Opportunities to Volunteer

• Altar Server

  Assisting at the altar is open to all ages after First Communion and helps youngsters get a closer look at what is going on. If you missed out on this experience in grade or high school or you want to continue the experience now that you are in college (or beyond), volunteer.

• Faith Formation:

  There are numerous opportunities for volunteers to support our new GIFT Program. Click the link to learn more!

• Eucharistic Minister:

  In addition to helping distribute the hosts or consecrated wine to the Assembly, you can learn about the history and theology of the Eucharist and deepen your own faith and reverence.

• Lector:

  Learn to proclaim the Scriptures at Mass. Additional Scripture Study can deepen your understanding of the Word of God.

• Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA):

  You can assist people who are coming into the Church or completing their sacraments by becoming a sponsor and sharing your own experience as a Catholic. If you are already a fully initiated Catholic and want to update your understanding of the Faith, this would also be a good place for you.

• Music Ministry:

  There is an ongoing need in this community for singers and instrumentalists of all kinds, including musicians familiar with flute, guitar, trumpet, piano and organ. Rehearsals for about an hour and a half are usually held on Thursday evenings at 7:30 and include instruction in music reading, voice production as well as information on the music sung and why it is sung. Members who are unable to make an occasional rehearsal have an opportunity to catch up during a warm-up period before each Mass. Social gatherings are held by the group throughout the year, as well as special preparations for the main feast days.

For information about any volunteer opportunities, contact the Chaplains Office (link at left).

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued its first report assessing compliance by dioceses nationwide with “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” This report is based on a thorough review by independent auditors of the work of U.S. dioceses since June 2002 to establish effective procedures to receive, investigate and act upon complaints of clergy sexual abuse of minors; to prevent future abuse through background checks and the creation of safe environment programs, and to promote healing by providing comfort and assistance to victims, among other goals.

Independent auditors found the Albany Diocese in complete compliance with all provisions of the Charter. The USCCB’s full report an recommendations can be read at www.usccb.org. The report on the Albany Diocese audit and full information about our Diocese’s programs to address clergy sexual abuse of minors is available at www.rcda.org or by calling the Diocese’s toll-free information line at 1-800-931-6058.

The Albany Diocese has a zero tolerance policy for clergy sexual abuse of minors. We encourage all victims of clergy sexual abuse to come forward for help. To report an incident of abuse, please contact the Albany Diocese Victims/Survivors Assistance Coordinator, Theresa F. Rodrigues at (518) 453-6646, or write to her at victim.assistance@rcda.org.