I have wanted to share my faith journey for quite sometime but
was a
little shy and reluctant. So many others, it seems, have so much
more to
tell. Well, I prayed about it and finally a little voice said
trust your
heart and more important, the Holy Spirits guidance.
Our family became parish members in the early 80's after
enrolling our
four children at St. John's Academy. We are very proud to say
three out of
six graduated from St. John's and two from Seton High School. Our
family
has worshiped, helped with many parish ministries, were blessed to have
been a part of St.John's School, and shared in three of our chidrens
weddings. We thank God for sending us to St. John's many years
ago and
those pastors and parishioners who have touched our lives. God
blessed us
when he lead us to be part of this faimily. We pray other's will
join the
parish and come into a loving parish home. But, this is not
where I would
like my faith story to start.
On Easter Sunday 1966 I received my First Holy Communion and a week
later my
Confirmation at the Cathedral in Albany, N.Y. As an adult women,
this was
the start of a beautiful relationship with God and the faith I would
grow to
love and learn more about through-out my whole adult life.
This brings me to two of the most beautiful years of my Catholic faith
and I
believe, the most profound. After accepting a job at St. John's
Church and
becoming part of the staff family, little did I know God would place to
angels in my path to help teach and deepen my faith.
Our pastor at that time, who had arrived that same summer I did, took a
leap
of faith with a soul searching convert and a new employee, yours truly.
I witnessed through his faith, humbleness, patientance, prayerfulness,
his
trusting ways, and the many homeless who knocked on the parish doors
each
and everyday, how he treated all with dignaty, even dipping deep into
his
own pockets at times. Even the staff lunches where he found time
to be the
teacher on any part of faith history to sharing his faith journey. This
was
a gentle diciple of God working each day for his Lord. This man
showed me
what sheperding and committment to parish life truly meant.
That same summer and the next I found an angel often times setting with
me
sharing his faith, his deep love of God and how he couldn't wait to be
ordained He shared about his family and how they had been instramental
in
his childhood and and as an adult, in witnessing their strong
faith. One of
my fondest memories is the afternoon being invited to learn more about
the
Baptism Oils and their significance and history. Their were many
such days
and, as a convert, I cherished the time he took to teach and show me
through
his example how everyone's faith journey ingulfs a lifetime of
learning,
prayer, trust in God, and most of all love for each other. He has
become my
rock of prayer, my go to person when ever I need to talk to God.
He has
become the one of strength whenever I face difficulties, he has been the
example of a child of God reaching out to all. I am not alone in
all those
he touched. So, as a Catholic Christian women, a learner in
progress, and
part of the St. John's Parish family, I would like to say thank you and
God
Bless you, Adam Crow. Your smile is forever planted to our hearts.
DAVID L. CLARK
Why Do I Go to
Church? First, I am a convert. I grew up as a Methodist and
decided to become Roman Catholic. My wife, Mary, and I did not
attend Mass often when we were first married. However, when our
son, Matthew, was born I saw this perfect, beautiful child and knew
there had to be a loving God. Shortly after his birth, we went to
Mass and the Priest used the famous verse from Joshua “As for me and my
family, we will worship the Lord” as part of his homily. That
struck home - I realized that if I wanted a family who worships the
Lord, then it starts with my example. That is why I still go to
Church.
How Long Have You Been Wit St. John’s and Why? Mary and I have
only belonged to St. John the Baptist for about eight years. I
was in the Air Force and we moved frequently. We returned to
Plattsburgh because it is close to Mary’s home outside Dannemora.
When we got in town, we attended many churches to find the one that fit
us best – church shopping. We decided to attend St. John the
Baptist because we found the people friendly (the only one where
someone welcomed us!) and the church was beautiful.
What is Your Favorite Prayer? My favorite prayer is the “Our
Father”. It was one of the first prayers I learned and it seems
to say everything. After all, Jesus taught us this prayer.
When I converted to Catholicism, the Priest who guided my catechism
really emphasized this prayer and it has remained my favorite all of
these years.
What are Your Favorite Memories Along Your Faith Journey? There
have been many favorite memories along my faith journey. But, the
one that stands out most involves the Knights of Columbus. I was
getting ready to go work on a K of C project that would eat up an
entire Saturday. I told my wife, Mary, that I was sorry but I
wouldn’t be able to spend the day with her and the kids. She told
me I never had to apologize for time I spent with the Knights because
it had made me into a better man. Boy, that’s a powerful
statement to come from the one I love.
Joyce Theroux
I joined St. John's Church in 1975 when we were
stationed at
Plattsburgh AFB. We had 5 children and
enjoyed the children's Mass in the basement with Msgr. Dwyer. The kids loved going to Mass there. How the basement has changed since then!!
I
moved away and for many years belonged to
another parish and then 3 years ago I moved back to Plattsburgh for a
couple of
years and it was so wonderful to get that sense of being at home and
the beauty
of the Church and liturgies. I wouldn't
want to leave again.
My favorite prayer
has always been the rosary and I especially love having the opportunity
for
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament here. Also,
it is very special privilege to bring
the Eucharist to the
residents at Meadowbrook.
I would encourage
anyone to join our parish, especially now with the new addition which
includes
a lift (elevator) and can accommodate wheelchairs or anyone who has
difficulty
with stairs. We would love to have you
join us. Welcome!
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Robert
Richter
I love to go
to church
because it gives me time to reflect on life. Also to have a connection
with God
along with the parish family. It is a “time out” in life to realize
what is
really important and how I can better myself with my Christain values..
My favorite
prayer is the
Hail Mary. When I was young, we would take my Italian grandmother
(Noni) to
church. During one mass I heard what I thought was whispering going on.
Then I
realized it was Noni and I thought to myself “she knows there is no
talking
during mass”. I then figured out she was saying the Hail Mary and was
praying
the rosary. I think of her and her strength of raising 15 children with
my
grandfather passing away when the youngest was 1. The only time I saw
Noni mad
was when the rabbits were eating her tomatoes in the garden and when we
would
eat the brown meatballs before they made it into the sauce, yes she
would count
them.
I have been a
member of Saint Johns
parish for 14
year. My parish history started at Our Lady of Lourdes in Milltown, N.J.,
then St.
Anthony’s of Padua
in Endicott, N.Y.,
heading
north
to St. Peter’s in Plattsburgh and
now my families parish is St.
Johns.
I love my
parish community
because our faith brings us together through good times and bad. There
is such
a sense of enlightment when we all pray as one.
My favorite
memories of my spiritual
journey are at Christmas time when my mom would line the back wall
behind the
statue of Mary with blue tin foil and stick on gold stars. I thought
that was
the coolest thing as a kid and yet it made me realize that there was a
calming
feeling inside me that became my spirituality. In high school and
college I
learned about scientific theories that questioned our faith and this
made me
stronger in my spirituality.
I encourage
anybody from the
community to join our St. Johns Family. We pray together, encourage,
support and
help each other. It will give you a sense of self-awareness in oneself
and God.
Mary Megan O'Connell-Richter
I
go
to
Church because I love Catholic traditions. Every
mass
I
learn something new that helps
me live my life in a more productive, loving way. I
make
mistakes
along the way, but by going
to mass on a regular basis, I am given the support I need to ask for
forgiveness to move past the bad things in life and given the strength
to be
the person God wants me to be.
I
have
been
associated with St.
John’s parish since I was baptized there
in 1963. Yup, I am that old :)
My
favorite
Prayer
is: Prayer for the Spread of
Perpetual Adoration. I encourage everyone
to respond to the
invitation to Eucharistic Adoration. Eucharistic
Adoration
is a wonderful way to
spend time talking with
Christ. You learn a completely new way
to communicate with Christ, which was a real life changing moment for
me.
Prayer for
the
Spread
of Perpetual AdorationHeavenly Father, increase
our faith in the Real Presence of
Your Son Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. We are obliged to adore
Him, to
give Him thanks and to make reparation for sins. We need your
peace in
our hearts and among nations. We need conversion from our sins and the
mercy of
Your forgiveness. May we obtain this through prayer and our union with
the
Eucharistic Lord. Please send down the Holy Spirit upon all peoples to
give
them the love, courage, strength and willingness to respond to the
invitation
to Eucharistic Adoration. We beseech You to spread Perpetual
Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament in parishes around the world.
We ask
this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen
Our
Lady
of
the Most Blessed Sacrament Help us to spread
the glory of Your Son through Perpetual Adoration.
My
favorite
memories
of my spiritual journey are from
elementary school days. Walking from St. John's School
down to the church for holy days of obligation were great adventures! I must say the month of May with the Crowning
of Mary is my favorite time of the year because as a child we
celebrated Mary
with songs, spring flowers and a march from the school to the church. I was encouraged to celebrate my faith when I
was a child, and now as an adult, I really enjoy our traditions,
celebrations
and holidays.
I would welcome
anyone that might be thinking about joining
our parish family to stop in and celebrate with us. There is
always something to celebrate and I
find that we are a wonderful community of people that prays for each
other and
supports each other’s spiritual journeys.
Mary Ellen
Boswell
Favorite
Prayer:
Rosary
I
used
to
see
my parents say the rosary throughout
my life, especially when times were difficult. I especially like
to say it
by Our Lady's altar at church.
I have been a member of this parish for 63 years. I love my
parish because
of family heritage and because of that; it is the source of my own
faith.
My Great grandfather, James Patrick, came from Ireland with his brother
and
settled in West Peru. Here, he joined other Irish immigrants in
building St.
Patrick's Parish.
My grandfather, James Francis, came to Plattsburgh to work on the
railroad.
At that time, the St. John's Parish was being formed. He brought
his seven
children to Mass at St. John's. My aunt recalled her uncle,
Thomas, helping
to install the communion rail.
My parents brought me to be baptized at St. John's on May 12,
1946. I
received the sacraments of Penance, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation
with my
classmates at St. John's Academy under the loving guidance of the
Sisters of
Mercy.
That was the source of my own faith journey. After high school we began
to
make our own choices. Seven of those years furthered my knowledge
and
understanding of the faith with the Sisters of Saint Joseph in
Watertown.
Their humble spirit guides me today. Coming home to Plattsburgh to work
as a
teacher led me home to St. John's again. Although there are many
other
choices, during times of confusion or need of consolation, I would find
myself in front of Our Lady's altar once again.
Today, the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist come to me at home
as I
am unable to get to church. Once again, our church will welcome me home
thanks to Fr. Timothy's plan to help those who need it.
Why would someone be a member of St. John's?
You don't have to be Irish. That's the tradition
from heritage.
Everyone is best when faith and family are strengthened. The
times are
different, but the same Jesus who inspired those to build the church
waits
to welcome anyone who comes through the green doors.
Gerre Ryan
I love to go to
church because I feel at home there, knowing Jesus is always there in
the tabernacle to welcome me.
My favorite prayer
is the Divine Mercy Chaplet. I have always had special devotion to the
Sacred Heart and we and the world so need His mercy now.
I have been a member
of this parish for forty-one years.
I love my parish
community because I believe it truly cares for others . I know so many
who have become good friends.
My favorite memory
of my spiritual journey is receiving my engagement ring before the
Blessed Sacrament tabernacle in Nurnberg, Germany. It truly spoke to me
what this step meant to each of us.
To someone who was
thinking of joining our parish , I said, "We've lost so many in the
past few years. Our pastor is trying very hard to rebuild our
parish into a family. You would be welcomed with open arms.
Please join us!!
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Jeanette Clark
St. John’s
is my place of worship because I feel God’s presence here.
When I was a child, the white altar and
surroundings at St. Mary’s Church in Champlain was my impression of
‘God’s
House’.
It was where I received the
sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.
When
I
entered
St. John’s
for the first time, I saw the white altar and that was God’s calling to
me.
I sit in the same area each time I
go to church.
I pray with the same
parishioners each week and they have become family.
I feel their support and caring and I look
forward to praying and worshiping with them.
The Miraculous Medal Novena to Our Lady is the most important prayer to
me – as I prayed it as a child on Monday evenings – and now, on
Tuesdays after
Mass.
Here at
St. John’s,
we
pray
after
each
(time
we receive) Communion “O Sacrament Most Holy, O
Sacrament Devine, All Praise and all Thanksgiving, Be every Moment
Thine.”
This prayer lifts the soul at the
moment of
receiving Our Lord.
As He said, “Where
two or more of you meet in love – in remembrance of me – there I shall
be.”
Religion, to me is what you do in your daily life.
You shall see God in the clouds, wind, trees,
flowers, sunset, sunrise, waves of the ocean, people you encounter,
people you
help and love and in family
.
My spiritual journey is ongoing and St. John’s helps me on my
way. The truth is in us, in me, but I cannot put
it in words. We have to live it in
deeds. That is how we reveal the spirit
of God to others.
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Shirley Coffey
My favorite prayer
hangs on my computer and says, "Happy moments,
praise God. Difficult
moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship
God. Painful moments,
trust God. Every moment, thank God." I also
love the Profession of
Faith which simplifies the meaning of our
catholic faith.
I've been a member of St. John's since 1953. There have been some
very sad times but there has been lots of joy too!
I love the parish community because no matter what is going on
around us someone is there to help. I've loved the Sign of Peace
since it's origin because sometimes in a church the size of ours it
is difficult to get to know your neighbor. Now if we don't see
someone in their usual spot we inquire. It feels like a family!
Though we're not doing the Sign at the present time, we are still
acknowledging those around us & smiling. A smile doesn't spread
germs!
My favorite memory of my spiritual journey took place many years
ago at Meadowbrook Nursing Home. I still choke up when I remember
what happened one Sunday while giving communion to a really sick
elderly woman. I asked her if she wanted to receive and she
replied, "Oh, yes, I do." So, she did and after wards took my hand
and kissed it and said, "Thank you" with her eyes shining with
tears. That simple gesture was so heartfelt that it keeps me going
when sometimes I feel I'm too old or too ill to bring communion. For,
after
30 years
or so, I'm still bringing the Eucharist to CVPH and all the while
continuing to thank God I am able because it really does mean so much
to sick, vulnerable people. I get much more out of doing this service
than I'll ever give!
For someone who might join our parishI say "Welcome home."
