Read Fr. Tony Greens's reflection on the violence during the week of July 4, 2016,  See Pastoral Message to read his letter.            

Brother Victor Ayala, FCR, a member of the Franciscan Community of Reconciliation and a parishioner of Holy Innocents parish is seen here visiting Assisi, Italy. Brother Victor is attending the Centro Pro Unione (Pro Union Center).  Centro Pro Unione is  an ecumenical and interreligious research and action center based in Rome, Italy, which is a ministry of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. Brother Victor is taking a course, “Ecumenical and Interreligious Movements” that offers a historical and theological overview of the issues that divide Christians as well as the bonds that unite them. The program also explores relations with other religious traditions. Prior to attending the course Brother read materials dealing with the founder of the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America, Saint Carlos Duarte Costa. One of the highlights of his journey, was attending a mass celebrated by Pope Francis. Prior to his trip he also met with Bishop Francisco Betancourt, FCR, the Minister General of the FCR, to discuss other religions and with Father Dante Tarantini, FCR to brush up on his Italian, both are co-pastors of Holy Innocents. This is the first time a member of the FCR has visited Assisi.

 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