Weekly Updates from St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar, NY
Sent every Friday morning with info for the weekend and the following week.
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Sent every Friday morning with info for the weekend and the following week.
Thanks for subscribing!
Weekend of November 7-8, 2026
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Friday, November 6
- 10:30am: Reflecting on the Sunday Scriptures, Conference Room
- 12:15pm: Mass
- 1:00pm: Adoration, Confession
- 10:00am-4:00pm: Craft Fair, School Gym
- 12:00pm: Prayer Vigil for Peace, Peace Pole
- November Cemetery Prayer Services:
- 12:00pm: Onesquethaw Cemetery, 1923 Tarrytown Rd, Feura Bush
- 1:00pm: Woodlawn Cemetery, 1820 Helderberg Trail, Berne
- 2:00pm: Knox Cemetery, 2075 NY-156, Altamont
- 4:00pm: Confessions
- 5:00pm: Mass
- 7:30am: Mass
- 9:00am: OCIA Session, Cafeteria
- 10:00am: Children's Rosary, Chapel
- 10:30am: Mass
- 10:30am: Children's Liturgy of the Word, Chapel
- 11:30am: Hospitality
- November Cemetery Prayer Service:
- 1:00pm: Bethlehem Cemetery, 286 Kenwood Ave, Delmar
- 5:00pm: Mass
- 6:00pm: Agape Latte, Gathering Hall
- 6:00pm: Baptism Prep, Office Table
St. Thomas Parish,
Maybe you’re like me with your calendar and you have things scheduled down to the very last minute! The life of a priest is one that needs a good calendar and one that needs to be ready for anything the Holy Spirit throws our way. Just this past Monday, right before the All Souls’ Day Mass (which was incredibly beautiful, by the way…many thanks to those who attended and assisted), I received a phone call from the chaplain at Albany Med requesting the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Fr. Lucius and I went right after Mass to anoint this gentleman and pray with his family. Things like that can never be planned ahead of time, so we need to be willing to be flexible sometimes! While I would always like to plan farther out and know the details, obviously that is simply not possible for every scenario.
As we near the end of the liturgical year on the Solemnity of Christ the King on November 22, we hear Jesus speak about some “ending” topics, including those for which we cannot plan, even though we might want to. The Gospel this weekend ends with the phrase, “Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” What does he mean? Jesus teaches us that while we can plan for many things in life, we cannot know or control everything, including the moment when our earthly life will come to an end. In the parable, the wise virgins are not praised because they knew when the bridegroom would arrive, but because they were prepared to welcome him whenever he came. The same is true for us. Jesus is asking us to live each day with faith, hope, and love, always ready to encounter him. Although we cannot prepare by marking a date and time on the calendar, we can certainly live the days and hours we have been given by loving God and loving neighbor.
But this “unknown” should never scare us. How beautiful and reassuring are the words of St. Paul in our second reading, which speak about the hope we have because of Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead. St. Paul writes that we do not grieve like those who have no hope. Of course, we still grieve! We experience sadness, loss, uncertainty, and even fear when we face death, whether our own or that of someone we love. But our faith tells us that death never has the final word. Because Jesus died and rose again, we believe that those who have died in Christ will also rise with him. Our hope is not simply that suffering will end, but that eternal life awaits us in the presence of God. As St. Paul beautifully concludes, “Thus we shall always be with the Lord.” What greater reassurance could we ask for?
Recently, New York State has passed legislation known as the “Medical Aid in Dying Act” that seeks to give some individuals the legal ability to choose when and how to end their lives. Several of you have approached me with questions and concerns about this, and I’ve seen informational sessions advertised around the community. This legislation raises serious moral and ethical concerns and stands in opposition to the Catholic Church’s teaching on the dignity and sacredness of every human life, from conception until natural death. As Catholics, we believe that life is a gift from God, one that we are called to cherish and protect, especially when someone is vulnerable, suffering, or approaching the end of life. This does not mean that we must prolong life at all costs or that we should ignore suffering. The Church strongly supports compassionate care, appropriate pain management, hospice, and the accompaniment of those who are dying. There is an important moral difference between allowing natural death to occur and deliberately causing death. Our response to suffering should always be one of compassion, presence, and care, never abandonment.
In an effort to help inform our parish community about this important issue, especially since it raises questions that touch so many of our families, I’d like to offer two informational sessions. November, when the Church traditionally remembers and prays for the faithful departed, is a particularly appropriate time to reflect on our understanding of life, death, suffering, and the hope of eternal life. The sessions will be on Tuesday, November 17, at 1:00pm (just following the 12:15pm Mass) and again at 7:00pm. Both sessions will take place in the Chapel and will feature the same presentation, simply offered at different times for your convenience. We will look at what the legislation proposes, what the Catholic Church teaches, and how we can approach these difficult questions with both truth and compassion. There will also be time for questions and discussion.
Ultimately, our faith reminds us that while we cannot control every moment of our lives, we can entrust every moment to God. May we always be people who are prepared, who care for one another, and who live with the hope that one day we will hear the invitation of the Bridegroom to enter the eternal wedding feast of heaven.
Maybe you’re like me with your calendar and you have things scheduled down to the very last minute! The life of a priest is one that needs a good calendar and one that needs to be ready for anything the Holy Spirit throws our way. Just this past Monday, right before the All Souls’ Day Mass (which was incredibly beautiful, by the way…many thanks to those who attended and assisted), I received a phone call from the chaplain at Albany Med requesting the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Fr. Lucius and I went right after Mass to anoint this gentleman and pray with his family. Things like that can never be planned ahead of time, so we need to be willing to be flexible sometimes! While I would always like to plan farther out and know the details, obviously that is simply not possible for every scenario.
As we near the end of the liturgical year on the Solemnity of Christ the King on November 22, we hear Jesus speak about some “ending” topics, including those for which we cannot plan, even though we might want to. The Gospel this weekend ends with the phrase, “Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” What does he mean? Jesus teaches us that while we can plan for many things in life, we cannot know or control everything, including the moment when our earthly life will come to an end. In the parable, the wise virgins are not praised because they knew when the bridegroom would arrive, but because they were prepared to welcome him whenever he came. The same is true for us. Jesus is asking us to live each day with faith, hope, and love, always ready to encounter him. Although we cannot prepare by marking a date and time on the calendar, we can certainly live the days and hours we have been given by loving God and loving neighbor.
But this “unknown” should never scare us. How beautiful and reassuring are the words of St. Paul in our second reading, which speak about the hope we have because of Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead. St. Paul writes that we do not grieve like those who have no hope. Of course, we still grieve! We experience sadness, loss, uncertainty, and even fear when we face death, whether our own or that of someone we love. But our faith tells us that death never has the final word. Because Jesus died and rose again, we believe that those who have died in Christ will also rise with him. Our hope is not simply that suffering will end, but that eternal life awaits us in the presence of God. As St. Paul beautifully concludes, “Thus we shall always be with the Lord.” What greater reassurance could we ask for?
Recently, New York State has passed legislation known as the “Medical Aid in Dying Act” that seeks to give some individuals the legal ability to choose when and how to end their lives. Several of you have approached me with questions and concerns about this, and I’ve seen informational sessions advertised around the community. This legislation raises serious moral and ethical concerns and stands in opposition to the Catholic Church’s teaching on the dignity and sacredness of every human life, from conception until natural death. As Catholics, we believe that life is a gift from God, one that we are called to cherish and protect, especially when someone is vulnerable, suffering, or approaching the end of life. This does not mean that we must prolong life at all costs or that we should ignore suffering. The Church strongly supports compassionate care, appropriate pain management, hospice, and the accompaniment of those who are dying. There is an important moral difference between allowing natural death to occur and deliberately causing death. Our response to suffering should always be one of compassion, presence, and care, never abandonment.
In an effort to help inform our parish community about this important issue, especially since it raises questions that touch so many of our families, I’d like to offer two informational sessions. November, when the Church traditionally remembers and prays for the faithful departed, is a particularly appropriate time to reflect on our understanding of life, death, suffering, and the hope of eternal life. The sessions will be on Tuesday, November 17, at 1:00pm (just following the 12:15pm Mass) and again at 7:00pm. Both sessions will take place in the Chapel and will feature the same presentation, simply offered at different times for your convenience. We will look at what the legislation proposes, what the Catholic Church teaches, and how we can approach these difficult questions with both truth and compassion. There will also be time for questions and discussion.
Ultimately, our faith reminds us that while we cannot control every moment of our lives, we can entrust every moment to God. May we always be people who are prepared, who care for one another, and who live with the hope that one day we will hear the invitation of the Bridegroom to enter the eternal wedding feast of heaven.
Peace to you,
Fr. Matt
Next Week:
Monday, November 9
- 7:30am: Mass
- 8:00am: Rosary
Tuesday, November 10
- 11:30am: Confession
- 12:15pm: Mass
- 3:00pm: Tuesday Drive, Gathering Hall
Wednesday, November 11
Veteran's Day, Offices are closed- 11:00am: Rosary, Mary Chapel
- 7:00pm: Choir Rehearsal, Church
- 7:00pm: 518 Frassati, Conference Room
- 7:30am: Mass
- 8:00am: Rosary
- 6:00-7:30pm: Open House, Grades PreK-8
Friday, November 13
- 10:30am: Reflecting on the Sunday Scriptures, Conference Room
- 12:15pm: Mass
- 1:00pm: Adoration, Confession
Saturday, November 14
- November Cemetery Prayer Services:
- 12:00pm: Highpoint Cemetery, corner of Rt. 156 & Old Stage Rd, Altamont
- 1:00pm: Fairview Cemetery, 6400 Hawes Rd, Altamont
- 4:00pm: Confessions
- 5:00pm: Mass
Sunday, November 15
- 7:30am: Mass
- 9:00am: OCIA Session, Cafeteria
- 10:00am: Children's Rosary, Chapel
- 10:30am: Mass
- 10:30am: Children's Liturgy of the Word, Chapel
- 11:30am: Hospitality
- November Cemetery Prayer Service:
- 1:00pm: Calvary Cemetery, 481 US-9W, Glenmont
- 5:00pm: Mass
Lord God, Almighty Father,
creator of mankind and author of peace,
as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess,
we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces.
Give them courage, hope and strength.
May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate healing.
Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light.
To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever. Amen.
Offices are closed on Wednesday, November 11
Annual St. Cecilia
Sacred Music Showcase
Friday, November 20, 7pm
Seeking Musicians to play sacred or classical music
Contact John if you're interested in performing:
jvasto@stthomas-church.org
Mark your calendars to attend!
Send a note of THANKS & APPRECIATION!
Drop off Cards this Month in our Appreciation Box!
Staff will deliver cards in December!
Please pray for and give thanks for the Priests and Deacons who have served us here at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.
Rev. Tom Hayes, Rev. David Berberian, Rev. Geoffrey Burke, Rev. Mark Cunningham, Rev. James Ebert, Rev. Michael Flannery, Rev. Kenneth Gregory, Cpl. David Hammond, Rev. Richard Leskovar, Rev. John O'Grady, Rev. John Provost, Rev. James Walsh, Rev. Matt Wetsel, Rev. Rick Lesser, Rev. Dan McHale, Rev. Daniel Vallejo, Rev. Charles Onyeneke, Rev. Matt Duclos, Rev. Lucius Amarillas, Deacon Al Manzella, and Deacon Albert Schrempf
Please pray for the deceased priests and deacons who have served at St. Thomas.
Please pray for Vocations to: The Priesthood, Deaconate & Religious Life.
Staff will deliver cards in December!
Please pray for and give thanks for the Priests and Deacons who have served us here at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.
Rev. Tom Hayes, Rev. David Berberian, Rev. Geoffrey Burke, Rev. Mark Cunningham, Rev. James Ebert, Rev. Michael Flannery, Rev. Kenneth Gregory, Cpl. David Hammond, Rev. Richard Leskovar, Rev. John O'Grady, Rev. John Provost, Rev. James Walsh, Rev. Matt Wetsel, Rev. Rick Lesser, Rev. Dan McHale, Rev. Daniel Vallejo, Rev. Charles Onyeneke, Rev. Matt Duclos, Rev. Lucius Amarillas, Deacon Al Manzella, and Deacon Albert Schrempf
Please pray for the deceased priests and deacons who have served at St. Thomas.
Please pray for Vocations to: The Priesthood, Deaconate & Religious Life.
November Tuesday Drives
This Tuesday, Nov. 10, 3pm-4pm is for Veterans Miracle Network. They are most in need of : Ground & Instant Coffee, Decaf & Regular, powder creamer, gram cracker pie crust, fruit filling in cans; cherry, pumpkin, apple, stuffing mix box, canned cranberry sauce, sardines, small laundry detergents, bag instant potatoes, shaving cream, disposable razors and Lipton soup in cups. Thank you for supporting our Veterans!
Saturday, November 7
10:00am-4:00pm
School Gym
$50 off the registration fee for students who attend this Open House and enroll!
The Traveling Chalice Program
Praying for Vocations in your Home Week by Week
The setup of the Traveling Chalice from the first week!
Beautiful!
Welcoming all young men in high school, more info here:
https://albanypriest.org/vocation-event/nov10dinner/
https://albanypriest.org/vocation-event/nov10dinner/
Thanksgiving Mass
Wednesday, November 25, 6:30pm
Special Collection taken for our Charitable Giving Fund
Special Collection taken for our Charitable Giving Fund
No Mass, Adoration, or Confessions on Thursday, November 26
or Friday, November 27
It's Better to use Flocknote for Giving!
Take a look at the St. Thomas giving page to get started:
- Use a credit card for giving
- Connect direct deposit through your bank account
- Set up a recurring giving donation weekly, monthly, or annually
https://stthomasdelmar.flocknote.com/give
Thank you!
Your generosity funds our ministries, programs,
and keeps our church looking beautiful!
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
35 Adams Place
Delmar, NY 12054
(518) 439-4951
https://linktr.ee/St.ThomastheApostleChurchNY
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School
42 Adams Place
Delmar, NY 12054
(518) 439-5573
Enrolling for next year:
https://linktr.ee/St.ThomastheApostleSchoolNY
