ABSTINENCE ~  As a sign of our penance, the Diocese of Albany preserves the custom of not eating meat on the Fridays of Lent. Therefore, all Catholics, 14 years of age and older are obliged to refrain from eating meat on the Fridays of Lent. By retaining this tradition for our Diocese, we do not intend that this be interpreted as law binding under pain of sin, but as a custom from which we will not hold ourselves lightly excused.  It is an expression of our desire to be converted in our hearts, to be reconciled with each other, and to love our neighbor.  It is helpful to remember that the ability to decide how much or little one will eat is in itself a gift.
 
STATIONS OF THE CROSS ​will be held with the children of St. Thomas the Apostle School on the Fridays of Lent at 2 p.m. (in the church); there will also be Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. (also in the church). All are welcome.

"RICE BOWLS" For  Our Sister Parish and Catholic Relief Services ~ We are pleased to continue to help meet the financial needs of our sister parish in Mexico through your generous donations during this Lenten season.  And, as we recognize that need and continue to support their mission, we will also  support Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the wonderful work they do throughout the world, with 75% of CRS donations directed to global programs and 25% helping those living in poverty in our Diocese. This Lent we will again split your donations between these two programs. Please take a "Rice Bowl", available at church entrances during Lent, for your contributions to this shared program.  We appreciate your generosity to all those in need. Thank you.

 Bishop's Appeal 2019 ~ We are nearing the end of the Appeal which started last Spring. For those of you who made pledges please do what you can to honor that commitment. Final payments need to be at the Diocesan office by March 15 to count for the 2019 Appeal Thanks to all of you who are helping us meet our responsibility to the Diocese.