The Diocese of Ogdensburg Volume 72, Number 30 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Vocation coordinator takes on additional role I PAGES NORTH COUNTRY
Nativity scenes bring joy to hardened hearts I PAGE 11 CATHOLIC DEC. 20, 2017 CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS God's greatness in little things VATICAN CITY (CNS) .. God shows may trust in him and we can his greatness through his tell him with the courage of tenderness toward his chil· Paul." dren like a loving father, Pope Francis reflected on Pope Francis said. the day's first reading from In his homily during morn the prophet Isaiah a which ing Mass at Domus Sanctae proclaims that "the Lord is Marthae Dec. 14, the pope good to all and compassion said it is as if God "wants to ate toward all his works." sing us a lullaby" to soothe This compassion is most those who are wounded. evident during the Christmas "He carries us within his season, where God "makes very being. He is the God himself small and in his who with this dialogue smallness, does not stop makes himself little to make being great," Pope Francis us understand, so that we told the congregation.
SPECIAL VISITOR Bishop's
Bishop message for Antoine Chbeirof Christmas Latakia, "As we celebrate the birth Syria of our Savior and greet a spends a New Year, let us unwrap the week in gift of salvation offered by the North making Mary's words our Country own: 'Let it be done to me according to thy word.' FUll STORY, PAGEl "May the Christ Child bring you and your loved ones the Gift of Love, the Blessing of Hope and the Msgr. Poissant Promise of Peace. A blessed Christmas and joy-filled Msgr. Leeward Poissant, one of New Year!" 48 retired priests to benefit from
"This w,1I be the 2017 Christmas collection, (l S'9" \aYOIJ 'I'();o,.j.l\ find Q bo.by looks back on his life as a priest '
Telephone: FATHER MUENCH SAYS (3 15) 608-7556
E-mail: news@ northcountry Remembering an extraordinary day catholic.org May the Peace and joy of life. I prayed in hope that this caused her many more pain Entered at the Christ be with you at this 'Father Bill Say~ ' '''"' child's life would be filled with over the years. So, God, I offer Post Office: Christmas and throughout the tipast()r22 @ gmail.<.:(~ happiness and that he would a prayer of gratitude today for Ogdensburg, NY New Year. find success in life. my mother's strength - her pa 13669 and I promise to remember all of .1 I continue today to remem tience - her willingness to suf additional mailing officesa s you and your families in my ber him in my prayers as he fer for me. Periodical Postage. Christmas Mass. III goes through his college expe Finally, I remember that day I am truly grateful to you all Fl'. \VillhHl1 G. Muench rience. We now have a close after the infant, Will, was set Subscription: for being a part with me in this "- bond - I held him right after tled and Susan was moved to a For one year: column. Each time, I prepare with them during the whole his birth. hospital room. Paul and I In-Diocese Rate:$27 to write a column I think of evening. I do remember over The memory of that day con headed home and, along the Outside ofDiocese Rate: $30 you all. Thank you! hearing one of the nurses com tinues to remind me to pray way, we decided to stop for a I must admit that over the for many - including Susan cup of coffee, even though it Matters for publication menting to the other nurse - last few years my column at "my goodness they even and Paul for involving me. was 2 a.m. We talked and, as I should be Christmas time has been the Today I have been thinking of remember, it was a rather im addressed to brought their own priest." same: a remembrance of the I have been asked often many more I should have pressive conversation. We PO Box 326 most exciting day of my life. prayed for back then. talked about tomorrow and all Ogdensburg, NY 13669 when I tell this story what So, I am certain you have heard prayers I said during the birth. As I observed that birth I do the future tomorrows. We and should be recei ved by this story before, probably remember noticing that Susan talked about hopes and Thursday prior to I must admit I did not pray at often. all as I was so completely taken had to work hard. She en dreams for this child - for all publication. As you may remember, I was dured pain - as you, mothers, the children in their family. It Paper is printed each up with all that was happening. I. Monday; invited by Susan and Paul to My attention was absorbed by all realize better than Susan was a very special moment. I dateline is Wednesday. accompany them to the birth the birth and all that this new endured that pain of giving remember it well. Member, Catholic Pre ss of their second child whose life meant. One of the nurses birth to her child. I could see So, all these years later, I still Association. name is Will. I continue to re was right at my side to explain her husband, Paul, readiness to remember and continue to be member that day well and all what was happening and, I sus give support. grateful for that day. It was that happened that day. As I remember this, today, truly the most exciting day of POSTMASTER: pect, to take care of me if I I got down to Syracuse in fainted. I didn't. my thoughts are of my own my life . I know there have Send address changes to time to join them on the way Later, when I was allowed to mother. She also suffered been others. However, each North Country Catholic, to St. joseph's Hospital. For hold this new born, I did take much pain in bringing minto Christmas that day still comes PO Box 326 various reasons, I was the only the time to pray - a prayer of this world. I pray today in to mind. So, thank you again, Ogdensburg, NY one with them that night. I felt gratitude for this child and for gratitude to my mother. Curi Susan and Paul, for inviting me 13669-0326 very honored. I was able to be ously, I am certain that I on that very special journey. NORTH COUNTRY CATHOLIC DEC. 20, 2017 DIOCESAN LIFE
PHOTO BY MAOElEINE KELLER In his first stop during the Dec. 11-18 visit through the Diocese of Ogdens burg, Bishop Antoine Chbeir of Latakia, Syria, had the chance to meet Fa ther Steven Murray, chair of the Solidarity in Faith Committee which PHOTO BY DAYNA LEADER facilitated the trip. Bishop LaValley, Bishop Chbeir and Father Murray are Bishop LaValley invited children from Stjames School in Gouverneur, St. Mary's School in Canton and Immaculate shown at Immaculate Heart Central School in Watertown. Heart Central in Watertown to his home in Ogdensburg to meet his guest from Syria. 'Jesus is uniting us in love and in faith' Bishop Antoine Chbeir shares the story of his Syrian diocese with the church of northern New York Civil war struck Syria in sometimes we are not aware you are helping another dio By Deacon Kevin Mastellon 20 ll. Originally the effort of the gifts and graces that cese that is on the other end and Mary Lou Kilian was to oust the Assad family the Lord has given us ... and of the planet," Bishop Chbeir which has run Syria since we may take everything for said. "jesus is uniting us in From Watertown to Og 1971. The war has become granted," Bishop Chbeir said. love and in faith. That's why densburg and Plattsburgh more complicated in motive "When I found you have you are always in our Bishop Antoine Chbeir and more violent since it power every day, it's a little thoughts, our prayers shared the story of the started. bit weird to me. When I find In Plattsburgh, the two church in Latakia, Syria, with Bishop Chbeir began his respect for the law and disci bishops concelebrated Mass priests, deacons, children, visit in Watertown with a visit pline, it is also a little bit at Seton Catholic Central reporters and groups of the to Immaculate Heart Central weird to me." School. faithful across the North School, and Mass at the Sis "When I see the way the Bishop LaValley told the Country. ters of St. joseph Mother priests are serving the peo students, teachers and com Bishop Chbeir is the house. The congregation was ple and their parishes and munity members, "this isn't a Eparch of The Maronite mostly priests, deacons and the love the faithful have for one-time thing. This is a rela Catholic Eparchy of Latakia, religious from the jefferson, their priests, I found it very tionship that continues to a diocese of the Eastern Rite Lewis and St. Lawrence beautiful," he said, "and I, blossom, that continues to of the Catholic Church. deaneries. myself have been feeling a move forward," . From Dec. 10 to 18, Bishop Bishop Chbeir spoke in his lot of love and affection The relationship between Chbeir toured the Diocese of homily at the Motherhouse wherever I go. the two dioceses began as a Ogdensburg at the invitation about being Christian even to "I would like to thank Your response to Pope Francis' call of Bishop Terry R. LaValley. those who do not share our Excellency for everything to help families and Chris At the Chrism Mass this faith. "Because when you are you are doing for us, for the tian communities remain in past April 6, Bishop LaValley Christian, you can not only twinning, for the help you their native lands. announced an initiative to think of yourself, but you'll PHOTO BY TOM SEMERARO are giving to us, even before But that's something provide spiritual and mone go out of yourself to meet es Among the gifts Bishop Chbeir will knowing each other, he said. Bishop Chbeir said many Syr tary support to the Syrian pecially the people who are bring back to Syria is a Seton "You made me remember ian families cannot do. Diocese. Bishop LaValley in difficulties, in need." Catholic baseball cap. when I was first ordained a "In Syria, we have very bad said the twinning of the dio In Ogdensburg, Bishop capital of Syria, for the Syrian bishop. I knew about being a and tough times. Our people ceses was to give the people Chbeir met a group of bishop of a diocese but a suffer a lot, "he said. "We of the North Country "a Catholic bishops," he told the Catholic school children at congregants. "We chose Dam bishop is not just for his dio have a lot of dead people, in deeper appreciation of the the Bishop's house and then cese but he's bishop of the jured, handicapped, orphans remarkable faith of people ascus because it is bombed preached at a Mass at St. every day and for three days, church and has to serve the and widows. who have suffered so much Mary's Cathedral. whole church all over the "We pray for peace in Syria giving witness to the same we were bombed every day. "Last month we had a ''I'm saying so because world. and all over the world," he faith as ours." meeting in Damascus, the "Because you are Christian, said. II NORTH COUNTRY CATHOLIC ~ DIOCESAN LIFE DEC. 20 , 2017 Msgr. Leeward Poissant looks back on 54 years ofpriesthood
Scholar, rector, pastor. ••• priest What has your life as a retired By Shawn Ryan priest been like? Any hobbies Staff writer of special ministries? You can discover my ex PLATISBURGH - A lot of life pectations in the e-mail ad has passed before the eyes dress that I chose: of Msgr. Leeward POissant, [email protected]. now retired; from his semi The numbers stand for 50 nary study in Rome during years ordained and 75 years Vatican II, to his time as of age when I retired. Glen is president/rector at Wad the name of the street I live hams H all, and through his on, and it also has a peace 27 years as a pastor and 54 ful connotation. Haven indi years as a priest. cates my hope that my Msgr. Poissant's formative retirement apartment and years in Rome, during the experience would be a most important time in the haven from the constant de modern Church, certainly mands and challenges of colored how he carried out parish life. his ministries. This week -on Dec. 18 -Msgr. Leeward Poissant celebrates both his birthday and his 54th anniversary of his ordina So far it has worked out He fondly recalls the "sim tion to the priesthood. His ordination photo and current photo flank a picture of Msgr. Poissant taken in St. John the pretty much that way, with ple pastoral nature" of Saint Baptist Church in Keeseville where he served as pastor from 2002 until his retirement in 2014. minor adjustments from John XXXIII, then Pope dur time to time. Most days I ing Vatican II, likening his may need to make some 1. becoming the Bishop's collaboration, communica- prudent decisions about personal assistant (I never tion, and compromise, and can set my own pace, and nature to that of current how distance and winter af- liked the term "secretary") these all served me well as a now I have time for many Pope Francis. fect my abilities. For the after only 10 months in a pastor. You could say that I things that I once put off For his first Mass, Msgr. until some indefinite future Poissant chose to celebrate present, however, I ask God parish, came from a good learning to help me to do as much as 2. trying to adapt to grad- environment. date. For example this Ad in a small chapel in one of vent I am reading "The Birth Rome's famed catacombs. I can for as long as I can." uate study in philosophy Msgr. Poissant shares re- while having little or no of the Messiah" by Raymond "It was a reminder to me What was it like in Rome when flections about his priest- background in the subject you were in the seminary and Brown. which has been on that a priest must be pre hood here: compared to the other grad- my shelf untouched since it pared to lay down his life, then ordained during the years was published 40 years ago. whether suddenly or a day After 54 years of priesthood, uate students, what have been your greatest 3. trying to complete my of the Second Vatican Council? As for hobbies, my tastes at a time." thesis and prepare for a de- How did that experience affect have changed somewhat. Now five years' retired, joys and challenges? fense while already a fully There was a time when I Msgr. Poissant's days may your priesthood? My greatest joy was to be active faculty member at It was an exciting time to was very interested in be less hectic, but are cer ordained on my birthday, Wadhams Hall, plus becom- bridge, chess. and puzzles tainly no less spiritual. be in Rome . We eagerly which was a remarkable co- ing Dean of Students my awaited the English transla of any kind. Now my inter He relishes setting his incidence and a wonderful second year and Vice Presi- ests are less intellectual and own pace each day, and is tion of each council docu gift which keeps on giving. dent my third year, ment and speculated on less competitive. I enjoy catching up on tasks some Every year I am reminded of 4. facing the challenges outdoor exercise (walking, 40 years in the making like what it would mean for our this blessing at the same and problems of being pres- ministry. jogging, and golf when pos finally reading "The Birth of time as I add another year ident/rector for five years, sible), watching my favorite the Messiah" which has been We were also deeply im to my life. and pressed by the simple pas sports on TV, recreational waiting for him to read Close behind on the joy 5. trying to be rector of reading and listening to since it was published. He toral nature of Pope (now list are becoming a pastor the cathedral, with all of Saint) John XXIII, who af classical music. considers his apartment a for the first time 23 years this assignment's unique di- Ministries are usually the "haven" from the constant fected us much the way and six months after my or- mensions, while still teach- Pope Francis touches peo result of requests from demands and challenges of dination and all my oppor- ing one philosophy course other priests and include the parish life he knew for ple's hearts today. tunities to work with each semester. Finally, Rome is always a weekend Masses, Holy Day so many years. children. Their simple faith Masses, days of recollection. Though retired, Msgr. and joy are infectious, and powerful reminder of the Did your years of training history of the church and parish missions, and other Poissant is far from done they make me want to re special events. I think most with his ministry, vowing to capture the joy of my youth, priests at Wadhams Hall make the time of the martyrs. I chose to celebrate my first priests would view the step in to help younger as far as humanly possible. a difference in how you sacramental dimension of priests whenever they might As for challenges, I am re Mass in a small chapel in ministered as a pastor? one of the catacombs. their ministry as the most be in need. minded of the old saying, "I I think it did. Certainly, I satisfying and enjoyable. "When I retired I resolved have been down a lot of It was a reminder to me was affected by the deep that a priest must be pre and I am blessed to be able to respond to whatever re roads, and not all of them spirituality and spirit of to do that without the many quests I received. I realize were paved." Some of my pared to lay down his life. community. I also learned a whether suddenly or a day other obligations. that sooner or later, as the more challenging roads lot about the importance of CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 years continue to roll by, I were at a time. II NORTH COUNTRY CATHOLIC DEC. 20 , 2017 DIOCESAN LIFE
Among the 48 retired priests of the Diocese of Ogdensburg who will benefit from the 2017 Christmas collection are Msgr. Robert J. McCarthy, left; Father Richard 5. Sturtz and Father Leo A. Wiley, above with Bishop LaValley; Msgr Paul E. Whitmore, top right; and Father Daniel T. Keefe, bottom right. ~------~
Your personal generosity to the Christmas collection in your parish will support all retired priests of the diocese and benefit the diocesan and religious priests serving you today.
Your priests - retired and active - will appreciate your support! - . ~~ . MERRY CHRISTMAS II NORTH COUNTRY CATHOLIC DIOCESAN LIFE DEC. 20, 2017
Bishop's Schedule Environmental Stewardship Dec.20 - 12 p.m.,Luncheon with Joy in the midst Msgr. Poissant the Diocese of Ogdensburg Vocation of darkness Society at Church of the Visitation in In the midst of the shortest CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 share one those with you. respond to whatever re Norfolk. With the wisdom garnered During the time that I was quests I received. I realize days ofthe year we welcome the from your wide variety of President/ Rector of Wad that sooner or later, as the Dec.22- 10:50a.m.,Mass at St. winter solstice that marks the priestly experience, what ad hams Hall I was on vacation years continue to roll by, I Joseph's Home in Ogdensburg gradual return ofthe light and in Toronto one summer, but may need to make some warmth of the sun. vice would you have for it was not very relaxing. I prudent decisions about younger priests and all Dec. 23 - 4 p.m., Mass at St. Mary's During the Advent days we was constantly worried how distance and winter af welcome the light and warmth of Catholics who call the North about problems that I would fect my abilities. Cathedral Country home? have to face when I re For the present, however, I God's love in our hearts. It is the Without making any claim turned, even during my last ask God to help me to do as Dec. 24 - 6 p.m., Christmas Vigil light of the sun and the Son that to great wisdom, I would meal before I left. much as I can for as long as Mass at St. Mary'sCathedral brings us joy amid the pain and simply advise the younger I was too wound up to I can. brokenness of all Creation . priests to take time .. .time to enjoy a nice restaurant, so I Dec. 25 - 12 a.m.,Christmas Mid Evidence of the light of joy pray each day, lest their was in a large two story Mc ANNOUNCEMENT night Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral amidst darkness of suffering is de Donald's. I took my meal, if ministry become hollow 9 a.m., Christmas Day Mass at scribed by a Mercy Sister of the with no spiritual you could call it that, to the The Diocesan Central Offices Notre Dame Church in Ogdensburg Americas'in her blog : interior.. .and time to relax farthest corner of the sec will be closed in observance of "Many people know of the for at least a short time each ond floor, where I could be Christmas beginning Friday, Dec. 22 day with something they re alone with my anxiety Dec. 27 - 12 p.m., Mass at St.Mary's drama that the people ofTexas, and will re-open for business on Cathedral ally enjoy, lest they burn As I was eating I saw a Florida and Puerto Rico have lived Tuesday, Dec.26 at 8:15 a.m. out from all work and no shabbily dressed man come due to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma Dec. 28 - 12:00 p.m.,Mass at St. play. up the stairs and start to (and Maria).We who live in Peru I would advise the put a narrow slip of paper Mary's Cathedral Catholics of the North Coun on each table. I didn't ac Rest in Peace also had a flooding disaster when, try to broaden their hori knowledge him or even look due to climate change, we had This week marks the anniversary Dec. 29 - 10:50 a.m.,Mass at St. zons from a narrow view of at him as he left one for me. Joseph's Home in Ogdensburg rains from the end of January until When he was gone I looked of the deaths of the following their own preferences (Mass clergymen who have served in the June 2017.lt rained every day time, Mass location, etc) to a at the small piece of paper Diocese of Ogdensburg Dec. 30 - 8 a.m., Mass at St. Mary's from 4 p.m. until 6 a.m. - not a more complete grasp of which had these words on soft rain, but downpours. what everyone is going it: "Be not afraid. I am al Dec. 20 - Rev. Luke Harney, 1892; Cathedral through. Their pastors can ways with you." Rev.Jean B.A. Barette, O.M.!., 1955 Although it is very hard to see help them achieve this by I thought without really Dec. 21 - Rev. Charles A. Grady, Jan.2 - 6 p.m ., Jefferson Deanery people lose their farms, their only being models of the collabo "getting it" that he could O.S.A., 1981 Clergy Dinner at Pete's Trattoria source of income, due to the ration, communication, and hardly go wrong with that, Dec. 22 - Rev. Edgard Thivierge, Restaurant in Watertown change of the river's course, it was compromise so essential for because everyone is afraid 0.M.I.,1975 outweighed by the solidarity of so the planning process. of something. But the sur many people. We saw a glimpse of prise came when I got up to Dec. 23 - Rev.John B. P. Honorat, what the Beatitudes mean: What gives you the greatest leave and looked at the mes 0.M.I.,1862 NO PAPER NEXT WEEK sages abandoned on other Dec. 24 - Rev.Jean Claude Leonard, "Blessed are the poor, for theirs is hope for the future of the The next issue of the the kingdom ofGod"Matt.5:3. Catholic Church? What is your tables. They were all differ 0.M.I.,1868 ent! Mine was the only one Dec. 25 - Rev. Patrick Lyons, 1911; North Country Catholic Some ofthe darkness stems greatest concern? with that wonderful mes from the fact that we aren't taking It is almost impossible for Rev.Oswald L.Bentley, 1940 Will be dated Jan. 3. sage of reassurance. care of our Earth.The effects will me to identify anyone con It was like I received ex Dec. 26 - Rev.Aloysius Hyacinth eventually touch everybody, but cern as greatest, when there actly what I needed to see, McMahon, 1936 Merry Christmas and first the most vulnerable are the are so many of them and and my trip home was a lot Dec. 27 - Rev. Hollis David Burns, Happy New Year! they even vary greatly by poor. How can we believe that the more peaceful than I had 1936; Rev. Henry Gilbeau, OJ. M.Conv., geographical location all anticipated. darkness will not overcome the 1978; Rev. Wilfred L. DeRoche, 2013 over the world. However, I To this day, whenever I light? We must follow the exam am convinced that there is Dec. 28 -Rev. Nicolaus Burtin, O.M.!., hear the song "Be Not To Report Abuse ple ofthe poor-live more simply and always will be hope in 1902; Msgr.John M.Waterhouse, Afraid" I remember that and stand in solidarity with our every situation because of wonderful manifestation of 1995; Rev. Eugene J. Beaudet, 2004; If you have a complaint of sus the ongoing powerful pres neighbors in need." God's presence and provi Rev. Howard P. McCasland, 201 0 pected misconduct involving dioce ence of the Holy Spirit. dence in my life. san clergy, religious, employees or Prayer: Lord oflightfill our Nothing is impossible Dec.29- Rev.John A.Mullen, 1887 volunteers, contact Victims Assis hearts with the joy ofyour abiding with God' Dec. 30 - Rev.Jean Baptiste love. In the darkness of our world, Any final thoughts? Lemercier, 1863; Deacon Victor De tance Coordinator, Terrianne Yan I remember how many give us courage to search for truth. Any favorite stories mers,2003 ulavich, Adult & Youth Counseling times retired priests helped Help us to welcome and empower you would like to share? me when I needed them Dec.31- Rev.Joseph Butler, 1894; Services of Northern New York, 618 I have always liked to use Lake Rd, Chateaugay, NY 12920; those displaced by environmental during my 27 years as a Rev. Benedict Granottier, 1930; Msgr. crisis. Give us the passion to create stories in my teaching and pastor. I can no longer repay Clarence A. Kitts, 1949 [email protected] preaching. I have a collec a more just society. We thank you them, except with my Jan.1- Rev. Earl Leo Taylor, 1974 Phone: Day: 518-651-2267, Night: tion of hundreds of them. prayers, but I can "pay it for 518-569-0612; or Fr. Christopher Car for the gift oflife and the call to However, only about five are Jan.2 - Rev. Henry W. McFadden, protect all that you have created. ward" by helping those who rara, the Episcopal Vicar for Clergy at from my own personal ex now need me. 1978; Deacon Robert J. LeClair, 2009 Amen. perience, and I would like to When I retired I resolve to 315-393-2920, ext. 1340 NO RTH COUN TRY CATH O LI C DEC. 20 , 201 7 DIOCESAN LIFE RESPECT LIFE My Christmas Moment looking forward to Mass on chanted "Be attentive!" it Many of the litanies from on Christ, on seeing His face By Kathleen M. Gallagher this particular day. A was as if God was speaking the Mass still echo in my in the people around me, on Director of Pro-life Activities forthe NewYork Ukrainian Catholic liturgy directly to me, and snapped head months later, and I viewing His beauty on full State Catholic Conference, was planned, something I me back from my tendency find myself praying them as display outside the win knew little about. What I did to either daydream or worry I go about washing the dows, on listening to Him in Unexpectedly, this year know was that everything in about what was next on the dishes or driving the car: the stillness of my heart. I my Christmas Moment this Eastern Rite Mass is schedule. I had no choice • Be merciful to me, a felt connected to Christ not came in a church. Oddly sung - EVERYTHING - and it but to partake. sinner. only spiritually, but physi enough, I don't believe I've therefore takes longer than There is much repetition • Heal my soul and my cally, emotionally, and intel ever experienced one there the Roman Catholic Mass in the Eastern Rite; many body. lectually as well. (When was before. with which I am familiar. prayers and petitions are re • Enlighten my eyes and the last time that ever hap It was a glorious day in Ugh. On a day like this?? Re peated three times. By the my heart. pened to me at Sunday September, and I was help ally? third time in each set, I • That I may no longer Mass? Honest answer: ing to lead a conference and Perhaps it was its novelty, heard the words. live for myself. never.) retreat for the state's combined with a large dose The liturgy is flooded with It was during the Prayers While we wait expectantly Catholic prison chaplains in of incense, but I found the prayers for peace, which after Communion that I ex for the birth of the Baby beautiful Canandaigua, in Ukrainian liturgy to be filled seemed so timely and so perienced the "Moment"" Jesus, let us clear away the upstate New York. The with profound meaning and needed in our violence-rid that instant when the distractions of our daily chapel in the retreat center reverence. den world. essence of Christmas - lives so that we might make overlooked the lake on a Singing the words kind of And there are lots of re Jesus Himself -- penetrated room for Him. day when the weather was unlocked them for me, in a minders that only God can my being and swelled my We can find Him, experi postcard perfect, sunny and way that empowered me to offer true peace, in our heart with sudden under ence Him, and connect with 75 degrees. understand them. hearts and in our cities, and standing and gratitude. I Him in both likely and un I admit that I was not Each time the celebrant only He is life-giving. was completely centered likely places. II NORTH COUNTRY CATHOLIC • DIOCESAN LIFE DEC. 20, 2017 Catherine Russell takes on new responsibilities From the Mission Lands to Main Street. Bishop Terry R. LaValley lor's degree from Regents Community College in Water Merry Christmas and Peace on EarthY has appointed College and a Master town. Ms . Russell worked as Catherine Russell as of Education in Coun a school counselor at Crown the Assistant Direc seling and Human Point Central School for 20 This year, please remember the Missions tor of Faith Forma Development from years and then served as with prayer and sacrifice. tion for the Western St. Lawrence Univer principal in Seton Catholic Regional Office and sity. Middle High School for six Coordinator of the She has also re years before becoming , Formation for Min ceived permanent Diocesan Vocation Coordina istry Program. New York State certifi tor in 2016. Pontifical Mission Societies, Inc. Her appointment cation as School She now lives in Massena becomes effective Catherine Counselor and Eng where she is a parishioner of Sister Mary Ellen Brett, SS], Director Jan. 1. Russell lish teacher Sacred Heart Church. &; Molly McKee Ryan, Bookkeeper Ms Russell will con She taught in dioce- In the Faith Formation and tinue her work as san Catholic schools Formation for Ministry posi Diocesan Vocation Coordina for nine years, was a public tions, she succeeds Deacon tor school teacher for three Patrick Donahue who has An educator for 40 years, years and also workd as an been named director of 11 Ms . Russell earned a bache- English teacher for Jefferson Catholic Charities.
Holidays can be challengingfor families but they are opportunities for abundant grace. May God richly bless your family in this new year! Behold ... f make all things new!
~ The Office ofFamily Life
From the Staff of the Development Office
Scott Lalone, Valerie Mathews, Renee' Grizzuto II NO R TH e 0 U N T RY CAT H 0 LI C DEC. 20 , 2017 IC DIOCESAN LIFE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Giving back at Holy Family School in Malone: Middle School students made cookies to sell to benefit Catholic Charities Senior Citizen food baskets.
St. Alphonsus - Holy Immaculate Heart Central School in Watertown welcomed the Fort Drum 10th Mountain Division Band 'Avalanche' to the school Dec. S. Mrs. Piatt, Major General Piatt's wife, was in attendance; Mrs. Svedberg·Miller, English as a sec N arne of Jesus Parish ond language teacher at IHC, organized the concert. ------Warm up with Good News! Holiday Mass Schedule: Visit our website at www.northcountrycatholic.org Dec. 24th - 4 p.m. to pay by Credit Card lor immediate delivery. OR Send this coupon with payment to: Children's Mass at North Country Catholic PO Box 106, Canajoharie, New York, 13317 St. Alphonsus **Please allow 3-4 weeks/or delivery when mailing in your renewal * * o Inside Diocese $27 0 Outside Diocese $30 Dec. 24th - 7 p.m. o Please send my 1 want to be a Patron: 0 $350 $500 $1000 $250 subscription to my at Holy Name Church 'Warm up with a o New Subscrip- 0 tion Renew- e-mail address: subscription to the Name ______Dec. 25th - 9 a.m. I N orth Country Catholic Address,______I and find out what is I happening with the City ______State_ Zip ______at St. Alphonsus Church I Di ocese of Ogdensburg. Parish ______I li N 0 R THe 0 U NT Rye AT H 0 LIe WORLD/NATION DEC. 20, 2017 Author shares stories from his meals with St.John Paul II Table talk with George Weigel Biography of Pope john Paul biography," Weigel said. 12, Weigel said he decided Weigel's mother was doing By (indy Wooden II," published in 1999. The "What people wanted were "to tell the story of our con after his father died. Catholic News Service meals and conversations stories, stories that would versations," which took place Sharing a meal and a table continued, providing infor make him come alive again." over a dozen years. But for was important to Pope john ROME ((NS) -- For some 25 mation for the sequel, ''The Interviewed in Rome Dec. that to make sense, he said, Paul, Weigel said , because he years as pope, St. john Paul II End and the Beginning: Pope he also had to write about "understood that a pope who would invite people to his john Paul II -- The Victory of events and experiences in his relies only on the official table each day -- sharing Freedom, the Last Years, the UEORGE \YErGEI, life that prepared him to un channels of information - breakfast, lunch, dinner and Legacy," published in 2010. derstand the history, philos nuncios, Curia, bishops' con conversation with a wide va His last dinner with St. ophy and theology discussed ferences -- is not going to get riety of cardinals, bishops, john Paul was Dec. 15, 2004. around the table. all the information he needs theologians, writers and Now, Weigel is sharing the Of course, he said, the con because that information is friends. mood, anecdotes and reflec versations also included being filtered bureaucrati George Weigel, the author tions on the table talk in the both lighter moments and cally." and scholar, was one of those more personal "Lessons in personal ones, such as when "The table rather than the guests on dozens of occa Hope: My Unexpected Life PE Pope john Paul asked how desk was his favorite pOint of sions and it was over a meal with St. john Paul II." encounter," the author said. that he asked Pope john Paul "What people really wanted CNS PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE WEIGEL The conversations gave the the questions that form the was not more heavily foot In his book"Lessons in Hope: My pope different pOints of view noted, annotated scholarly Unexpected Life with Stjohn on the situation of the core of "Witness to Hope: The My Paul II," George Weigel recounts church, on issues of theology the story of and anecdotes from and on political and social re his mealtime conversations with alities around the world, Stjohn Paul II. It was over meals Weigel said. that Weigel asked the pope the Then-Cardinal joseph <.9lWGWoItd , ..... :' -.>.' questions for"Witness to Hope: Ratzinger, prefect of the Con The Biography of Pope John II," gregation for the Doctrine of bemnw CJW, . •. -.. .• ·.,v., . . . published in 1999. the Faith, once told Weigel that "major documents and audience themes would be . '. "".". ../.f· .·.. : hashed out over lunches in the papal apartments." ...... ~ and ~a& But, he said, at the same time, friendships were very important to him and he .. ~'t-.~W'ff-::· made sure to nourish them at the dinner table. Pope john Paul would ask Christmas Blessings his guests their opinions about books, films, world From the Natural Family Planning Office leaders and political situa tions. "He was the most insa tiably curious man I have ever met," Weigel said. "He al ways wanted to know what M(J.,1J th.i- i1-IlJ'e Ilf 6i1-ri5tMM was happening." The pope's curiosity, he hi~i1-t[1J 5i1-i11.e 1l11. 1JIlU (J.,11.~ said, was less a "tic" than a 1Jllur [Ilve~ ll11.e5. sign that "he really did be lieve in the providential A-11.~ M(J.,1J th.i- 5?ec:i(J.,[ [Ilve (J.,11.~ guidance of history," which meant he needed to stay in b[e55i11.~5 Ilf Ilur 5(J.,villr, formed "in order to find the providential footprints." Je5U5 6i1-ri5t, be witi1-1Jllu ti1-i5 5e(J.,51l11. (J.,11.~ (J.,t! NCC Christmas schedule 1JeM th-rIlU~ i1-. The North Country Catholic will not be published during the week Merr1J 6i1-ri5tMM filM th.i between Christmas and New Year's Day. The next issue will be MM5tn(J., 6Mi1-Il[ic: ?Mi5h.i-5! dated Jan. 3, 2017 II NORTH COU NTRY C ATH OLIC DEC. 20 , 2017 WORLD/NATION VATICAN LETTER CATHOLIC A weary world rejoices: WORLD Nativity scenes bring AT A GLANCE joy to hardened hearts Sunday has lost its sense as day of rest, pope says becoming one of them and then offering his VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Just like a plant needs sun and nourishment to survive, By Cindy Wooden life for them. every Christian needs the light of Sunday and the sustenance of the Eucharist Catholic News Service ''The whole idea of the creche speaks to to truly live, Pope Francis said. "How can we carry out the Gospel without draw so many feelings and emotions we have," ing the energy needed to do it, one Sunday after another, from the limitless VATICAN CITY (CNS)-- The Nativity scene in St. Father Puodziunas said. ''The child, manger, Peter's Square is not getting rave reviews: animals, night, outdoors, emptiness" - they source of the Eucharist," he said Dec. 13 during his weekly general audience. all communicate feelings that endure "We don't go to Mass to give something to God, but to receive from him that The backdrop does not look like a stable and the characters in need -- hungry, naked, through time and can be recreated any which we truly need," the pope said. Sunday Mass is the time and place Chris dead, imprisoned -- don't exactly evoke a where. tians receive the grace and strength to remain faithful to his word, follow his silent night when all was cozy, calm and St. Francis, he said, was focused on "the commandment to love others and be credible witnesses in the world. The pope bright. creche and the cross. The wood of the continued his series of audience talks on the Mass in the Vatican's Paul VI hall, Franciscan Father john Puodziunas said manger becomes the wood of the cross. which was decorated with a large Christmas tree and a life-sized Nativity scene. he didn't like it at first. This Christ that steps into a messy world - Anumber of people in the audience hall handed the pope -- who turns 81 Dec. In addition to Mary and joseph -- baby whether at the time of Christ, the time of St. Francis or our own time - is the same Christ 17 -- Christmas cards, notes and a chocolate cake. jesus will appear only on Christmas -- the scene includes figures of people who illus that takes us to the cross and is the source trate the ongoing need for the corporal of our salvation." Number who view Christmas as religious dwindling works of mercy, including feeding the hun While there probably was a catechetical WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The percentage of Americans who see Christmas as a re gry, clothing the naked, burying the dead, element to St. Francis' creche, Father Puodz ligious holiday continues to slide across nearly all demographic lines. In a tele caring for the sick and visiting those in iunas believes it was more spiritual and ex phone survey of 1,503 U.S. adults conducted Nov. 28-Dec.4 for the Pew prison. periential than education. "It was about Research Center, 55 percent said they mark Christmas as a religious holiday. The As Father Puodziunas, a friar from making the story of Christ come alive in figure in 2013, when Pew last asked this question, was 59 percent. "Nine in 10 Philadelphia who is now general treasurer their lives .. .. This child steps into the world of the Order of Friars Minor, stood in St. we have today, into our own lives, not as a U.S. adults say they celebrate the holiday, which is nearly identical to the share child, but as a savior." who said this in 2013," said the survey, whose results were released Dec.12. Peter's Square, he said he realized "this re ally captures what I believe the Nativity set The scene also is a reminder of human "About eight in 10 will gather with family and friends. And half say they plan is about. It's about 'Where am I today? ity's poverty, not in the sense of things that to attend church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day," it said. Those numbers, Where is the world today? Where is the people do not have, but in the sense that Pew added, are roughly the same as those of 2013. "Most respondents in the church today?'" there is a void in everyone that only God new poll say they think religious aspects of Christmas are emphasized less in The Vatican display, he said, "brings the can fill, he said. "Love, peace, mercy, free American society today than in the past. But relatively few Americans both per manger scene into our present world reality dom, joy -- these are the real poverties of ceive this trend and are bothered by it," the Pew survey said. to remind us that this is a God who contin the world" and the gifts that the Christ child ues to step into our world. It isn't just brings. something that happened 2,000 years ago." St. Francis believed that "we're not all that God does not lead us into temptation, Satan does, pope says bad," but that God steps into the world to VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Italian and English translations of the "Our Father" According to legend, it was St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of Father Puodziunas' offer more, he said. can give believers the wrong impression that God can and does lead people order, who invented the Nativity scene in "As pretty as our manger sets are," he into temptation, Pope Francis said. The Italian bishops' television channel, 1223 by bringing straw, an ox and an ass to said, "the reality is that that first manger TV2000, has been broadcasting a series of conversations between the pope and the side of a hill where Christmas Mass was wasn't a pretty sight and that the world that aCatholic prison chaplain looking at the Lord's Prayer line by line. The episode about to be celebrated. this child steps into isn't always pretty. And broadcast Dec.6 focused on the line, "Lead us not into temptation." Father Father Puodziunas conceded Nativity yet, this child chooses to step into this world." Marco Pozza told the pope that friends have asked him, "Can God really lead us scenes may have been around before St. Francis brought one to life in Greccio, Italy, The inclusion of animals in a Nativity into temptation?" "This is not a good translation," the pope said.The standard scene not only helps illustrate jesus' birth versions of the prayer are translated from the Latin, which was translated from but the Franciscan is certain the friars were responsible for spreading the tradition and in a stable, he said. "Clearly, the Incarnation the New Testament in Greek. While he said nothing about ordering a new bringing it into people's homes. touches all of creation" and "all things are translation, Pope Francis noted how the French bishops had decided that be "Why did St. Francis do the crib scene on created for the purpose of praising God ." ginning Dec. 3, the first Sunday of Advent, French Catholics would change the the side of the mountain? Because the peo But, he said, "we are not a 'Hallmark line to the equivalent of "do not let us enter into temptation." ple were not able to receive the child into Christmas' people," life gets messy, but in their lives," he said. Back then, like today, the Gospel jesus talks about the truth being the obstacles may have been "busyness or revealed to the smallest children. anger or war or the past or concerns." As they "grow up," Father Puodziunas But by bringing the people of Greccio to said, many people build walls and other ob the manger, he said, St. Francis hoped they stacles to experiencing God's love for them would be able to experience again the and to seeing how God is stepping into power and awe of God taking human flesh, their lives. II NORTH COUNTRY CATHOLI C COMMENTARY DEC. 20 , 2017
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS Advent comes to a close
This Fourth Sunday of Ad the fields are the first to vent falls on Christmas eve hear the news. DEC. 24 this year, What a The Gospel for the dramatic way to Fourth Sunday tells Fourth Sunday of Advent fulfillment of all us that another READINGS our waiting for Angel, Gabriel, was 2 Sam 7:1-5,8-11,16 the coming of our sent as God's mes Rom 16:25-27 Messiah and Re senger to ask permis deemer. sion of a pure, holy Luke 1:26-38 On Sunday maid to be His morning, we will mother! celebrate the end It is Mary's "yes" that the obedience of both of Advent, and just that makes Christ jesus and His mother to the a few hours later Monsignor mas possible - the will of the Father are models on the same day, Paul E. coming into humble for us to follow. we hear the Angels Whitmore flesh of the Lord of We are urged to enter singing "Glory to heaven and earth. ;fully into the drama, of God in the highest!" What is a mys God's plans for peace on God has arrived as a tiny, tery? It's a truly factual and earth, engaging in the build Child, helpless and shiver real work of God that is be ing of His kingdom of peace ing;. yond all human understand and love. Advent has come We are delighted and ing. Nevertheless, It to a close. The Savior has charmed at the way He radically effects our arrived. chose to come without signs lives.and our future. What happens now? Our of frightening power. Both readings from sharing with jesus in the Simple shepherds from Samuel and St. Paul tell us building up of the Kingdom. One Christmas night ~UEST FOR PRIESTS pants and red shirt, walking walked away. Objectively, WOULD YOU PRAY FOR A PRIEST EACH DAY? By Dr. Elmer Abear perhaps with arthritis. I ex she just disappeared. I Contributing writer pected her to kneel and stood up and looked a: I pray in one of the pews. around: The Church was - PRAYER SUGGESTION- After the 6:45am Mass at But instead she continued empty and she could not a: Eternal Father, Mass to walk towards me. I was run that fast, considering we lift up to you these Rosary Notre Dame Church by Fa ~ and all the priests of the world Fasting ther james Shurtleff, while near the confessional box, that she seemed to have an Sanctify them. Day OfTering some 200 meters from the arthritis. Heal and guide them. Eucharistic Adoration everybody went home I Mold them in10 the likeness and Offering of Sufferings stayed behind and sat alone door. Slowly she sat down I was shocked and I sat holiness of your Son, Jesus, Divine Mercy Chaplet for an hour or two to pray heavy beside me: too close down to reflect on this the Eternal High Priest. ~ Or whatever th e Lord my rosary and meditate be for comfort. I could feel her event. And suddenly I re May their lives be pleasing 10 inspires you \0 om:r Him ~90UQry membered that one Christ a: you. In Jesus' name we pray. fore jesus in the Blessed warmth: uncomfortable I Amen knelt down on the kneeler. mas night in 2004 before ~ (Wilheccicsiasticalappro\'al) Sacrament. After an hour in prayer Stealthily, I glanced at her she passed away in 2005, JANUARY ~(' the door on the left side of from the corner of my left my only daughter, Rossana DI OCESE OF 2018 Hor Name the Church opened. I saw an eye but saw nobody. came to our Christmas OGDENSBURG. NY o Je,u, It was out of the question party wearing black pants ~ SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY TIlUR5DAY FR IDAY SATURDAY elderly woman about 50 years old dressed in black that she stood up and and a red shirt. IBISHOP IIREV 21REV 31 1lEv. 4IMSG R. 511lEv. 6 TERRY It PATRlCK A. WILLIAM G MARK R. PETER R. DONALD A She was so beautiful that ~ LAVALLEY RATIGAN REAMER RE I LLY RIAN I ROBINSON night that I kissed her on RE V. 71 81 REV 91 REV I 011';,'..:;'s,J I I REV 121 REV 13 the forehead and said, Z STE PHEN OUR M IKOLA J JOS EPH N. SEY oUR SCOTT R. ALAN D ROCKER PASTOR L SCIBIOR SESTITO VF M SEYMOUR SH NOB "Sweetheart, you are so Merry Christmas beautiful." And I became o R E v.F. 1 4~ 15IBENEDlb6IMSGR. 171 REV. 181REV 1 91~~~JO JAMES POPE XV I POPE H ARRY K. BRYAN D. RIC HARD ~ANDAYU emotional, not knowing that :I SHURTlEF FRANC IS EMERITUS SNOW STITT S. STURTZ MSC was our last Christmas to RE V 211 221 REV. 2311lEV 2411lEV 25IMSGR. 261REV 27 gether. ~ . RETIRED JUSTIN H OWARD RAYMOND PAU L E LEO A It left me with no doubt i~~B~JlT PRIESTS ~~~MAS J. VENETTE {;YERTMAN WH I T~ORE W I LE~ from the Department of that it was Rossana who ap :z: JOEHV. N ~~~:DECEASED 291 :IlEVP . T30IIlEV ANDREW 3r Olocem~ ..<'Cpi ofOgden" ~"'",l bu' li peared to me disguised as lilt YONKOV~F PRIESTS A~~~::' J. AMYOT ~:":~~ , NY1366!J an elderly woman. I prayed o r m o re III ornUlllo n VISit US o n IIlC at: www.mprpapOSIO alC Youth Ministry A donation to help support THE MONTHLY PRAYER REQUI::sr FOR PRIESTS wi ll be apprecialed a Rosary for her that she TIlc M(;lI1lhly Prayer R~uest for ~ I) (I ..... might rest in peace at the Priests IS graciously underwriUCIl by: 'Z'7 ' =t~o,~~,';ty ,." www.myvoQtlon.net other side. II NOR THe 0 UN TRY CA T H 0 LIe DEC. 20 , 2017 ENTERTAINMENT AT THE MOVIES STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI
imposed exile among the the potential to sway the By John Mulderig small stone huts of a distant outcome of the intergalactic Catholic News Service planet. (These scenes were battle. shot on the Irish island of Though it gets off to a Despite the high price of a Skellig Michael, site of a me slow start, once it hits its movie ticket these days, pa dieval monastery.) stride 'The Last jedi" trons are unlikely to come His isolation is inter sweeps viewers along with away from a showing of the rupted by the arrival of Rey stirring action and audi engrossing sci-fi epic "Star (Daisy Ridley) who has come ence-pleasing plot twists. Wars: The Last jedi" (Disney) as a messenger from Luke's While not as taut as last feeling shortchanged. twin sister, Leia (the late year's "Rogue One: A Star Vast in scale and operatic Carrie Fisher). Wars Story," this sprawling in intensity, this 152-minute As the leading general of installment of the great visit to that galaxy far, far the embattled Resistance - franchise makes, in the end, away is both satisfying and, the latter-day version of the for a more memorable expe for the most part, family Rebel Alliance for which rience. friendly. Luke once fought -- Leia ur The script's portrayal of With the mayhem in gently needs her brother's the Force as capable of en evitable in a movie about a famed skills as a warrior if dowing those who cultivate war kept gore-free and only the struggle against the it either with goodness or fascistic First Order (succes iniquity may strike movie CNS PHOTO/ DISNEY minor blemishes on the dia Mark Hamill stars in a scene from the movie "Star Wars: The last Jedi." logue, parents may be more sor to the evil Galactic Em goers of faith as establish concerned about the non pire), and its malignant ing a false equivalence of these aspects of the picture, scriptural notions centering leader, Snoke (Andy Serkis), power between these two however. Instead, they'll be on the famous Force that is to continue. poles of morality. Some may content to ride this cine are here collectively re Luke refuses to join the even see in this an implicit matic whirlwind while it ferred to as the "jedi reli conflict. But he does agree denial of the rule of divine lasts. gion." Teens able to take to train Rey in the ways of providence and God's ulti The film contains fre this fictional faith, a sort of the Force. Rey will need the mate supremacy over sin. quent but bloodless combat dime-store Taoism, as just power of this mysterious Yet, in keeping with a violence, a scene of tor one more element in a fan spiritual energy, the source Christian worldview, charac ture,and a few crass terms. tasy world will benefit from of Luke's own prowess, ters do make their ethical The Catholic News Service lessons about the value of when she eventually con choices more or less freely. classification is A-II -- adults hope and the true nature of fronts Leia's son, Ben Solo, And the idea that a change and adolescents. The Mo In the beginning was the \Vord, heroism. aka Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). in basic identity should be tion Picture Association of Originally a good person, reflected by a change of and the \Vord was with God. The "Star Wars" saga has America rating is PG-13 -- and the \Vord was God. often been characterized as Ben has gone over to the name echoes a recurring the Iliad of contemporary side of darkness, and now trope in Scripture - and in lie was in the beginning with God. culture. So perhaps it's fit serves as Snoke's chief lieu the church's sacramental All T/lings callie to be through hilll, ting that the opening of tenant. Even so, he still has practice. and wil/lOutllim nothing came to be. some elements of good re Audience members young writer-director Rian john \Vhat came to be through him son's eighth episode of the maining in him, and his on or old are unlikely to spend going moral struggle has much time meditating on was life, narrative initiated by TbeDiocexofOgclensblq George Lucas in 1977 finds NORTH COUNTRY and this life was tile light oj the Luke Skywalker (Mark human race; Hamill) imitating Homer's Plattsburgh CATHOLIC the ligliL shines in the darkness, Achilles by holding aloof and the darkness has not overcome it. from the great struggle in Wholesale Homes is on which he once took an ac And the \Vord becamefl esh and made tive part. FACEBOOK his dwelling among us, Rather than sulking in his tent, as Achilles did, Luke is and we saw his glolJ', leading a solitary life of self- We process all VA loans the glory as oj the Fallier's only son, Jull oj grace and truth. Building the North Country for over 45 Years! IJII -101m 1:1-5 New or Used Manufactured and Modular Homes • Find Us Located on 7109 State Route 9 • Like Us From Ihe Staff of Ih e Tribunal Office Exit 39 of the Northway, across from the city beach of Plattsburgh • Follow Us FI". Douglas Lucia, JCL 518-563-1100· www.pwmh.com Fr. Garry Giroux, JCL Like Elaine Seymour Stop in and sign up to win a 52" TV with no obligation, Drawing Nov. 30th C7 I NORTH COUNTRY CATHOLIC AROUND THE DIOCESE DEC. 20, 2017
ADIRONDACK LEWIS DIOCESAN EVENTS FRIENDSHIP VOLUNTEERS INTERNATIONAL CRECHES DISCERNMENT RETREAT Tupper Lake - Mercy Care for the Houseville - An exhibit of International Syracuse -The NYS Vocation Directors Adirondacks is recruiting new volunteers Creches-Nativities is set announce the annual priesthood dis and has scheduled a Friendship Vol un Dates: Dec. 21 ,Jan. 7 cernment retreat. teerTraining Program. Time: The display may be viewed be Date: Jan. 2 to 4 Date: Jan.ll and 18 fore or after the lla.m. Masses or be Place: Christthe King Retreat House Time: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. tween 1 p.m. to 3 or by appointment Features: Gather with other young Features: Volunteers from Lake Placid, during the week. men from across NY State who are con Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake help elder Place: St. Hedwig's Church, sidering the call to the priesthood. Par neighbors stay connected to their com Features: This exhibit is free and open ticipate in special Masses celebrated by munities and helping to make their lives to the public. bishops from NY dioceses. a little easier and happier. Contact: Vocations Office at Contact: Program is free of charge, but OPLATEK CHRISTMAS WAFER crussell @rcdony.org,pastors or Fr. Doug pre-registration is required. To request Houseville - The Polish Christmas Wafer Lucia at [email protected] registration information, contact Jenn or OPLATEK is available from St. Hed- Grisi at Mercy Care, S18-523-5583 or by The North County Catholic welcomes contributions to "Around the Diocese': wig's Church. SURVIVING DIVORCE e-mail at [email protected]. Parishioners are invited to send information about activities to: Cost: $3 per package plus postage. Canton - The Diocesan Family Life Office CLINTON North Country Catholic, PO Box 326, Features: The Christmas Wafer of has announced a new ministry for di Ogdensburg, NY 13669;fax, 1-866-314-7296; OPLATEK is part of a Polish, Lithuanian vorced Catholics MARCH FOR LIFE e-mail [email protected]. and Slovak custom that is observed dur- Date: 12 week program begins Jan. 25 Plattsburgh - Annual Plattsburgh Items must be received inthe NCC office bythe Thursday before publication. ing the Vigil of Christmas (Wig ilia). After Time: 6:30 p.m .to 8:30 March for life to be held. 1------.------1 the first star is visible, family and friends Place: St. Mary 's Church Date: Jan.14 second Sunday of the each month. Place: Community Room of Stjames gather around the dinner table to share Cost: $25, includes program materials Time: 12:30 p.m . Time: 2 p.m. Features: All Cursillistas are encour the OPLATEK, The OPLATEK is sent and "Surviving Divorce Personal Guide" Place: Stjohn XXIII Newman Center, to Place: Stjohn's Holy Family Chapel. aged to attend. We also welcome those shared with family and friends all over Features: Surviving Divorce features Stjohn the Baptist Church. interested in deepening a personal rela the world as a symbol of love, unity and twelve video presentations that cover Features: Presentation at 1p.m. Re FRANKLIN tionship with Jesus Christ. forgiveness while wishing God's Blessing topics such as shock and grief, anger and ception follows in parish center. HEARTS ON FIRE Contact: Anne Seegebarth on each other this Holy Night. forgiveness, money issues, dealing with Malone - Hearts on Fire to be held the [email protected],315-783-4596 Contact: 315-348-6260. children and a former spouse, and an BUS TO MARCH FOR LIFE IN DC first Friday of the month. nulment and remarriage. Plattsburgh - Abus will be traveling SILAWRENCE Schedule: 7 p.m., Praise & Worship HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS Contact: Steve Tartaglia at 315-393- to Washington, D.C., forthe annual na Holy Hour; 8 p.m., Bonfire, snacks Watertown - Holy Hour for vocations FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION 2920 or go to tional March for Life. Place: Notre Dame Church Date: Monday-Friday Massena - Friday Devotions are set fea http://www.rcdony.org/family-life /s ur - Schedule: Meet at St. Peter's Church, Time: 9:30 a.m .to 10:30 turing Exposition of the Blessed Sacra viving-divorcesupport-group.html. Plattsburgh Jan.18 at 7:15 p.m.,Jan.19, FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION Place: Holy Family Church ment and Holy Hour for Vocations. March for Life and Leave Washington at St. Regis Falls - First Saturday Devo Date: First Friday of every month FISHERS ClUB 4:45 p.m. tion and Holy Hour to be held EUCHARISTIC PRAYER GROUP Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 Fishers Club is about men gathering to Cost: $30 Time: after 4:30 p.m. anticipated Mass Watertown - Our Mother of the Eu Place: St. Mary's Church. consider a vocation to the priesthood. Contact: Deacon Randy Smith at 518- Place: St. Ann 'sChurch charist Prayer Group to meet the 2nd Date: Groups will reconvene in early 566-6229. Please leave a message with Thursday of every month . ST. RAPHAEl'S FOOD PANTRY 2018, check parish bulletins, the NCC or your name and phone number JEFFERSON Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8 Heuvelton - St. Raphael 's Food Pantry one of the priests listed below. SPAGHETTI & MEATBAll DINNER Place: Msgr.Sechi Hall,St.Anthony 's will be open every Friday. Contact: Midlanders(Potsdam/Can PANCAKE BREAKFAST Evans Mills - Spaghetti and meatball Time: 9 a.m. to 11 ton) Fr. Doug Lucia Treadwell Mills - The Knights of dinner to be held to benefit the Indian SECULAR FRANCISCANS Place: Parish Center [email protected] /315-348-4466 and Columbus will hold an all you can eat River Knights of Columbus. Watertown -The StJoseph Cupertino Lakesiders (Plattsburgh) Fr. Howard Pancake Breakfast. Date:Jan.6 fraternity of the Secular Franciscans will SPIRITUAL BOOK ClUB Venette Date: Jan. 7,Feb.4, March 4, April 22 Time: 4 p.m. to 7 have their monthly meeting. Massena -The Massena Catholic Com pastor.stba [email protected] /315- Time: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Place: St. Mary'sParish Center Date: Aug. 27 munity Book Club meets once a month 369-3554 Place: StJoseph'sChurch Parish Hall Time: 1:30 p.m. Date:Third Thursday of each month Cost: Adults, $7; Children 6-12, $3; lIFERIGHT MEETING Place: Holy Family Parish Time:7p.m. DOVS MEMBERS SOUGHT under 5, Free Watertown - Liferight meets the first Place: Sacred Heart Rectory D.O.V.S (Diocese of Ogdensburg Vocation Wednesday of the month . WEEKLY ADORATION Features: Copies of book are often Society)is a group of people who pray EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Time: 1 p.m. Sackets Harbor - St. Andrew's has available on Kindle through our parish 's for and work to promote vocations to Plattsburgh - Eucharistic Adoration is Place: 870 Arsenal Street. scheduled exposition and Adoration of Formed.org subscription the priesthood and religious life in our held throughout the year every Wednes Features: pro-life videos, books and the Blessed Sacrament on every Friday. Contact: www.massenacatholics.com diocese is seeking new members. DOVS day, Thursday, and Friday. educational materials for borrowing. Time: 5 p.m. to 6 or: [email protected] meets most months, plan events to Place: Stjohn's "Holy Family" Adora thank priests and religious and annually tion Chapel, downstairs CURSILLO MEETINGS HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS EUCHARISTIC ADORATION take a pilgrimage. Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Carthage -The Jefferson/Lewis Cursillo Watertown - Holy Hour for Vocations Massena - St. Mary 's & StJoseph's hold Contact: Call Connie at 315-265-2762 holds its monthly meeting on the third to be held every Tuesday. Benediction,Adoration on Fridays or Cathy Russell, diocesan vocation coor SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER Tuesday of every month. Time: 3 p.m. to 6 Time: 9 a.m. to 10 dinator at the diocesan Vocations Office Plattsburgh - The Sacred Hea rt Frater Time: 6 p.m. to 8 Place: St.Anthony's Church Place: St. Mary 's Family Room at 315-393-2920 nity Secular Franciscan Order meets the N O R TH e 0 U N TRY CAT H 0 LI C II I\. TCU\ DEC. 20 , 2017 ______~ ______~ __1~__ L~ VV~liS. __~ OBITUARIES .... , "--r:: I " The Pontifical Mission Societies of the AuSable Forks - Gary J. Nelson, 72, Morrisonville - Leigh S. Chilton, 72, Plattsburgh -Irene (Boulerice) rFP.1CY~~:+'11 Diocese of Ogdensburg, Inc. ~ :-'l. ,,, Mass of Christian Burial Dec.10,2017,at Mass of Christian Burial, Dec. 15 at St. Racette, 84, Mass of Christian Burial Dec. The Society for the Propagation of the Faith Holy Name Church Alexander'S Church, burial in StJames 12,2017, at St.john's Church, burial in St. , I \ Sr. Mary Ellen Brett, 55J, Director Cemetery Mary's of the Lake Cemetery. 622 Washington St., Ogdensbu rg, NY 13669 Cadyville - June S. Venne, 87, Mass of (31 5) 393-2920; lax 1-866-3 14-7296 Christian Burial Dec. 16, 2017, at St. Norfolk - Sh irley (Bigness) Lashway, 82, Plattsburgh - Janet (LaBounty) Rivers, [email protected] James Church Mass of Christian Burial Dec.12,2017,at 90, Mass of Christian Burial, Dec. 15, 2017 Church of the Visitation; buria l in parish at St. Peter's Church; burial in Whispering Canton - Debra Lee Ormsbee, 53, Fu cemetery. Maples Memorial Gardens neralservices Dec.15,2017,at Lawrence Christmas joy Funeral Home; burial in Hillcrest Ceme Ogdensburg - George E. Dillingham, Plattsburgh - Duwane Seymour, 76, fu tery, Heuvelton 83, Mass of Christian Buria l Dec. 19, 2017, neralservices at R.W. Wa lker Funeral at St. Mary's Cathedral; burial in Ogdens Home; burial in St. the Baptist Cemetery, Malone - Marguerite M. Gobin, 70, burgh Cemetery. Keeseville. in our world graveside service Dec.15,2017,at Notre There is light coming out of the darkness in the develop Dame Cemetery ing lands because of missionaries. Yes, missionaries like you, let the light of Christ shine in the lives of people in the Massena - Victor L. LaShomb, 93, Mass Visit our website missions as they receive your generous donations. of Christian Burial Dec.16, 20 17, at Sa By virtue of our baptism, we are called to be missionar cred Heart Church; buria l in St. Patrick's www.northcountrycatholic.org ies. Cemetery, Brasher Falls Read Bishop LaValley's columns On behalf of missionaries and the people they serve who Search archived papers benefit from the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, Massena - Anneliese (Bopp) Reed,92, View diocesan events and much more • the Missionary Childhood Association and the Missionary Memorial Mass Dec.31,2017,at St. Projects of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, I thank you for your generosity and the gifts that bring Christ's light into the Mary's Church IU Fi nd us on Facebook! I!lf<-: darkness of the suffering and the poor in mission lands. Yet, there is so much yet to do. There is still unthinkable Morristown - Robert L. Moore, 87, Me suffering. We continue to reach out for your help and we morial Mass Dec.12,2017,at St.john the pray for the strength and courage to do God's work. Tomor Evange list Church. row is another day. Adirondack Another crisis can occur at any time. For now, we cele Center For PEACE brate the birth our of our Lord, Jesus Christ. P.o. Box 2748 The Pontifical Mission Societies accomplished so much Plattsburgh, New York 12901 good work and so many good deeds in the Mission Lands , Phone: (518) 561·5083 this year. Thanks to prayer and sacrifice, Christmas may be t a bit merrier and brighter for so many who do not live sur rounded by the safety net our land. The Missions continue to deal with so much strife each These Massesfor Life are co-sponsored by day, but there are pockets of prosperity thanks to the gen erosity of our Diocese. Humans Rights violations, disease, Adirondack Center For PEACE and treatment of the elderly are just a few of the issues that and the Pontifical Mission Societies are currently battling to Knights of Columbus Council #255 make a difference in places like India, Nigeria, Cameroon and Pakistan. St. Peter's Church St. John's Church Ingenuity, restructuring, and technology are getting 2018 Day Date Time Day Date Time things done faster, more efficiently and delivered to where the help is more dire. JAN Sa t. 1/6/2018 8:15 a. m. Mon. 1/8/201 8 9:00 a. m. God Bless the people working hard both here and abroad FEB Sat. 2/3/2018 8:15 a. m. Fri. 2/9/2018 9:00 a.m. to make these essential improvements in our world all of MA R Sat. 3/3/2018 8:15 a. m. Thurs. 3/8/2018 9:00 a.m. Christ's people. :7itjljl(}ftt J6/tlt(jJ' lf;? AP R Sat. 4/14/2018 8:15 a. m. Sun. 4/8/201 8 7:30 a.m. Merry Christmas to you all. The Mission office wishes MAY Sat. 5/ 5/2018 8:15 a. m. Tues. 5/8/2018 9:00 a.m. you all a very blessed day and best wishes to a happy new §:oft UJ0Clbli{}//.J jUN Sat. 6/2/2018 8:15 a. m. Fri. 6/8/2018 9:00 a.m. year. Again, thank you for your generous support. God jUL Sat. 7/ 7/2018 8:15 a.m. Sun. 7/8/201 8 7:30 a.m. Bless. For a New or Used Car AUG Sat. 8/4/2018 8:15 a. m. Thurs. 8/9/201 8 9:00 a.m. SEPT Sa t. 9/1/2018 8:15 a. m. Sa t. 9/8/201 8 4:30 p.m. Please remember"The Society for the Propagation of the Faith" Mort OCT Sa t. 10/6/2018 8:15 a. m. Mon. 10/8/2018 9:00 a. m. when writing or changing your Will. NOV Sat. 11/3/2018 8:15 a. m. Thurs. 11/8/2018 9:00 a.m. http://www.rcdony.org/mission-office.html Backus & DEC Sat. 12/1/2018 8: 15 a.m. Sat. 12/8/2018 4:30p.m. Sons Our Lady of Victory: One per month, date and time TBA Follow Pope Francis on On Canton-Ogdensburg Rd. Twitter! 315-393-5899 www.twitter.com/Po ntifex Pkau. jo-Ut- u6 Ut, ~ lin a ~ to r More Informalion, Visit Our Web I'age at: w\tw.barsfm\motors.com MARNI! ST POTSDAM NY ¥ 13151 265-8800 ~lInalJ~~ I./U, \ 'I N'1I'Jna/( 1I,!;\uharo\up.,(mIU W#Pontifex CHEVROLET BACK PEw~I NORTH COUNTRY CATHOLIC DEC. 20, 2017 FOLLOW ME Gift of love ... promise of peace order to enjoy the salvation won for us, our per Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: sonal encounter with jesus must be tended to through a lifelong journey of love and service. "ThiS WIll be I have asked the youth of our Diocese to pro just a few weeks ago, I consecrated the Diocese o Sisn -to ~o u : vide me with a cover design for this year's Christ of Ogdensburg to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, mas card. I received many fine pieces of art, '(Oll WiII -Ii rv) the Mother of jesus. We know that Mary submit many of which were captioned with verses from C\ bQby ted humbly and totally to God's will, even with Scripture. wrapp ed in. out fully understanding it. c\o1-h s ond. By saying "yes" to God's mysterious will, she 'y,n.9 enabled salvation to enter the world through the Bishop LaValley's Christmas message 1(\ 0 \' birth of her Son. We must tug at her sleeve, she mOY\ger. who desires so much to lead us, all of us, to One citation that surfaced on a few cards is luk.eQ.: I~ jesus. We want to follow jesus. Christ-led and from St. Luke's Infancy Narrative: 'The angel said Christ-fed, we can be hope-filled and not to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim weighed down by the menace of evil. to you good news of great joy that will be for all As we celebrate the birth of our Savior and the people.'" (Luke 2: 10) greet a New Year, let us unwrap the gift of salva What an appropriate message for each of us to tion offered by making Mary's words our own: reflect upon this Christmas. We should give serious concerns that today cause so many to "Let it be done to me according to thy word." careful attention to this angelic proclamation fear what tomorrow may bring. No matter the May the Christ Child bring you and your loved that offers such hope and heavenly happiness to heartache, this is a season of hope and joy. ones the Gift of Love, the Blessing of Hope and all people. Fear, bad news and division seem to jesus is the One who rescues humanity from the Promise of Peace. A blessed Christmas and be having their way in our world today. In the sin and delivers us from the condition of alien joy-filled New Year! midst of such darkness, we remember that there ation from God. With His birth, the Christ Child Faithfully yours in Christ, is no reason to be afraid because God brings brings an unfathomable gift that we must un Good News of great joy for all of God's people wrap to enjoy. Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley through His Son, born of Mary. He brings salvation to all humanity. But in Bishop of Ogdensburg "Do not be afraid." I need not provide a list of
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St. Mary's of the Fort Church Fort Covington St. Joseph's Church Bombay St. Francis of Assisi Church Constable Our Lady of Fatima Church Westville St. Patricl?'s Church Chateaugay St. George's Church Merry Christmas from the Respect Life Office Burl?e (Image used with permission from The Saints Project)