dedicate our new worship space. Click here to see pictures and video to relive that wonderful night.
