callherblessed

Love as
God loved us.

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

We are a busy Church today. As we observe the Sixth Sunday of Easter we also observe the 64th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Joseph Padewski and Mother’s Day.

It may seem to be a difficult challenge. We have to, as a Church, concentrate on Easter. That is our first duty, to proclaim Jesus’ salvation and the promise of His resurrection to the whole world. How do you mix that with the fact that members of the Church are sometimes called to suffer and even die to proclaim this message – something happening right now in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Then couple all that with honoring our Blessed Mother and our moms in a special way.

Certainly, each of these events can stand alone and with deep significance for the Christian faithful. Thankfully, our Lord has already showed us how all this is bound together: This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Jesus told us what we should do, but as opposed to false prophets and made up gods – He walked the walk. He laid down His life for all of us voluntarily. As St. John recounts Jesus saying: “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father.”

Bishop Padewski lived his vocation and followed in Jesus’ footsteps. He returned to Poland from Albany to serve God’s people in the devastation following World War II. He did not consider his own safety or comfort, but rather followed the commandment of love and walked into the horrors of the communist takeover of Poland. He was arrested, tortured, and killed for his love of God’s people and his faithfulness to Jesus.

The Blessed Virgin is the exemplar of love for Jesus. We not only honor her as our heavenly mother, but also as our example of love and dedication to her Son, Jesus. She sacrificed her heart and life for Him. So too our mothers, the first example of love in our lives. They laid down their lives in a great act of sacrificial love.

All of these themes, all of Christianity, is joined together by love – love of God and for each other – giving all we are for the truth of love.

Join the Schenectady County Human Rights Commission for the 32nd Annual Human Rights Awards Breakfast on Thursday, May 14th from 7 AM TO 9 AM at the Glen Sanders Mansion, 1 Glen Ave., Scotia, NY. The event honors the Commission’s outstanding nominees and recognizes past award winners!!

The Annual Awards Breakfast is part of the Commission’s ongoing effort to acknowledge and Express appreciation for the contributions of individuals and groups for improving the human and civil rights of the residents of Schenectady County.

There are four award categories: Youth, Individual, Community Group and Justice Awards. All nominees will be introduced and acknowledged at the Breakfast.

For event information or to learn more about the Human Rights Commission contact Angelicia Morris by E-mail or at 518-377-3823.

Tickets are $22 in advance or $25 at the door. To purchase tickets contact Human Rights Commission, 797 Broadway, Suite 305, Schenectady, NY 518-377-3823.

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gentreeThe Macedonia Baptist Church of Albany is proud to host a presentation on the importance of knowing as much as possible about your family tree. The presentation will be held on Saturday, May 9th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at the Macedonia Baptist Church, 26 Wilson Avenue, Albany, New York.

The presenters are Alfonzo B. Owens, III; DMD, MPH and Kim Wilson-Owens, LCSW, CSAC. Dr. and Mrs. Owens have been married for over 25 years, have two adult children, and have experienced great success in their chosen professions. Dr. Owens initially developed an interest in researching the Owens family tree, and has done extensive research on line, and has spent time interviewing sources and family members in Decatur, Alabama, where the Owens family has some of its origins here in the United States.
Discovering more about the health status of our ancestors is critically important to getting a better understanding of our health status, the status of our family members, and the implications of the health of our children and future generations. This presentation will offer an opportunity to learn how the Owens started their search, what they found, and how it can help with future generations of the growing family tree, which now includes branches from their spouses.

This program is jointly sponsored by the Macedonia Baptist Church Rites of Passage: Excellence and Success program, the Program Development and Community Empowerment ministry, and the University of Albany Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities. Please register for the session by contacting the Church office at (518) 489 4370, or through the Church website We look forward to seeing you there!

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U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) – 3 job openings

USCRI Albany is pleased to announce three immediate job openings for a:

  1. Full-time Legal Assistant
  2. Full-time Job Developer
  3. Part-time Housing Coordinator (20 hours/week)

Those already working/volunteering with refugees, or are refugees themselves, are encouraged to apply. USCRI seeks to fill these positions as quickly as possible.

For those interested in applying for any of the 3 job openings, please apply online.

The College of Saint Rose – Administrative, Staff, and Faculty Positions

Descriptions for these jobs are found at the College’s career website.

Administrative & Staff

*Enrollment Analyst
*Manager of Online Recruitment and Web Communication
*Assistant Vice President for Graduate Recruitment and Enrollment
*Assistant Vice President for Development
Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
Area Coordinator, Residence Life
Assistant Director of Residence Life

Faculty

Assistant/Associate Prof-Communication Sciences & Disorders
Assistant Professor of Accounting
Visiting Instructor of Computer Science

*New positions posted this week.

City of Schenectady – Provisional Superintendent of Water and Sewer

Department of Water & Wastewater
Salary is $76,246-$79,864

There is a full-time opening for a provisional Superintendent of Water and Sewer in the Department of Water & Wastewater. The annual salary is $76,246-$79,864 commensurate with experience. See attached for job description and minimum qualifications. Applicants must be residents of the City of Schenectady and remain residents throughout employment.

All interested parties should submit completed City of Schenectady Applications or resumes to: Tiffany White, Personnel & Benefits Administrator, City Hall, Room 105, Schenectady NY 12305. Resumes can also be E-mailed

Completed applications/resumes need to be received in the Personnel & Benefits Administrator’s Office (City Hall, Room 105) by 5:00 PM on May 13, 2015.

City of Schenectady – Seasonal Recreation Leader

Recreation Department
Salary $10.00/hr.

There is one opening for a seasonal Recreation Leader in the Pools Recreation Department. The salary is $10.00/hr. See attached for job description and minimum qualifications. Applicants must be residents of the City of Schenectady and remain residents throughout employment.

All interested parties should submit completed City of Schenectady Applications or resumes to: Tiffany White, Personnel & Benefits Administrator, City Hall, Room 105, Schenectady NY 12305. Resumes can also be E-mailed

Completed applications/resumes need to be received in the Personnel & Benefits Administrator’s Office (City Hall, Room 105) by 5:00 PM on May 14, 2015.

NYS School Board Association – Deputy Director of Policy Services

The Position: Trains and supervises policy services staff. Researches and responds to policy-related questions from staff, board members and school administrators. Coordinates the development and delivery of all policy services to NYS school districts. Researches and keeps apprised of issues affecting education policy. Reviews draft and completed policy manuals prior to delivery to districts. Assists in marketing for-fee policy services by developing marketing materials and making presentations to school boards. Prepares written material for publications. Prepares and delivers policy materials for workshops, webinars and video projects.

Your Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Public Administration/Public Policy or law degree strongly preferred. Experience as a policy consultant preferred. Familiarity with public education issues required. Excellent written, public speaking, presentation and interpersonal communication skills.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. To apply for confidential consideration, email resume, cover letter, and compensation requirements by May 15, 2015 via E-mail with the subject line: Policy Position.

NYS School Board Association – Meeting and Event Manager

The New York State School Boards Association is seeking a highly-skilled meeting and event manager who is experienced in all aspects of event and meeting planning and management. This is a fast-paced position in a member-focused environment.

The Position: Coordinates and executes all phases of a large statewide Annual Convention and Expo of 3,000 attendees. Manages event budgets. Oversees detailed execution of room sets, audio-visual setups, and other logistics. Manages multiple regional events simultaneously. Position also includes food and beverage management, creating work orders, exhibit and tradeshow oversight.

Your Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required; CMP or CMM credential strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience in organizing large and small meetings and events. Experience in negotiation and procurement of multi-service contracts with speakers, vendors and training venues. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and meeting planning software. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Detail oriented, highly organized and able to adhere to tight deadlines. Able to promote positive external relationships with clients including hotel/venue management and statewide meeting and planning associates.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

To apply for confidential consideration, email resume, cover letter, and compensation requirements by May 15, 2015 via E-mail with the subject line: Event Manager Position.

NYS Department of Health – Keyboard Specialist 1 (4 Summer Positions)

Applications Due: 07/24/15
Vacancy ID: 20611
Salary Grade: Hourly
Salary Range: $11.93 Hourly
Employment Type: Full-Time
Appointment Type: Temporary
Schedule: Mon-Fri/37.50 hours weekly/8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Location: Glens Falls (2 positions), Hornell (1 position), and Oneonta (1 position)
Minimum Qualifications: Ability to type 35 words per minute.

Duties Description: The Seasonal Keyboard Specialists will provide clerical support for the Regional Office they are assigned to, including: filing, typing, data entry, answering phones, preparing bills and collecting fees for operating permits. The incumbents will also assist in preparing operating permit documents for regulated facilities and maintaining inspection and certification records for all facilities, including: public water supplies, food service establishments, children’s camps, temporary residences, campgrounds, bathing beaches, swimming pools, mobile home parks, agricultural fairgrounds, and tanning facilities.

Additional Comments: Temporary, seasonal employment for the summer season, approximately 8 to 10 weeks, starting in June or July. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Notes on Applying: Submit resume to Human Resources Management, DG/Seasonal/KBS, Room 2217, Corning Tower Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12237-0012, or by E-mail with a subject line DG/Seasonal/KBS or by Fax to (518) 473-3395. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

NYS Department of Health – Public Health Inspector (19 Summer Positions)

Applications Due: 07/24/15
Vacancy ID: 20610
Salary Grade: Hourly
Salary Range: $18.12 hourly
Employment Type: Full-Time
Appointment Type: Temporary
Schedule: Mon-Fri/37.50 hours weekly/8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Location: Geneva (3 positions), Glens Falls (4 positions), Hornell (1 position), Monticello (5 positions), Oneonta (1 position), Saranac Lake (3 positions), Watertown (2 positions)

Minimum Qualifications: One year of experience in environmental health protection, public health or laboratory technology (medical, microbiological or environmental) AND either twelve credit hours in biology, chemistry, geology, hydrology, and/or physics OR six credit hours in courses listed above AND six credit hours in applied sciences (environmental technology, sanitation technology, medical technology, public health, infection control or food science).

Substitution: Additional college credit hours beyond those required to meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted for the required experience at the rate of 30 credit hours equaling one year. A copy of your transcript indicating the courses you completed that meet the 12 qualifying credit hours listed above must be included. The list should include course names, credit hours and name of college where your college credits were obtained. Failure to include this list will result in disapproval of your application.

Duties Description: Routine inspections of temporary residences, such as hotels, motels, campgrounds, mobile home parks, lodging and rooming houses pursuant to specific sections of the New York State Sanitary Code.

Additional Comments: Temporary, seasonal employment for the summer season, approximately four months or less, starting in June or July. Occasional Saturday work may be required. This position requires extensive travel. Appointees will be required to provide their own transportation, as inspection responsibilities extend over wide urban and rural areas. At the time of appointment, candidates will have to demonstrate their capacity to meet all transportation needs in carrying out their field work responsibilities. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Notes on Applying: Submit resume to Human Resources Management, DG/Seasonal/PHI, Room 2217, Corning Tower Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237-0012 or by E-mail with a subject line DG/Seasonal/PHI, or by fax to (518) 473-3395. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation – Communications Operator (Seasonal) – 3 Positions

Applications Due: 05/07/15
Vacancy ID: 20601
Salary Grade: Hourly
Salary Range: From $12.53 to $12.53 Hourly
Employment Type: Part-Time
Appointment Type: Temporary
Jurisdictional Class: Non-competitive Class
Schedule: Variable hours from 3:00 pm to 7:00 am/32 hours per week
Location: 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233

Minimum Qualifications: Possession of a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma issued by an appropriate educational authority.

Duties Description: Working under direct supervision of the DEC Division of Law Enforcement, serve as dispatchers for emergency and non-emergency calls from officers and the general public. Most calls are primarily directed to the mission of the DEC. Additionally, obtain necessary information from callers in order to initiate assistance; serve as radio dispatchers of police resources; perform clerical, administrative and other duties related to the dispatch center service. Candidates must be able to communicate and work well with other dispatchers and the public.

Work conditions include: sitting or standing for extended periods of time with headset on while monitoring computer screens; entering information using a computer keyboard; coordinating eye/hand movements while handling calls for the efficient use of radios and computers; speaking calmly and clearly in order to elicit information and giving instructions to a continuous flow of callers under stress; listening carefully to clearly understand caller information; making responsible judgments where timing is critical; and working within hearing distance of other dispatchers working under similar conditions.

Additional Comments: Positions offered are for long-term, year-round employment – there is no opportunity for partial year work. Overtime and holiday work is required. Shifts are bid by seniority and will likely include nights and weekends. There will be no M-F daytime shifts available. Inconvenience pay (night shift differential) is an additional $.28/hr for those who work more than four hours between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Must be available for emergency response. Must undergo a background investigation prior to appointment that will include fingerprints. Candidate is required to pay fingerprint fee. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Notes on Applying: E-mail or mail your resume. Please be sure to put LAW 15-1 on your resume or it may not be accepted.

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation – Communications Technician 1 (Seasonal) 3 Positions

Applications Due: 05/07/15
Vacancy ID: 20603
Salary Grade: Hourly
Salary Range: From $17.19 to $17.19 Hourly
Employment Type: Part-Time
Appointment Type: Temporary
Schedule: Variable from 3:00 pm -7:00 am/32 hours weekly
Location: 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233

Minimum Qualifications: Possession of a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma issued by an appropriate educational authority and one year experience as a public safety dispatcher.
Duties Description: Working under direct supervision of the DEC Division of Law Enforcement, serve as dispatchers for emergency and non-emergency calls from officers and the general public. Most calls are primarily directed to the mission of the DEC. Additionally, obtain necessary information from callers in order to initiate assistance; serve as radio dispatchers of police resources; perform clerical, administrative and other duties related to the dispatch center service. Candidates must be able to communicate and work well with other dispatchers and the public.

Work conditions include: sitting or standing for extended periods of time with headset on while monitoring computer screens; entering information using a computer keyboard; coordinating eye/hand movements while handling calls for the efficient use of radios and computers; speaking calmly and clearly in order to elicit information and giving instructions to a continuous flow of callers under stress; listening carefully to clearly understand caller information; making responsible judgments where timing is critical; and working within hearing distance of other dispatchers working under similar conditions.

Additional Comments: Positions offered are for long-term, year-round employment – there is no opportunity for partial year work. Overtime and holiday work is required. Shifts are bid by seniority and will likely include nights and weekends. There will be no M-F daytime shifts available. Inconvenience pay (night shift differential) is an additional $.28/hr for those who work more than four hours between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Must be available for emergency response. Must undergo a background investigation prior to appointment that will include fingerprints. Candidate is required to pay fingerprint fee. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Notes on Applying: E-mail or mail your resume. Please be sure to put LAW 15-2 on your resume or it may not be accepted.

New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, Inc. – Peer Support Mentor at MHEP

Competitive Salary, Full Time Position, with Excellent Benefits

The Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc. (MHEP) is a self-help and peer support agency organized in 1988 to develop and strengthen self-help and mutual support activities throughout the United States.

To be considered for this position: A candidate will have direct, personal experience using mental health services. Will be comfortable talking about that experience and confident modeling principles of recovery and wellness, based on their own experience. Please confirm this experience in your cover letter.

The Peer Support Mentor position is: Based at the Empowerment Exchange in Troy, New York. The Empowerment Exchange is a peer support program dedicated to offering strategies that encourage people throughout Rensselaer County to use their personal power and the power of peer support to move forward in their lives.

Responsibilities of this position include: Working with people in both one-to-one and group settings, facilitating classes, events and activities; Helping people establish creative community connections and assisting them to develop natural supports; Establishing connections to community based activities that enhance wellness, recovery and social engagement; Providing individualized peer-to-peer outreach and support in their homes and other settings to people who may find it difficult to reach out and connect to their communities; Engaging people in one on one recovery planning, using tools such as Wellness Recovery Action Planning and Intentional Peer Support; Assisting people to choose, record and achieve wellness goals; Offering individualized advocacy and support services to help a person learn about and protect their rights and interests. This may include assisting people to work through system processes and procedures; researching information, preparing documents, role-playing situations and attending meetings as needed; Organizing and coordinating wellness/recovery events and activities; Mentoring volunteers; and Any duties deemed appropriate to achieve the goals of the project.

Qualifications The ideal candidate: Will be an active team member, offering support and assistance to ongoing projects. Will be able to work independently on projects, meeting deadlines and taking initiative. Will have basic computer skills; competence in Microsoft Office required. Will demonstrate knowledge of job duties through follow-up and accurate record keeping is also important. A clean, NYS Driver’s License and reliable transportation is also required.

Send resumes to Mental Health Empowerment Project, 3 Atrium Drive, Suite 205, Albany, NY 12205. No phone calls, please.

Time Warner Cable – Field Technician 1 (Albany, NY) – Search Req. Number 166192BR

Great earning potential, career growth and advancement opportunities, superior benefits and discounted services for employees who reside in a Time Warner Cable service area!

Time Warner is rated the 2012 Top 10 Places to Work, as named by CableFAX. The 2011 Employer of the Year-Ohio Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities.

Time Warner Cable employees are regularly recognized for professional accomplishments, including the Top 50 Most Influential Minorities in Cable, Most Powerful Women in Cable and Top 100 Most Influential Hispanics in Technology.

All employment offers require the successful completion of a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screens. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or telephone calls. Time Warner Cable is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Drug Free Employer M/F/D/V

View this position and apply online

Fulton-Montgomery Community College – Nursing Instructor

Nursing Program with a proven record of excellence is seeking applicants for a full-time tenure-track teaching position beginning Fall 2015. Areas of professional responsibility include fundamentals of nursing and medical-surgical nursing for first year students enrolled in an Associate Degree program. Duties will include, but are not limited to, classroom and clinical instruction and supervision, curriculum development and assessment, and clinical site planning.

Qualifications: NYS RN license and Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in Nursing required. Master’s degree in Nursing is preferred, but consideration will be given to candidates actively pursuing a Master’s degree in Nursing. Current experience in medical-surgical nursing or clinical instruction desired. Clinical instruction and experience at the two-year college level is also preferred.

Salary/Benefits: The successful candidate will receive an excellent benefits package and an expected rank/annual base salary of $52,139 (extra contracts may be available).

The anticipated start date is September 1, 2015. The position will remain open until successful candidates have been identified. However, for fullest consideration, applications should be received by May 18, 2015.

Application Procedures: Submit a letter of application, outlining experience and qualifications, a resume, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of five professional references. Send by E-mail with the position title in the email subject line.

Disability Rights New York – Intake Specialist

Disability Rights New York (DRNY) is the Protection & Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program (P&A/CAP) for persons with disabilities in New York. DRNY advocates for the civil and legal rights of New Yorkers with disabilities. The Intake Specialist will help identify clients’ needs and direct them to appropriate services.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Act as the first point of contact with DRNY for clients, Answer multi-line telephone system to service clients’ needs, Determine the needs of callers and/or walk-ins
 Understand and follow instructions, Communicate with clients, lawyers, and other agencies, Accurately input and track case information in Disability Advocacy Database (DAD), Organize and update client and case information, Maintain confidentiality of client information and files, Provide administrative support to staff, Perform additional assignments as needed or directed.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or 3 or more years of relevant experience, Experience working with or for people with disabilities preferred, Bilingual language skills desired, Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Database experience preferred, Professional and strong communication skills, Detail oriented, Strong organizational skills, Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals, Ability to multi-task.

Competencies: Critical Thinking: Able to understand a client’s needs when contacting DRNY while in crisis or under stress. Able to obtain necessary information, identify the problem, and direct the client to the appropriate DRNY program or external resource. Empathy: Have a respectful understanding of what clients are experiencing, listening to issues and adopting the best resources to solve problems. Patience: Able to stay calm, controlled and disciplined in both normal and high pressure situations. Give consideration to the emotions and feelings of clients and staff, without being reactive or rash.

Working Conditions: Intake Specialists usually perform work in an office environment but the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces. This position will be located in Albany, NY.

Salary: $25,000 – $35,000 DOE, with excellent benefits.

Interested candidates please send cover letter, resume, and writing sample by E-mail.

Albany County Department of Health – Community Health Worker

The Albany County Department of Health has a potential opening for a Community Health Worker. The ideal candidate will be a mature, well-rounded and natural community role model who is from Albany County and either lives in, or has intimate knowledge of, the underserved Albany County communities, namely Arbor Hill, West Hill, South End, Cohoes, Menands, North Albany, New Scotland/Whitehall area, and Sheridan Hollow.

Community Health Workers connect women 14-44 and their families with health insurance, doctors, counselors, health education, social services and more. Home visiting services come at no cost and women do not need insurance to qualify.

Please send resumes and cover letters by May 29, 2015 to Madeline Kennedy, LMSW, BSW, Maternal Infant Community Health Collaborative, Supervising Community Health Worker, Albany County Department of Health, 175 Green St., Albany, NY 12202 or by E-mail.

Schenectady Community Action Program – Controller/Finance Director

Schenectady Community Action Program is looking for an experienced professional to manage finance and accounting operations for an annual budget of $8 million. Successful candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Business Administration with specific expertise in accounting systems. Extensive experience managing fiscal compliance of state and federal grants, including experience with audit requirements and cost principles. High level communication skills, ability to present fiscal information to multiple constituencies and expertise working at all levels is required. Experience creating and monitoring budgets, projecting expenditures, writing draft policies and all other high level departmental management is necessary including supervision of a small team of employees.

The ideal candidate is a team player with a can-do attitude who can manage proactively. Ability to provide support to the CEO and governing boards is essential with an understanding of protocols. Fantastic environment of creativity and growth. Direct Community Action experience is a plus. SCAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Submit resume with cover letter to: Executive Assistant – FDJO, 913 Albany Street, Schenectady, NY 12307 or submit a resume and cover letter as a word attachment via E-mail.

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Times of challenge
and peace

The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit it grew in numbers.

Saul has been converted and because of the generosity, friendship, wholeheartedness, and witness of Barnabas is brought into the fold in Jerusalem even though the fellowship still feared him. Saul is welcomed and he sets out with zeal to proclaim the name of Jesus. The Greek Jews, having heard Saul’s witness set out to kill him and the Church spirits him away, back to his hometown of Tarsus.

The first three years since Jesus’ ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit had been both edifying and trying. Judas was replaced. Many believers were added. The faithful witnessed out-in-the-open. They prayed in the Temple, healed, and talked about Jesus to all who would listen. Many were added, and the Church was of one heart and soul and marked by a consistent spirit of harmony, but a price was being paid. The Apostles were hauled into court and they were whipped. Stephen was martyred.

Certainly Saul’s conversion did not end prosecution. Others likely followed in his footsteps. The Greek speaking Jews plot to kill Saul shows the hatred that existed. Yet suddenly the Church was at peace.

Some scholars point out that the Jewish leadership had to take its eyes off the Christians for a while. They were probably having bigger problems with Rome. The Governor wanted to erect a statue to Caesar in the Temple. There could be a thousand other reasons as well.

As in the early Church our faith is tested at times and at other times we find ourselves at peace. Decades ago a faith commitment was seen as a likely part of most people’s lives. Going to church and following the tenants and aims of the Christian faith were ‘normal.’ In the modern age any true witness to the reality of Jesus and commitment to following His commands would be met with laughter and mockery at a minimum. We might find ourselves thought of as old-fashioned and outdated. At the extreme we may lose friends, face ostracism at work, possible termination from jobs or clubs and organizations, and even a court appearance or two. To us these may be fates worse than death.

The common thread we hear today is that Christians must witness publicly to Jesus – to His way. We must do this whether the Church is filled with joyous zeal, is under persecution, or is living in times of peace. In all times the Church will grow in numbers by the commitment and dedication of His disciples (us) to the One who is the only truth and the true vine.

May is here and our thoughts turn to Mary and Mom. They are not mythological creatures or goddesses – but rather true witnesses to commitment and dedication. Let’s pray together and ask Mary’s intercession for our moms while reflecting on what their commitment and dedication say to us.

Our newsletter arrives as warmer days have finally arrived in New York’s Capital District. Get out there, tend to the garden and do not forget about God’s garden – help your spiritual life grow too. Our schedule is jam packed with great events – please join us. We have added a new monthly Holy Mass and Anointing for Healing. The first will be May 18th at 6:15pm. Read more and reflect on what it means to be PNCC, get updates on Church-wide events for this year of regeneration, and check out the summer schedule.

You may view and download a copy of our May 2015 Newsletter right here.

Mothers by Martin Creed

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Asking for
good shepherds

A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.

We pause this Sunday to reflect on Jesus in His role as the Good Shepherd. We can easily identify with what a good shepherd does by looking at Jesus’ words in their cultural context.

Middle eastern cultures understood what good shepherding was all about. It was about feeding the lambs, bringing them to good pasture lands and water, grooming and clipping them, delivering new lambs, leading them and teaching them to stay together, going off after the wandering lost ones, and protecting the sheep in the field and in the fold.

To feed the sheep means to take care of them from the beginning of life. Good shepherds begin the lambs’ introduction to the ways of God, first with the milk of instruction and teaching in God’s way. Then the good shepherds move them to solid food – food for lives lived in righteousness so that the lambs can be fully equipped, able to stand in the day of testing.

Grooming the lambs means good shepherds honestly correct what is wrong and failing in them. Good shepherds must teach lambs discipline and encourage and rebuke them so that they stay true to the Lord and fit for His service.

Delivering the sheep means that good shepherds preach the Gospel so that many are brought to new life – born again and regenerated. Good shepherds must bring many to God’s light so that no darkness can overcome their lives.

The other side of the equation is that good shepherds lead flocks, not just individual sheep. We run into problems when we see Jesus as solely a personal Good Shepherd. True, He is Good Shepherd to us as individuals but not only. Jesus wanted to make sure that we receive all the benefits of being part of His flock, that we be fed, pastured, groomed and trained, that we stay together, that the lost among us be led back, and that we are protected.

To do all this Jesus gave us shepherds who were loyal to His way. We are blessed to have His shepherds among us to this day, who lead us in the pristine Christian faith.

Our bishops and priests maintain the flock and carry out Jesus’ work of shepherding. They further call us to be good shepherds to one another. They ask us to take up the same work of feeding, grooming, and delivering each other. Let us honor the work of our good shepherds and take their and our responsibility seriously.