St. Columba Parish

                                                                    
                                                              

1.
Dear friends,
     It is hard to believe that we have already celebrated the holy season of Advent as well as the joyous celebration of the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ, on Christmas day.  As we enter this New Year of 2021 it would be a perfect time for us to reflect upon our lives.  Our God has sent His only begotten son to mankind so that we may begin to appreciate His love and sacrifice for us and to guide us in the ways to recognize that love and to share it with family and friends. 
     Given the year in which we have just completed, a time for reflection would indeed be helpful.  Throughout 2020 we were all fraught with distress, fear, concern and economic uncertainty.  In this New Year, we must all continue with the faith that He has given us and believe that the rapidly developed vaccine now being dispensed will restore health to all and enable us to return to a degree of normalcy.  As the corona virus presented numerous obstacles to our daily lives in 2020, I was so proud of all the parishioners of St. Columba.  You clearly demonstrated your faith, concern and assistance to others in extremely difficult times.  I will pray for each of you in this New Year that He will continue to provide you with His love and guide you in your faith and love of one another.
     I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my most sincere thanks and prayers for your generous Christmas donations to St. Columba as well as your on-going weekly support which enables our little church to sustain itself.
As always, be assured of my continuous prayers for you and your families.  May God, in His divine mercy and love, bless all of you with a wonderful Healthy and Happy New Year filled with His graces.

In Christ,
Fr. John


2.
PLEASE NOTE:
1. If there is an EMERGENCY and you need a priest, please call: 
                845-772-0717
2. 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. 

3.
     As with last year, the parish office continues to be open Monday to Friday from 9AM-3PM.  In addition, for those of you wishing to schedule baptisms, weddings and funerals please call the office to make arrangements.  Memorial Masses can also be scheduled at this time.

4.
Our guidelines for attendance at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass continue:

• All are invited to enter the church at the main entrance only.
• Sit in designated areas only.  Blue – 1 person (center isle) Green - < 3 persons (side isles.)
• Wear a Mask and maintain Social Distance at all times.
• Refrain from physical contact except for communion.
• Maximum capacity is 66 people for the main church.  However, additional socially distanced seating is available in BVH with live viewing of the Mass on a large screen TV with the Blessed Eucharist being brought down to you by a Eucharistic Minister.
• Music continues with our Sunday liturgy, but without congregational singing.

PLEASE NOTE:  A basket will be present at the back of the church for parishioners wishing to make their weekly offering as they exit the church.
Once again, your continued support is greatly appreciated.