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

April 1, 2020

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Transfiguration Parish,
 
     We are a community of faith, and find ourselves facing a pandemic that has changed the way we live our lives. By now, we are all aware that the coronavirus is potentially deadly, and we can best fight it by sheltering in place with limited, or no, contact with one another. We see numbers and projections that are truly frightening, and we face the month of April in isolation, because that is the only way we can slow the spread of this virus. Patricia and I are following the guidelines established for social distancing, and I urge everyone to take this pandemic very seriously. We cannot defeat this virus unless we join together as a community of faith, and stay home! Believe me, I know how difficult that is, but returning to normal life depends on all of us doing what we have to do. Stay away from each other, and wash your hands!

     Bishop Scharfenberger suggested that we make our homes a sacred place, and I hope people are following his suggestion. Here are some of the things Patricia and I are doing. Prayer is always a good place to start.  Each of us has our own daily prayer routine, and we are praying the rosary together every afternoon. I find myself doing a lot of reading, and have two books going at the same time. One book is fiction and one is spiritual, and I alternate between the books. I go online every day to view the Mass, and I pray right along with the celebrant just like we were in the church together.

     One of the realities that has resulted in the suspension of all public Masses in our Diocese is the practice of Spiritual Communion. We cannot physically receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion, but we can receive Jesus in Spiritual Communion. Sunday, April 5 is Palm Sunday, the beginning of the most holy week of the Church year. I am sad that we will not be able to gather for Palm Sunday, Tenebrae, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, The Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday this year.  Bishop Scharfenberger will be livestreaming all of the liturgies of the Sacred Triduum, and Easter Sunday, from the Cathedral. I will be watching, and I urge everyone to join me.  Access the diocesan website: www.rcda.org/livestream.

     I want to share this prayer for Spiritual Communion that I found online at one of Bishop Robert Barron’s Masses:
 

“My Jesus”
“I believe that you are present in the Most Blessed Sacrament.  I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul.  Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.  I embrace you as if you were already there, and unite myself wholly to you.  Never permit me to be separated from you.  Amen.”

    
     I want to thank everyone who has mailed in their offertory contributions, or continued to make their contributions online through Vanco. Your faithful stewardship is greatly appreciated, and most needed.

     Please join me in praying for one another, and especially for all of those on the front lines battling this virus. Pray for first responders, nurses, doctors and especially those infected. Perhaps join me in offering the prayer of Aaron found in Numbers 6: 24-26. “The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.” 

God bless.
Deacon Chris

Bishop Scharfenberger will be celebrating the Sacred Triduum liturgies livestream ftom the Cathedral. The livestream will be available on the diocesan website at www.rcda.org/livestream, and on the diocesan Facebook page:

Holy Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 5:30 PM
 
Good Friday: Solemn Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord – 5:30 PM
 
The Easter Vigil - 8:00 PM
 
Easter Sunday Mass (during the day) – 11:00 AM

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.

In keeping with this announcement, all scheduled events at Transfiguration Parish, including Faith Formation Sessions, The Communal Penance Service on March 25^th, and the Lenten Fish Fry Fridays are cancelled. There will not be take-out available for the Fish Fry Fridays.

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.
 

“Lent is like a long ‘retreat’ during which we can turn back into ourselves and listen to the voice of God, in order to defeat the temptations of the Evil One.
It is a period of spiritual ‘combat’ which we must experience alongside Jesus, not with pride and presumption, but using the arms of faith: prayer, listening to the Word of God and penance. In this way we will be able to celebrate Easter in truth, ready to renew the promises of our Baptism.”

~ Pope Benedict XVI

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.