All posts by kpegarella

VBS 2025- Thank You!

August 14, 2025Newskpegarella

Thank You for Supporting Vacation Bible School!

Our spirit-filled Vacation Bible School has come and gone, yet the joy, love, and faith sown during that sacred week continues to bloom in our hearts. We are overflowing with gratitude to everyone who made this cherished experience possible.

To Our Parish Family

Your generous donations, prayers, and joyful support rooted this ministry in love. Because of you, our campers enjoyed a week filled with laughter, learning, and God’s love. Year after year, your unwavering kindness lifts us higher and reminds us what it means to be “One Family in Faith.”

To Our Incredible Volunteers & Teens

Your time, energy, creativity, and love brought this program to life. From imaginative decorations to meaningful activities, every detail carried your fingerprints of care. The behind-the-scenes dedication—late nights, early mornings, and quiet sacrifices—did not go unnoticed. You truly made a lasting impact on our children’s faith journey.

To Our Families

Thank you for the blessing of allowing us to share in your children’s spiritual growth. Special thanks to the Liberty’s, Garbaini’s, Uncle Rich D’Ambrosio, the Hunter’s, the Chiappone’s, the McCormick’s, and so many other wonderful families not mentioned here by name—you formed the foundation on which this week stood.

To Our Youth Ministry

A heartfelt thank you to our Youth Ministry, especially Mrs. Rosemary Gavin. Your passion, leadership, and heart are the soul of this journey. The seeds of joy, hope, and faith you have planted will continue to flourish for years to come.

About True North

This year’s VBS was powered by True North, a dynamic Catholic Vacation Bible School program designed to help children discover that Jesus is the ultimate guide for their lives. Through engaging Bible stories, uplifting music, creative crafts, and meaningful activities, True North points children toward Christ — their “true north” — teaching them that He is always with them, leading them in the right direction.

Because of each and every one of you, VBS was more than a program—it became a sanctuary where children encountered the love of Jesus in unforgettable ways. We are so grateful for your part in this beautiful ministry.

With hearts full of gratitude,
Bethany Liberty & the VBS Team

Feast of Our Parish

August 9, 2025Newskpegarella

Feast of Our Parish – A Celebration of Faith, Family, and Eternal Communion

Each year, our parish family gathers with reverent joy to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—our beloved patroness and spiritual mother. Observed on August 15, this sacred solemnity is more than tradition: it is a profound encounter with mystery, grace, and the hope that animates our Catholic faith.

Mass Schedule – Join Us in Prayer

9:00 a.m. Mass (Livestreamed for those unable to attend in person)
5:30 p.m. Mass

We encourage all parishioners, near and far, to unite in prayer as we honor Our Lady. Whether in person or online, your presence is a blessing to our community.

Our Vietnamese Tradition – A Feast for the Soul and the Senses

In the Vietnamese tradition, feast days are not only moments of prayer—they are joyful reunions overflowing with warmth and celebration. Friends and relatives from nearby parishes, and even distant regions, come together in faith and fellowship.

The atmosphere is electric—people wear their finest clothes, children laugh and play, and families unite in joy. Together, we offer prayers to St. Joseph, our patron saint, seeking his protection and intercession. (Fun fact: in our home village, most of the men are named Joseph—call out “Joseph” and nearly everyone will respond!)

The Mystery We Celebrate

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin affirms the truth that, at the completion of her earthly journey, Mary was taken—body and soul—into the fullness of divine glory. Far from being an escape from the world, this mystery points to the transfiguration of life through divine love, and it prefigures the destiny of every soul who longs for God with an undivided heart.

Under her patronage, our parish stands like a vineyard under the gentle sun. She intercedes, consoles, and guides us, listening to the whispers of our hearts.

Feast Day Dinner – All Are Welcome!

After the 5:30 p.m. Mass, we invite you to join us for a traditional potluck community picnic on the parish grounds. Bring your favorite dish to share, enjoy live music, play games, and spend time in fellowship with your parish family.

As we celebrate this great feast, may our hearts be filled with the joy of the Magnificat, our eyes lifted toward heaven, and our lives renewed in faith.

Happy Feast Day to the beloved community of Our Lady of the Assumption!

Fr. Joseph Tuan Pham

Message from Bishop Scharfenberger

July 15, 2025Newskpegarella

WAYS TO HELP TEXAS FLOOD VICTIMS

“The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
— Matthew 20:28

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In the wake of deadly and devastating flash floods in Texas, many in our Diocese have asked how we can help. At least 120 lives have been lost, and more than 100 individuals remain missing. The road to recovery will be long and difficult.

Catholic Charities USA has established a relief fund to aid those impacted. You can donate directly at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org. They have confirmed that 100% of donations go directly to helping survivors.

If you prefer to contribute by check, please send your donation to:

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany
40 North Main Ave.
Albany, NY 12203
(Please write “Texas” in the memo line.)

Your generosity is deeply appreciated. Please continue to pray for the families affected by this tragedy. As we reflect on our call to be Remade for Mission, let us open our hearts to the needs not only within our community, but across the nation and the world.

May the world meet Christ in each of us.

Yours in Christ,

Bishop Edward Scharfenberger

You Are Another Christ: A Reflection from Father Butler

June 21, 2025Newskpegarella

On June 18, our liturgical ministers gathered for an evening of prayer and formation. Father Patrick Butler, pastor of St. Edward’s in Clifton Park, offered a powerful reflection on the meaning of ministry and the transforming grace of the Eucharist.

Father Patrick Butler delivered a rich and deeply theological reflection focused on the sacred nature of liturgical ministry and the Eucharist. Drawing from his personal journey and the prayers of the Mass, he called all present to recognize not only their responsibility as ministers, but their divine identity and calling in Christ.

Core Themes:

1. Ministry Is a Reflection of Christ
Fr. Butler began by thanking liturgical ministers—lectors, Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, ushers, and parish volunteers—for being the hands, voices, and hearts of Christ. He reminded them that ministry is not merely duty, but participation in Christ’s mission to love and serve.

“Let us remember that our ministry is not just a responsibility, it is a sacred privilege. We are called to be another Christ.”

2. The Forgotten Prayer: Sharing in Christ’s Divinity
He reflected on the quiet prayer said when a drop of water is added to wine:

“May we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”

Many people have never noticed this prayer, but Fr. Butler emphasized it as a core truth: we are called to share in the divine life of Christ.

3. The Structure of the Mass Reveals God’s Grace First
Reflecting on the old Latin Mass and the Saint Joseph Daily Missal, Fr. Butler explained how the Church’s liturgy begins not with sin, but with God’s goodness and joy.

“The Mass doesn’t start with us—it starts with God.”

Only after proclaiming God’s mercy and love do we acknowledge our own sinfulness.

4. The Offertory: Offering Ourselves in Union with Christ
He invited the assembly to rethink the offertory not as symbolic ritual but as a real self-offering:

We offer ourselves to God
In union with Christ’s sacrifice
For the salvation of the world

“If we’re not changed when we’re here to be sent back out there, then we’re missing something.”

5. Bread and Wine Represent the Community
Bread and wine are chosen because:

They are made from many parts (grains of wheat, grapes)—just like the Church
They symbolize sacrifice and transformation (wheat is crushed, grapes are pressed)

“They no longer bring bread and wine to Mass, but they bring the equivalent—our lives, our sacrifice.”

6. The Consecration: We Die and Rise with Christ
Fr. Butler drew on writings from a leading Catholic theologian to describe the consecration not just as a change in bread and wine, but a transformative moment for us:

“In the offertory, we present ourselves. In the consecration, we die with Him. Through communion, we rise with Him.”

He emphasized that we must not attend Mass passively but enter fully into this mystery—offering our lives to be changed and sent.

7. The Mass Sends Us on Mission
The final challenge was clear:

“Go in peace to love and serve the Lord” isn’t a dismissal—it’s a commission.

We are sent out to be the presence of Christ in the world, having been nourished, challenged, and transformed.

Closing

Father Butler’s talk was both catechetical and pastoral—rooted in Eucharistic theology, rich in personal insight, and filled with inspiration. He called ministers to recognize their dignity, reflect deeply on their identity as “another Christ,” and allow the Mass to transform them into vessels of grace in the world.

“We offer ourselves in union with Christ—for the salvation of the world.”

2025 Senior Award Recipients

June 19, 2025Newskpegarella

🎓 Congratulations to Our 2025 Senior Award Recipients!

This past weekend it was our honor and privilege to present the Senior Awards. These young people who are graduating from high school embody what it is to be a fully committed disciple by giving of their time and talents in service to the mission of Jesus both in our parish and the greater community. They are a remarkable group of adults, and it has been a true blessing to watch them grow into who they have become.

These awards celebrate not just accomplishments, but the quiet dedication, creativity, and compassion that have enriched our parish in countless ways.

🌟 About the Awards

OLA Senior Recognition Award seeks to recognize youth who have made an outstanding contribution to the life and spirit of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish during his or her high school years.

OLA Senior Service Award seeks to recognize youth who have pursued a notable dedication of service to the parish and wider community during his or her high school years.

Alex Stopera Award is given by the Stopera Family in memory of their son & brother, Alex. The award is given in recognition of the on-going contributions, service, and commitment demonstrated by the Youth of OLA Parish. The Stopera Family states: “We see the difference that you make in parish life. Knowing that there are dedicated youth who cherish their faith, see the needs of others near and far, and give so freely of their time and talents gives our family great joy.”

Mr. Bill Award is given in cherished memory of Bill Edwards who ministered and served our OLA Parish community in so many ways: Lector, Parish Council, Catechist, Children’s Liturgy of the Word and, of course, games director for the annual Vacation Bible School (VBS). This award recognizes a particular member of our parish youth whom we feel best demonstrates the qualities of Bill Edwards—giving freely of time and energy, dependable and hopeful.

🌟 2025 Senior Award Honorees

🏅 Service Award

Regan Morrissey
Honored for her inspiring commitment to service, from her leadership in Vacation Bible School to her heartfelt belief that service is a reflection of who we are in Christ. Her presence has touched both our parish and the wider community.

“It is in helping others that I learn how to better myself, and through my faith, I have learned that serving others is not something we should do—it’s something we must do.”

Regan has been a dedicated presence at OLA, especially through her involvement in Vacation Bible School and youth ministry. Her joyful participation in service, combined with deep reflection on its importance, makes her an example to all. A letter of recommendation from the director of King’s Kids Youth Theater praises her ability to bring both reverence and joy to the Living Nativity program.

Regan will attend the University of South Carolina in the fall to study Exercise Science.

🏅 Recognition Award

Elizabeth Joy Rys
Recognized for her joyful and unwavering presence in the life of the parish—especially through music ministry. Her radiant spirit and love for our community have made her a true witness to the faith.

“Our Lady of the Assumption has been a constant presence in my life since I was very young. It’s more than just a place of worship—it’s a second home. Through the parish I have built relationships of all ages, and I’ve always felt accepted and supported for
who I am. This community has shaped me in countless ways and helped me grow into the person I am today.”

Inspired by her experience at the National Catholic Youth Conference, Elizabeth has shared her voice in our choir and constantly invited others to share in the joy of ministry. Her authenticity and confidence have grown over the years, and her letter of recommendation praises her as a “loving, giving person.”

Elizabeth plans to attend SUNY Oneonta to study Family and Consumer Sciences.

🏅 Alexander Stopera Award

Katarina Romeo-Mullin
A gifted singer and artist, Katarina has inspired us with her voice and creativity. Her humility, faith, and acts of kindness have left a lasting impact on the hearts of many.

“Each time I sing, I imagine a string straight from my heart to heaven connecting to God and all the angels. I sing to God in thankfulness for the gifts He gave me, entrusting me with the ability to share such a moving way to praise Him.”

Katarina has been a vibrant member of our Contemporary Choir, growing from a shy child to a confident and prayerful musician. She also offered her artistic gifts, painting a Beatles portrait for a woman in a nursing home who expressed joy each time she saw it. Her service is full of grace and heart.

Katarina will attend Nazareth University to study Musical Business and Vocal Performance.

🏅 Mr. Bill Award

Mackenzie Hunter
From youth leadership and catechesis to VBS and beyond, Mackenzie’s years of quiet service and joyful example reflect the very heart of what it means to serve in Christ’s name.

“From the first time I read the youth CORE Team mission statement, the closing line has always stuck with me, ‘…and the fun that a life of faith can bring’. I’ve made so many friendships, which makes serving the community even more enjoyable, and meeting them through the church helped me realize that faith really does build stronger bonds.”

As a longtime CORE Team member, lector, catechist, and more, Mackenzie has made an immeasurable impact through her steady presence and enthusiasm. Her recommendation calls her an excellent example for other teens and highlights her deep commitment to the Church’s mission.

Mackenzie will attend Siena College as part of the Honors Program and is expected to continue serving others through faith-centered leadership.

We give thanks for each of these young women and pray that God continues to bless them as they begin a new chapter of their journeys. May they always know they have a spiritual home at Our Lady of the Assumption.

As Fr. Rutherford shared during the celebration, “If these young people are the future of our Church, then we are in good hands.”

Rite of Installation and Commissioning

June 19, 2025Newskpegarella

✨ Rite of Installation and Commissioning – Solemnity of Corpus Christi ✨

“Behold what you are; become what you receive.” — St. Augustine

As we joyfully approach the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), all are warmly invited to join in a grace-filled celebration at all parish Masses this Sunday.

During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we will hold a Rite of Installation and Commissioning for all those who serve in the liturgical life of our parish:

Altar Servers
Sacristans
Liturgical Musicians
Ushers
Pastoral Ministers
Ministers of the Word
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

This sacred rite, taking place immediately after the Homily, will include a special blessing and formal commissioning for those newly called to these important ministries.

📍 Ministers scheduled for commissioning are kindly asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass and check in at the sacristy for liturgical preparations.

💛 A Message of Gratitude to Our Ministers

On this solemn feast of the Eucharist—the source and summit of our faith—we offer our heartfelt thanks to each of you who serve with reverence, dedication, and love.

“Through your hands, voices, and hearts, you build up the Body of Christ on earth.”

Whether you proclaim His Word, prepare the sacred vessels, offer hospitality, or distribute His Body and Blood, your ministry is a sacred calling—a living reflection of Christ’s love for His Church.

As Fr. Joseph Pham reminds us:

“True ministry is not self-expression but self-offering. Your ‘yes’ is Eucharistic: an act of love, a response to the divine call to serve.”

Let us come together in faith as we affirm our shared commitment to serve God’s people with reverence—especially in honor of the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our Christian life.

We look forward to this grace-filled celebration with our parish family.

🕊️ “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.”
(1 Corinthians 10:17)

Palanca Notes

June 2, 2025Newskpegarella

Help us Write Notes of Encouragement to Prison Inmates

In Jesus’s last parable in the Gospel of Matthew, “The righteous will ask, ‘Lord, when did we see you in prison and visit you?’ And the Lord will reply, ‘Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.’”

This scripture is the basis for the Residents Encounter Christ prison ministry, which conducts Catholic retreats and Bible study for inmates in several area prisons. However, the Washington County prison is short-staffed, so retreats and Bible study have not been allowed for a considerable time.

To partially fill the void, we ask for your help in writing encouraging notes to lift the spirits of the inmates. In the retreats, we call these notes “palanca” (Spanish for “lever”). Levers help lift heavy weights. Palanca lifts weights of sadness from inmates, bringing them closer to the Lord.

How to Write Palanca Notes

It doesn’t have to be typed; handwritten is fine.
Each inmate gets his own bag of palanca, so your note should read like you’re writing to an individual, not several men.
In your own words, simply say you’re hoping the inmate builds a strong relationship with God, which leads to a better life for himself and everyone he encounters.

Or describe a small sacrifice you’re making on his behalf, like:

Fasting
Praying the rosary or your own prayers
Giving things up
Doing things for others
Being patient when angry, frustrated, or disappointed
Extra Masses
Meditating

IMPORTANT: Only sign your first name! Notes with last names must be discarded.

BY JUNE 7TH, drop your note in the box marked PALANCA in the gathering space.

Thank you, and God bless you.

Join OLA in Fight Against Cancer

May 18, 2025Newskpegarella

💜 Join OLA Friends & Family in the Fight Against Cancer

Luminaria bags lit in remembrance and hope during Relay For Life

Everyone knows someone. A family member, friend, co-worker, or fellow student who has faced the challenge of cancer. Maybe you’ve faced it yourself. But you’re not alone.

At Our Lady of the Assumption Church, we walk together — for you and for every person affected by cancer. Our parish team, OLA Friends & Family, is participating in the Relay For Life of the Hudson River Communities to raise money for the American Cancer Society — supporting lifesaving research and programs that directly help people in our local area.

🗓 Event Details

Relay For Life
📍 Veterans Memorial Stadium, Green Island
📅 Saturday, May 31st
🕑 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

This event brings our community together to walk in solidarity, take turns on the track, and support those battling cancer. At dusk, the track will be beautifully lit with luminaria — glowing tribute bags in remembrance, support, or celebration of loved ones who have been touched by cancer.

🌟 How You Can Participate

✅ Join Our Team

Be part of our parish team and walk to support the fight against cancer.

We need more teammates! Is this your year to join?

💵 Make a Donation

Support OLA Friends & Family with a contribution. Every dollar makes a difference.
🔗 Donate Here

🕯 Purchase a Luminaria Bag – $10

Honor someone you know with a personalized luminaria.
🎨 Pick up a bag in the Gathering Space after Mass, decorate it at home, and return it with your donation by May 30th.