May, 2019
Pastoral Care Ministry Newsletter
Directors Reflection
This month I am sharing a beautiful article on Gratitude as a Spiritual Gift, written by Mary Linton, RN, MA., parish nurse at Immaculate Conception/St. Joseph’s Church.

“ By the time the ambulance had arrived at our home, my husband’s speech was slurred, his mobility was impaired and his eyes were not focusing." Continue .
Partners in
Pastoral Care

The National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) is offering "Partners in Pastoral Care". This live-streamed, 6 hour formation/training program can be viewed right from the comfort of your home or office.

Thursday, May 30, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Central Time.

Programs available:

  • Catholic Laity in Pastoral Care Ministry - Equipping, Coordinating, Sustaining

  • Jail and Prison Ministry 101

  • Fundamental Aspects of Geriatric Spiritual Care Education
BOOKED FULL: Jesus’s Transforming Power of Humility - Pastoral Care Ministry Day of Retreat & Spiritual Renewal
“ I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you also should do for one another” -John 13:15

June 12, 2019
RETREAT IS BOOKED FULL

If you would like to be placed on the waiting list, contact us at 518-641-6823 or 518-641-6818.

Pastoral Care Ministry colleagues and friends will gather for a p resentation with Fr. Eugene (Red) O’Reilly C.Ss.R. as we refresh and renew our spirits. Read More .
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
The month of May provides an opportunity to bring awareness of Mental Illness to your parish families and to help provide a more welcoming church to many who feel isolated, different or unwelcome. It’s an opportunity to start the conversations around mental health issues and help break down the stigma of mental illness. 

St. Mary’s Church in Oneonta is scheduling a Mental Health Awareness Day, and on May 18 from 9-12, they will have Grace Fay and Don Embling giving presentations on Mental Wellness and Addiction. 

This is just one parish taking action in a positive way to address Mental Health awareness.

Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month.



  • RCDA portal under Mental Health
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 11:
Open House Event  at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna

May 15:

May 16:
Remembrance Garden Prayer Service  at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery

May 18:
Open House Event  at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands

May 30:
Partners in Pastoral Care , live-streamed programs

June 12:

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Caregiver Resources
Join us as we gather with Capital Region families for a special prayer service to honor the memory of babies who were born into the arms of angels. Together we will join our voices in prayer and honor the memory of daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has suffered the loss of a child, we hope you will consider attending and/or sharing this information.

Dedicated in 2013, the Remembrance Garden is a memorial for those who have experienced the devastating loss of a baby, whether it was years ago or a more recent loss. It has blossomed into a place of peaceful reflection for families who have experienced a miscarriage or the death of a baby, either before it was born or shortly after birth.
An Evening of Reflection
The Visitation Ministry at Church of Christ the King in Guilderland held their annual Evening of Reflection on April 3 at the home of Kathy Kavanaugh, Coordinator for Visitation Ministry. Sister Margaret Walker DC and Kathy held an explanation and hands on demonstration of Apostolic Reflection. Apostolic Reflection is a reflection on Ministry, understood in the light of the God Experience. Read more.
O pen House Events
May 11:  Niskayuna
Most Holy Redeemer

May 18:  Menands
St. Agnes Cemetery


Enjoy light refreshments and l earn about how
pre-planning can give you and your family peace of mind.
Albany Diocesan Cemeteries staff will be on hand to answer your questions about all of 18 of our cemeteries. Read More .

Learn about your options:

  • New sections available

  • Special discounts

  • Pre-planning your needs

  • Options for burial, interment and cremation

  • Designing a custom memorial with our new Catholic Monument Design Center


Albany/Troy:  (518) 463-0134
Schenectady/Colonie:  (518) 374-5319

It was a very cold, raw, and dark day on April 27 in Saratoga Springs, but at St. Clement’s Parish Center, it felt like the sun was shining brightly inside a warm cocoon far away from the outside world.  

According to Rachel Roy, “Compassion is the truest form of love.” As manifestation of this, many members and ministries of St. Clement’s Parish, as well as the Saratoga Springs’ community came together to make this day particularly meaningful and special.  

Together they created a beautiful, grace-filled day for the 20 grieving parents who participated in the Diocese of Albany’s second Emmaus Ministry Retreat.  Read More .
Re cap: Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents One Day Retreat
It's About Life
Today's Caregiver

“Only 10 percent of Americans will die suddenly. The remainder of us (90 percent) will decline slowly, growing weaker until we die. Because this process is so gradual, we often don’t recognize that a loved one is approaching the final weeks of life. This may be why most Americans, around 80 percent, die in institutions, despite the fact that most Americans polled (85 percent) voice that they want to die at home. Perhaps the reason could be that we simply do not see it coming.” Read more .
Because You've Never Died Before
Spiritual Issues at the End of Life



“You or a loved one has received a terminal prognosis. It is like hitting a brick wall. This is the start of an unexpected new journey, an amazing journey into a previously unimaginable spiritual terrain, with a worldview that is forever changed." Read more .
Pastoral Visitation to the Sick, Elderly and Homebound Formation and Skill Building Workshops
On April 30, 2019, 29 people from various parishes and institutions in our diocese completed the 12 hour volunteer visitor training at Christ the King Church in Guilderland, with instructors Peg Griffin and Peg Anderton. Congratulations to all!

Our next training is being held September 16, 23, 30, Oct 5, 2019, at St. Mary’s Church at Clinton Heights. Information & registration .
Work With Us!
Our colleagues at Albany Diocesan Cemeteries currently have a Family Service Representative and Groundskeeper positions available within the growing organization.

Are you, or someone you know looking for something new?

Pastoral Care Ministry is a program of Albany Diocesan Cemeteries

If the Pastoral Care Coordinator at your parish changes, please notify Harley McDevitt . Thank you!
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