On June 25, 2016, Reverend Monica Kennedy, a former parishioner and deacon at St. Charles of Brazil parish in Maryland, was ordained a priest. Diocesan Bishop Ron Stephens officiated. Parishioners, family, friends and clergy joined with Reverend Monica to celebrate her call to service. Click below to see a slide show of the ordination and celebration.

On the morning of Thursday, July 21, Albany County, New York’s Executive Dan McCoy announced the formation of an interfaith coalition “to help deepen understanding of diversity in race, culture and religion in the region as well as its relationship with community policy and police enforcement.” Our own Fr. Green from CACINA’s St John of God Mission has been appointed a member (second from left).

Recently, many tragedies have occurred across our nation,” said McCoy, standing in First Lutheran Church in Albany, backed by the leaders from a variety of faiths who have agreed to serve on the coalition. Mentioning a recent incident when someone set fire to a pride flag hanging in front of the Damien Center, a haven for individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV and AIDS, he said, “Our community reacted and we came together and it was great to see everyone come together and stand in solidarity with everyone. But, we shouldn’t have to react to situations like that; we’re a better community than that.”

The coalition’s first task will be a community forum, planned for Monday, August 15, moderated by Rex Smith, editor at the Times Union, and will feature community leaders discussing the recent violent events and the tension they have caused within their community.  To read the full article click here Spotlight News

On June 15, 2016, Bishop Ron Stephens sent a pastoral message regarding the devastating shootings in Orlando.  See Pastoral Message to read his letter.            

On June 19, 2016, parishioners of the Holy Innocents parish in Halcottsville, NY rememberd the victoms of the devastating shootings in Orlando.