Category Archives: News

Join OLA in Fight Against Cancer

News

💜 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.

❤️ Why It Matters

Personalized luminaria from previous events

The money raised goes toward programs that help real people in our community, including:

  • Free rides to treatment appointments
  • Free lodging near hospitals
  • 24/7 live helpline for patients and families
  • Groundbreaking cancer research

Together, communities have already helped provide:

  • $3.43 billion in research since 1991
  • 360,000+ support calls in 2023
  • 769,000+ rides to treatment last year

Let’s do even more, together.

📞 Questions? Contact Rosemary Gavin at 518-785-1605
🌐 Learn more at Relay For Life of the Hudson River Communities

Diocesan Appeal

News

Dear Parishioners,

Since my arrival at our parish, I have been deeply moved by your overwhelming generosity. Your active cooperation with God’s work here is truly inspiring, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your dedication. The success we experience as a community is a testament to what God has accomplished through each of you. Your unwavering support and commitment to the mission of the Church have made a profound impact, and for this, I am incredibly thankful.

On a parish level, we are doing well financially, thanks to your continued contributions. However, we are facing some challenges at the diocesan level. Many of you are familiar with the Diocesan Appeal, previously known as the Bishop’s Appeal. This campaign plays a crucial role in ensuring that the diocese can continue its mission and provide essential services to support our entire Church family.

The mission of our diocese includes the following key areas:

  • Caring for Family: Ensuring that all 126 parishes can focus on their spiritual ministries, with nearly 30 specialty departments offering support to each parish.
  • Future Shepherds: Almost one-third of the Diocesan Appeal revenue goes toward the education and formation of seminarians—our future deacons and priests.
  • Transformative Learning: Providing professional administrative services to smaller school staffs, along with financial assistance for the four diocesan high schools.
  • Impact on Vulnerable Neighbors: Supporting essential programs such as Catholic Charities, including the Emergency Assistance Programs, which serve those in need in our community.

Each year, the Diocesan Appeal sets a goal for every parish to contribute according to their means. From July 1st to June 30th of the year 2023-2024, our parish was required to contribute $152,589. Unfortunately, we fell short of our goal and had to draw $44,316.17 from our operating account to fulfill our commitment. This year, our required contribution is $143,540, and as of now, we still need $91,974 to meet this goal.

I understand that these numbers may seem daunting, but I have faith that, with God’s help and your generous hearts, we can make up this difference and fulfill our obligation. Many of you have already contributed, and the parish is deeply grateful for your generosity. However, if you have not done so, we humbly ask that you prayerfully consider contributing to help us reach our diocesan goal. Your support not only helps our parish but also sustains the vital work of the Church throughout the entire diocese.

You may notice white envelopes available in the pews, or you might have received an envelope from the diocese. I encourage you to consider how you can contribute to this important cause. Once you have made your contribution, you may place the envelope in the basket or mail it directly to the address provided. Your contributions have always made a significant difference, and together, we can continue to make a profound impact on the mission of Christ.

Thank you very much for your continued support. Your generosity is a true witness to your faith. May God bless you abundantly for your kindness and your willingness to support the work of the Church.

“Store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” — Matthew 6:20-21

In Christ’s love and peace,

Fr. Joseph Tuan Pham