regeneration

And they will be
amazed.

Then the righteous man will stand with great confidence in the presence of those who have afflicted him, and those who make light of his labors. When they see him, they will be shaken with dreadful fear, and they will be amazed at his unexpected salvation. They will speak to one another in repentance, and in anguish of spirit they will groan, and say, “This is the man whom we once held in derision and made a byword of reproach — we fools! We thought that his life was madness and that his end was without honor. Why has he been numbered among the sons of God? And why is his lot among the saints?

The Scripture above from the Book of Wisdom obviously points to Jesus, a man mocked and spurned by His people, thought to be just another mad prophet, and eventually killed in the most horrible of ways even though innocent. He emerges victorious in the end and is recognized to be what He always was, the Holy One of God, the only Son of God, God made man Who now sits at the Father’s right hand.

Beyond this obvious reference to the life of Jesus we should be able to see in ourselves the same experience. As Jesus was mocked and derided by the leaders of the time, so too are we. As Jesus was thought mad, so too are we. As Jesus was mocked, so too are we. As people said: ‘how can this be possible’ of Jesus, so too they say it of us. Yet, in the end, we know we, like Jesus, will emerge victorious.

Is emerging victorious a foregone conclusion for us?

Victory is solely dependent on our likeness to Jesus. The prerequisite for our victory is the same as that exhibited in the earthly life of Jesus Christ. It is by our faith that we will be victorious. That is both the starting point and the reality that must underpin all we do. In approaching our work, joys, struggles, and interactions – in both our interior life and social interactions – we must define ourselves by our life in Jesus.

A life fully lived in faith and likened to Him will result in others being amazed by us. That faith life makes us changed people with the potential of being amazing. That is what regeneration in Jesus is. Because of essential change we become a confusing lot of people in the face of the world. We get up early, worship by faith, work hard, and have a totally different attitude than that of the majority of people. We believe that we can change individual hearts and the wider world. We think that by all this effort will make God’s kingdom a reality. We may face derision, be assessed fools, and might be mocked. Yet we know that by living regenerated lives we will be numbered among the saints and victorious. Be ready to be amazing.

The Capital District Educational Opportunity Center is presenting Construction Trades: Worth Another Look Get The Skills That Pay The Bills on Tuesday, March 3rd at 5 PM at 431 River Street, Troy, NY 12180. Parking is available in the south lot located between the EOC and the restaurant and street parking.

Who says females can’t work in construction? Join NAWIC and the Capital District Educational Opportunity Center to learn more about trade skills programs available in the Capital District. Come and explore and learn more about the skilled trade careers in an industry that keeps growing. Local representatives include: Associated General Contractors, Sheetmetal Workers’ Local 83; Tri-City JATC (Electricians); District Council 9, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, And other trade unions. Hear the story of one female apprentice in the industry.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Christine LaPlante, P.E., Ph.D., Department Chair, Construction, Industrial and Mechanical Technologies Hudson Valley Community College.

Students, educators, Veterans’ groups, and other social services organizations are welcome. EOC Students (with EOC identification) are welcome free of charge, but must register. If you cannot afford to attend, please contact Carol Henry at 518-365-8025 for options. Light Dinner fare will be served.

Cost $25. Registration is available online. For more information, contact Carol Henry at 518-365-8025, or Tina Mone at 518-273-1900, ext. 2277.

WIC-EOC

employment-header

The Glendale Nursing Home – Maintenance Helper

The Glendale Nursing Home has two full-time opportunities available for Maintenance Helper.

Salary: The 2015 salary $30,018 (Tier 2, Grade 4A, Step 1).

Applicants who meet the following minimum qualifications may apply:

(A) Graduation from high school or possession of high school equivalency diploma and two months of experience as a helper in any of the following trades: carpentry, plumbing, masonry, electrical; or in general building maintenance practices; OR

(B) One year experience as outlined in (A) above; OR

(C) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by (A) and (B) above.

Special Requirement: Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License at the time of appointment.

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 Wednesday, March 4, 2015.

The College of Saint Rose – Area Coordinator, Residence Life

Descriptions for this job and application instructions are found on the St. Rose employment website.

CAMINO NUEVO / New Path – Administrative Assistant

Open position Part- time – 22.5 hours to increase to Full-time.

We are looking for an Administrative Assistant to assist with a variety of administrative responsibilities. This person needs to be able to handle busy, high traffic and provide top-notch customer service to our clients. This person must be eager, friendly and a self-starter. The ideal candidate will have a proactive and positive personality working with persons with a history of addiction, homelessness or social service background.

This role will be responsible for greeting and assisting clients through the Methadone daily process. Duties will include, directing clients to swipe, their ID cards, check their status on the computer, direct to counselors, provide urine containers for drug screens, In addition to receptionist responsibilities, the AA will assist and provide support to the other full –time AA and assist the intake coordinator with the intake process.

Must be punctual, able to multitask, a self-starter able to work independently and proactively manage projects and handle confidential materials. Must have good typing skills, and be detail oriented with a focus on accuracy and quality. Excellent communication in both English and Spanish

Education requirements: – Must have at least a 2 yr college associate degree

Send your resume via E-mail to Micky Jimenez, RN,BSN, Regional Director of the Capital District.

The Greene County Branch of the Capital District YMCA – 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. 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, evenings, Monday 1-7:30pm, Wednesday 4:30pm-7:30pm, and some weekends 9:30am-2:30pm
Pay Range: $8.75
Deadline: 3/15/2015

Please send all applications and resumes to: Matthew Skaarup, Sr. Program Director, 370 Mansion Street, W. Coxsackie, NY 12192 or by E-mail.

The Greene County YMCA – Wellness Coach

Under the general direction of the Wellness Director, the Wellness Coach provides excellent customer service through guiding, supporting and motivating new and current members through the Health and Wellness programs of the CDYMCA, as well as maintaining a positive and clean environment.

Job Requirements: BA/BS in Physical Ed, Recreation, and Sports Mgt, Health Ed or a related field or equivalent experience preferred. Previous experience (minimum one year) in the health and wellness field. Current Personal Trainer certification preferred. Current CPR, First Aid and AED certifications. Excellent human relation skills and communication skills.

Principal Responsibilities: Conduct fitness orientations, personal training, fitness evaluations, and personal fitness program appointments in accordance with CDYMCA guidelines and standards with individual members. Assist members through conducting health questionnaire screening. Assist members in the fitness center with proper equipment usage and exercise technique. Customize fitness regimens for the specific member based on an analysis of their specific needs and health and body requirements. Clean and maintain fitness center equipment on a regular basis. All other duties, as assigned.

Scheduled Shifts: Part time, evenings and weekends, Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 8-12pm, Sunday 8-1pm, Pay Range: $8.75
Deadline: 3/15/2015

Please send all applications and resumes to: Matthew Skaarup, Sr. Program Director, 370 Mansion Street, W. Coxsackie, NY 12192 or by E-mail.

The Troy YMCA – Wellness Coach

Under the general direction of the Wellness Director, the Wellness Coach provides excellent customer service through guiding, supporting and motivating new and current members through the Health and Wellness programs of the CDYMCA, as well as maintaining a positive and clean environment.

Job Requirements: BA/BS in Physical Ed, Recreation, and Sports Mgt, Health Ed or a related field or equivalent experience preferred. Previous experience (minimum one year) in the health and wellness field. Current Personal Trainer certification preferred 1 year experience working with clients. Current CPR, First Aid and AED certifications. Excellent human relation skills and communication skills.

Principal Responsibilities: Conduct fitness orientations, personal training, fitness evaluations, and personal fitness program appointments in accordance with CDYMCA guidelines and standards with individual members. Assist members through conducting health questionnaire screening. Assist members in the fitness center with proper equipment usage and exercise technique. Customize fitness regimens for the specific member based on an analysis of their specific needs and health and body requirements. Clean and maintain fitness center equipment on a regular basis. All other duties, as assigned.

Scheduled Shifts: Opener 5:30-11:30a (30 hrs. weekly) Pay Range: $9.00
Deadline: 4/1/2015

Please send all applications and resumes to: Tammy Roberts, Wellness Director, Capital District YMCA- Troy Family Branch 2500 21st Street, Troy, NY 12180 or by E-mail.

The Greenbush YMCA – Head Lifeguard

Under the general direction of the Aquatics Director, the Head Lifeguard is responsible for planning, implementing, supervising and evaluating of lifeguards programs and staff within the Aquatics Department. In the absence of the Aquatics Director the Head Lifeguard leads the department with the assistance of the Director of Operations or the Executive Director.

Job Requirements (Include education, experience and specific competencies): HS/GED with some college preferred. Minimum of two years’ experience as a lifeguard. Minimum one year in a supervisory role. Current certifications in CPR/FPR and First Aid. Current aquatic certifications (YMCA or Red Cross). Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills.

Principal Responsibilities: Maintain reliable and organized records for daily pool usage, daily chemical reading logs and ensures meeting of all other DOH requirements with the assistance of the Aquatics Director. Supervision, leading, coaching and scheduling of assigned staff. Provide orientation and training to newly hired staff. Assist and help facilitate monthly lifeguard in-service meetings. Provide program assistance to all members, and staff, including assistance with staff trainings. Assist with planning, development, implementation and assessment of any and all aquatics programming including summer camp. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. Must have a flexible schedule to cover shifts during hours of operation when scheduling issues occur and/or when emergency coverage is needed. All other duties, as directed.

Available Shifts: Full Time, (30 hrs. per week) Pay Range: $9.00-12.50
Deadline: 3/06/2015

Please send all applications and resumes to: Emily Furthman, Aquatics Coordinator, 20 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY 12061 or by E-mail.

The Guilderland YMCA – Cycling Instructor

Under the general direction of the Wellness Director, the Cycling Instructor develops, coordinates and teaches group exercise classes.

Job Requirements: BA/BS in Physical Ed, Recreation, Sports Mgt., Health Ed or a related field or equivalent experience preferred. Previous experience (minimum two years) teaching group exercise classes. Current certification including Group Ex. Instructor, Spinning, CPR, First Aid and AED. Spinning-Mad Dogg. Excellent human relation skills, strong relationship building skills and communication skills.

Principal Responsibilities: To plan and lead 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.

Deadline: Open
Pay Range: $13.00-15.00
Scheduled Shifts: Part Time; approx. 2-4 hr. per week, 5:30 am-6:30 am, 6am-7am

Forward all resumes to: Andrew Scott, Assistant Wellness Director, Capital District YMCA Guilderland Branch, 250 Winding Brook Drive Guilderland, NY 12084 or by E-mail.

State University of New York – Social Media Student Assistantships/Internships

The State University of New York Office of Communications, located in Albany, New York, is searching for exceptional students to join the GenerationSUNY Social Media Team.

The Social Media Team works to implement SUNY’s social media strategy (GenerationSUNY), engage constituents in an open and transparent manner, develop brand awareness, generate inbound traffic to SUNY’s social media properties and web content, and build our audience of fans, followers and advocates.

The team is led by SUNY’s Director of New Media. All applicants must be enrolled at a SUNY campus.

Positions available include: one (1) paid student assistantship, available to a graduate student (20-30 hours per week), and two (2) for-credit student internships, available to undergraduate students (10-15 hours per week, or as required by the student’s campus for credit-bearing purposes).

All members of the GenerationSUNY Social Media Team strive to: Collaborate with all 64 campuses to spread good news about SUNY’s students, faculty, staff and alumni. Disseminate key messages from SUNY System Administration. Engage in responsible, open and transparent conversations relating to SUNY or higher education. Develop meaningful, quantifiable performance reports on SUNY’s social media presence. Brainstorm unique opportunities for SUNY to be noticed in the social media universe

Applicants should expect to be: Team players, constantly collaborating with each other and with professionals throughout SUNY. Communicators, writing clearly and concisely for broad audiences. Initiators, brainstorming outside the box and always going the extra mile. Organizers, planning ahead and determining the best ways to harness and share the vast amount of information available to and from the SUNY family. Thinkers, analyzing data and making decisions based on that data

Applicants are expected to have: Knowledge of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and some familiarity with managing properties on those sites. Interest in keeping up with the latest social media trends. Excellent writing and editing skills. Video and audio editing capabilities are a plus, but not required

The Office of Communications accepts applications on a rolling basis for student members of the GenerationSUNY Social Media Team. Interested candidates are invited to apply online. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (no more than three pages). In your cover letter, please indicate why you have a special interest in higher education and/or social media.

State University of New York – Student Assistant Opportunities

The State University of New York System Administration, located in Albany, New York, offers SUNY students the opportunity to intern full-time during a summer or part-time during the fall and spring academic semesters. Currently we have opportunities for employment in several offices for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students with an interest in higher education and strong work ethic are invited to apply online. Please indicate in your cover letter which areas of higher education you are most interested in pursuing.

State University of New York – Student Intern for New York State Master Teacher Program

The State University of New York System Administration is searching for a SUNY intern that is interested in helping to lay the foundation of a new venture in state-wide educational improvement for the New York State Master Teacher Program. The intern will work directly with the Program Director at the program office at SUNY’s New York City offices located at 33 W. 42nd Street, New York, New York.

The New York State Master Teacher Program (NYSMTP) is a partnership between the State University of New York, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, and Math for America. The NYSMTP aims to identify and rewards excellent teaching in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects by 6-12th grade educators, supporting their efforts by offering incentives to remain committed to teaching including high-quality professional development opportunities, peer mentoring opportunities, and a yearly stipend. The goal of the Master Teacher Program is to sustain a professional community of educators that represents excellence in STEM teaching.

More information about this program is available here.

The intern’s responsibilities will focus on raising the public profile of the Master Teacher Program, responding to requests from potential candidates and current Master Teachers, and supporting the program as it grows to its largest size and scope to date. Tasks will include: Developing and maintaining the social media outreach and digital presence of the NYSMTP.

This may include but is not limited to: Researching various opportunities for Master Teachers, keeping current on STEM news, looking for linkages to other SUNY programs, working with the SUNY web development team to update the MTP website. Helping with the current round of program applications and interviews for the NYSMTP, including maintaining the online application system. Start preliminary research into professional development programming for the 2015 NYSMTP annual conference. Working with the Director to coordinate logistics for an annual convening of site coordinators and Master Teachers. Helping archive all candidate information. Collecting and analyzing data and survey results to create the program’s first annual report.

Preferred experience includes: Outstanding interpersonal skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Strong work ethic, energy level, and creativity that translate into enthusiasm for the successful accomplishment of program goals. Fluidity with Microsoft Suite products including Word, Excel, Outlook, and others, as well as social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is a paid, part-time position. Interested candidates are invited to apply online. Please submit a cover letter, resume and proof of enrollment. In your cover letter, please indicate why you have a special interest in higher education administration.

State University of New York – Law Student Internships

The State University of New York Office of General Counsel, located in Albany, New York, offers law students the opportunity to intern full-time during a summer or part-time during the fall and spring academic semesters.

The General Counsel’s Office handles legal and policy matters for the SUNY system, SUNY campuses, and Community Colleges operating under the program of the State University. Approximately 30 attorneys work collaboratively and individually on matters that range from contracts, copyright, and labor law to maritime law, immigration law, intellectual property, and environmental law. Students with an interest in higher education and a strong work ethic are encouraged to apply.

Interns work alongside and shadow attorneys on a variety of matters. Most of the internship involves legal research and writing, drafting memos and legal papers. Additional options include analysis of pending legislation, research and assistance with arbitrations and State Division of Human Rights proceedings, partnering with policy makers to develop system and campus policies and procedures, assisting in investigations, and participation in seminars, training and continuing legal education programs.

Counsel’s Office internships are unpaid but may be eligible for grants or assistance from your law school. The General Counsel’s Office accepts applications on a rolling basis for internship positions. Interested candidates are invited to apply online. Submit a cover letter, resume, and transcript (official or unofficial). In your cover letter, please indicate why you have a special interest in higher education law.

State University of New York – Legal Intern

The Board of Trustees of the State University of New York (SUNY) in February 1999 established the SUNY Charter Schools Institute (Institute) to assist them in carrying out its responsibilities under the New York Charter Schools Act of 1998 (Article 56 of the New York Education Law). The Institute evaluates applications for the opening of new charter schools, renewal of charters and charter revisions; monitors student academic performance, overall school operations and governance; and presents various findings and recommendations regarding charter matters to the SUNY Trustees’ Charter Schools Committee, which handles such issues on behalf of the SUNY Trustees. SUNY may authorize up to 230 independent and autonomous public charter schools, and to date oversees about 120 schools.

The Institute Legal Internship is intended as a professional development opportunity designed to familiarize and involve legal interns with the ongoing work of the country’s largest university-based charter school authorizer within the broader education reform landscape and the growing charter sector. The internship strives to provide broad exposure to the wide range of academic, compliance, governance and organizational responsibilities of the Institute, while actively engaging the intern in new and ongoing initiatives.

The Legal Intern will report to the Institute’s Executive Deputy Director and General Counsel and will work with the Associate Counsel and Director of Charter Accountability, who is responsible for school compliance. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following with some work possibly being performed off-site: Conduct legal research and draft legal memoranda and guidance documents on matters pertaining to charter schools, state and federal education law, and other matters as directed; Participate in short term and long term legal and/or compliance projects including facilities approvals; Provide legal support to the Institute’s Records Access Officer in responding to Freedom of Information Law requests; Conduct legal analysis of charter school policies and procedures; Assist in school Prior Action visits including file review, drafting initial and follow-up correspondence and assisting in making determinations regarding the ability of a school to open and Prior Action completeness; and Assist in the Request for Change in Program process to amend charters including interacting with schools and various Institute staff, and tracking of requests.

Education: 2L students preferred. 1Ls with exceptional undergraduate credentials will be considered.

Experience: Strong interest in education reform, education law or compliance. Highly proficient with Microsoft Office. Coursework in education and/or special education or not-for-profits also helpful.

Requirements: Applications for the internship will be accepted on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are invited to apply online. Submit a cover letter, resume, and transcript (official or unofficial). In your cover letter, please indicate why you have a special interest in education law.

State University of New York – MWBE Data and Business Analyst

The State University of New York (SUNY) Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) University-wide Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program located in Albany, New York, is searching for an MWBE Data and Business Analyst to administer, test, implement and maintain SUNY’s MWBE web based contract and compliance management systems, with a focus on the effective use of personnel and technology resources.

Responsibilities: Under the general direction of the University-wide MWBE Program Director, the MWBE Data and Business Analyst will be responsible for maintaining and monitoring effective operation of SUNY’s MWBE web based contract and compliance management system. The incumbent will be required to consult users, management, campus procurement staff, vendors and technicians to assess computing needs and system requirements. The Data and Business Analyst will prepare and review MWBE/diversity data reports; assist and coordinate campus data cleaning activities; provide IT customer support and training of both internal and external users; diagnose and resolve system problems; and provide/maintain user system access.

Qualifications: Required Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in the field of public or business finance, public administration, public sector information management, computer and information systems, data base management, data modeling/warehousing, or related field; and two (2) years of work experience in business process analysis, major computer system implementations, change management, large group facilitation, and/or major analytical or research studies.

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of diversity supplier data systems and/or programs; general knowledge of procurement (e.g., IFB/RFP, contracts); and a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®) designation by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA®).

Interested candidates are invited to apply online. The Search Committee will begin the review of applications immediately and continue until the position is filled. State University of New York System Administration is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, marital status, age, sexual orientation, sexual identity, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, or domestic violence victim status.

New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS) – Assistant Director of Peer Services

Position Summary: Under the direction of the Director of Peer Services, the primary function of the Assistant Director of Peer Services is to provide direct supervision to all peer staff providing peer support services to people transitioning from psychiatric or substance abuse facilities into their own communities through individual and group peer support meetings.

Major Responsibilities/Activities: Direct and manage all direct-care Peer Support staff; Propose, design, and update website and marketing content for the division; Travel to all program sites on a bi-weekly basis; Work with hospital and managed care representatives to ensure that the Peer programs are running effectively and efficiently; Maintain required statistics and gather and submit reporting requirements for the Peer Service Division; Report to and meet with NYAPRS supervisor on a regular basis; Travel state-wide and nationally to present to various audiences on NYAPRS peer programs; Coordinate staff development to enhance employee knowledge and to meet organizational needs; Represent the Division and NYAPRS at national, statewide and regional meetings; Attend conferences, webinars and trainings as required and assigned by supervisor; Perform other duties as required and assigned.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required, MSW strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of the NY State mental health and substance use system. Demonstrated knowledge of advocacy, self-help and empowerment programs for recipients of mental health and substance use services. Minimum of 5 years of experience supervising direct care staff. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel extensively. Demonstrated ability to train diverse audiences. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Excellent organizational and time management skills. High level of accountability and initiative. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically in Excel.

NYAPRS offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including health coverage, retirement plan, paid time off, and paid holidays.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and wage requirements via E-mail to NYAPRS, Director of Human Resources, 194 Washington Avenue, Suite 400, Albany, NY 12210.

faith and worry

Sometimes the test
is almost impossible.

God put Abraham to the test. He called to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am!” he replied. Then God said: “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a holocaust on a height that I will point out to you.”

Over recent weeks it seems that the number of troubles among those I know have increased greatly. These aren’t little problems, but those deep, life-shattering types of troubles that some may never experience. How life-shattering it must have been for Abraham, to face having to sacrifice his son.

A preacher was delivering a sermon before a large congregation. He pointed out that believers aren’t exempt from trouble. In fact, some Christians are surrounded by trouble — trouble to the right, trouble to the left, trouble in front, and trouble behind. At this, a man stood up and shouted, ‘Glory to God, it’s always open at the top!’

God’s test of Abraham’s faith was exactly about that. We can imagine that in walking to Mount Moriah, with his son carrying the wood that he would be sacrificed on, Abraham was in tears. His heart was breaking, the knife at his side weighed heavy, and his soul was crying out to God. He climbed the hills where Jerusalem would later stand, where the sacrificial fires of the Temple would be built, the place where Jesus would take up the wood of the cross (as Isaac carried the wood for his sacrifice). He was surrounded on every side, front and back, and could not help but look up.

What happened when Abraham and Isaac arrived at God’s designated site of sacrifice? …the LORD’s messenger called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am!” he answered. “Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the messenger. “Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God.” The response to Abraham’s troubles came from on high, from the top, from heaven.

Here’s the real test. Can we trust God enough to look up when those life-shattering troubles come? Can we place our reliance on Him? St. James noted: Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Troubles will either break us down, seem impossible, and cause us to look down or they will teach us to persevere and look up to heaven. The promise is that our perseverance, our looking up, will be rewarded and that we will lack for nothing particularly in eternity. We should repeat with the Psalmist: From whence does my help come? and answer: My help comes from the LORD.

lent-inviteLenten Retreats in parishes and Seniorates all over the country and Canada are scheduled for this season. The retreats are only one of eight initiatives set forward by this past national Synod for “each and every parishioner to play a role in bringing about a renewed and active spiritual life in the parishes and in the entire Church” as Prime Bishop Anthony wrote in January’s God’s Field. Our Mohawk Valley Seniorate will conduct its Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 7th at at All Saints Parish, 801 Hickory Street, Rome, NY from 10am to 2:30pm. All our parishioners are invited to participate in this national and international effort for a program built around the theme: Return to Me with Your Whole Heart. There is no charge for this spiritual exercise.

The program outline for this day of reflection and recollection is given here:

Adult Program:

  • 10:00 – Welcome! Presentation in the Temple – The Mission of the Church, Fr Sr. Marian Pociecha
  • 10:30 – Coffee break
  • 11:00 – Penitential Service, The Sacrament of Penance will be administrated in the end and private confession will also be available, Fr. Mark Gnidzinski
  • 12:00 – Lunch served by All Saints Parish
  • 1:00 – Concelebrated Holy Mass, Fr. Sr. Walter Madej – Homilist
  • 2:30-3:00 – Quick Seniorate Meeting (Calendar for 2015 in Mohawk Valley Seniorate)

For Children and Youth:

  • 10:00-12:00 Program for children will be running in parish hall and office if necessary, Fr. Rafal Dadello and Fr. Jim Konicki
  • 11:00 – Children who have already received their First Holy Communion will join the adults for the Penitential Service, younger children will remain in the hall
  • 12:00 – Lunch
  • 1:00 – Holy Mass (those who are altar servers in their parishes, please bring your liturgical vestments)

March is here and we begin to think about Easter. It is getting close and we wonder, will I go back there (to church). We reflect on the fact that Jesus welcomes us and opens His arms to us regardless of our mess-ups. This March we go deeper into our Lenten experience. We also have news about our Holy Week and Easter schedule, our Outrageous Valentine’s Raffle winner, and answer more Church Questions (should’t we read the Passion on Passion Sunday?). Remember too that we now have an expand Holy Mass schedule and find tons of great information in our Newsletter. Come be welcomed by Jesus no matter the mess-up – right here in Schenectady.

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

JesusHand

The Schenectady Business & Professional Women’s Club, Inc. announces its 2015 Scholarships available to young women who are High School Seniors in Schenectady County, and women (over age 25) who are returning to their studies, and who live in Schenectady County. The application deadline is April 24th, 2015.