Greetings from River City. This issue comes out as we leave 2021. I pray that your Christmastime is happy and blessed with some measure of harmony and peace of mind and heart, in spite of national and world conditions.  

Not wanting to believe the worst, it is imperative for me to keep a positive, hopeful frame of mind, to keep praying for good, talented, and noble leaders to come forward, and for all of us to stay strong…and so I will.  I wish you, each one, and all those you love, a 2022 that holds abundant good health and every blessing of God. Happy New Year, Happy 2022!    
 
Karen Monti at Washington’s Headquarters invites you to think of the Headquarters when looking for somewhere to go and something to do with your family during the holiday season.   They will be open to the public on Wednesday, Dec. 29; Thursday, Dec. 30; and Friday, Dec. 31.   

The site is open by reservation throughout the fall/winter with their regular schedule: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Tour Washington’s Headquarters and browse through the Museum. The grounds and “Around the Grounds,” a self-guided tour of the outdoor features of the site, will also be available. And a take-home craft will be given while supplies last.        

To comply with COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing and capacity reductions, reservations will be required in order to visit inside the buildings. Masks are required inside all buildings. Additional appointments may be available other days – call 845-562-1195 for more information.                                                                                                                                        
Washington’s Headquarters’ staff are committed to keeping visitors healthy and safe by keeping public areas clean.  Visitors are advised that face coverings must be worn inside the buildings, and 6-foot social distancing must be maintained. Visitors experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms may not enter the buildings and are encouraged to visit at another time. 
 
 Lisa Silverstone asks you to “help Safe Harbors reach its goal and enable us continue to provide affordable, supportive housing and engaging, inclusive programs into 2022! We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season and all the best in the new year.”  Go to their website to donate or for more information.  You may also donate to Safe Harbors of the Hudson, 111 Broadway, Newburgh, NY 12550.   

Announcement from FEMA:  Anyone who has suffered damage during Hurricane Ida can apply for assistance to FEMA through Jan. 15. You can apply 3 ways: Online, Disaster Assistance.gov; through the FEMA App or call (800) 621-3362 or TTY (800) 462-7586. Please note: FEMA cannot provide assistance for losses that are covered by insurance. 

 
Sacred Heart Donations for Mary’s Hope:  They need medium sized boxes of cereal and canned fruit; plastic bags (yellow or white) and paper bags with handles. Please note they cannot give out expired food to clients.  Please bring donations to Sacred Heart church.
  
The Adult Formation Committee would like to thank all who participated in this year’s Giving Tree Program. Gifts went out to Catholic Charities, Newburgh Ministry, Sapphire Nursing Home, and people that Sr. Ana and Sr. Alba assist regularly.  

These unexpected gifts put smiles on faces of both the young and old on Christmas Day. We also give thanks to Fr. Bill for his support of this program. “Thank you everyone for your generosity and kindness and may God continue to bless you for all you do for others in His name.” 

 
The St. Vincent DePaul Society would like to thank the Catholic Daughters for their generous donation of newborn layette items for our Baby Center. The St. Vincent de Paul Society is not able to accept any donations of baby clothes until the second week of Jan. 2022.  Any parishioner wishing to donate diapers to the Baby Center please be advised that we are only in need of size 5 and size 6 diapers at this time. 
 
Deacon Jack Seymour Food Pantry Hours: Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 Noon and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 12 Noon at Sacred Heart School Gym, 240 So. Robinson Ave.  In your goodness, please bring Jelly to Church next weekend to be distributed to the less fortunate in our area. If something is on sale and of good value, please feel free to donate that as well.  If your child needs volunteer hours, the Food Pantry will coordinate service hours, however, you must pre-register with Curt Bourdage at (845) 863-6504. 
 
Good Advice for the New Year: “Be at War with your Vices, at Peace with your Neighbours, and let every New-Year find you a better Man.” ~Quoted in Benjamin Franklin. “One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: to rise above the little things.” ~Author unknown. “Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go.” ~Author unknown.  

 May we all have a better new year ahead. As always, I pray for God’s blessings on your heads, my dears.