Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Power of One Hour

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Encountering Christ. Understanding the Mass.

This Easter season, join us for The Power of One Hour—a special three-evening series at Our Lady of the Assumption focused on helping us encounter Christ more deeply and grow in our understanding of the Mass.

Whether you attend every week or are simply looking to deepen your faith, these evenings are meant to be welcoming, meaningful, and practical. Each session stands on its own, so you are welcome to attend one, two, or all three.

About the Series

The Mass is the heart of our Catholic faith, yet many of us long to understand it more deeply and experience it more fully.

The Power of One Hour is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and discover more of what God is offering us through the beauty of the Mass. Over the course of three evenings, we will explore how Christ meets us there, how the Mass shapes our lives, and how entering into it more intentionally can deepen our relationship with Him.

Each evening will offer a chance to grow in faith, connect with others in the parish, and renew our appreciation for the gift of the Eucharist.

What to Expect

  • A welcoming and prayerful atmosphere
  • Practical insight into the meaning of the Mass
  • An opportunity to grow in understanding and faith
  • Time to reflect and connect with others in the parish

This series is open to adults of all ages. Whether you are very familiar with the Mass or have questions you have carried for years, you are welcome here.

Evening Schedule

Evening 1 – Wednesday, April 29

Preparing to Encounter God
Enter Mass with intention and openness to God’s presence

Evening 2 – Wednesday, May 6

Listening to God
Discover how Scripture speaks to your life

Evening 3 – Wednesday, May 13

The Gift of the Eucharist
Understand the Real Presence of Christ in the Mass

Who Should Come?

This series is for:

  • Parishioners who want to deepen their understanding of the Mass
  • Adults returning to the Church or seeking renewal
  • Parents looking to grow in faith for their families
  • Anyone who wants to encounter Christ more deeply

Register

We invite you to sign up so we can plan well and welcome everyone.

[Register for The Power of One Hour]

Closing Invitation

Come spend one hour with us.

One hour to pause.
One hour to reflect.
One hour to encounter Christ more deeply.

We hope you will join us for The Power of One Hour at Our Lady of the Assumption.

Event Info

📅 Dates:

  • WED April 29
  • WED May 6
  • WED May 13

🕘 Time: 6:30 AM – 7:45

📍 Location: Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Latham, NY

Register

We invite you to sign up so we can plan well and welcome everyone.

[Register for The Power of One Hour]

Invite a Friend

Faith grows best in community. Consider inviting a family member, friend, or fellow parishioner to join you for one or more evenings.

Getting to Know Our New Pastor Through His Words

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Reflections of a New Priest – Father Tom Fallati

As our parish welcomes Father Tom Fallati as Pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption, we invite parishioners to come to know him in a personal and meaningful way—through his own writing.

During his first years of priestly ministry, Father Tom has written a series of thoughtful articles in The Evangelist titled “Reflections of a New Priest.” These reflections offer a window into his faith, his vocation, and his deep reverence for the sacraments and the people he serves. They are honest, prayerful, and firmly rooted in the lived experience of parish life.

Below are several highlights that reflect the heart of his priesthood.

The Firsts of a New Priest

https://evangelist.org/news/2024/jul/10/the-firsts-of-a-new-priest

Experiencing “the amazement of what the ministry entails”

Reflecting on his ordination and first months as a priest, Father Tom writes with humility about being a “novice again,” learning the many firsts of priestly ministry. He speaks candidly about relying on God’s grace, embracing weakness, and discovering awe in the ways the Lord acts through the sacraments.

“Being a novice means being reminded that I am truly an ‘earthen vessel’… and yet I have experienced the amazement of what the ministry entails.”

‘Your sins are forgiven’

https://evangelist.org/news/2024/dec/11/your-sins-are-forgiven

The gift and mercy of the Sacrament of Reconciliation

In one of his most moving reflections, Father Tom shares the profound impact of hearing confessions—especially those of children preparing for First Reconciliation. He writes of the joy of witnessing burdens lifted and hearts restored through God’s mercy.

“The priest speaks in the first person, but it is Christ speaking through him.”

This reflection reveals his deep respect for the sacrament and his awareness that it is always Christ who ministers through the priest.

Eternity in Human Hands

https://evangelist.org/news/2024/aug/07/reflections-of-a-new-priest

The awe of celebrating the Eucharist

Writing about celebrating Mass as a priest for the first time, Father Tom reflects on the mystery of the Eucharist—where heaven and earth meet, and Christ becomes truly present through ordinary human hands.

“Through human hands, Christ acts and makes himself present in the most profound offering.”

His words convey both reverence and humility, reminding us of the sacred gift entrusted to the Church.

To Know and Love the Lord

https://evangelist.org/news/2024/oct/16/to-know-and-love-the-lord

Teaching, preaching, and forming young disciples

Drawing from his work with students—from grade school through college—Father Tom reflects on the joy of sharing the faith and walking with young people as they grow in understanding and friendship with Christ.

“As we grow in understanding, our faith grows stronger.”

This reflection highlights his commitment to formation, education, and accompaniment across all stages of life.

Hearing God’s Call

https://evangelist.org/news/2024/sep/10/hearing-gods-call

Vocation, doubt, and trust in God’s faithfulness

In a deeply personal reflection, Father Tom shares his mid-life journey of discernment—marked by doubts, encouragement from others, and gradual peace. He writes movingly about vocation as God’s gift, given not to the perfect, but to those willing to trust.

“Any gift from God is always a perfect gift.”

An Invitation to Read and Reflect

These writings reveal a pastor who listens, reflects, teaches, and serves with humility and joy. As Father Tom begins his ministry at Our Lady of the Assumption, we encourage parishioners to read his reflections and come to know the heart of the priest who will soon be shepherding our parish family.