Transfiguration Parish

  We  are a Catholic community united by love, illuminated by the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We gather as a People of God seeking unity through the Holy Spirit to Worship through the Sacred Liturgy, Prayer and Sacraments, and to proclaim the Christian message which promotes Justice, Reconciliation and Service through Evangelization, Faith Formation and Discipleship

Transfiguration Parish is committed to continual growth in the Catholic Faith through a lifelong union with Jesus Christ, and in service to others through the ministry of the Church. We spread the Good News of His love and promote His Word through evangelization, education, reflection, and daily witness. As faithful stewards we pledge to direct and develop the spiritual, human, financial, and material resources of the Church. We respond to His love with gratitude and prayer, with compassion-ate service, generous sharing, reconciliation and equality for all.

Transfiguration Parish – South Site, Speigletown (Administrative Offices)
50 Hillview Drive, Troy, NY 12182
Phone: 518-235-0337
Fax: 518-235-8726
Office Hours: Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Transfiguration Parish – North Site –
17 South Main Street, Schaghticoke, NY 12154
Phone: 518-753-4554  
Fax: 518-753-0456
Office Hours: Monday and Thursday,  9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Friday - Closed

Parish Life Director:
Deacon Christopher Keough
Deacon_Chris@transfigurationparish.net

Assisting Priest:
Fr. Dominic Ingemie:
dingemie1@nycap.rr.com

Deacon Charles Valenti: Deacon_Charlie@transfigurationparish.net

General Office Inquiries: general_office@transfigurationparish.net

Office Support:
Mary Clemente M.Clemente@transfigurationparish.net

Bonnie Coraldi:  B.Coraldi@transfigurationparish.net

Bulletin:  B.Coraldi@transfigurationparish.net

Baptismal Preparation: (contact office )
Phone: 518-235-0337 (So.Site)
Phone: 518-753-4554  (No. Site)
general_office@transfigurationparish.net

Director of Religious Education:      E.Thayer@transfigurationparish.net

Parish Nursing and Pastoral Care: P.Hebert@transfigurationparish.net

Special Activities and Fundraising: E.DeBonis@transfigurationparish.net

Knights of Columbus:
Bryan Purtell, Grand Knight
BryanP78@hotmail.com

• Alzheimer's Suport Group
• A Rosary Ministry
• Two by Two Faith Action Team
• Parish Nursing Program
• Prayer Chain Tree

May 20, 2020

     I have written before about being a faithful reader of books and articles written by Father Ronald Rolheiser.  I actually receive a couple of emails a week that contain reflections from Fr. Rolheiser on various topics.  I just received a reflection yesterday, and it struck me as a message I need to hear during this coronavirus pandemic.  I want to share a few of the things Father wrote about in his reflection that was titled, “In Safer Hands than Ours.”
     Father Rolheiser began the reflection with reference to the Parable of the Prodigal Son which reminds us that God is more understanding and more compassionate to us than we are to ourselves.  The part that really made me stop and reflect was when Father Rolheiser wrote these words about St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans.  “In St. Paul’s farewell message to us in his Letter to the Romans, he assures us that, even though we can’t ever get our lives fully right, it doesn’t matter because in the end nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from God’s love and forgiveness.  We are, in this life and the next, in hands far safer and gentler than our own.”
     This coronavirus pandemic has turned our lives upside down, and inside out.  While there does seem to be a glimmer of light, such as today when the Capital District has been approved to begin Phase One of re-opening, we still have to be very careful and safe.  Knowing that we are not back to normal, and normal may look quite different in the future, it gives me great hope knowing that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from God’s love and forgiveness! 
     Tomorrow is my son’s birthday, and this birthday will be unlike any other.  Typically, Patricia and I would get together with our son and his wife, and we would take them out for a nice dinner to celebrate his birthday.  We would be able to share memories, laughs, and most of all loving hugs.  We can still share memories and laughs with each other on the phone, but we will not physically touch each other this year with loving hugs.  That makes me sad, but I remind myself to thank God for the blessing our son has been in Patricia’s and my life.  God continues to send us His grace and blessings even while we remain isolated by the coronavirus.
     I am happy to report that the Diocese of Albany sent out an email last week to all parish leaders.  Included in the email was a draft of a checklist for re-opening our churches for public Masses, and instructions to begin forming a committee to plan for re-opening.  I believe we are still at least a couple of Phases away before we can consider re-instating Masses, but at least we have hope that it will happen.  I will report more as I receive further instructions from the Diocese.
     Finally, I am so very thankful to all the people who continue to mail in their offertory contributions to the parish.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated.  I want to close with the message that was written in the memo section on the check of one of our parishioners.  The message made me smile, and I hope it makes you smile as you remember that, “We are, in this life and the next, in hands far safer and gentler than our own.”  In the memo section of the check, the parishioner wrote, “Keep Your Chin Up.”     

God bless.
Deacon Chris

The RCDA website (http://www.rcda.org) now has a page dedicated to Parish Giving (https://www.rcda.org/parishgiving) which provides a secure website for parishioners to make a one-time or recurring gift online to parish offertory. A reminder that this is a temporary option during this COVID-19 emergency. Donors can select multiple parishes to support. 

Due to the growing concerns and medical advice related to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in social settings, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger has announced that all regularly scheduled public Masses in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany will be cancelled until further notice.

The Diocese of Albany is keeping Catholics apprised of changes, updates and resources on its dedicated web page: rcda.org/coronavirus. Bishop Scharfenberger encourages Catholics to create a sacred space at home. A Faith at Home page has been created at rcda.org/coronavirus/resources.

WELCOME

No matter what your present status in the Catholic Church; no matter what your current family and martial situation; no matter what your personal history, age, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, physical condition; no matter what your self-image; you are invited, welcome, accepted, loved, and respected here at Transfiguration Parish.
 

“If He asks much of you, it is because
He knows you have much to give.”

~ St. Pope John Paul II

BACKPACK PROGRAM

Donation boxes are at the church entrances for items for our area schools that send food home with children in need, those who may go hungry on the weekend. Suggested items are those non-perishables in singles containers that are easy for a child to use (mac n’cheese, chili, pastas, cereals, fruit, snack, etc.) Items will be delivered to our local schools on a regular basis.

THIS PROGRAM IS STILL ONGOING AS THE SCHOOLS ARE CONTINUING TO GET THE SUPPLIES TO NEEDY FAMILIES.

YOUTH GROUP

The Youth Group/Ministry here at Transfiguration under the direction of Heather Field. is open to youth and young adults from 9th grade and up. It is a chance to gather in a safe and fun environment for activities, community service, and Faith enrichment. 

If you or your parents/guardians have any questions feel free to contact Heather Field directly at 518-698-5210.
 

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is a program to assist the youngest members of our congregation in hearing the Word of God. This program is open to children who are
Pre-K, K and First Grade age. When a child is in the Second Grade they need to be fully participating in the Mass as they are preparing for First Eucharist.
 

CAN AND BOTTLE DRIVE CONTINUES

Thank you for your continued support of our Bottle and Can Drive. Please consider asking neighbors and family members to collect for our youth ministry. Thank you for support in the past and your continued support in the future.
Contact Beth Thayer 235-0337 or e.thayer@transfigurationparish.net

  As you know, the Church is experiencing a shortage of priests. As a result, there have been times when priests have not been available to celebrate Saturday Vigil Masses or Sunday Masses. 
   
  In order to address the needs of the faithful in light of the shortage of priests, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has approved a liturgy known as the Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest. This liturgy is based on the Liturgy of the Hours which has been prayed by the faithful for centuries and it includes the regular Mass readings. It may also include the distribution of the Holy Communion, depending on availability of consecrated hosts. It is important to note that the Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest fulfills the obligation of the faithful to attend the Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass. This liturgy can be conducted not only by a deacon, but also by a trained layperson.    

  While the Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest liturgy is not a Mass, it is a practical solution to the priest shortage. Yet it is more than that. This liturgy is another opportunity for the laity to share their gifts and talents with others. It is another opportunity for the laity to fulfill the privileges and responsibilities which they assumed at their baptism. The Church has been enriched by the many ways the laity has taken part in the life of the Church.   
 
  Attending a Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest may not be as spiritually fulfilling as attending a Mass, but we must accept the fact it is a part of our prayer life in today's Church. Let us not forget that God is present in this liturgy, as well as He is in the Mass.
      
  Let us pray for an increase in vocations, but let us also pray that God sends His grace upon both clergy and laity during this time of challenge.