Mission Statement

The Pastoral Council of the Diocese of Albany, called by diverse faith communities and appointed by the Bishop, considers pastoral works and develops supportive pastoral initiatives.  Through prayerful discernment and mutually respectful exchange, we collaborate with the Bishop, give voice to the aspirations and concerns of our communities, and share with them the vision of our Diocese.


DPC Members:

Bishop of Albany
Most Rev. Howard J. Hubbard, D.D. 

Chancellor
Elizabeth Simcoe

Parish Life Director Representative
Lynn O’Rourke 
Our Lady of Fatima 
1735 Alexander Dr.
Delanson NY 12053 
e-mail: 13flamingos@nycap.rr.com

Director, Office of Pastoral Planning
Jack Manning

Deacon Representative
Deacon Earle Flatt   

Special Assistant for Pastoral Planning
Kathy Menard 

DEANERY REPRESENTATIVES:

Albany City Deanery
 Ms. Julia Hasselbarth
112 Diamond Rock Circle
Troy, NY 12182

Albany Suburban Deanery
 Mr. Frederick Burdick
69 Mosher Rd
Delmar NY 12054
No. Albany County Deanery
Ms. Jeanne Gracon
138 Western Avenue 
Cohoes, NY 12047 

Columbia County Deanery
Harry Schmitz 
1219 County Route 13 
Old Chatham NY 12136 
e-mail: hschmitz@hvsassoc.com

Delaware County Deanery* 

Fulton County Deanery
John W. McDonough
184 Lakeside Dr.
Mayfield NY 12117
   



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Greene County Deanery
Mrs. Connie Parente
112 Tanglewood Road
Preston Hollow, NY 12469

Herkimer County Deanery
Ms. Marianne Lee
2295 Graffenberg Rd
Sauquoit, NY 13456

Montgomery County Deanery  
Ms. Mary Ann Louison
24 Mc Cleary Ave
Amsterdam, NY 12010

Otsego County Deanery
Ms. Maureen Murray
392 County Highway 52
Cooperstown, NY 13326-5103 

No. Rensselaer County Deanery
Ms. Shirley O'Neil
5 Valley View Blvd., Apt. 1214
Troy, NY  12144 

So. Rensselaer County Deanery
Mr. Frank Ridzi
57 Westbrook Drive
Nassau, NY 12123 

Saratoga County Deanery
Diane Berning 
173 Sunnyside Road 
Scotia NY 12302 
e-mail: dberning@nycap.rr.com 

Schenectady County Deanery
Kevin Harrigan
201 Autumn Run
Schenectady, NY 12306
Home:  518-356-2273

Schoharie County Deanery
Mr. Donald Quinn
102 Brookside Place
Schoharie, NY 12157

Warren County Deanery   
Mr. Peter Mead
12 Barber Avenue
Queensbury, NY 12804
(518) 793-7528
E-mail: pamjlm@roadrunner.com

Washington County Deanery
Mrs. Inez Migliore
1225 Bogtown Road
Salem, NY 12865 

* Currently vacant, nominations pending.



  

Who established the need for a Pastoral Council?

The Decree on the Bishops’ Pastoral Office in the Church (Christus Dominus) approved by Vatican Council II encourages the establishment of diocesan pastoral councils.

  • The Pastoral Council of the Diocese of Albany was established in 1971 in accordance with Canon Law.

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What is the Diocesan Pastoral Council?

The Diocesan Pastoral Council [DPC] is an advisory group that collaborates with the Bishop to offer support and to help clarify a vision for the Diocese.

  • The DPC fulfills its mission through prayer, study, reflection and dialogue.
  • The DPC is a channel of communication between the Deaneries and the Bishop.
  • The Diocesan Pastoral Council convenes five times each year.

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Who serves on the Diocesan Pastoral Council?

The Diocesan Pastoral Council is composed of laity, religious and clergy.

 

DPC membership includes:

  • The Bishop of Albany
  • One lay representative, selected in consultation with the local leadership and appointed by the Bishop, from each of the Albany Diocese’s 17 deaneries. These deaneries are located in the 14 counties of the Diocese.
  • Ex-officio members: Chancellor; Vicar General; Director of Pastoral Planning; Representatives of the Presbyteral Council, Sisters’ Council and Permanent Diaconate, DPC Administrator
  • At-large representatives: Diocesan Youth Council

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What does the Diocesan Pastoral Council Do?

A key responsibility of the Diocesan Pastoral Council membership is to provide and maintain a communication link between the Bishop, Diocesan departments and individual parish Pastoral Councils.

In addition:

  • Collaborate with the Bishop so that pastoral activity can more effectively meet the needs of the people.
  • Work with the dean and the local deanery to better serve the local faith community.
  • Sponsor, plan, and organize the Annual Parish Convening.
  • Represent the DPC on diocesan committees as requested by the Bishop.

  • Foster and promote their own spiritual growth and that of their constituents.

 

 

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Copyright 2005, by The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
40 North Main Avenue, Albany, NY 12203 (518) 453-6600
www.rcda.org

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