Pastoral Council

An advisory group of 12-15 parishioners who are nominated by the parishioners to assist the pastor in the governance of the parish community. Council members are chosen to serve after participation in a discernment process. Two high school students sit on the council as representatives for Youth Ministry.

Parish Council Members:
Please call the Parish Office at 518-785-0234 for contact information of members.

Mission Statement

Our mission, as the community of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, is to embrace the prophetic challenges of the Gospel in peace and justice and to promote the Christian moral values of our faith. We seek to do this in service to the needs of each parishioner, and in response to the needs of the greater Church.

Pastoral Committees

The parish constitution lists six standing committees for the council: Administration & Finance, Life-Long Faith Formation, Youth Ministry, Christian Service & Human Concerns, Prayer & Worship, Building, Grounds and Technology.

Administration & Finance

Parish Trustees: Edna Mae Reilly and Mary Ann Singleton

This committee oversees the preparation of the parish budget, the annual Bishop’s Appeal and general administration of parish needs.

Christian Service and Human Concerns

As Christians our mission is to embrace the challenges of the Gospel of peace and justice. We seek to do this in service to the needs of each parishioner, and in response to the needs of the greater church.

Food Pantry – canned and dry food contributions are accepted weekly to assist
the needs of local food pantries.
Regional Food Bank – parish volunteers, adult and youth, assist regularly at this
facility.
Annual Coat Drive, Thanksgiving Turkey & Food Drive – are held in
November.
Angel Tree Gifts – are collected during the Advent Season and distributed to
local charity agencies.
Rice Bowl Collection – sponsored by Catholic Charities is held during Lent.
Friendship Luncheon – hosted by Youth Ministry for the senior members of
the parish in February.
Christmas & Easter Gifts – donated by the children of the parish for local
nursing homes.
St. Vincent de Paul Society – assist with various charitable needs that come to
the parish.

Prayer & Worship

Greeters and Ushers
Altar Servers
Lectors
Eucharistic Ministers
Music Ministry – Adult, Contemporary and Funeral Choirs
Art & Environment
Prayer Group

Building & Grounds

Members assist with the maintenance and planning of the physical needs of the parish buildings and landscaping.

Discernment Process

The Parish Pastoral Council participates in a process of prayerful discernment to determine new members. Vacancies on the council are announced to the parish community at large and any member of the parish may be nominated to serve. The discernment process usually takes place during the spring. New members are seated at the May meeting. Council members serve terms of 3 years.