Bishop Edward Scharfenberger reached out to Bishop Avery Comithier this morning to offer help. “Whatever we can do, we will do,” said Bishop Scharfenberger. “This is what we are called to do, to come together and help each other.”
The Roman Catholic Diocese is offering Bishop Comithier and his congregation space in some of our Albany churches so they can continue to worship. Those plans are coming together now but for this weekend, they will be able to hold services in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 125 Eagle St. in Albany.
“We are community,” said Bishop Scharfenberger. “Not just Catholics, but everyone. It is important to know our neighbors, to listen to each other, to know one another’s stories.”
Fr. David Mickiewicz, Rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, works closely with Bishop Comithier. Both are chaplains for the Albany Police Department. “Our humanity comes forward at a time like this,” said Fr. Mickiewicz. “We pull together in a time of need. This is not just a building. It’s their home.” Fr. Mickiewicz urges all to “keep this community in prayer that they can walk into an unknown future right now, not knowing where God is calling them to.”
The Roman Catholic Diocese plans to stay in touch with Bishop Comithier and offer further assistance where possible. May all impacted by this fire find hope on their journey forward, and may they experience the love of Christ in all who journey with them.
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