Christian Service
Christ Child Society: The Albany branch of this organization provides layettes (infant-care items) for needy newborns, comfort bags for women and children in shelters and holiday gifts/meals for area needy families with children. All are welcome. Meetings and fundraisers held regularly. Contact: Anna Hartz 518 810-7918 or garnet.computer@gmail.com.
Family Promise Ministry of St. Madeleine Sophie & St. Gabriel’s: Assist with activities for our host site to local homeless families admitted to the Family Promise Program. Volunteers are always needed during host weeks for meal preparation, interacting with the families, staying overnight, and much, much more. Contact: Anna Hartz 518 810-7918 or garnet.computer@gmail.com.
Food Pantries: Members maintain the parish food pantry and provide food and emergency assistance to local families in need. They also provide food baskets/gift cards at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Meetings are held as needed. Contact: Call the Parish Offices.
Homebound Parishioner Visitation: If you would like to make a difference by providing communion and a caring, supportive presence to parishioners who are unable to attend Mass due to illness or disability, become a minister for the parish. Training and support are provided. Contact: Call the Parish Offices.
Men’s Association: Join the Men’s Association for their monthly meeting and engage in an open and forthright discussion about life, our Catholic faith, and communal prayer. Men of all ages welcome. Contact: Barry Krawchuk 518 867-5475 or thebarryk@gmail.com.
Salvation Army Soup Kitchen: Join fellow parishioners in serving lunch at the Salvation Army in Schenectady. Opportunities are available every 4-6 weeks and meals serve about 150 people. Contact: Gloria Towle-Hilt 518 435-5915 or gloria@towle-hilt.com (St. Madeleine Sophie Church) or St. Gabriel’s Parish Office. (Ministry currently on ‘Pause’ due to the Pandemic).
St. Johns/St. Ann’s Welcome Table: Consider serving lunch at the Albany Outreach Center. Adults and young people from our parishes serve from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays (see the sign-ups on the Upcoming Events page). Contact: Gloria Towle-Hilt 518 435-5915 or gloria@towle-hilt.com.
Twinning Group: Prepares the meals that will be served at St. John’s/St. Ann’s Welcome Table. Members meet one day every month at the St. Madeleine Sophie Parish Center. Contact: Joan Santilli 518 355-0820 or santijoa@hotmail.com.
Women’s Club: Do you enjoy fellowship, friendship, and food? Join the Women’s Club at their monthly meetings in the St. Gabriel gym for these things and much more. Women of all ages welcome. Contact: Joanne Russell 518 229-4988.
Works of Mercy: This initiative enhances and coordinates existing Pastoral Care and Christian Service programs and partners with agencies within the county to connect those in need with others to experience Christ’s healing touch. Kristen Black 518 347-0871 worksofmercyschdy@live.com.