St. Columba Parish

Dear St. Columba Family:
     We remember this Sunday the twenty first anniversary of the attack on our country. We still grieve those we lost and pray for a peace that seems all too elusive. In the face of such tragedy and sadness turning to the Lord is the best approach to bring us healing and consolation. Below is the prayer that was recited by Pope Francis when he visited Ground Zero on September 25, 2015 Fr. Chris
     O God of love, compassion, and healing, look on us, people of many different faiths and religious traditions, who gather today on this hallowed ground, the scene of unspeakable violence and pain. We ask you in your goodness to give eternal light and peace to all who died here: the heroic first-responders: our fire fighters, police officers, emergency service workers and Port Authority personnel, along with all the innocent men and women who were victims of this tragedy simply because their work or service brought them here on September 11. We ask you, in your compassion, to bring healing to those who, because of their presence here fourteen years ago, continue to suffer from injuries and illness. Heal, too, the pain of stillgrieving families and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy. Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope. We are mindful as well of those who suffered death, injury, and loss on the same day at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Our hearts are one with theirs as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering. God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world: peace in the hearts of all men and women and peace among the nations of the earth. Turn to your way of love those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred, and who justify killing in the name of religion.  God of understanding, overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy, we seek your light and guidance as we confront such terrible events. Grant that those whose lives were spared may live so that the lives lost here may not have been lost in vain. Comfort and console us, strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all.
       Pope Francis (Ground Zero) 2015
 
      
*  PLEASE NOTE:.If there is an EMERGENCY and you need a priest, please call: 
                845-772-0717
*  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, effective as of May1st, 2022:   
     

• 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.