Reflection for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2014

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Ummm, let me think
about it.

A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.”

This wonderful gospel reading is a great illustration of something each of us has done or has experienced. I can hear my mom asking me to do something. I can hear myself asking my children to do something. I gave and get both of the responses Jesus talked about. ‘No, I won’t’ – then it gets done or ‘Yeah, sure’ – and it never happens.

We have two perspectives to consider and pray over today, that of the person being asked and that of the requestor.
Let’s start from the point-of-view of the person making the request. Like the father in the parable, God asks and seeks a response. He hears both kinds of responses – yes and no, and then waits to see if there will be follow-through.

Jesus illustrates that all of the sinners who were coming to the kingdom had been saying no to God’s requests for years, but finally they stood up to act. He convicts the Pharisees for saying yes, yes, yes for years, but then failing to act and follow-through.

All heard the request of the Father. What we often fail to recognize is that the requestor never stops asking. Unfortunately, our instinct it to think that the Father stopped asking after the first tries. But a deeper look at Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees reveals that God is calling to them once again – this time in the form of Jesus’ parables and words. We can think over the fact that many of these may very well have turned around later in their lives – turning their no into action consistent with God’s request. Acts tells us: And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

From the perspective of the person being asked we realize that God never stops calling us – and sometimes we say yes when we mean no, or no when we mean yes. We should take comfort in the fact that our failure to act will not cut us off from God’s requesting heart. He continues calling to us in many ways. In the end, all He cares about is whether we follow-through.

Today we see so many following-through. Parents, godparents, and grandparents heard God calling, and they ended up taking action. They are doing their Father’s will. They are entering the kingdom with their children and are blessed.

Whether we have said yes or no in the past, God never stops asking. He not only calls, but gives us the strength to respond. In His sacraments He gives us the grace we need to follow-through.

October 2014 Newsletter – Change is in the Air

September 26th and our newsletter is here four days early! That’s change in-and-of-itself.

October calls us to reflect on the change around us and how God makes all change work for our good. September blessed us with baptisms and first communion as well as the start of our School of Christian living – God bless our young people. Learn about our upcoming craft fair on October 4th and our Rummage Sale on October 18th. October brings many celebrations focused on family and heritage. We invite you be part of those celebrations right here in Schenectady. You may view and download a copy right here — October 2014 Newsletter.

October 2014 Newsletter

Craft Fair and Polish Kitchen – Saturday, October 4th

Come enjoy and afternoon out at Holy Name of Jesus’ 2nd annual Craft Fair and sample our Polish Kitchen too on Saturday, October 4, 2014 from 10 AM-5 PM at the Rotterdam Senior Citizens Club
, 2639 Hamburg St, Rotterdam NY 12303.

Featuring Woodwork; Jewelry, Glass and Metal Art; Paintings; Photographs; Sewing; Beads; Quilts; Knits and Crocheted goods; Needlepoint; Candles and scent decor; Floral Designs; Ceramics; and Holiday decorations.

Enjoy our Polish Kitchen with kielbasa, pierogi, golumbki, and more…

Craft Fair 2014

Rummage & Bake Sale – Saturday, October 18th

The Holy Name of Jesus National Catholic Church, is holding a rummage and bake sale on Saturday, October 18th from 9 am to 3 pm in the parish hall at 1040 Pearl Street (between Chrisler Ave. and Crane St.), Schenectady (CDTA Route 353). A bag sale will begin at 2 pm. The sale features clothing, household items, toys, furnishings, great baked goods, and many other items.

Rummage Sale Flyer - October 18, 2014

Hanna S. Cohn Equal Justice Fellowship

Empire_Justice_CenterApplications are currently being accepted from students entering or in their third year of law school for the 2015-2017 Hanna S. Cohn Equal Justice Fellowship ‐ an exciting, two‐year, public interest fellowship.

The Hanna S. Cohn Equal Justice Fellowship will be awarded to a talented, committed law school graduate at the beginning of her or his career in the area of poverty law. All applicants must be entering or in their third year of law school. The fellow will be placed at the Empire Justice Center in Rochester, NY and will represent low-income clients in complex areas of litigation and other types of advocacy. The fellow’s background and interests will be matched with high priority legal concerns of the poor which are not currently being addressed or that require additional resources. The duration of the Hanna S. Cohn Equal Justice Fellowship is two years; starting salary is $47,000. In addition, Empire Justice Center offers a generous benefits package.

The goal of the Fellowship is to increase legal advocacy for Greater Rochester’s low-income families in high priority areas that are currently underserved. In addition, the Fellowship is designed to attract dynamic and talented, new lawyers to the practice of poverty law.

The Fellowship is funded in Hanna’s memory by her family, as well as through private contributions and donations to a Memorial Fund. The application deadline is October 15, 2014. The fellow will be notified in January, 2015 and will begin work in September, 2015.

Please submit with this application:

  • A 1-2 page cover letter detailing what influenced your decision to attend law school, and why you want to represent low-income people;
  • Official law school transcript;
  • Resume;
  • Two letters of recommendation highlighting your ability and commitment to practice poverty law;
  • Completed application and essay.

Doris Duke Fellowships Available for the Promotion of Child Well-Being

logoThe application period for Cohort Five of the Doris Duke Foundation’s Fellowships for the Promotion of Child Well-Being–seeking innovations to prevent child abuse and neglect is now open. The fellowships are designed to identify and develop a new generation of leaders interested in and capable of creating practice and policy initiatives that will enhance child development and improve the nation’s ability to prevent all forms of child maltreatment. With the generous financial support of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, fifteen fellowships are awarded each year to promising doctoral students from a variety of academic disciplines.

The application period for the fifth cohort of fellows opened on August 15, 2014. Applications are due by December 15, 2014. The fifth cohort will begin in the summer of 2015. Each fellow receives an annual stipend of $25,000 for up to two years.

Application deadline: December 15, 2014

Learn more about the Doris Duke Fellowships on Chapin Hall’s website.

Contact E-mail.

Job Opportunities for the Week of September 21st

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Youth Development Professionals for the Boys & Girls Club of Albany

The Youth Development Professional will work in an After School program that serves children in grades Pre-K — 6th. The program will focus on the delivery of a broad range of activities, including three primary components: differentiated academic enrichment and tutoring services, recreational and enrichment programs based on themed areas of discovery, innovation, leadership and citizenship, as well as family educational opportunities.

PROGRAM LOCATION: The Boys & Girls Clubs After School Programs are located in; Arbor Hill Elementary, Schuyler Achievement Academy, Sheridan Preparatory Academy and Giffen Elementary School.

WORKING HOURS: School year: 3:00 pm — 6:30 pm / Monday – Friday

PAY RATE: $9 per hour

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS REQUIRED: 1+ year of direct experience working with children under the age of 13 years; (Preferred) Associate’s degree in child development, elementary education, physical education, recreation or a related field or New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential or School Age Child Care Credential. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Leadership skills, including an understanding of group dynamics. Demonstrated organizational, staff and project management abilities. Mandatory CPR and First Aid certifications. Fingerprints and background check required.

Please respond with a cover letter and resume to Tim Doherty, Director of Operations, Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany, 21 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY 12210. Interested applicants can contact Abena Adom or Tim Doherty for additional information.

Assistant Teacher KidzLodge

Description: The KidzLodge Early Learning & Adventure Center is looking for dynamic individuals to fill the two positions of Assistant Teacher. Under the general direction of the KidzLodge Director, the childcare assistant teacher is responsible for assisting with the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate childcare program.

Job requirements include a AAS in Child Development, Elementary Ed, Physical Ed, Recreation or related field OR HS Degree/GED and two years direct experience with children under age 13, OR Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the YMCA and its capacity to build strong kids, families and communities. The ability to articulate and model YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibilities are essential.

Principal responsibilities are to assist with planning, implementing and supervising a developmentally and academically appropriate curriculum for the assigned program. Maintain daily schedules of activities, etc. Maintain an organized, clean and safe learning and recreational environment for all program areas. Develop and consistently maintain appropriate and professional communication with parents. Train children and parents on emergency procedures in compliance with OCFS regulations. Maintain inventory of equipment and supplies. Ensure all applicable OCFS regulations are followed, including but not limited to ratios, child abuse reporting and emergency procedures. Maintain all required records and logs. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties, as requested.

Scheduled Shifts: 7am-4pm or 9am-6pm
Pay Range: $9 – 9.50

Please send all applications and resumes to: Denise Barnes, KidzLodge Director, Capital District YMCA, KidzLodge Early Learning & Adventure Center, 47 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065, or by E-mail.

Advantage Grant Tutor

Description: The Greenbush Area YMCA is looking to fill a Tutor position for the Advantage Grant funded after school programs. Under the general direction of the Grant-Site Supervisor, the Tutor is responsible for planning and assisting children with homework assignments and school projects at the assigned grant site.

Job requirements include a minimum age of 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 as well as TB Test which meets Health and Social Service requirement. Clearance from Criminal Background check. Maintain 30 hours of childcare related training every two years. Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills.

Principal responsibilities are to assist in preparation and implementation of all activities for the site. Assist the site staff with distribution and clean-up of daily snack. Work with the children in small groups to assist with daily homework and other assignments. Maintain clean, neat and organized assignments. Maintain a safe and secure environment for all program participants. Appropriately communicate with parents. Maintain all applicable state regulations school age child care programs. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties, as requested.

Scheduled Shifts: 2pm –6pm Monday – Friday
Pay Range: $10
Deadline: 9/25/14

Please send all applications and resumes to: Alysha Branch, Childcare Coordinator, Capital District YMCA, Greenbush Area Branch, 20 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY 12061, or by E-mail.

Advantage Grant Literacy Instructor

Description: The Greenbush Area YMCA is looking to fill a Literacy Instructor position for the Advantage Grant funded after school programs. Under the general direction of the Grant-Site Supervisor, the Literacy Instructor is responsible for planning and assisting children with reading at the assigned grant site.

Job requirements include a minimum age of 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 as well as TB Test which meets Health and Social Service requirement. Clearance from Criminal Background check. Maintain 30 hours of childcare related training every two years. Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills.

Principal responsibilities are to assist in preparation and implementation of all activities for the site. Assist the site staff with distribution and clean-up of daily snack. Work with the children in small groups to assist with reading and other assignments. Maintain clean, neat and organized assignments. Maintain a safe and secure environment for all program participants. Appropriately communicate with parents. Maintain all applicable state regulations school age child care programs. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties, as requested.

Scheduled Shifts: Monday – Friday (Approx. 10 hrs. Weekly)
Pay Range: $10
Deadline: 9/25/2014

Please send all applications and resumes to: Alysha Branch, Childcare Coordinator, Capital District YMCA, Greenbush Area Branch, 20 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY 12061, or by E-mail.

Site Supervisor Childcare at the Greenbush YMCA

Description: The Greenbush Area YMCA is looking to fill a part time Site Supervisor positions for before and After School Care programs. Under the general direction of the Childcare Director, the Site Supervisor is responsible for planning and supervising a developmentally appropriate childcare program.

Job Requirements: Minimum one year in a supervisory capacity preferred. Two years direct experience with children under age 13. BA/BS in Child Development (Elementary Ed, Physical Ed, Recreation Ed or related field). OR School Age Child Care Credential. OR Two years of College with 18 credits in Child Development, Elementary Ed, Physical Ed, recreation or related field. OR AAS in Child Development, Elementary Ed, Physical Ed, Recreation or related field. Candidates must submit a 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 a Criminal Background check. First and CPR certifications.

Preferred candidates must possess excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills. Principal Responsibilities: Plan, implement and supervise a developmentally and academically appropriate curriculum for the assigned site. Maintain positive working relationship with school personnel in coordination of the building site and related issues. Develop and maintain weekly and monthly calendar of activities for display to parents. Maintain daily schedules of activities, etc. Maintain an organized, clean and safe learning and recreational environment for all program areas. Develop and consistently maintain appropriate and professional communication with parents. Supervise all site staff and provide input and written evaluations as requested. Establish and train staff, children and parents on emergency procedures in compliance with OCFS regulations. Manage and control inventory of equipment and supplies, in accordance with budget. Ensure all applicable OCFS regulations are followed. Maintain all required records and logs. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties, as requested.

Pay Range: $10.63 per hour
Available Shift(s): Monday – Friday 7:00am-9:00am, 1:45pm-6:00pm, or 2:30pm-6:00pm
Deadline: 9/25/2014

Please send all applications and resumes to: Alysha Branch, Childcare Coordinator, Capital District YMCA, Greenbush Area Branch, 20 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY 12061, or by E-mail.

Activities Assistant at the Southern Saratoga YMCA

Description: The Southern Saratoga 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.

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; Monday – Friday 2:00 – 6:00pm
Hourly Rate: $8 – $8.75
Deadline: 9/25/2014

Please forward resumes or applications to: Kim Dandino, Childcare Director, Capital District YMCA – Southern Saratoga Branch, 1 Wall Street, Clifton Park, NY 12065, or by E-mail.

Senior Public Health Technician

The Schenectady County Department of Public Health (Environmental Health) has a full-time opportunity available for a Senior Public Health Technician.

SALARY: The 2014 salary is $43,295 (grade 13, step 1).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s Degree including a minimum of fifteen (15) semester credit hours in the *natural sciences of which not more than six (6) credit hours may be in **applied sciences and two years of experience as a Public Health Technician deemed satisfactory by the local Commissioner of Health or Public Health Director during which time you must have completed a public health training course approved by the New York State Department of Health; OR (B) Satisfactory completion of sixty (60) semester credit hours of academic education at a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a minimum of fifteen (15) semester credit hours in the *natural sciences of which not more than six (6) credit hours may be in **applied sciences and two years of experience as a Public Health Technician deemed satisfactory by the local Commissioner of Health or Public Health Director during which time you must have completed a public health training course approved by the New York State Department of Health.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a current valid New York State driver’s license at the time of appointment.

EXAMINATION: Candidates are responsible for filing a separate application for any Civil Service examination that may arise from this posting.

APPLICATION: Civil Service applications will be accepted from APPLICANTS who meet the minimum qualifications. CSEA bargaining unit members within the department will be given preference in appointment, based on seniority. Submit applications to the County Personnel Department, County Building 2nd Floor by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2014.

Prayers in Preparation for Holy Synod – the Next 8 Days

shining dove with rays on a dark golden background

  1. Sunday, 9/21 – Holy Spirit, keep before our Holy Synod the wisdom and love 
that has been revealed in Jesus Christ. Help our Holy Church to become more and more like Him in word and deed.
  2. Monday, 9/22 – Holy Spirit, give Your gift of wisdom 
to those You have called to lead Your Holy Church. Guide them in leading our Holy Synod.
  3. Tuesday, 9/23 – Holy Spirit, Guide our Holy Synod so that its work may result in the growth of Your Holy Church. May many be brought to holiness, truth, and joy by its work.
  4. Wednesday, 9/24 – Holy Spirit, guide our Holy Synod and fill its delegates minds and hearts with your wisdom.
  5. Thursday, 9/25 – Holy Spirit, guide our Holy Synod in the way of Christ. Keep us ever faithful to Scripture and Holy Tradition and assist us in rejecting all that is contrary.
  6. Friday, 9/26 – Holy Spirit, may everything done at Holy Synod begin with Your inspiration, and continue with Your help. Grant that its work always finds its origin in You, and through Your help reach completion.
  7. Saturday, 9/27 – Holy Spirit, I know You hear my words and will show understanding to my hopes and needs. Guide our Holy Synod in doing Your work and help it to reach all of Your goals for us.
  8. Sunday, 9/28 – Father, without You we can do nothing. 
Send forth Your Holy Spirit and help our Holy Synod to know what is right 
and to eagerly do Your will.

Oh God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructed the hearts of the faithful, Grant, that by the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflection for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time and Back to Church Sunday 2014

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Come back
to Me!

They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow, they shall flourish as a garden; they shall blossom as the vine, their fragrance shall be like the wine of Lebanon.

Throughout the Bible we hear of God speaking of His love for His people. The word ‘love’ can mean different things in the Hebrew, but when speaking of God’s love for His people, love is likened to the ideal love that should exist between spouses.

Reflecting on this love, we see a God who looks after people as a husband and wife should look after each other. As that husband and wife want to do only good for each other, God longs to do only good things for us. As that husband and wife should consider each other above all else, God does not think about Himself when He loves us. The things that we need are of primary importance to God.

This sort of analogy really makes sense when we consider the perfection of God’s love and dedication. In our earthly relationships we find spouses who stray from each other. Their relationship may break down for many reasons. It could be betrayal, a sense of separateness, emotional or physical desertion, and a whole host of other reasons. They rightly feel betrayed and may take actions to separate themselves permanently. But, on occasion, we find those unique relationships where the spouses work hard to rebuild their relationship despite breakdowns. They commit – and spend the time and forgiveness necessary – to rebuild their love.

While our human frailty has difficulty overcoming these hurts, except in unique circumstances, God’s perfect love never fails. He can be likened to those uniquely dedicated spouses. He remains faithful to His love commitment and is always willing and ready for us to return. Through His Holy Spirit He doesn’t give up on us, and calls us back. God’s love works to overcome everything.

The totality of good comes from God. So much so that He gave Himself for us in His Son Jesus. All so that no sin, no breakdown, will stand in the way of our relationship with God. He has already overcome, we don’t need to do anything but say yes to Him. Because of this, St. Paul was able to declare: I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.

No matter past separation, God is ready for us and we can all partake of Him. He welcomes all and has already reconciled all things in Jesus. We can all join with Him, and in Him with each other. Jesus was careful to explain that those who would come to Him later will receive the same wage was those who came to Him first. God makes no distinction in loving us. In Him we are all loved.