“Behold, I Make All Things New”
As we continue our Easter season, our readings this weekend detail the missionary travels of Paul and Barnabas, the powerful unification of heaven and earth in the Book of Revelation, and Jesus' new commandment to his followers: "Love one another."
From the beginning to the end, the story of the Bible could be summed up by the words of Christ from John's great vision in Revelation: "Behold, I make all things new." We love home renovation shows for this reason -- the taking of the old and, not discarding it, but renewing it and making it even better and more beautiful than the original. This is our destiny before the Lord, the God who calls us to restoration and renewal.
Even our suffering, our wounds, and our trauma can be renewed for God's glory. Just look at the Cross! God wants you to be restored and renewed. How will you respond?
Consider watching the above clip from Bishop Barron's series: "Priest, Prophet, King" which details how Jesus wants to become the King of our very hearts.
“Faith and hope will end when we die, whereas love, that is, charity, will last for eternity.”
UPDATES - MAY 14-15, 2022
PARISH COUNCIL SELECTION PROCESS BEGINS - SPEAKER AT ALL MASSES THIS WEEKEND
Our Parish Council assists Father Michael as we continue to discern the direction of the Holy Spirit at St. Columba. The Council meets monthly on Monday nights. A representative of the Council will speak at all Masses this weekend. You will have the opportunity this weekend and next weekend to nominate adults (four to be chosen) and teens (two to be chosen). Adults serve a three year term and teens serve a one year term. All must be registered and have completed their Initiation in the Church and should be active members of the parish. Nomination cards are available in the narthex. We will call those nominated and ask if they wish to serve. You may also nominate yourself if you wish. Then on Sunday, May 29, we will call upon the Holy Spirit and choose new members by lot. The Council will meet on Monday, June 6 and will choose a new Chair, Vice-Chair and Recording Secretary. We thank all who have served and all who are offering to serve.
EXPECTANT PARENT BLESSING - THIS WEEKEND
We are happy to offer a Blessing for Expectant Families at all Masses THIS WEEKEND. No need to sign up. It will take place at the end of the Prayer of the Faithful. You will be asked to stand where you are, and then come forward to receive a pin blessed by Cardinal Dolan.
We are happy to offer a Blessing for Expectant Families at all Masses THIS WEEKEND. No need to sign up. It will take place at the end of the Prayer of the Faithful. You will be asked to stand where you are, and then come forward to receive a pin blessed by Cardinal Dolan.
CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE COLLECTION – THIS WEEKEND
Thank you for your generosity.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS RAFFLE - THIS WEEKEND
The Knights will be outside the church after all Masses THIS WEEKEND and invite you to participate in their annual Raffle.
ASCENSION THURSDAY – HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION – MAY 25-26
Ascension Thursday Masses:
Wednesday, May 25 at 5:30 pm
Thursday, May 26 at 7:00 am, 12:00 noon and 7:30 pm
SERVICE TEAM TO START
We would like to put together a Service Team that would help to find and coordinate service opportunities here in the parish and in our community. We know that many people, especially our teenagers, like to do service. We want to approach this in a more systematic way. This could include service at local shelters, soup kitchens or Midnight Runs. In addition, we want to coordinate with Ministry of Care as they receive requests from parishioners for help. To begin, we want to put together a Core Team who could get this up and running. Are you interested or want to find out more? Email Father Michael at rectory@stcolumbaonline.org or call 845-227-8380 and we will organize a first meeting. What shall we call this Group? Some ideas: Good Samaritans, St. Lawrence Society, His Hands and Feet, Disciples of Hope.
TEEN GATHERING MAY 25
Father Michael invites teens and their parents (8th Grade and up) to join him after Ascension Mass (Wednesday, May 25 Mass at 5:30 pm) for a campfire and food at the Rectory Backyard. This will be a chance to talk and see what direction we might go with Youth Ministry at St. Columba.
SEMINARIAN ASSIGNED TO ST. COLUMBA
Viktor Gjergji, a third-year seminarian for the Archdiocese of New York who is studying for the priesthood at the North American College in Rome, has been assigned by Cardinal Dolan to serve at St. Columba for his 2022-23 Pastoral Year. Each seminarian is expected to serve for a period of ten months in a parish as an opportunity for discernment and as preparation for priestly ministry. Viktor will begin at St. Columba on September 3, 2022. It is anticipated that he will become involved in many ministries, including youth ministry. Please pray for Viktor and his vocation. We are grateful to Cardinal Dolan for his confidence in our parish , and we are honored to accept this responsibility.