Parish Census - A Letter from Bishop LaValley

Dear Parishioners:

Soon, parishes throughout the North Country will conduct a door-to-door census of all the households within each parish.  Bishop Wadhams, while reflecting on his assignment to be the first Bishop of this new Diocese of Ogdensburg, wrote:  “I know the task I have before me… this is a land of long distances.  The people cannot be reached by railways or stage-coaches.  Even good wagon-roads are few.  But I tell what I mean to do.  I shall get a good pony that will carry me anywhere; and you take my word for it, it will not be long before I visit every family; and every man and woman, barefooted boy and yellow-headed girl in my diocese will know me.  Yes, sir-ee!” (Early Ritualism…, 169, Walworth, 1893)

Bishop Wadhams’ goal is our goal. Yes, sir-ee!  This very ambitious undertaking is absolutely critical. So that we can invite others to find their home in Christ, we must know who they are and where they live, not proselytizing, but inviting them to know us and to join us in worship. This census of every home in our parishes is crucial in addressing our diocesan priorities addressing vocations, family faith formation and pastoral planning.  This newly acquired information will allow us to make good decisions about tomorrow.

Neighbor to neighbor census taking is truly evangelization at work.  Such visits will increase your faith and confirm your own love for the Church.  It will energize your participation in the life of your parish.  The census will remind your neighbors that the local Church is vibrant, that we seek to address their concerns and provide support for the local folk.  As Pope Francis continually reminds us:  “we cannot passively and calmly wait in our Church buildings; we need to move from a pastoral ministry of merely conserving things [the way they have always been], to a decidedly missionary pastoral ministry.” (The Joy of the Gospel, #15, 2013)

            Finally, we are hope-filled, knowing that this is God’s work with His Spirit as our constant companion. You are vitally important in helping others to find their home in Christ:  renewing faith, nurturing hope and discovering anew God’s love for every one of us.  Thank you so much for offering your time, your joy-filled, can-do attitude and, most importantly, for your prayers when your pastor seeks your assistance.  God be with you as your parish family sets out on this exciting journey of our local Church.

                                                                                                Faithfully yours in Christ, 

    

Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley

Bishop of Ogdensburg

Masses Celebrated for the Deceased

A time honored Catholic custom is the offering of Masses for the deceased.  It continues to be proper for families and loved ones to have Masses celebrated for the deceased.  When a donor asks for a particular date, we do all that we can to honor that request.  However, because of Mass schedules and because of requests that may have come from other donors, some dates may not be available.  

   

Church rules specify that Mass intentions should be celebrated within one year after having been received by the parish.  So, sometimes you will read in the bulletin that some of the Masses that we have received are being sent to retired priests so that the intention can be celebrated in a timely manner.  

Parish Nurses

Since coming to St. Patrick's and St. Mary's, I have often spoken about the need for Parish Nurses.  This precious ministry exists in many parishes throughout the country, and I would love to see it as part of our parish ministry offerings.  Parish Nurses link faith and health holding the spiritual dimension to be central to the practice.
    We often have people in our parishes who need some help with their health needs at home.  For whatever reason, they do not qualify for publicly available forms of assistance, but they need assistance.  For example, someone recently discharged from the hospital may not qualify for home care, but, because of their special needs, a type of home care is needed.
    Parish Nurses or, as they are sometimes called, Faith Community Nurses, respond to those in need.  They do not replicate or replace those services that someone can obtain through normal healthcare systems offered through insurance, medicare, or medicaid.
    For the general public, Parish Nurse programs may include such activities as health screening, educational programs, advocating for clients, and connecting them with resources.
    Special training is provided for this ministry through Mercy Care for the Adirondacks.  The training will be offered here in St. Lawrence County at St. Mary's School in Canton on April 18, 25, May 2, 9 from 8:30 to 5 each day.
    So, I am asking our nurses to consider this new ministry.  There is a nominal fee for the training that the parish will pay.  Right now, even if you are not ready to commit, I suggest that you register for the training so that you can find out more about the ministry and how you could help your fellow parishioners with your talents and skills.
    Click here for more information about the ministry in general.
    Click for an informational brochure