Father Gregory Boyle's The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness.
Father Gregory Boyle, a Jesuit priest, founded Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation and reentry program in the world, about thirty years ago. While the stories center on his gang ministries, his stories challenge our ideas about God, ourselves and other people, providing a window into a world filled with fellowship, compassion and fewer barriers. The Whole Language invites us to treat others and ourselves with acceptance and tenderness.
Our six-session Zoom Program will be on Wednesday evenings at 7PM – October 26th, November 2nd, 9th and 16th and 30th and December 7th. Please read the introduction and Chapter 1 before the first session. The book may be purchased at a discount at the Book House in Stuyvesant Plaza. For information or to get the Zoom link please contact Dave Rowell at [email protected] or 518-729-4550.
Individual Programs:
Talk on Racial Justice –Sunday, September 25th at 12:30PM, Church Sanctuary.
Dr. Alice P. Green, founder of the Center for Law and Justice, has been a leading voice for criminal justice reform and racial equity in Albany for more than 35 years. She will discuss her memoir, "We Who Believe in Freedom: Activism and the Struggle for Social Justice,". Copies of her book are available at the Book House in Stuyvesant Plaza and the Albany Public Library. A limited number of copies are also available by contacting Angela Warner at [email protected] or 518-489-5408 or for more information.
Guided Mindfulness Walk – Sunday October 16th; 2-4 pm.
Reconnect with God through creation on this family-friendly mindful forest walk (about 1 mile) at Five Rivers Environmental Center in Delmar. Suzy Conroy will guide us on a slow saunter incorporating elements of forest bathing, meditation, mindful breathing and prayer. Together, we will find a quiet spot to sit with God’s creation, inviting present moment awareness, wonder at God’s creation and gain inspiration from the living earth. Recommended for ages 8 and up. For more information or to register please email visit www.TerraTrekNY.com or text/call Suzy at 518-813-8018.
Sister Parish Webinar – Sunday, October 30th, 9:45AM, Parish Hall.
Sister Joji Fenix of our Sister Parish in Darien, Panama will be presenting a virtual webinar titled “Caring for Creation” on Sunday, October 30th at 9:45AM on the Upper Level of the parish hall. Caring for the tropical rainforest such as in Panama is integral to our Christian faith. The rainforest’s health is critical to our well-being both locally and globally. She will also speak about recent initiatives to improve the quality of local water supplies.
The Essential Teachings of Saint Paul --Sunday, November 13th, 9:45AM, Parish Hall.
Saint Paul’s letters and his journeys as documented in the Acts of the Apostles provide a foundation for many of our beliefs as Christians. Phyllis Cardona, a parishioner and retired religious education director, will speak and facilitate a conversation about Paul's essential teachings and their implications for our faith.
Presentation about Pilgrimage – Sunday, December 11th, 9:45AM, Parish Hall.
Elizabeth Simcoe will reflect upon what is involved in preparing for and experiencing a pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is an intentional journey, often to a shrine or other sacred space. It is also a journey within, possibly producing a deeper self-understanding or sense of purpose. This program will offer an introductory look at this spiritual practice embraced by many religious traditions. Pilgrims, past and future are invited to bring and share their stories.