Saturday, December 31 5:00PM Joseph A. Eriole by St. Vincent’s Parish

Sunday, January 1, 2017 8:30AM Nemesia & Gerardo Vera Cruz req. by Loida Vera Cruz & Family

11:00AM Jerry Drowns req. by Elizabeth Simcoe Anne Marie Seery by St. Vincent’s Parish

Saturday, January 7 5:00PM Michael S. Jones by St. Vincent’s Parish

Sunday, January 8 8:30AM 11:00AM

MON - 12/26 Holiday - Parish Offices Closed TUES - 12/27 Holiday - Parish Offices Closed WED - 12/28 Parish Office Open, 9AM - 4PM Food Pantry Open, 12:30-2:30PM THURS - 12/29 Holiday - Parish Offices Closed Food Pantry Open, 12:30-2:30PM FRI - 12/30 Holiday - Parish Offices Closed SAT - 12/31 New Year’s Eve, 5PM Vigil (C) SUN - 1/1/17 New Year’s Day - 8:30 & 11AM Liturgies (C) MON - 1/2 Holiday - Parish Offices Closed TUES - 1/3 Choir Rehearsal, 7:30PM (C) FRI - 1/6 Parish Office Closes at 12:00PM SAT/SUN 1/7-8 Food Pantry Collection SUN - 1/8 Faith Formation, 9:45AM (PC) Pray the Rosary, 9:30AM & 10:20AM (Chapel) Youth Day, 12:15 - 2:30PM (PH)

(C) Church, (G) Grotto, (PC) Parish Center, (PH) Parish Hall, (L) Lounge, (HIS) Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary

COLLECTIONS FOR DECEMBER 18, 2016 -

In Pew: E-Giving: Total: Regular: $ 5,427.25 $ 1,200.00 $ 6,627.25 Food Pantry: $ 280.00 $ 115.00 $ 395.00 Assumption: $ 10.00 $ 10.00 Christmas: $ 130.00 $ 125.00 $ 255.00 Flowers: $ 215.00 $ 215.00 FP Cards: $ 1,100.00 $ 1,100.00 Enhancement: $ 1,180.00 $ 157.00 $ 1,337.00 Enhancement - Total Amount Pledged: $ 553,275.49 Total Amount Paid: $ 534,612.38 Outstanding: $ 16,599.11

Collections for Christmas - December 24/25 & December 31/January 1, 2017 will be reported in the Jan. 8 bulletin.

Thank you for your generosity. Your regular financial support of our parish community is essential to our continued viability and vitality.

PLEASE NOTE ~ ♦ The parish office will be open ONLY on

Wednesday, Dec. 28, the week after Christmas. ♦ During the winter months, parish offices will be

closed or delayed opening when the Albany City School District is closed or delayed due to inclement weather. Check local TV stations for info on church program and class cancellations.

♦ Sunday 6:30PM Mass will resume on Jan. 22, 2017.

Mass Intentions

Saint Vincent’s Church Nativity Creation Story

In 1988, the Church of St. Vincent de Paul began the commission of a nativity set hand-carved of basswood. The first pieces were of the Holy Family. Each year more pieces were commissioned until the final wise man completed the set in 1993. When Sr. Joan Byrne, Roger Mock, and artist Edward A. Sehl first discussed the way the nativity would be represented, they agreed that it should reflect the contemporary direction of the church. They decided that Mr. Sehl would carve them in a folk style that would represent the ethnic and cultural diversity of the world. This has helped to make the set unique in many aspects. Mr. Sehl’s own family served as models for the Holy Family. His wife, Mary Theresa, modeled for the Holy Mother. For Joseph, Edward used his own features and his son, Peter, for the baby, Jesus. The infant figure was actually carved 3 separate times before the artist was satisfied. Mr. Sehl explained, “I feel I’ve come to know Him more deeply through this experience.” Many historical and cultural types are represented through the other pieces. The shepherd is Peruvian; his wife is Bangladeshi. For the wise men, Edward researched nobility of ancient and biblical periods - Balthasar, a Moroccan chieftain; Melchoir, an Arcadian nobleman; and Gaspar, a Sudanese Muslim. Some of the objects and costumes came of this research while others were of the artist’s own creation. St. Vincent’s Parish wanted a non-traditional set - the result is a refined folk art style. Edward Sehl sums up his experience: “Carving and painting are my expression in life. As this set grew, so have I grown. This work is very dear to me. St. Vincent de Paul Parish has given me an opportunity to grow as an artist and to define my path as a sculptor. For this I am very grateful to everyone of the St. Vincent de Paul Community.” (Photo of the Nativity scene on the bulletin cover.)

Faith Formation - January 2017 Sessions: 1/8, 1/22 & 1/29

Next Youth Day - Jan. 8 at 12:15PM - Parish Hall

Next Youth Night - Monday, January 9 from 6:30-7:30PM at the Parish Center. Hope to see you then!

There are no Faith Formation sessions until January 8. Have a wonderful and Blessed Christmas!

2016 BISHOP’S APPEAL UPDATE ~ Our 2016 assessment is $108,609. To date, 248 donors have contributed $104,852 in gifts and pledges towards our assessment! We are so thankful for your generosity. However, we still have a balance of $3,757. It’s not too late to donate before Dec. 31 for the 2016 tax year. Envelopes are available at church entrances. Or visit online at www.thebishopsappeal.org. Thank you!

MINISTRY ASSIGNMENTS

Hospital Visitation: Week of December 25

SPH - Marty Beckman, Kathy McCoy AMCH - Eleanor Guerin, Jeanne Qualters

Hospital Visitation: Week of January 1, 2017

SPH - Indulata Jayapal, Leslie Phelan AMCH - Kathy McCoy, Eleanor Guerin

DECEMBER 25, 2016 ~ NATIVITY OF THE LORD / JANUARY 1, 2017 ~ SOLEMNITY OF MARY

FORMING A BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE ~ Our parish has wonderful spaces in which to worship, gather and fulfill the mission of the Church. Like all buildings, they need careful attention and preventative maintenance. Elizabeth Simcoe is requesting that interested persons with knowledge of buildings and their systems meet with her on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 3:00PM in the Parish Hall, to begin the process of setting up a committee to make an overall review of our facilities and develop a plan for keeping them in tip top shape. Please email or call Elizabeth if you are interested and available by January 3 at 489-5408 or email pld@stvincentalbany.org. ENHANCEMENT FUND DONORS ~ The pledge period for the Enhancement Fund is coming to a close at the end of 2016. If your donation is online, you will need to identify an end date thru the online option. Visit our website at www.stvincentalbany.org. If you need assistance, please contact Veronica Schmidt-Henzler in the Parish Office at 489-5408. We are most grateful for you faithful, generous support of this sanctuary enhancement project. SENIORS - MARK YOUR CALENDARS ~ We will be going to the Red Lobster for our Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday, January 4, 2017. We will leave the church parking lot at 11:00 AM. If you would like to join us, please call Sr. Eleanor at 489-5408 by January 3, 2017 and let her know if your need a ride or can help provide transportation. YOGA CLASSES ~ Mondays, 6-7PM in the church. Classes resume Jan. 23, 2017. Check the January 7/8 bulletin for a class schedule. For questions, contact Judi England, Kripalu teacher, at yogajudi@aol.com. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Parishioner In Need of Help - Rita, a single mom with school age children, needs to find a 3-4 bedroom affordable apartment in this neighborhood by the end of December. If you can be of assistance with this, please call or Elizabeth Simcoe, Parish Life Director.

• Eucharistic Ministers Needed - Would you be interested in becoming a Eucharistic Minister? St. Peter’s Hospital Volunteer Services Department is in need of volunteers to bring communion to patients. Training will be provided. Days and hours are flexible. Substitutes are also needed. Please contact Amanda Weller, Volunteer Recruiter at 525-1002 to schedule an interview.

St. Vincent’s Parish

would like to thank

Magin and Keegan

Funeral Home

891 Madison Ave

for their generous donation

of the 2017

Catholic Calendars.

Liturgical Ministers for Jan. 7/8 2017: Baker: Jo Mowrey Writer: Kathy Schongar Writer for Jan. 15: Shylah Addante

Saturday, 5:00 pm Presider: Fr. Leo O’Brien Acolyte/Reflection: Elizabeth Simcoe Readers: Sr. Joan Byrne, Nancy Cullings Eucharistic Ministers: Pat Cullings, Nancy DiBlasi, Ray Garthner, Susan Shipherd, Marcia Ringelmann Liturgical Coordinator: Rosemarie Tobin

Sunday, 8:30 am Presider: Fr. Jim Kane Acolyte/Reflection: Elizabeth Simcoe Altar Servers: Gabriel Zullo, Abby Paulsen Readers: Kathleen Chant, Bob Bangert-Drowns Eucharistic Ministers: Joseph DiCarlo, Kathy Kelly, Eileen Larrabee, Thomas Masawi, Kate Paul, Lisa Ruud Liturgical Coordinator: Chris Savastio Ministers of Hospitality: Molly Johnson, 1 Needed CLW: Colleen Flynn Thapalia Coffee Hour: Corrina Duvall, Donny Duvall Counters: Mary Brummagyn, Bob Sahm, 1 Needed Sunday, 11:00 am Presider: Fr. Jim Kane Acolyte/Reflection: Elizabeth Simcoe Altar Servers: Charlie LaDue, Abby Carlin Readers: Bob Ward, Maryhelen Lounello Eucharistic Ministers: JoAnn Bennett, Sr. Mary Busch, Ron Jones, Elizabeth Martinez, Ellen Naughter, Mary Skelly, Ruth Smith, Don Smith, Julie Sullivan, Jean Viglucci Liturgical Coordinator: Jack Consiglio Ministers of Hospitality: Marie Dieffenbach, Ray Pitlyk, Joan Marso, Patty Gorman CLW: Anne Penna, Dan Bernadett Veronica Ministry: Regina Garcia Coffee Hour: Cheri Pinkans, Mallory Pinkans Counters: Anne Conway, Michelle Herkenhan, Janice Kehn

Readings for the Week of December 25, 2016

Sunday: Is 52:7-10/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 Monday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Mt 10:17-22 Tuesday: 1 Jn 1:1-4/Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Wednesday: 1 Jn 1:5—2:2/Mt 2:13-18 Thursday 1 Jn 2:3-11/Lk 2:22-35 Friday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Col 3:12-21/Mt 2:13-15 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:18-21/Jn 1:1-18 Sunday: Num 6:22-27/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21

Readings for the Week of January 1, 2017

Sunday: Num 6:22-27/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21 Monday: 1 Jn 2:22-28/Jn 1:19-28 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:29-3:6/Jn 1:29-34 Wednesday: 1 Jn 3:7-10/Jn 1:35-42 Thursday 1 Jn 3:11-21/Jn 1:43-51 Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13/Mk 1:7-11 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21/Jn 2:1-11 Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12

Liturgical Ministers for December 31/Jan. 1, 2017:

Baker: Mary Oill Writer: Patrick Maxwell Writer for Jan. 8, 2017: Kathy Schongar

Saturday, 5:00 pm Presider/Homilist: Fr. Leo O’Brien Adult Acolyte: Marty Beckman Readers: Michael Pastore, Jean Stern Eucharistic Ministers: Sally Beckman, Nancy Cullings, Patrick Cullings, Dan O’Connell, Sharon Randall Liturgical Coordinator: Amy O’Connell

Sunday, 8:30 am Presider/Homilist: Fr. Richard Vosko Adult Acolyte: Marggie Skinner Altar Servers: Rita Nolan, 1 Needed Readers: Kathy Paulsen, Andre Castagna Eucharistic Ministers: John Criscione, Mark Keegan, Mary Jean Keegan, Steve Oill, Joanne Martin, Kate Paul Liturgical Coordinator: Chris Savastio Ministers of Hospitality: Sandy Vollaro, Dave Vollaro CLW: Tamara Gatchell Coffee Hour: Ann Marie Rizzo, John Rizzo Counters: David Addante, Tim Farrell, Mary Sheridan

Sunday, 11:00 am Presider/Homilist: Fr. Richard Vosko Adult Acolyte: Elizabeth Simcoe Altar Servers: Anaya Zullo, Sean Burke Readers: Beth McCarthy, Laurie Lombardi Eucharistic Ministers: Rheuben Bowling, Rose Capurso, Robert John, Basile Kouamen, Angel Rosa, Fernando Vazquez, Bill Quackenbush, Al Turo, Kathy Quackenbush, 1 Needed Liturgical Coordinator: Susan Lundberg Ministers of Hospitality: Carol Turo, Dave LaFleur, Owusu AnAne, Deborah Ross CLW: Cheri Pinkans, Tim Haller Veronica Ministry: Rosa Veltman Coffee Hour: Cheri Burke, Iris Johnson Counters: Phyllis Cardona, Joann Crupi, Rich Medvetz

“We are a community committed to Jesus Christ, nourished at Eucharist

and dedicated to justice.”

MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 5:00 P.M. Vigil Sunday 8:30 & 11:00 A.M. (6:30PM Liturgy resumes 1/22/17)

PARISH CENTER 984 Madison Avenue

FOOD PANTRY Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 12:30-2:30 PM ~ (518) 694-3153

PRESCHOOL (518) 482-5346 www.stvincentspreschool.com OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday, 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

EMAIL secretary@stvincentalbany.org

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/stvincentalbany

PLEASE CALL THE PARISH OFFICE FOR:

♦ Pastoral Care - Visits to homebound parishioners, hospital patients or nursing home residents.

♦ Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - Membership in the Roman Catholic Church.

♦ Infant Baptism - Celebrated monthly (except during Lent)

♦ Reconciliation - By appointment or 4:45PM Saturdays

♦ Matrimony - At least 6 months prior to your hoped for date.

♦ Bereavement Ministry - is available through the parish office. Please call and ask for Sr. Eleanor Guerin.

Gluten Free Hosts & Personal P.A. Receivers

are available.

Church of Saint Vincent De Paul

900 MADISON AVENUE ALBANY, NEW YORK 12208

WEBSITE www.stvincentalbany.org

PHONE (518) 489-5408 FAX (518) 489-5474

PASTORAL TEAM: Parish Life Director Elizabeth Simcoe pld@stvincentalbany.org Sacramental Ministers Reverend Leo P. O'Brien lobrien26@nycap.rr.com (518) 640-9582 Reverend Richard Vosko rvosko@nycap.rr.com For Fr. Vosko’s homilies visit - https://richardsvosko.wordpress.com

Faith Formation Beth Carlin k-5faithformation@stvincentalbany.org

Youth Ministry Beth Carlin youthministry@stvincentalbany.org

Food Pantry & Angela Warner Peace & Justice socialjustice@stvincentalbany.org

Liturgical Ministries liturgy@stvincentalbany.org

Music & Liturgy Marie Bernadett music@stvincentalbany.org

Senior Ministry and Sr. Eleanor Guerin, RSM Pastoral Outreach pastoraloutreach@stvincentalbany.org

Bookkeeper Veronica Schmidt-Henzler businessmanager@stvincentalbany.org

Maintenance Dan Lappies maintenance@stvincentalbany.org

Parish Secretary Frances Sims secretary@stvincentalbany.org

ST. VINCENT'S PRESCHOOL: Director Eileen Jaklitsch st.vincentspreschool@gmail.com www.stvincentalbany.org/preschool

PARISH TRUSTEES: Al Turo Aturojr@gmail.com; 869-2059 Diana Bangert-Drowns dbangertdrowns@nycap.rr.com; 482-4604

THE COLLEGE OF ST. ROSE: Office of Spiritual Life: 454-5250

Website: www.strose.edu/officesandresources/spiritual_life

Director of Joan Horgan Campus Ministry HorganJ@mail.strose.edu

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WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STVINCENTALBANY

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