From the Rector

Dear Friends,

When many people hear of the Diocese of New York, their imaginations naturally conjure images of NYC, but we know that our diocese is vast and encompasses everything from the Big Apple to apple country. Our diocese is subdivided into regions, and St. Mary's sits just inside the southern border of the Mid-Hudson region, which includes Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, and Putnam counties.

We are still navigating the post-pandemic waters in the Church, and one of the things we are trying to revive is the Mid-Hudson Council of Churches. At one point I was on the executive committee and served as its chairman. The council previously offered two grant opportunities per year to churches in the region, as well as hosting an annual regional gathering in the fall.

Last year, we met in Poughkeepsie to imagine what the future of the region would look like, and to give voice to some of the needs and concerns of our parishes. This year, the council will again hold a meeting at which several proposals will be put forward coming out of the previous year's gathering. One thing that will happen is that one clergyperson and two lay people from each congregation will be chosen as delegates to the council. If you are interested in representing St. Mary's in this way, please let me know. It is not a major time commitment.

All that being said, the notice for this year's meeting came too late for me. I will be officiating a memorial that day. However, it would be great if one or two lay members could attend. The meeting will be on Saturday, September 26 from 10:00-2:00 at St. John's in Cornwall. Again, please let me know if you are interested in attending.

Blessings,
Father Rick

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