Annual Collection for the Church in Central & Eastern Europe

Next week we will take up the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. This Collection supports Catholic organizations that provide affordable shelter and train seminarians in a region still struggling in the aftermath of atheistic Soviet rule. By providing pastoral care, catechesis, and aid, your donations help restore the strength of the Church in the region. Please give generously to the Collection next week.

2013 Cardinal's Annual Appeal

Many thanks to our parishioners who have helped us more than reach our goal. For those who have not had a chance to contribute please consider this important cause.

Summary to Date
Goal: $13, 500      Pledge: $18,620     Paid: $11,560     # of Gifts: 57     Gift: $326.67

RCIA Classes

If anyone is interested in becoming Catholic, or receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation or Penance, please contact Elizabeth Foley at 917 743-5432.  Also, if there is anyone who has already been baptized and needs the Eucharist, Confirmation or Penance, please call as well, Classes begin soon. For more information, click here.

12 Step Meetings

Our parish hosts two important “12 Step Groups”. Alcoholics Anonymous meets in the rectory on Monday, nights at 7:00 pm. On Tuesday evenings, we are now happy to host Food Addicts. Both of these groups have done much to help people turn around their lives. Please consider attending or recommending the meetings to loved ones.

From Pope Francis

GENERAL AUDIENCE

Saint Peter's Square

- Wednesday, 24 April 2013 -

 Speaker:

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

In our continuing catechesis on the Creed, we now consider the article which deals with Christ's second coming: "He will come again in glory, to judge the living and the dead". Just as human history began with the creation of man and woman in the image of God, so it will end with Christ's return and the final judgment. The parables of Jesus help us to understand our responsibility before God and one another in this present age. The parable of the wise and foolish virgins reminds us that we must be spiritually prepared to meet the Lord when he comes. The parable of the talents emphasizes our responsibility to use wisely God's gifts, making them bear abundant fruit. Here I would ask the many young people present to be generous with their God-given talents for the good of others, the Church and our world. Finally, the parable of the final judgement reminds us that, in the end, we will be judged on our love for others and especially for those in need. Through these parables, our Lord teaches us to await his coming with fear but confident trust, ever watchful for the signs of his presence and faithful in prayer and works of charity, so that when he comes he will find us his good and faithful servants.

Greetings:

The Holy Father:

Saluto cordialmente i pellegrini vietnamiti dell'Arcidiocesi di Ho Chi Minh Ville, sotto la guida del Cardinale Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Man. Saluto inoltre i Fratelli Maristi che seguono un corso di rinnovamento spirituale. Porgo anche un cordiale benvenuto al gruppo del Cambridge Muslim College in Inghilterra. Su tutti i pellegrini di lingua inglese presenti all'odierna Udienza, specialmente quelli provenienti da Inghilterra, Irlanda, Norvegia, Australia, Sud Corea e Stati Uniti, invoco la gioia e la pace del Signore Risorto.

Speaker:

I am pleased to greet the Vietnamese pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Hochiminh City, led by Cardinal Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Man. I also greet the group of Marist Brothers taking part in a programe of spiritual reunion. My cordial welcome also goes to the visitors from Cambridge Muslim College in England. Upon all the English-speaking visitors present at today's Audience, including those from England, Ireland, Norway, Australia, South Korea and the United States, I invoke the joy and peace of the Risen Lord.

© Copyright 2013 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Greetings from Pope Francis to the Parishioners of St. Columba

Father Tomás Del Valle recently participated in a series of meetings in Rome accompanying members of the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL). During the visit, Father  Tomás had the opportunity to greet the Holy Father Pope Francis at which time Father Tomás requested a blessing and prayer for the parishioners of St. Columba, as well as for the Hispanic prisoners in the New York area and their families. The Holy Father gladly promised his prayers and sends our community a blessing of faith ad love.

Click here to view the photos taken on this occasion.

12 Step Meetings

Our parish hosts two important “12 Step Groups”. Alcoholics Anonymous meets in the rectory on Monday, nights at 7:00 pm. On Tuesday evenings, we are now happy to host Food Addicts. Both of these groups have done much to help people turn around their lives. Please consider attending or recommending the meetings to loved ones.

RCIA Classes

If anyone is interested in becoming Catholic, or receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation or Penance, please contact Elizabeth Foley at 917 743-5432.  Also, if there is anyone who has already been baptized and needs the Eucharist, Confirmation or Penance, please call as well, Classes begin soon. For more information, click here.

Annual Golden Wedding Mass Celebration

Couples celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary anytime during the 2013 are invited to attend the Annual Golden Wedding Jubilee Mass with Cardinal Dolan at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, Sunday, June 23rd at 2:00 pm. Pre-registration is required. Please contact your parish for registration. The closing date to register for the Mass is Tuesday, June 4, 2013. This event is sponsored by the Family Life/Respect Office of the Archdiocese of New York.

2013 Cardinal's Annual Appeal

Many thanks to our parishioners who have helped us more than reach our goal. For those who have not had a chance to contribute please consider this important cause.

Summary to Date
Goal: $13, 500      Pledge: $17,220     Paid: $10, 790   # of Gifts: 53      Gift: $324.91

Hudson River Park Seeks Volunteer Gardeners

CHELSEA — The Hudson River Park is looking for some volunteers to do its dirty work.

The cash-strapped park hopes to find an army of unpaid gardeners willing to flex their green thumbs in gardens along the West Side.

With the new Neighborhood Gardener program, the park aims to train locals to take care of a small segment of the 5-mile, 550-acre park, near where they live or work.  Read more

Community Board 4 Appointment

Recently I was informed that I had been appointed as a member of Community Board 4 by Borough President, Scott Stringer. The Board consists of 50 people representing the Chelsea and Hells Kitchen communities (the West Side of Manhattan—from 14th Street to 59th Street) I am honored to accept this position and realize my appointment is based largely on the reputation of St. Columba’s as an important force for good in our neighborhood.

Fr. Keith Fennessy

Read article published on DNAinfo.com New York.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

Remember your loved ones with a Perpetual Candle-Lite. They are located at the:

• Blessed Mother Shrine
• Sacred Heart Shrine
• Holy Crucifix
• St. Theresa 

The candle will be lit April 2013-April 2014 and the name of your loved one will be placed onto the individual candle. Anyone interested, please click here to download the order form. Requests will be accepted throughout April 21st.

Annual Golden Wedding Mass Celebration

Couples celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary anytime during the 2013 are invited to attend the Annual Golden Wedding Jubilee Mass with Cardinal Dolan at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, Sunday, June 23rd at 2:00 pm. Pre-registration is required. Please contact your parish for registration. The closing date to register for the Mass is Tuesday, June 4, 2013. This event is sponsored by the Family Life/Respect Office of the Archdiocese of New York.

2013 Cardinal's Annual Appeal

Many thanks to our parishioners who have helped us more than reach our goal. For those who have not had a chance to contribute please consider this important cause.

Summary to Date
Goal: $13, 500      Pledge: $16,870     Paid: $10, 480   # of Gifts: 51      Gift: $330.78

AARP Tax Aide - Friday, April 12, 2013, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Friday, April 12, 2013, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Muhlenberg Library
209 West 23rd Street
Between 7th & 8th avenues, closer to 7th avenue
FREE

The AARP will provide free tax help for taxpayers with low to moderate-income with special attention to those age 60 and older. 30 Clients will be seen per day on a first come first serve basis. For further information please call AARP at 1-888-227-7669.

New York Public Library presents Thursday Film Matinee - "Les Misérables"

Thursday, April 11, 2013, 2 p.m.
Muhlenberg Library
209 West 23rd Street
Between 7th & 8th avenues, closer to 7th avenue
FREE

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Ex-prisoner Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever. The world’s longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper’s sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo’s epic tale.

Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway. Universal Pictures; Directed by Tom Hooper. 2012, 158 mins.

Assisted listening is provided for those with hearing loss through the use of a room loop, which works with hearing aids that have a tele-coil. Open captioning upon request.

Great Places for Seniors

The recently opened SENIOR PLANET EXPLORATION CENTER (127 W. 25th St., btw. 6th & 7th Aves.) is designed to give seniors over 60 the necessary skills to become proficient with today’s technology. 

Scheduled workshops, seminars and group sessions can be attended by walk-ins. Spaces are limited for free tech classes, so register ahead of time. The center also has free Wi-Fi, 23 computers and a video game station. 

Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-4pm. To register for classes or get event info, visit www.seniorplanet.org or call 646-590-0615.

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THE PENN SOUTH PROGRAM FOR SENIORS (280 9th Ave., btw. 26th & 27th Sts.) provides recreation, education, cultural and social services — and welcomes volunteers. 

The program offers a variety of classes and events. Neighborly Nights are Wednesdays at 5:30pm and Thursday Specials are Thursdays at 2:30pm. For info, call 212-243-3670 or visit www.pennsouthlive.org.

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Click here to read about many more services for seniors.

First Holy Communion Congratulations!

This Sunday, April 7, 2013, at St. Columba's 9:00 am Mass, several of our parish children are celebrating the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. 

Congratulations to our parish children and their families! 

• Diana Ruby Araujo
• George Michael Ayales
• Joseph Alexander Carbone
• Evan Matthew Martin
• Zion Evan Henriques
• Ariana Peguero
• Karina Marie Martinez-Toombs
• Joseph Mathew Torres
• Ariell Ainesey Vazquez

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

Remember your loved ones with a Perpetual Candle-Lite. They are located at the:

• Blessed Mother Shrine
• Sacred Heart Shrine
• Holy Crucifix
• St. Theresa 

The candle will be lit April 2013-April 2014 and the name of your loved one will be placed onto the individual candle. Anyone interested, please click here to download the order form.

Annual Golden Wedding Mass Celebration

Couples celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary anytime during the 2013 are invited to attend the Annual Golden Wedding Jubilee Mass with Cardinal Dolan at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, Sunday, June 23rd at 2:00 pm. Pre-registration is required. Please contact your parish for registration. The closing date to register for the Mass is Tuesday, June 4, 2013. This event is sponsored by the Family Life/Respect Office of the Archdiocese of New York.

2013 Cardinal’s Appeal Pledge Update

To date our parish has received $13,785 in pledges/gifts toward the 2013 Cardinal’s Appeal, from 41 families. For this Appeal to be truly successful, we must have the support of all of our families. The Appeal is a vital source of funding for the programs and ministries that sustain the parishes across our Archdiocese. It is not too late to make your gift. Please be as generous as you can. Thank you for your kind support.

First Holy Communion

St. Columba will celebrate the Sacrament of First Holy Communion for the children of the parish on Sunday, April 7, 2013,at the 9:00 am Mass.

"Year of Faith" travel with Father Tomás Del Valle

Father Tomas Del Valle-Reyes invites you to travel with Discovering the 21st Century during this “Year of Faith” to explore China, Portugal and Italy. Father Tomas and his staff has over 25 years of experience and roots in the community. Click on the links below to view the trip details and feel free to contact us if you should have any questions. E-mail us or give us a call at (212) 244-4778.

• August 7-19, 2013 The Best of China: Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Suzhou and Shanghai
• October 9-21, 2013 China, Land of Confucius:  Beijing, Jinan, Qufu, Suzhou and Shanghai
• November 22-30, 2013 Portugal & Italy: Lisbon, Fatima, Rome and Assisi