St. Columba Parish

Dear Saint Columba Family:
     Every year on June 24th the Church throughout the world celebrates the solemnity of the nativity of St. John the Baptist (his birthday). On the liturgical calendar there are only three birthdays we focus on, John the Baptist, Mary and Jesus. John 's birth is of course extraordinary since his parents Zechariah and Elizabeth are advanced in years beyond the time of bearing children. So John's birth is remarkable. This is set in contrast to the birth of Jesus, which is truly miraculous. Zechariah does not believe the words of the archangel Gabriel about the birth of John and so is struck mute until his birth. It is noteworthy that he only regains his ability to speak when his son, who will be the voice of one crying in the wilderness, is born. We honor John the Baptist because he is one who prepared the way of the Lord, he is the one who called people to repentance and he is the one who inaugurates the mission of Jesus at His baptism. St. John the Baptist, pray for us.
Fr. Chris


   *  PLEASE NOTE:.If there is an EMERGENCY and you need a priest, please call: 
                845-535-3084 
*  For those of you who are unable to come to church, the Sunday Mass is live streamed on the YouTube channel. In order to receive updates and notifications, please subscribe to our channel located on St. Columba’s web-site. 
     
*  Our guidelines for attendance at           the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass:   
     

• Everyone is invited to enter the church and to attend all services. 

• Those of you  who prefer to wear a mask even if you have been vacinated is strictly up to you. However, they are not required.

• Continue to refrain from physical contact except for communion.

• Collections of your weekly offerings will continue to, as previously done, taken up by the ushers.  

• Finally, your Pastor, or priest offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will walk down the isle after Mass to greet you as you exit the church.