www.cathedralic.com

CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION in the city and Diocese of Albany

Established 1848 • Corner of Eagle Street and Madison Avenue (at the Empire State Plaza), Albany, NY

Mission Statement We, the worshipping community of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, rooted in the Gospel and the

celebration of the Eucharist, seek to make known God’s love in the world through serving one another, sharing our faith and welcoming all.

Schedule of Liturgical Celebrations The Holy Eucharist (Mass) Sunday Masses: (Anticipated Mass) 5:15 p.m. on Saturday 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday Weekdays: Monday-Wednesday-Friday 12:15 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday 7:15 a.m.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) Monday-Wednesday-Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturday: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. and by appointment

Please pass the bulletin on to a neighbor or friend.

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony

Religious Education To register, and for information, call:

Parish Food Pantry 93 Park Avenue; Basement, Entrance at north side of building Food and personal care items collected on the last Sunday of the month. Food distributed Monday-Friday l0:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

Pastoral Visits

Contact the rectory office to schedule a tour.

Tours of the Cathedral available by appointment

Personal amplifying units for the hearing impaired are available in the sacristy.

Handicapped-Accessible

The Most Reverend Edward B. Scharfenberger, D.D. Bishop of Albany The Very Reverend David R. LeFort, S.T.L., V.G., Rector The Reverend John Tallman, Parochial Vicar

In residence The Most Reverend Howard J. Hubbard, D.D. Bishop Emeritus

Religious Education and Faith Formation Dr. Thomas Fowler

Cathedral Social Services Department Sister Margaret Mary Hohl, D.C.

Director of Music and Organist Dr. Brian F. Gurley

Coordinator of Development / Public Relations / Events Mr. Thomas M. Prindle

Administrative Assistant Mrs. Lucy McHenry

Parish Bookkeeper Mrs. Kathy Zorian

Facilities Manager Mr. Kurt Schlachter

Sacristans Mr. Brian Cosgrave Mr. Martin Powell

Trustees Mrs. Debra Bleezarde Mr. Claude Rounds

Parish Council Chair Mrs. Gerry Johnson

Rectory and Cathedral Offices 125 Eagle Street Albany, New York 12202-1718 Phone: 518-463-4447 Email: CICAlban@rcda.org Fax: 518-514-1441 Web address: www.cathedralic.com Follow us on facebook ! https:://www.facebook.com

Religious Education Office Email: tfowler1@verizon.net

Church Music Office Phone: 518-463-4447 ext. 5 Email: brian.gurley@rcda.org

Social Services/Food Pantry Office Sister Margaret Mary Hohl, D.C. 93 Park Avenue, basement office Phone: 518-463-2279 Email: socser@nycap.rr.com

Cathedral Convent 93 Park AvenueAlbany, New York 12202 Phone: 518-436-7697

Development / Public Relations / Events Office Mr. Thomas Prindle Phone: 518-453-6657 Email: thomas.prindle@rcda.org

OF THE IMMACULATE

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Reflection continued...

It’s the same ideal world where all homilies last seven minutes exactly, where gourmet meals are on the table within thirty minutes, and every problem of the day is re-solved in less than sixty seconds. Job’s world wasn’t like that and he was getting discouraged. The people who came knocking at Peter’s door looking for Jesus wanted an in-stant cure for their ailments. Jesus was the one who knew that these things take time, yet he also sensed the urgent needs of these seekers, and responded in charity.

In order to refocus, recollect, and revitalize himself, Jesus went off in the midst of commotion to a quiet place to pray. Throughout the New Testament, we see Jesus take time away to revitalize himself in thought and energy through prayer and contemplation. We learn a great deal from the words of Jesus found in Scripture, but he also demonstrates life’s healthy habits through his actions. Taking time to pray and place ourselves in God’s presence is one of the many important actions we witness and follow through Je-sus’ good example. Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Hurting from an abortion? Experience the healing love of Jesus Christ on a Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreat, May 4-6, 2018 at the Dominican Retreat & Conference Center in Niskayuna. The weekend will combine discussions, spiritual exercise, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a Memorial Service and a Mass of Entrustment. Participation is strictly confidential and offers a beautiful opportunity to experience God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion. The cost is $195. Some financial assistance is available. For more in-formation or to register contact: Pat Mousaw, 518-222-1160, Kathy Kelly, 802-282-2028 or Denise Free-man, 607-353-0039 or email: rachelsvineyardalba-ny@yahoo.com

Retreat Opportunity-A “Retreat with Saint Hildegard

of Bingen” will be held Friday, March 23 beginning at

6PM through Sunday, March 25 at 2PM at Pumpkin

Hollow Retreat Center in Craryville, NY. For more in-

formation and/or registration, call 518-929-6666 or visit

www.melindargardner.com

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Comment The first reading from the magnificent Book of Job is so-bering indeed. Job, a good and upright man, has lost every-thing. We find him today sitting on the dung heap enduring the windy speeches of three so-called friends. They cannot make head or tail of Job’s plight. They cannot crack the mystery of the good man’s suffering. In this reading, Job gives his unpolished view of the human condition. Job has no view of life after death. Life is hard, and he knows it.

Though this reading carries the plaintive cry of the long-suffering and faithful Job, we know that after he endures endless lectures (thirty-six chapters worth!), God speaks to him and he is vindicated. The responsorial psalm that fol-lows the reading of the Book of Job echoes this vindication while acknowledging acute pain: “Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.” Job speaks for all who suffer long and patiently, who struggle to understand their life and God’s life. The brokenhearted can sing praise.

Paul, the minister of the good news of the Resurrection, voices an unshakable trust and hope. He is the servant of good news. His passion is as active as Job’s is passive. Paul moves like fire and takes on its color and heat. He is poor with the poor; weak with the weak. He is all things to all people for the sake of the gospel that brings life and is literally good news.

We turn to that Gospel still carrying the tone and feel of these previous readings. We can imagine an assembly of the hopeful poor hearing Jesus’ words in the synagogue at Capernaum on the Sabbath. We can see Jesus taking the short Sabbath walk to the home of Simon Peter, whose mother-in-law is in the grip of a fever so great that she is not able to render the simple hospitality permitted on the Jewish Sabbath. Crowds assemble at the door gawking and waiting—but not, probably, with the patience of Job! Jesus helps her up. Peter’s mother-in-law is so fully returned to health that she is able to be hospitable! She welcomes and serves the one who restored her. And when the Sabbath sun sinks in the west, the crowds come and come and come. They want immediate physical healing. And Jesus does heal. He does forgive. He longs to lead those who gather around deeper and deeper into the mystery of the Kingdom of God that is now among them. Those who be-lieve are raised to life, to physical health, to the renewal of the human spirit.

Reflection- In the ideal world, commentaries and reflec-tions for weekend readings would come immediately. A writer wouldn’t have to spend much time researching, thinking, and praying. One would be done with the writing in good time and get on to the next project.

Ash Wednesday-Wednesday, February 14th is

Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the Lenten Season. Masses, with the distribution of blessed ash-es, will be celebrated at the 7:15AM, 12:15PM, and 5:15 PM, the latter of which Bishop Scharfenberger will celebrate with us.

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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WE PRAY TO THE LORD…For Our Sick: Jeffrey Abraham, Peter Brosnan, Robert Buell, Loretta Carney, Shirley Anderson, Lucy Apisa, Stephen Beattie, Grace Isabelle Caruso, Carmella Cervera, Mary Faith Colvin, Theresa Cooney, Sr., Gertrude Cosenke, RSCJ, Marc Daniels, John Dare, Jr., Denise Degasparis, Michael Dolan, Ann Doherty, JoAnn DeLucia, Susan Dzurica, Diane Fontanelli, Angelo Frattianni, Peter Fulgan, Janette Fusco, Michael Gilman, Bernice Girma, Karen Goral, Carol Greenshields, Jean Gutbrodt, Bryan Hanley, Sophie Hanley, Jacqueline Heisler, Kenneth Hockeson; Douglas Hoffeler, Dorothy Jordan, Reny Jose, Bill Keane, Amy Keegan, Mary Lauria, Donald Law, Gayle Leonard, Rebecca Leno, Diane Lo Prete, John McGrath, Sr., Maria Mercurio, CSJ, Stephanie Merenda, Diane Mueller, James Murphy, Mary Murphy, Joseph Oathout, Shane O’Donnell, Josephine Pitcherale, Marcia Pedone, Catherine Rappazzo, Mark Roman, Matthew Rosato, Anna Ruggeri, Megan Ruthman, Joe Shea, Elaine Spoor, Jane Strodel, Adam Ventura, Sebastian Vicencio, Richard Warner, Raphael Warner 2

For Our Soldiers:

Anthony S. Royal, Richard Powell, Jessica Cameron, Nicole Dunford, Tara Kinchen

Stewardship of Treasure The collection for January 21st was $3,139.00.The Restoration collection was $1,210.00 . Attendance was 481. The collection for January 28th was $3,295.53. The attendance was 441. Thank you for all you have given to the Cathedral.

Social Services/Food Pantry News The Cathedral Social Services/Food Pantry has been open since 1970. With the construction of the Empire Plaza, many families were forced to relocate. The Cathedral opened the Food Pantry in response to the needs of the community. The Food Pantry has been relocated several times and at present is in the basement of the parish con-vent, behind the Governor’s Mansion. The Food Pantry is OPEN 5 days a week. This past year we fed 343 households (523 adults, 273 children and 72 seniors.) We call those who come to the Food Pantry “guests” because we make every effort to treat each person with dignity and respect.

We are always in need of: hearty soups, healthy snacks, men’s warm socks, gloves and hats for all ages. Thank you for your continued support of the Food Pantry. Sister Margaret Mary

2017 Tax Statements-As we end another calendar year, so too another tax year. For those who have shared financial gifts with our parish, “thank you”. If you wish to receive a statement of your contributions to the Cathe-dral made during 2017, please contact the office by phone.518.463.4447 or email CICAlban@rcca.org. Capital Repertory Theater Performance Currently play-ing at the Capital Repertory Theater by a member of the wider All Saints Cathedral family—Steven Peterson—is the critically acclaimed “Paris Time” which is about an interfaith couple on assignment in Paris who experience anti-Semitism in the workplace. Steven is an Episcopalian, a member of St. James Cathedral in Chicago and worships with the Cathedral of All Saints when he is in Albany. A group from the All Saints will be attending the last perfor-mance at 2 pm on February 18. Afterward, the author will meet with us to discuss the play. Friends of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception are also invited. Tickets are $50 at our discounted rate but we need a final count by this Wednesday at noon. Please call the Cathedral of All Saints Office for more information: 518-465-1342

K of C “All You Can Eat” Breakfast Sunday, February 18, 2018

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM *PLEASE NOTE NEW EXTENDED HOURS*

All you can eat for only $9.00, children 5-10 $4.00 under 5 free.

Latham Colonie Knights of Columbus 328 Troy Schenectady Rd.

Latham, NY 12110 518-783-0572 or www.lathamcoloniekofc.com

Altar Servers-If you enjoy our liturgical celebrations, one of the ministries you no doubt find quite impressive is the ministry of altar server. The talented women and men, boys and girls, are a vital part of our liturgical life. On February 4th, following the 11:00 a. m. liturgy, Fr. LeFort and Judy Raphael will be updating current servers on the duties of their role. Additionally, if anyone is interested in joining the ranks of altar server, please do not hesitate to contact the rectory. We’ll enjoy some training and well-deserved pizza. And if you are unsure whether you would make a good server, not to worry, we love the fact that you wish to assist. And of course, Fr. LeFort’s motto for our liturgical ministers is always comforting: “This is the Cathedral: we don’t make mis-takes here...we simply make adjustments!”

Career Opportunity-The Knights of Columbus is seeking a candidate for a career opportunity representing their In-surance Program. We offer a complete benefits package with this full-time position. The Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic Men’s Fraternal Organization in the world. In order to qualify, candidate need not be a current member, but must be eligible for future membership in the Knights of Columbus. For more information, please con-tact Bill Schneider, General Agent, at 914-420-6836 or email: william.schneider@kofc.org

4A

February 4, 2018

Cathedral Liturgical Celebrations, meetings and Mass Intentions for the week of February 3—11, 2018

Saturday, February 3 5:15 P.M. Vigil Mass, 2nd Collection, Utilities Intention Andrew Wagner Requested by Maura and Richard Moneymaker Intention Julia Smith Requested by Karen Sullivan

Sunday, February 4, 2nd Collection, Utilities 9:00 a.m. Mass 10:00 a.m. Faith Formation 11:00 a.m. Mass, Training Choir Intention Gary Becker Requested by Cathedral Choir 12:00 P.M. Altar Server Training 3:00 P.M. Monday Musical Club Concert

5:00 P.M. Mass . Monday, February 5 12:15 P.M. Mass Intention Mary Lucas Requested by Trombley Family

Tuesday, February 6 7:15 P.M. Mass

Wednesday, February 7 12:15 P.M. Mass Intention Michael Robert Murphy Requested by The Murphy Family 3:45 P.M. Training Choir

Thursday, February 8 7:15 a.m. Mass 5:00 P.M. Children’s Choir 7:00 P.M. Choir

Friday, February 9, 2nd Collection, Restoration 12:15 P.M. Mass

Saturday, February 10, 2nd Collection Restoration 5:15 P.M. Vigil Mass

Sunday, February 11, 2nd Collection, Restoration 9:00 a.m. Mass Intention Elinor Cummings Requested by Janet Nardolillo 11:00 a.m.Mass, Bishop Scharfenberger, Presider 5:00 P.M. Mass

St. Gregory’s Open House-Saint Gregory’s School in Loudonville will hold an Open House on Thursday, Feb-ruary 8th from 8AM to 10AM. SGS offers instruction from Nursery through Grade 8 in a creative and chal-lenging academic program. Call 518-785-6621 to regis-ter, or go to their website which is: www.saintgregorysschool.org

4B

February 4, 2018

LENTEN GUIDELINES FOR FAST AND ABSTINENCE

The Season of Lent The season of Lent focusses on two closely related matters: the pre-baptismal and the penitential. The pre-baptismal character is evident when the parish accompanies catechumens and elect through the Period of Purification and Enlightenment as they prepare to enter the Catholic Church and re-ceive Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist. Lent’s penitential character is seen when the baptized reflect upon their faithfulness to the Gospel, seek God’s mercy and forgiveness for their failings and the Holy Spirit’s guidance in following Jesus’ way more closely. All the Lenten practices of the Catholic Church, such as prayer, fasting and acts of charity are directed to support these ends. It is summed up well in the prayer that is said as the ashes are given: “Repent, and Believe in the Gospel.”

Lenten Fast & Abstinence Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting (limiting the consumption of food) and abstinence (refraining from eating meat). As a sign of our penance, there is also the custom of not eating meat on the Fridays of Lent. Therefore, all Catholics, 14 years of age and older are obliged to re-frain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Fri-day and the other Fridays of Lent. All Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59 are obliged to fast. Fasting refers to the quantity of food eaten. Tradition-ally, fasting allows for eating only one full meal per day. Two additional, smaller meals may be eaten and there is no eating in between meals. By following these traditions, it is not intended that they be inter-preted simply as laws; but as customs from which we will not hold ourselves lightly excused. They are ways of expressing our desire to be converted in our hearts, to be reconciled with each other, and to love our neigh-bor. It is helpful to remember that the ability to decide how much or little one will eat is in itself a gift.

Lenten Stations of the Cross -There will be two op-portunities to pray the Stations of the Cross each week in community: on Wednesdays at the Cathedral of All Saints beginning with soup & bread supper at 6PM, a simple reflection, Stations and benediction; and on Fridays at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception beginning at 5:15PM. Additionally, individual faithful are also encouraged to pray the Stations of the Cross whenever you are able throughout the Season of Lent. Gather with us as we make this intimate journey with Our Lord.