February 2015 Newsletter – Abundant Love

February tends to remind us of our loves and our obligation to love. It presents an opportunity to renew our love toward God and to give thanks for the abundant unconditional love we receive from Him. This February we enter into the Pre-Lenten season of Septuagesima, hold our Outrageous Valentine’s Raffle, and begin the season of Lent. Remember too that we now have an expand Holy Mass schedule and find tons of great information in our Newsletter. Come be lavished with abundant love in your church – right here in Schenectady.

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

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Souper Bowl of Caring in Schenectady

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It is projected that over 150 million people will be tuning in to watch the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks in the 49th Super Bowl game on Sunday, February 1st, while 50 million Americans will be struggling with hunger. Souper Bowl of Caring gives people the chance to help those who are in need and to think of those who do not even have a bowl of soup to eat.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first Souper Bowl of Caring, when 22 churches in Columbia, SC raised $5,700 for local hunger-relief charities. Since then, young people have rallied schools, churches, businesses and community leaders to work together to raise over $106 million. Like in 1990, Souper Bowl of Caring has remained true to the first collection: 100 percent goes to the charity each group chooses.

Holy Name has supported local charities in Schenectady, NY for the past thirteen years through Souper Bowl of Caring. This year, our Church’s National United Youth Association is joining in the fight against hunger and has joined Souper Bowl of Caring in celebrating its 25th anniversary.

About Souper Bowl of Caring: Souper Bowl of Caring is a national youth-led movement of schools, businesses, community organizations, places of worship and compassionate individuals joining together to fight hunger and poverty in their local communities, transforming the time around the Super Bowl into the nation’s largest celebration of giving and serving. Since the program started in 1990, volunteers have collected more than $100 million in dollars and cans, with 100 percent of all donations going directly to community food banks, soup kitchens or other charities chosen by each group.

Join us on Friend Sunday

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“That’s what friends are for, right?”

People say it all the time… but why are friendships so important?

  • A friend is someone who laughs with you…
  • A friend helps you through the hard times…
  • A friend tells you when you’re acting silly… and may encourage you to stay that way
  • A friend cares… about today and tomorrow.

Friend Sunday is Sunday, March 1st. It is an annual back-to-church event where we encourage you to visit church with a friend, neighbor, or co-worker.

Sure, it might feel awkward to talk about spiritual things, but your friendship makes all the difference. Having a friend with you helps both of you to feel more comfortable in visiting church, especially if its been awhile. Did you know that eight out of ten people say they would attend church if a friend invited them? Use Friend Sunday as an opportunity to take that step to visit church with a friend and to meet the best friend ever… Jesus.

Opportunities for Youth in Education and Film

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The New York State Summer Young Writers Institute, June 29- July 11, 2015 at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York.

The New York State Summer Young Writers Institute is a thirteen-day in-residence writing workshop for high school students. Held during the months of June and July the workshop offers young writers artistic development, recognition and respect, and peer support. Students work closely with professional writers, immersing themselves in poetry, prose, creative nonfiction, and the critical evaluation of each other’s work. Admission is limited and participation is determined by the evaluation of creative writing samples submitted as part of the application process. The SYWI is open to any high school student entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the fall of 2015.

Workshop participants attend three instructional sessions per day — a ninety-minute workshop in the morning, and two hour-long workshops each afternoon. In addition, the young writers attend readings and presentations by the nationally-known writers who are part of the New York State Summer Writers Institute, which is held at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. Work produced by each student during the Summer Young Writers Institute is published in an anthology.

Full and partial financial assistance based upon individual need is available to help offset the cost of tuition and room and board. The application deadline is April 1st.

For more information visit the 17th Annual Creative Writing Workshop website or contact the Skidmore Office of the Dean of Special Programs at 518-580-5593.

Casting Auditions in Schenectady for We The Animals

Producer – Jeremy Yaches and Director – Jeremiah Zagar, co-founders of Public Record (a production company that specializes in film, TV, branded content, and commercials) are looking to cast Latino or multi-racial boys ages 7-13 for their new Sundance supported film “We the Animals.” The film, based on a New York Times best-selling novel by Justin Torres, is a coming-of-age story about three young boys growing up in upstate NY in the care of two young parents.

Auditions will be held Saturday, January 31st and Sunday, February 1st from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady, 400 Craig Street, Schenectady, NY 12307

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Job Openings for the week of January 25, 2015

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Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Services – Senior Management Team

Director of Human Resources: Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Human Resources will provide leadership, direction and guidance for the development and implementation of human resource policies and practices, wage and benefit structure, and employee relations to facilitate the recruitment and retention of quality staff to enable the organization to meet the health care needs of the communities it serves. Also provides leadership and direction to mediate conflicts and promote a positive mission-driven atmosphere. Ability to work in a diverse, fast-paced ambulatory healthcare environment. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required in Human Resources or related field. Credentialed as PHR, SPHR, or GPHR through the HR Certification Institute. Five years Human Resources Management experience required, including prior supervisory experience. Knowledge of human resource management software applications is essential. Strong communication and organizational skills. In addition, prior working experience in health services and a unionized environment is preferred. Preferred Qualifications: Graduate degree preferred. Preferred education and/or experience that include competency in a language other than English, preferably Spanish.

Chief Behavioral Health Officer: As a member of the Senior Leadership Team at WYH, the Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO) will provide the leadership necessary to assure that the organization plans programs, delivers and monitors high quality clinical services to community members in need of integrated, patient-centered behavioral health services. The CBHO will provide supervision and leadership for the directors of addictions services, Mental Health Services and Community Prevention & Treatment Services (CP & TS, formerly HIV Services). Minimum Qualifications: Licensed mental health professional with at least 10 years of clinical practice experience and a minimum of 7 years of progressive management and supervisory experience. Experiences developing grant proposals and managing grant funded programs. NY State licensure as an autonomous clinician. Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience with a low-income population in a community-based setting. Prior senior clinical leadership experience. License at the doctoral level preferred. Prior clinical experience in a primary care setting, addictions treatment and mental health services. An understanding of patient-centered medical home (PCMH) principals and working knowledge of Joint Commission standards for BH accreditation.

See the full list of current openings on-line.

Application Procedure: Potential employees must fill out an employment application in addition to submitting a resume. When both are completed they may be E-mailed, faxed to 518-320-3021 or may be mailed to: Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Services, Attention: Human Resources Dept., 920 Lark Drive, Albany, NY 12207.

St. Catherine’s Center for Children – Clinical Supervisor of Out of Home Care

St. Catherine’s Center for Children is currently seeking a Clinical Supervisor for Out of Home Care services. Out of Home Care consists of our two Residential Treatment Programs for socially and emotionally challenged children in foster care; a 25 bed Residential Treatment Center and an 8 bed group home, and our Specialized Foster Care Program which serves over 40 youth in foster homes throughout the Capital District and surrounding areas.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Oversees the implementation of intake, assessment, treatment planning, and clinical intervention services. Provides direct supervision to a team of licensed social workers who serve the program. Works closely with the Residential Management Team, and the Training Department to ensure that residential staff have the skills and support needed to provide a trauma-informed treatment environment. Oversees the Diagnostic Program which provides 45 and 60 day clinical assessments for children placed by counties for treatment planning and permanency recommendations. Oversees the delivery of crisis intervention services including the coordination of psychiatric hospitalizations when needed. Oversees the Sexual Trauma Assessment Treatment Program which provides specialized clinical assessments and counseling of youth who have been alleged victims of sexual abuse. Oversees the Centralized Intake Department which provides initial intake and admission services to youth in our Out of Home Care and our school-based Day Treatment programs. Ensures that all clinical services are provided according to the regulations of the NYS Office of Child and Family Services, the NYS Department of Mental Health, and according to the policies and philosophy of Saint Catherine’s Center for Children. Manages the consultants employed by the program for assessment and clinical service delivery. This includes a part-time Child Psychiatrist and two part-time child Psychologists.

Requirements: LMSW Required, LCSW Preferred; Strong interpersonal skills; Creative problem solving focus and ability; Ability to implement sound judgment and service solutions

Applications may be submitted on-line.

City of Albany – Staff Assistant- Department of Human Resources

The City of Albany has the current job posting available for Staff Assistant- Department of Human Resources. Please view details here. For questions, please contact the Department of Human Resources at 518-434-5284.

Center for Law and Justice – Arrest Diversion Project Manager

The Arrest Diversion Project Manager supervises the Center for Law and Justice’s formal commitment to work collaboratively with law enforcement, community health partners, and social welfare organizations. The goal is to approach criminal justice policy from a coordinated public health perspective that emphasizes prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and public safety.

Qualifications are a Masters degree, 3 years professional work experience and familiarity with Albany, NY. Full or Part Time.

To apply for this position, please view the on-line posting here.

Troy Family Branch of the Capital District YMCA – Member Service Representative

The Troy Family Branch of the Capital District YMCA is looking to fill the part time position of a Member Service Representative. Under the direction of the Member Service Manager, the Member Services Representative provides excellent customer service to members, through selling memberships, answering questions.

Job Requirements: Prior work experience (1-3 years) in a customer oriented environment. Current CPR, First Aid and AED certifications. Positive outlook and the ability to multi task in a high pace environment. Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills.

Principal Responsibilities: Responsible for providing daily services to all members, prospective members and program participants. This includes greeting members by name, scanning membership cards, registering members for programs, membership sales, and tours. Answer phones promptly, within 3 rings, in a courteous and friendly manner. Answer member questions and issues in a positive manner, meeting their needs whenever possible. Ensure each person using the facility is a member or program participant; scan cards of each member. Ensure neatness of the lobby area and entire facility.
ï‚· Assist with lobby exhibits and/or bulletin boards. Promote and sell goods for resale. Accurately input new membership sales, renewals and programs into the computer. Report any errors in writing by the end of shift. Accurately cash out at the end of the day. May assist in training new staff. Other duties, as assigned.

Scheduled Shifts: Part Time; Weekends (approx. 10-15 hours biweekly) Pay Range: $8.75
Deadline: 2/2/2015

Please send all applications and resumes to: Tiffany Hults, Membership Service Manager, Capital District YMCA – Troy Family YMCA, 2500 21st Street, Troy, NY 12180 or via E-mail.

Guilderland Branch of the Capital District YMCA – Activities Assistant

The Guilderland Branch of the Capital District YMCA is looking to fill the part time position of Activities Assistant. Under the direction of the Site Supervisor, the Activities Assistant is responsible for assisting with the implementation of all school age child care activities at the Berne Knox Westerlo Elementary School.

Job Requirements: Must be 16 years of age. Prior experience working with children preferred. Submission of NYS Medical Statement of Childcare Staff Form documenting physician clearance to work in a childcare setting. TB Test which meets Health and Social Service requirement. Clearance from Criminal Background check. Maintain 15 hours of childcare related training annually. Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills.

Principal Responsibilities: Assist in preparation and implementation of all activities for the site. Assist the site staff with distribution and cleanup of daily snack. Work with the children in small groups with age appropriate activities such as crafts, games, clubs and science. Maintain clean, neat and organized environment at the site. Maintain a safe and secure environment for all program participants. Appropriately communicate with parents. Maintain all applicable state regulations re: school age child care programs. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties, as requested.

Scheduled Shift: Part time; 1st, and 2nd shifts, evenings, 2:00pm – 6:00pm, Approx. 20.
Per week Pay Range: $ 9.00
Deadline: Open

Please forward resumes or applications to: Jenna Graber, Child Care Director, Guilderland YMCA, Capital District YMCA, 250 Winding Brook Dr. Guilderland NY, 12084 or via E-mail.

Guilderland Branch of the Capital District YMCA – Group Exercise Instructor

The Guilderland Branch of the Capital District YMCA is looking to fill the part time position of Group Exercise Instructor. Under the general direction of the Wellness Director, the Group Exercise Instructor develops, coordinates and teaches group exercise classes.

Job Requirements: Previous experience (minimum two years) teaching group exercise classes. Current Wellness certification: Group Exercise Instructor certification. Current CPR and AED certification. Excellent human relation skills, strong relationship building skills and communication skills.

Principal Responsibilities: Plan and lead specialty group exercise classes ensuring that participants are performing safe exercises. Modifies exercise class in accordance with participants, weather, etc. Maintains cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties, as assigned.

Scheduled Shift: Part time; approx. 2-3 hours per week, 6pm-8pm
Pay Range: $13.00 – $15.00
Deadline: Open

Please forward all resumes and applications to: Andrew Scott, Assistant Wellness Director, Capital District YMCA-Guilderland Branch, 250 Winding Brook Drive, Guilderland, NY 12084 or via E-mail.

January 2015 Edition of God’s Field Available

The latest issue of God’s Field is now available online. This edition features reports on our Year of Regeneration, a Biblical Financial Planning Workshop with Dr. Jim Ploskonka (live and on-line), the history of our Church’s martyr, Bishop Joseph Padewski, and of course the National United Choirs Music Scholarship program. Information on other upcoming programs including the national Mission & Evangelism Workshop are also included.

Articles for the February issue are being accepted now through February 1, 2015. You may E-mail items and photos or send them to:

God’s Field
Polish National Catholic Church
1006 Pittston Avenue
Scranton, PA 18505

Reflection for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2015

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Following the call to
discipleship.

The word of the LORD came to Jonah, saying: “Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you.” So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh, according to the LORD’S bidding.

The call to discipleship is not a one-time event. If it were, most of us would likely miss it the first few times. Thankfully our God is constant in His call and He understands our stubbornness, the fact that we need to be reminded and called over and over.

Jonah is one example of God’s persistence. Jonah was a prophet of Israel, and for the most part he got to deliver happy messages. Then God’s call came: “Arise, go to Nin’eveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.”

This was a tough call. Jonah wouldn’t be delivering a happy message to his people, but would have to go to a foreign city, among non-believers, to deliver a very hard message. As we know: Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.

Jonah literally went in the opposite direction.

Last week we heard John telling His disciples, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” So, The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.

Today those same disciples are back to fishing. What happened in between? Perhaps they were scared by John’s arrest. Their prior discipleship ended in their leader going to a horrible prison. We could speculate as to the reasons that they went back to fishing, to being non-disciples. But, here comes Jesus, calling again saying: “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Jesus didn’t give up on them. He called again and they abandoned their nets and followed him.

There will be times in our life where faithfulness, where our discipleship wanes. There are times when we will go back to our old nets, our former ways. When we do Jesus will come again and say once again: “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

It is up to us to hear and follow. Will we again leave our nets, our old ways and follow Him? Will we announce His message (even if its uncomfortable and against what the world tells us is ‘right’)?

When we are called, let us leave fear behind and get busy as true disciples. Jesus calls us for a reason. Like Jonah, we can make a real difference by helping people to repent and believe. Like Jesus’ first disciples, we can make His name known everywhere we go.

Reflection for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2015

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Do they hear
His voice?

At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD, because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet. The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time. Getting up and going to Eli, he said, “Here I am. You called me.” Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth. So he said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.”

A little background for today’s Old Testament reading: Eli is the high priest of Shiloh, the second-to-last Israelite judge. He held the highest and most responsible position among the people of God.

While high priest and judge, he fails with his children. His sons are abusive and wicked. Eli knows what’s going on, but does not properly correct his sons. He is supposed to be govern over Israel but cannot properly govern his family. As a result God judges Eli and his family. Eli and his family were supposed to be an example to the people of God much in the same way we are called to be examples to the world. It is good to reflect on Eli’s failings and his lack of proper judgment, to measure how well we carry out God’s will and what kind of example we set.

Samuel is the son of Hannah. She prayed that God would give her a child and pledged that she would offer her child back to God. Her prayer was answered. Samuel is brought back and he is dedicated to the Lord and to be trained by Eli.

What’s interesting is that for all the training Eli was to impart to Samuel, at the time of God’s call Samuel was not familiar with the LORD. Did Eli fail to teach Samuel about the Lord, to help him hear the Lord’s voice? Did he fail as an example and witness to God’s presence for Samuel too?

The child Samuel remained true to Heaven and God came that night to call him as His witness. God went right past Eli to charge Samuel as a faith witness to His reality.

We have an important charge and choice. We are charged to witness to the Lord, to follow His word as the truth, and to judge rightly. We are to make the Lord’s truth known through our words and actions, the way we live our lives. Will we choose to witness faithfully to the Lord, will we say with confidence that we have heard the Lord’s voice and take His word seriously? Will we let others know about the Lord so He doesn’t have to pass us by in order to relate to those who do not know Him? In short, will we be an Eli or a John the Baptist. John understood Eli’s failure. John heard God’s voice and pointed Him out to everyone: as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” People will not hear or see unless we remain true, witness, and like John and true disciples we make Him known to the world. They must hear from us.