Over the coming months, we will be featuring the history and meaning of many of the stained glass windows featured in our church. This month's window features the Wedding at Cana. We were able to save this window, and many others from St. Patrick's in Troy. You can find the window to the left of the organ facade.
The Wedding at Cana represents the first of six signs (John does not speak of Miracles) in John’s Gospel that point to who Jesus is. The wedding scene is full of symbolism for John. Throughout the scriptures the relationship between God and Israel is that of the marriage bond. For Christians, the Church was seen as the Bride of Christ. John is the last of the gospels, written about 100 A.D. Already the community was beginning to lose the sense of the intimacy of the relationship God had called them to share. The main characters in the story are “The mother of Jesus,” (Mary is never named in the Gospel), Jesus, his disciples, a servant, the head steward, and the bridegroom. The problem that Jesus’ mother points out is that there “is no more wine.” Wine represents joy in the Hebrew scriptures.
Here is the church, Jesus present with it, but there is no joy in the relationship. The story reimagines the Creation story. The mother of Jesus is the one who has given him his humanity. Here, she also represents Eve, the “Mother of all humanity.” Notice that there are six water jars representing the six days of creation...they are empty because the people gathered at the wedding have emptied them following all of the rituals of purification. They are following “the rules,” but there is no joy in their relationship with God the bridegroom. It is the mother of Jesus, and (symbolically the New Eve), who calls Jesus to act. He tells the servant to fill the jars with water. Remember at the beginning of Creation God calls forth order from the chaos of the water. God goes on to bring to fruition the glory of creation. He tells the servant to bring some to the Steward. He brings it to the bridegroom and is amazed at the quality of the wine. The story reveals Jesus as the true bridegroom who can bring joy to all who enter deeply into the relationship. He is the one who will rebalance the relationship and help people to remember that our union with God is not just about following rules and regulations but sharing in the joy, the intimacy, and the life-giving reality of the marriage bond.
You Made a Difference!
Thank you for your generous support of the Hearts for Ronald McDonald House fundraiser. Through your generosity, we were able to raise $1628. Your donations help fund the Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home away from home, free of charge, for families with children who are seriously ill or facing life-threatening challenges. Staffed by volunteers and supported by generous donors, the House offers much more than just home-cooked meals and a comfortable place to stay. They help families face the burdens of childhood illness by providing a loving, compassionate environment where they can rest without having to worry about basic necessities. Thank you again for helping make this fundraiser a tremendous success.
Newton Road's Soul Shop, a ministry that ministers to suicidal desperation with be hosting CAST. CAST (Community Awareness Skills Training) is a community-oriented event designed to help us all explore how we think and talk about suicide. CAST addresses suicide as a major community health problem and presents steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of suicide. It is designed for the entire community including parents, teachers, first responders, medical professionals, support groups, veteran organizations, domestic abuse organizations, senior centers, and more. All are welcome to attend this meaningful discussion about suicide and practice interactions with persons at risk. The Church at Newtown Road is sponsoring this event, making it freely available to the entire community. Registration is required.
MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION AT: NEWTOWNROAD.ORG/CAST
CRS Rice Bowl!
CRS Rice Bowl is the Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services, the official relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Through CRS Rice Bowl, faith communities in every diocese throughout the United States put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lenten alms donated through CRS Rice Bowl support the work of CRS in roughly 45 different countries each year. 25% of all donations to CRS Rice Bowl stay in the local diocese, supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts. Since its inception in 1975, CRS Rice Bowl has raised nearly $300 million.
The iconic CRS Rice Bowl is a staple on the table of Catholic families across the country during Lent. This simple cardboard box is a tool for collecting Lenten alms—and comes with a Lenten calendar that guides families through the 40 days of Lent with activities, reflections and stories.
You can pick up your rice bowl in the atrium and find more information about the rice bowl and the kids above at crsricebowl.org.
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!
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat
“Healing the pain of abortion, one weekend at a time.”
“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 April 17-19, 2020 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, Kathy Kelly, 802-282-2028, Katie Bolibaugh, 518-495-3574 or Denise Freeman, 607-353-0039 or e-mail:
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, Kathy Kelly, 802-282-2028, Katie Bolibaugh, 518-495-3574 or Denise Freeman, 607-353-0039 or e-mail:
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 .
St. Peter's Hospital is in need of volunteers for their Spiritual Care Department. Volunteers would become Eucharistic ministers to patients at St. Peter's Hospital. For more information or to set up an interview please contact the volunteer services department at 518-525-1002.
Mary's Haven
A Community Home for the Dying
Mary's Haven needs caregivers. Just two to four hours a week of your time and talents will assist them in providing care and comfort to the terminally ill at Mary's Haven, a program of Catholic Charities. Initial and ongoing training will be provided. Volunteers are the heart of this program, providing 24 hour care under the direction of the Program Director. Please consider adding Mary's Haven to your volunteer schedule. F
For more information please contact Robin or Nancy at 518-584-9397.
Holy Thursday:
Thursday, April 9, 7:00 PM
Good Friday:
Friday, April 10, 7:00 PM
Easter Vigil:
Saturday, April 11, Gather at 7:30 PM
Easter Sunday:
Sunday, April 12, 7:30, 9:00, & 11:00 AM
Soups and Stations will be held each Friday throughout Lent. Each Friday will be led by a different ministry or group of parishioners. Please join us at 6:00 PM to share in a meal of soup and bread. Stations will begin at 7:00 PM.
Join us each Tuesday night throughout Lent for Evening Prayer. Evening Prayer offers a wonderful opportunity to focus on Christ's presence in our hearts and in the grace-filled moments of our daily lives. Please join us for an evening or prayer, reflection, and music.
Commmunity Meal
Our Community Meal will be Wednesday, March 25th at 12:00 PM in the social hall. Desserts to share are most welcome. To attend you must RSVP at 518-371-7372 ext. 227
St. Patrick’s Day
Corned Beef Dinner
Corned Beef Dinner
Join us on Saturday, March 14th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Atriumfor the Knights of Columbus' Corn Beef Dinner. The proceeds from the event will go to support local charities. There will be Corned Beef-Cabbage, Potatoes, Carrots, Bread, Coffee, Tea, and Soda.
TAKE OUT AVAILABLE
$10.00 Adults - $5.00 Children (6-12)
$10.00 Adults - $5.00 Children (6-12)
(5 and under Free)
Last week over 130 Confirmation Candidates met with Catechists, Faith Formation and Parish staff members for Confirmation Interviews. During these interviews, the Candidates spoke about their faith and service to the community as well as their hopes for the future. It was a great experience for both the candidate and the interviewer.
St. Edward's Lenten Penance Services will be held on Tuesday, March 31, at 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM.
FORMED!!
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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.
The Knights of Columbus’ next social night will feature Fr. Pat, who will explain the origin and meaning of each of the STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS in our new church and reservation chapel. Mark your calendar for 7:30PM (NOTE TIME CHANGE) Tuesday, March 24 th ! Please meet in the Social Hall as coffee and cookies will be served. For more info contact Carl Hebert at 518-265-4354. All are welcome.
Please Keep The Families of Those Who Have Passed This Past Month In Your Prayers
Theresa J. Lewandowski
Carl J. Klein
Christine M. Hughes
Christine M. Hughes
Dominick D. Alonzo
Patsy " Patrick" Monachino
Patsy " Patrick" Monachino
John F. McDonald
James "Bud" J. McGrath, Jr.
Save the Dates!!
SUMMER MUSIC CAMP: Mark your calendars! St. Edward’s ELEVENTH SUMMER MUSIC CAMP will be held from August 17th through August 21st from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM. Registration will begin on May 1st, and further information will be available on the parish website in March. Children entering Kindergarten through grade 6 are welcome. If you’d like to help with camp, or if you have any questions, please contact Mary Jo Brue at maryjo.brue@stedwardsny.org or 518-371-7372 ext. 223.
Vacation Bible Camp: Mark Your Calendars! Our vacation bible camp will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM from July 27th through July 31st with a closing celebration on Sunday, August 2nd. Registration will begin on May 1st and will be open to children entering kindergarten through grade 6. More information will be available soon. If you have any questions please contact Sue Carbone at sue.carbone@stedwardsny.org or 518-371-7372 ext 234
During winter break a group of youth from St. Ed's help transform a room at St. Catherine's Center for Children group home. They made over a gathering room and the dining room. Many thanks to all of the youth who graciously volunteered and to the parents who took time out of their busy scholes to help make the rooms in the house a lot brighter for the children.
Breakaway camp for both middle school and high school youth will be June 28 to July 2 and Pyramid Lake. Any middle school youth who attends Breakaway will not have to attend regular faith formation classes for the next year, but only four sessions for those youth who did attend, based on their schedule availability.
You Made a Difference!
Thank you for your generous support of the Hearts for Ronald McDonald House fundraiser. Through your generosity, we were able to raise $1628. Your donations help fund the Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home away from home, free of charge, for families with children who are seriously ill or facing life-threatening challenges. Staffed by volunteers and supported by generous donors, the House offers much more than just home-cooked meals and a comfortable place to stay. They help families face the burdens of childhood illness by providing a loving, compassionate environment where they can rest without having to worry about basic necessities. Thank you again for helping make this fundraiser a tremendous success.
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.
Last week over 130 Confirmation Candidates met with Catechists, Faith Formation and Parish staff members for Confirmation Interviews. During these interviews, the Candidates spoke about their faith and service to the community as well as their hopes for the future. It was a great experience for both the candidate and the interviewer.
