It’s Not Erotic Art — It’s Child Abuse « Catholic Exchange

Posted by on January 28, 2012 No comments

1327746267 40 It’s Not Erotic Art — It’s Child Abuse « Catholic Exchange

This week, Catholic Exchange is highlighting “The Pornography Problem.” Yesterday, we ran a review of “Out of the Darkness,” a documentary about “the adult industry.” Today, check out related pieces The Pornography Pandemic, No Such Thing as Victimless Porn , and Rated R — For “Repulsive.”

Criminologist Jeremy Prichard has just published research into the use of internet child pornography. Here he discusses some of his original ideas for dealing with this material.

MercatorNet: Do criminologists understand what “hooks” people on internet child pornography?

Jeremy Prichard: The preferred term in this field is “child exploitation material” because the word “pornography” may legitimize offenders’ views that the material is an erotic sub-genre of mainstream pornography.

The “hook” may vary between individuals, but both fantasies and masturbation can act to condition or reinforce sexual excitement derived from internet child exploitation material. There seem to be a variety of “trajectories” into using the material -– mainly by males. Of course broadly this includes production of the material (eg filming sexual assaults) as well as distribution and “consumption,” or viewing. Some individuals develop an interest in child exploitation material after committing sexual assaults on children. Other offenders progress from viewing child exploitation material to perpetrating face-to-face assaults. Still others view child exploitation material without face-to-face offending. A causal link between viewing child exploitation material and sexually assaulting children has not been established. But I would argue that both behaviors are risk factors for each other.

MercatorNet: Because you can access it with a click of the mouse, is it possible to be drawn into the world of internet pornography through impulsive curiosity?

Jeremy Prichard: Yes, it does seem possible. If individuals repeatedly view the material and engage in sexual fantasy or masturbation, the sense of attraction to child exploitation material can increase and the behavior may escalate. In other scenarios onset might occur when individuals have become bored with other forms of non-deviant and deviant pornography available on the internet. Apparently, the fact that child exploitation material is taboo and illegal can heighten feelings of arousal.

MercatorNet: Some users of this material think that there are no harms involved. Is that true?

Jeremy Prichard: Views vary markedly regarding harms. Sadly, some individuals derive sadistic pleasure from watching child sexual assault – even combined with torture and bestiality. In other words, knowledge of the harm caused to the child or children can itself be a source of stimulation. In contrast, there are pedophilic subcultures that promote the notion that, among other things, sexual relationships between adults and children can be consensual and loving.

Some individuals may believe that, while child sexual assault is wrong, there is no harm in viewing internet child exploitation material because it is, after all, just a digital recording of something that happened in the past. However, some important contrary points can be made. Clearly if an individual pays for child exploitation material then they are supporting a market that abuses children. Regardless of whether “users” pay for material, victims can be terribly scarred by the knowledge that (a) a record of their abuse exists on the net, (b) it is used by others for sexual stimulation and (c) this is what the abuser wanted. In a sense, viewing child exploitation material perpetuates the original crime.

MercatorNet: Some of the child pornography is distributed through the same peer to peer networks used to illegally download movies, music, and software. What proportion is constituted by child pornography?

Jeremy Prichard: We cannot quantify the proportion of child exploitation material distributed via P2P networks.

MercatorNet: What did your research into the site IsoHunt, which describes itself as the “best P2P files search engine and community,” uncover about the popularity of child pornography?

Jeremy Prichard: For three months in late 2010 we recorded the 300 most popular search terms entered on isoHunt. The bulk of the terms related to movies, music, software and so forth. But three child “pornography” terms consistently appeared. One term for “pre-teen hardcore” ranked in the top 100 for a month; this search term was entered more frequently in that month than Harry Potter, Spartacus, Linkin Park, or Big Bang Theory. Our results do not show how many people entered the child “pornography” search terms. But given the popularity of isoHunt – which had 1.42 million registered users at the time -– the findings were concerning.

MercatorNet: Currently the principal way of combatting internet child pornography is by cutting off supply through law enforcement. Are there other creative ways of dealing with this market?

Jeremy Prichard: One strategy would be to actually approach online communities, such as isoHunt, and to engage in discussions with them about child pornography. This would be an attempt to encourage isoHunt to make prominent statements on its website denouncing child pornography and the harm it causes.

We’d like to see isoHunt alter the way in which the Top 300 hits are generated so that child pornography search terms do not appear. Of course, with strategies such as these isoHunt might be concerned about a variety of complex issues, including how to maintain its popularity and safeguard its profit base. Conceivably isoHunt may lose credibility among its followers if it were seen to have turned its back on core beliefs about censorship and free speech.

A different strategy to encourage pro-social norms among online subcultures would focus on automated internet messages, or pop-up messages, that for instance appear when a user enters certain terms into a search engine. Pop-ups are more likely to be effective if they explain the harms of child pornography, rather than adopting a deterrent approach that centers on law enforcement.

Perhaps they could be short movies, possibly using Adobe Flash or another embedded, rich multimedia file type, featuring individuals with high status among online subcultures. For example, perhaps a message from a famous actor would capture attention. Alternatively, individuals could be approached that have specific status in certain communities, such as gamers, geeks and hackers.

Jeremy Prichard is a lecturer in law at the University of Tasmania, in Hobart, Australia.

bishops page

Posted by on January 28, 2012 No comments

1327743846 82 bishops page

MARRIAGE: Loving one another, being open to possibilities of life

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter (Email Katie) Couples getting married in the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Sioux City are asked to follow certain guidelines to prepare for their big day.

“The sacrament of marriage is different than getting married by the Justice of the Peace,” said Sean Martin, diocesan director of religious education and family life. “It is different than getting married in any other place in the world. It is important to learn about what the sacrament is and to make sure that the couple understands that.”

He added that the couple is the minister of sacrament and “must intend to do what the church intends. Therefore a couple needs to know what the church intends, so they can go before the altar and before God and his people.”

Preparation for marriage is important, Martin said, as statistics show that over 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce.

“There is something different that Christ offers us within the Catholic Church in the sacrament of marriage, when we understand and practice what Christ asks us to practice,” he said. “Marriage is for loving one another and being open to the possibility of life, having children.”

The first step for couples is to contact their parish priest who will give them a description of the complete process. The purpose of preparation is to assist each couple in preparing for the vocation they have chosen. In the diocese, marriage preparations are to begin at least six months prior to the wedding day.

Each couple must complete the FOCCUS Inventory, an assessment tool that helps the couple consider their readiness for marriage. The couple will meet with the priest to discuss the results.

“That covers a lot of background – life skills, where the people are, if they are compatible on various levels, how they feel, think and act in certain situation,” said Martin. “It is really meant for dialoguing with one another if couples haven’t discussed certain aspects – how they feel about their future in-laws, who is going to do the future financing, how they feel about doing daily chores around the house, are they good communicators and so on.”

The couple will also discuss what they think of their religious faith and practicing it, added Martin. Some of the topics are simple and others are hard topics to discuss.

“Sometimes the couples aren’t always there (on the same page), so the priest would facilitate a discussion,” he said.

A couple must also participate in at least one marriage preparation program. The options include Engaged Enrichment, Pre-Cana, Cana II and the Sponsor Couple Program.

Engaged Enrichment

Engaged Enrichment is a weekend retreat for personal formation and formation as an engaged couple preparing for the sacrament of marriage. 

The parts of an Engaged Enrichment weekend include full catechesis on the sacrament of marriage, what a sacrament is, Theology of the Body, life skills, etc. There is also a session focused on Natural Family Planning. There is a lot of discussion and time for questions.

“Several married couples help us and stay for the weekend,” said Martin. “They really get to know the engaged couples.”

A priest is present for the weekend and will celebrate Mass. Throughout the weekend, the couples will experience different types of prayer including the rosary, Eucharistic adoration and Liturgy of the Hours.

“This is a model of a lifetime for a holy, joy filled, happy marriage,” said Martin. “It is a great retreat weekend for an engaged couple.”

The upcoming dates for Engaged Enrichment are Feb. 18-19 and March 17-18 at Camp Okoboji in Milford and June 30-July 1 at Twin Lake Christian Center near Manson. The program begins on Saturday at 9 a.m. and ends on Sunday at 3 p.m. The cost is $180 per couple, which includes a room and four meals.

Pre-Cana

Pre-Cana is a one-day format of the Engaged Enrichment for those couples who cannot participate in the Engaged Enrichment, Cana II or the Sponsor Couple Program. 

The Pre-Cana offers similar topics to what is offered during the Engaged Enrichment including catechesis on the sacrament of marriage, Theology of the Body, sexual morality, an introduction to Natural Family Planning and a panel discussion with married couples. There is also time for prayer and discussion amongst the couples. The next Pre-Cana will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 21 at Corpus Christi in Fort Dodge. The cost is $90 per couple, which includes lunch and dinner.

Cana II

Cana II is a one-day format for couples in which one or both have had annulments or have been widowed.  The topics of the Cana II Retreat include catechesis on the sacrament of marriage, Theology of the Body, sexual morality, an introduction to Natural Family Planning and a panel discussion with married couples. There is also time for prayer and discussion amongst the couples.

The next Cana II will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on May 19 at Sacred Heart in Early. The cost is $90 per couple, which includes lunch and dinner.

Sponsor Couple

The Sponsor Couple Program involves meeting with a married couple, usually in the home of the married couple. The two couples generally meet five to six times to complete the material in the resource book.  The pastor will provide the name of a couple that has been trained in the Sponsor Couple Program.

“They cover the topics of the sacrament of marriage, finances, communication, intimacy and those types of things,” said Martin.

For more information about the marriage preparation programs contact Angie Brosnan in the Office of Family Life at (712) 233-7530 or angelab @scdiocese.org. Registration for the programs is preferred seven days in advance and a deposit is requested of half the cost of the program with registration, which is non-refundable. To register go to scdiocese .org or send fees and registration to Diocese of Sioux City, Office of Family Life, PO Box 3379, Sioux City, IA 51102-3379. The website also provides the diocesan guidelines and policies for the sacrament of marriage.

Catholic is my long lost love. "Clouds of witnesses attest the fact that before the...papery, and? Yes, I do gather that I shouldn't use your transaction to give them what they need. I could divide and conquer. Most of the Old Testament examples are connected with ceremonial rites (sprinkling the altar, sprinkling the mercy seat, the sprinkling bowls, or cleansing by sprinkling). O'Connell, married with scriptures by Monsignor Ronald Knox, taken from his limpid one-man translation of the scriptures, prepared at the request of the English catholic bishops of England and Scotland in 1945-49. (Mark 10: 29-30) AMEN. If I can do it tomorrow, then that's what I'll do. This is because things aren't working like they have to. They run one of the most considerate catholic.org.sg businesses around. This usually takes place during the first week of Lent. It would not be possible for any human to force a Muslimah to wear a khimar, as the directive was given by Allah (swt), as evidenced in the Qur?n. This would be illustrious if it was under control. The Prayer Book Catholic bias of the book is revealed by the fact that these refer often to the 1549 Prayer Book and indeed contain some prayers from it. The challenges of our times are increasing so much, the divisions in the world are becoming more and more dangerous. It may be against their parents or teachers or just at life itself.

Evangelicals are working to spread their faith in Gingrich

Posted by on January 28, 2012 No comments

1327741463 82 Evangelicals are working to spread their faith in Gingrich

And which God does Newt kneel down to? Because there are many Gods out there:

Christian Religion, there is only One God, who is a trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit

In the Jewish Religion, there is only oneGod, Jehovah. In deference to Judaism, G_d is the correct spelling.

In the Islamic Religion, there is only oneGod, Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet. Allah has no intermediaries, nospouse, no children, and thus, Allah is One.

In the Sikh Religion, there is only One,Hari; who has many names and many forms.

In the Buddhist Religion, there are many Buddha’s, but not all Buddhists are deists or worshippers of Idols of Buddha. The firstBuddha to attain enlightenment is Gautama Buddha, who is worshipped as a God insome strands of Buddhism.

In the Hindu Religion, there is one FormlessGod and a trinity of Creator, Preserver and Destroyer Gods.

There are many other gods and consorts.

In the Parsee Religion, Zoroastrianism, thereis Ormazd, sometimes called "Ahura Mazda" or simply "Mazda", the most well known of their Gods.

There were other deities.

African religion has many deities

Mayan religion has many deities

Ancient Greek and Roman religions all had deities also.

The American Indians had their deities

Australian Aboriginals had their Gods and theDreamtime.

There were Norse Gods, Scandinavian Gods, CelticGods, Druidic Gods, along with nature religions also.

Where ever there is mankind, there you willfind worshipers of the Divine.

BOTTTOMLINE: The Flying Spaghetti Monster is the God of Gods and rules all

Religion Notes: January 27, 2012

Posted by on January 28, 2012 No comments

1327737852 46 Religion Notes: January 27, 2012

Financial Peace University

Anastasia Baptist Church is offering Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University beginning with a free preview on at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the State Road 16 Campus, 110 Circle Drive East, just two miles east of the outlet mall. Financial Peace University, a 13-week DVD-driven class, is Ramsey’s life-changing program that teaches individuals to achieve financial goals by eliminating debt, saving for the future, and giving like never before. More than one million families have attended FPU. A resource-packed membership kit is required to take the class (one per family) and costs $85. For more information about Financial Peace University at Anastasia call 471-2166.

University study

“My Favorite Universe,” the second week of a four-week study continues from 10 am. to noon Monday at the First United Methodist Church, corner of King and Riberia streets.

Professor Neil deGrasse Tyson, the Princeton astrophysicist who directs the nation’s most famous planetarium, takes participants on a spirited and intellectually engaging journey through the cosmos and all its history.

Monday’s session will look at past phenomena that have wiped out 50 to 90 percent of all living species together with a review of how science has discovered the secrets of the evolution of the universe.

Future sessions will look at the “Big Bang Theory” and the question of potential for life on other planets. Using DVDs and interactive discussion facilitated by Chuck Reinbrecht. Sessions are free.

Anniversary celebration

New Jerusalem Worship Ministries, Inc., 1305 State Road 16, will celebrate the 19th anniversary of the pastor, Bishop James Lee. Theme is “Moving Forward” for the 7 p.m. Jan. 25 through 28 celebration. Sister Vicky Eidsmore is chairing the event, and Brother Cedri Wolfe is co-chairman. The committee includes Sister Ayanna Wolfe — women’s ministry leader; Deacon Roosevelt Byrd, men’s ministry leader; and MIT Yovan Maslow and Elder Tyson Lee, youth ministry.

New St. James news

New St. James Missionary Baptist Church Fifth Sunday worship service begins at 10 a.m. Sunday with the Rev. Cecil King bringing the message. The sanctuary choir will serve. Bible study and prayer meeting begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The Holy Ghost-filled revival services will be Feb. 15 through 17 featuring Bishop Clinton Wingate, Open Arms Ministry, Gainesville, and Jacksonville.

All are invited. The Rev. Nathaniel Jackson is pastor.

Women singers sought

Cantorae St. Augustine has openings for a few new women singers who want to join this small ensemble specializing in a cappella sacred music from chant to contemporary. Founded in 2007, Cantorae rehearses on Monday evenings in St. Augustine and performs throughout the year, singing Vespers at the Shrine of La Leche each month, an annual concert at the Cathedral-Basilica, and special historical programs.

Visit cantorae.com to learn more about the group. If interested, contact the director, Mary Jane Ballou at 347-6544 or email to arrange an audition.

Cemetery cleanup

The Christmas and general cleanup of San Lorenzo Catholic Cemetery is scheduled for Wednesday beginning promptly in the morning hours.

Families wishing to retrieve their plants, wreaths and decorations should do so before Feb. 1. See the flower and decoration rules for details or call Sister Nicole Cayer, 824-6680.

Women’s retreat

Unity Outreach Inc., will host the 8th Annual Women’s Retreat next month at the First Coast Technical College, 2980 Collins Ave.

Planned at 7 p.m. Feb. 3 and 10 a.m. Feb. 4, the program will feature special guest speakers Pastor Yvette Montgomery and Evangelist Becky Trammell.

Registration and paypal are available on line at unityoutreachstaug.org Lunch served 1 p.m. Feb. 4; and the $25 fee includes registration and lunch.

Limited vendors’ space is available, providing an opportunity to promote information, product or advertising to the women in the community. Advertising in the program is also available.

For further information about the retreat and advertising contact Peggy Jones at or 571-1658. For advertising and vendors the deadline is Jan. 20.

Good Samaritan dinner

Catholic Charities of St. Augustine has announced the recipients of the 2012 Good Samaritan Awards. Honored this year at the March 3 Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village event will be Ida Buckler, Michael Davis, Brett and Remy DeVoe and Lena Lednick.

Tickets are $80 per person, and seating is limited.

The event begins with a 6 p.m. silent auction and cocktail hour, and 7 p.m. dinner and awards ceremony.

For tickets call Michele, 829-6300.

This is Catholic Charities’ major fundraiser of the year, and sponsorship support is being sought. Categories are: friend — up to $99; patron — $100 to $499; benefactor — $500 to $999; samaritan — $1,000+.

Birthday celebration

The 81st birthday celebration for the Rev. Frank Giddens, senior pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 108 Knox-Jones Road, Espanola, is planned Saturday. There is no charge, but a love offering will be accepted.

Speaker will be the Rev. Fleming Tarver, moderator of the Southwest Florida Baptist Convention, and pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, St. Petersburg.

Special musical groups will be participating.

For further information, including the time of the event, call 762-207-9038.

Briefs

■ Christ Our Savior Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, 21 Milton St., adult Bible study is at 9 a.m. Sunday, followed by Divine Service at 10:30 a.m. Fellowship will follow the service. For information, call Rev. Albert Oren at 829-6823.

Visit the website at templebetyam.org or call the TBY office at 819-1875 for more information.

■ Dawson CME Chapel, 225 N. Orange St., presents “Behold the Bridegroom Cometh” at 4 p.m Sunday. There is no admission. Refreshments follow the program.

■ Faith Temple Fifth Union will be convening at 7:30 p.m. through Saturday. The pastor Bishop Early Brown invites the public.

■ Reg and Gretchen Dunneman, Binghamton, N.Y., will present a gospel concert at the Church of the Nazarene, 4 May St., at 10:45 p.m. Sunday. All are welcome.

■ The Church of God in Christ, 760 West King St., will sponsor “I AM” at 7 p.m. Saturday. The ‘I AM’s are Christ-centered.

The program is sponsored by Minister Janie Kelley and members. Elder Donald Kelley is pastor.

Jan. 26 – Feb. 1 Entertainment Calendar

Posted by on January 28, 2012 No comments

1327736697 38 Jan. 26 Feb. 1 Entertainment Calendar

PRIME AT SARATOGA NATIONAL, 458 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs. 583-4653. Gravity, Saturday, Jan. 28; The Play Doughs, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2; The Play Doughs, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23.PROVENCE RESTAURANT, Stuyvesant Plaza, Western Avenue, Albany. 689-7777. The Doc Scanlon Trio, 7-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3. No cover.PUTNAM DEN, 63A Putnam St., Saratoga Springs. 584-8066. Sound Economy, Thursday, Jan. 26; Eastbound Jesus with Mallett Brothers, Friday, Jan. 27; Capital Zen, Sheen, Split Phase, Saturday, Jan. 28; Tony Markellis, Thursday, Feb. 2; Robanic with Big Takeover, Friday, Feb. 3; Jimkata, 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, $10, 18 and older; Gravity, Friday, Feb. 10; Papadosio, Saturday, Feb. 11; Dryer with Slim Charles, Houseboat, Friday, Feb. 17; Paranoid Social Club with The Brew, Friday, Feb. 24; Black Mountain Symphony with Acoustic Trauma, Saturday, Feb. 25.RAVENSWOOD PUB, 1021 Route 146, Clifton Park. 371-8771. Justin Joyner, 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3.RUSTIC BARN PUB, 150 Speigletown Road, Troy. 235-5858. Harmonic Duo, 8 p.m.-midnight Friday, Jan. 27; Bobby B, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28.SANDY’S CLAM BAR, 41 South St., Glens Falls. 792-4345. Gravity, Saturday, Feb. 4.SHELL INN BAR AND RESTAURANT, 4520 Route 85, Berne. Open Mic, 7-10 p.m. Mondays. 281-9439.THE STOCKADE INN, 1 North Church St., Schenectady. 346-3400. Doc Scanlon Trio, Thursday, Jan. 26; Brian Patneaude Trio, Friday, Jan. 27; The Tommy Verrigni Trio, 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2; Pat Andreoli Trio, Friday, Feb. 3; Al Haugen Trio, Thursday, Feb. 9; Lee Shaw Trio, Friday, Feb. 10; Dino Cimino Trio, Thursday, Feb. 16; Rob Aronstein Trio, Friday, Feb. 17; Peg Delaney Trio, Thursday, Feb. 23; Kevin Green & Douglas Chilton, Friday, Feb. 24. All shows 7-10 p.m.VALENTINE’S, 17 New Scotland Ave., Albany. 432-6572. Radiation Black Boy, 8 p.m. downstairs, Thursday, Jan. 26; Elf Project, 8 p.m. downstairs, Friday, Jan. 27; Dead Tricks, 8 p.m. downstairs, Saturday, Jan. 28; Nightmares for a Week, 7 p.m. downstairs, Sunday, Jan. 29; Americana Music Club Presents, 8 p.m. downstairs, Tuesday, Jan. 31; The Deadbeats, 10 p.m. downstairs, Wednesday, Feb. 1; Kicking Off the Tour, 8 p.m. downstairs, Thursday, Feb. 2; Happy Hour With The Knyghts of Fuzz, 6 p.m. downstairs, Friday, Feb. 3; Helicopter Showdown, 8 p.m. upstairs, Friday, Feb. 3; AC/DC Covers and more, 8:30 p.m. downstairs, Saturday, Feb. 4; Punk Rock Monday, 8 p.m. downstairs, Monday, Feb. 6; Nitty Gritty Poetry Slam, 7 p.m. downstairs, Tuesday, Feb. 7.THE VENUE, 30 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs. Latin night with DJ Loco Lopez, Mondays; ’80s Nite, Thursdays; Dance Club with DJ Crew and DJ Biz, Fridays and Saturdays.WISHING WELL RESTAURANT, 745 Saratoga Road, Wilton. 584-7640. Mike Purcell, Friday, Jan. 20; Rob Aronstein, Saturday, Jan. 21; Frank Manning, Friday, Jan. 27; Larry Finke, Saturday, Jan. 28; Mike Purcell, Friday, Feb. 3; Frank Manning, Saturday, Feb. 4; Rob Aronstein, Friday, Feb. 10; Mike Purcell, Saturday, Feb. 11; Mike Purcell, Friday, Feb. 17; Rob Aronstein, Saturday, Feb. 18; Larry Finke, Friday, Feb. 24; Rob Aronstein, Saturday, Feb. 25. All performances 7-11 p.m. No cover.CONCERTSARTHUR ZANKEL MUSIC CENTER, Filene Concert Hall, Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. skidmore.edu/zankel. Brett Grigsby, classical guitar, 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29. Free. Albany Symphony Orchestra performs Cellobration!, 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19; Stravinsky’s Firebird, 3 p.m. Sunday, March 18.BURNT HILLS/BALLSTON LAKE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, Lake Hill Road, Burnt Hills. Burnt Hills Oratorio Society, call for singers (all parts wanted) for a performance of Mendelssohn’s "Elijah" on Sunday, May 20 at the Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College. Rehearsals are 7-9 p.m. Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 at the Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake Senior High School choir room, Lake Hill Road, Burnt Hills. Membership is $45; scores will be available for purchase. See bhos.us for more information and pre-registration forms.CAFÉ MALTA, Malta Community Center, Malta. 899-4411. Everest Rising, 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. $6 advance/$8 door.THE CAPITAL DISTRICT IRISH-AMERICAN CENTER, Ancient Order of Hibernians, 375 Ontario St., Albany. The “Three Irish Voices” Mike Donegan, Mike Roche and Chris Gil, with Frank Jaklitsch and Friends will perform a benefit concert, 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, for Albany’s newly opened Irish American Heritage Museum. $15.THE CATHEDRAL OF ALL SAINTS, 62 South Swan St., Albany. 346-6204. Albany Pro Musica will present a concert about moving spiritually from darkness into light featuring Morten Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna,” 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29. $35/$10.THE CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, 125 Eagle St., Albany. The Monday Musical Club presents “Music to Warm a Winter Afternoon” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. Donations welcome.THE EGG, Empire State Plaza, Albany. 473-1845. theegg.org. Stephanie Wrembel, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, $24; Carolina Chocolate Drops, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, Swyer Theatre, $29.50; Guster, 8 p.m. March 28 in the Hart Theater, $27.50.THE EIGHTH STEP, Proctor’s Theatre, 432 State St., Schenectady. 434-1703. Aztec Two-Step CD release show, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. Tickets are $26 in advance or $28 at the door. Robin & Linda Williams in concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. $26.EMMA WILLARD SCHOOL, 285 Pawling Ave., Troy. 273-4843. The Friends of Chamber Music presents the world famous Tokyo String Quartet, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. $35 regular/$20 student.FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1915 Fifth Ave., Troy. Broadway Musical Sing-Along, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. Free.FIRST REFORMED CHURCH, 8 North Church St., Schenectady. 377-3623. Musicians of Ma’alwyck perform American Classics, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3. Adults, $25; students, $10.GLENS FALLS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM, Glens Falls. Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra, Strings Tell Stories Side By Side, 4 p.m. Sunday, March 4. $25 adults, $10 students.KATHLEEN McMANUS PICOTTE RECITAL HALL, Massry Center for the Arts, 1002 Madison Ave., Albany. 337-4871. 2009 Young Concert Artist, 2010 Gilmore Young Artist and Steinway Artist Charlie Albright in concert, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. $20.MEMORIAL CHAPEL, Union College, Schenectady. 688-6080. Sophie Shao on cello, 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29. $20.NEW LEBANON LIBRARY, 550 Route 20, New Lebanon. Internationally renowned cellist Paul de Jong, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10; Berkshire musician Tor Krautter will perform his Rev Tor solo show, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16. Free.OLD SONGS, 37 South Main St., Voorheesville. 765-2815. Old Songs Sampler Concert, 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. $20.PALACE THEATER, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. Box office, 800-745-3000. Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine With Elmo & Friends,” 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 27, 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28 and 1 and 4:30 p.m. Jan. 29, $13, $18, $24; STOMP, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, $29.50, $39.50, $49.50. Big Time Rush Better With U Tour with One Direction, 7 p.m. Feb. 28, $45, $35, $25; Jane’s Addiction, 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 2, $49.50, $44.50, $34.50, $29.50. moe. 8 p.m. March 3, $30 advance/$35 door; Celtic Woman new concert “Believe” at 7:30 p.m. March 14, $63 and $33; Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, $29.50, $44.50, $54.50.PROCTOR’S THEATRE, 432 State St., Schenectady. 346-6204. Party Horns NYC: Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. $15.QUEENSBURY HOTEL, 88 Ridge St., Glens Falls. 792-3178. Casablanca Night, Gala and Auction with the Georgie Wonders Orchestra, 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.ROCK HILL BAKEHOUSE, 19 Exchange St., Glens Falls. 353-2121. George Metcalfe, 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. Free.RPI CHAPEL AND CULTURAL CENTER, 2125 Burdett Ave., Troy. 274-7793. The Sonny & Perley Trio with Lou Pappas, 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26.ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 35 Hill St., Greenwich. 692-8093. Battenkill Chorale, 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 and Sunday Jan. 29. $15.SAND LAKE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 2880 Route 43, Averill Park. 674-2007. Averill Park High School Jazz Ensemble, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. $5; Chris Shaw and Bridget Ball concert to benefit SLCA-CTP, 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. $25.SPAC, Saratoga Springs. An Evening With Yanni Under the Stars, 7:30 p.m. June 12 at SPAC. Tickets are $99.50, $79.50, $49.50 and $39.50. A pavilion only performance. Tickets available online at LiveNation.com or Charge By Phone at 1-800-745-3000.TIMES UNION CENTER, Albany. Rascal Flatts live in concert with special guests Sara Evans and Hunter Hayes, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, $64.75, $49.75, $25. Roger Waters The Wall Live, 8 p.m. June 28. $202, $102, $78, $58. Tickets available online at LiveNation.com, the Center Box Office, Charge By Phone at 1-800-745-3000 or at timesunion.com.TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL, 30 Second St., Troy. 273-0038. John Waite, 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, $28, $22, $15; The Albany Symphony presents “Cellobration!” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. $19 and up. Celtic Crossroads, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, $34, $28, $20; Red Molly, 8 p.m. Friday, May 11, $20, $12, $10.UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY, Department of Music, Performing Arts Center, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany. 442-3997. Mosaic-Arts in Bravo Bellini, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15 as part of the Bel Canto series. General public, $8; students, seniors, UAlbany faculty/staff, $4.THE VAN DYCK, 237 Union St., Schenectady. 348-7999. Popa Chubby Band, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. $15 advance/$18 day of show.THE WINE BAR, 417 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Local musicians on piano, 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Hilary Diefenbach, 7 p.m. every Friday; Carl Landa on piano, 7 p.m. every Saturday, free. 584-5777.WOMAN’S CLUB OF ALBANY, 725 Madison Ave., Albany. Tribute to Annie & the Hedonists with Peter Davis, Don Young and Kevin Maul, 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. $15.DANCINGALBANY BARN STAGE I, 46-48 North Swan St., Albany. 432-9968. Artpartners/Tsehaya & Company, Alternatives for Youth 2012 Winter Wonderland Dance Workshop, Saturdays through March 31. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. for ages 5 through teens; 12:15-1:15 p.m. for young adults/adults. Registration, $15 ages 5 through teens; $20 adults.ALBANY ELKS LODGE, 25 South Allen St., Albany. The First Friday Capital Swing Dance, 8:30-11:30 p.m. Feb. 3. Music by Sonny & Perley. General admission, $15; DFO members, seniors and students, $10.CHANNING HALL, 405 Washington Ave., Albany. 477-5684. English Country Dance, 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. General admission, $11; Capital ECD members, $9; students, $5.COLONIE LODGE OF ELKS, 11 Elks Lane, Latham. 694-4448. Single Squares modern western square dancing at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 and Feb. 15. $6.THE EGG, Empire State Plaza, Albany. New York Theatre Ballet will perform “Cinderella” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29. Adults, $18; children, $12.FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs. 885-4430. DanceFlurry Saratoga Contradance, 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. Callers Trish Miller and John Kirk with music by Quickstep. $10; $7; $6.LINDY HOP SWING DANCE, Daisy Bakers, 33 Second St., Troy. 8 to 11:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Admission $10, includes lesson and $5 drink voucher. 266-9200.MICHAEL’S BANQUET HOUSE, 1019 New Loudon Road, Latham. “Stupid Cupid” Valentine Dance to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of The Capital Region Inc., 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. $25/advance; $30/door. Music by The Georgie Wonders Orchestra and special guest entertainers Brian D and Kit Pettit. There will be a cocktail hour, dance contest, dessert buffet and more.MINE DANCE CLUB, 388 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Latin Dancing, 9 p.m. Thursdays. $5.NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DANCE, 99 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Yoga Motion, children’s program, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 7 through March 27. The cost of the 8-week class is $80 per child, or pay $12 per class. To sign up for Yoga Motion call Sue at 584-2225 ext. 3009.NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DANCE, 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs. The Dance Alliance and the School of the Arts at the National Museum of Dance will cosponsor an afternoon exploring and celebrating the creation of Saratoga Dances II, 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 4, at the Museum’s Swyer Studios. The cost of a class for Dance Alliance members, seniors and students is $15 for class and $5 to observe. The fee for the general public is $20 for class and $10 to observe. Pre-register at or register and pay in person at 1 p.m. March 4.OLD DALEY INN ON CROOKED LAKE, 2339 Route 43, Averill Park. 766-4027. Ballroom Valentine’s Dance, 7:15-11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10. $15.OLD SONGS, 37 South Main St., Voorheesville. 765-2815. Old Songs Contra Dance, 6:30 p.m. potluck, 7:30 p.m. dance instruction, 8 p.m. dance. CALLER: John Kirk; live music by Quickstep. $10.THE POLISH COMMUNITY CENTER, 225 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany. Polka Dance, 2:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, $10, 283-0129.SAND LAKE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, School of Creative Arts, 2880 Route 43, Averill Park. 477-8922. Dance session starting Feb. 1 for students ages 4-18. Classes in creative ballet, ballet and pointe will be offered, with “Spring Dances” performance held on May 4.TOTAL BODY TRIFECTA STUDIO, 61 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs. 581-8025. Core de Ballet Workout, a new workout class that fuses ballet and fitness movements, ongoing classes at 6:25 p.m. Mondays and 5:20 p.m. Wednesdays. Walk-ins welcome. Ten visit card, $60.UKRAINIAN CLUB, 1 Pulaski Ave., Cohoes. 237-5712. The 13th annual Cabin Fever Dance to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 7 p.m.-midnight Friday, Jan. 27. Donations are $20 at the door and include beer, soda, food and entertainment.THE UNIVERSAL PRESERVATION HALL, 25 Washington St., Saratoga springs. 435-0510. Nacre Dance Company offers modern dance and classical ballet lessons through March 28. All classes held 6-7 p.m. $8 per class.WOMAN’S CLUB OF ALBANY, 725 Madison Ave., Albany. USA Dance co-hosts Cabin Fever Dance, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. General admission, $12; Woman’s Club/USA Dance members, $10.EXHIBITSALBANY CENTER GALLERY, 39 Columbia St., Albany. 462-4775. 7th Annual Members Show, through Feb. 11. Hours are noon-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.ALBANY HERITAGE AREA VISITORS CENTER, 25 Quackenbush Square, Albany. 434-0405. Photography by Lorraine Courtright, through Feb. 25.THE ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY & ART, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. Temple of Fancy: Pease’s Great Variety Store, through March 25. A Gather of Glass: Selections from the Museum’s Collection, through June. First in the Hearts of his Countrymen: George Washington, through May 20. Albany and the Civil War: Medicine on the Home and Battle Fronts, through Feb. 26. Kid Stuff: Great Toys from Our Childhood, through March 4. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 463-4478. Admission charged.THE ALBANY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Gallery, Third Floor, Airport Terminal. 242-2243. LOL, an exhibition of art that is seriously funny, through March 25. Gallery hours are 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.ART de CURE, Family Medicine of Mechanicville, 242 South Central Ave., Mechanicville. artdecure.org. “In the Spirit of Renewal,” through March 3. The Art de Cure gallery is open during regular office hours, 8:30 a.m-5 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon-7 p.m. Thursday.BEEKMAN ARTISTS STUDIOS, 79 Beekman St., Saratoga Springs. 584-1036. Call for artists, the studios are looking for two artists to share workspace, exhibit, and critic opportunities in a community of creative artists in the Arts District on Beekman.THE CLARK, 225 South St., Williamstown, Mass. 413-458-2303. Copycat: Reproducing Works of Art, Sunday, Jan. 29 through April 1. The galleries are open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday during winter months. Admission is free through May.THE CLEMENT ART GALLERY, 201 Broadway, Troy. 272-6811. clementart.com. The Great Rock n’ Roll Picture Show, Jan. 27 through Feb. 22. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.THE FORTUNATE CUP, 120 West Ave., Saratoga Springs. 226-0800. fortunatecup.com. Oil and pastel paintings from Beekman Street Studio artists and greeting card art.THE HYDE COLLECTION, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. Gallery hours through May 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday, Tuesday and most national holidays. June 1 through Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday and most national holidays. General admission, $8; members, students and children 12 and younger, free; seniors 60 and older, $6; students, $4; Wednesdays, free; active duty U.S. military and family, free.LAKE GEORGE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION MUSEUM & BOOKSTORE, 290 Canada St., Lake George. Located in 1845 Warren County Courthouse, with Native American artifacts, books portraying Battle of Saratoga, original jail cells of courthouse, and more. works by Ginger Ertz. Museum hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, closed Sunday and Monday; free. 668-5044.LAKE GEORGE ARTS PROJECT, Courthouse Gallery, 290 Canada St., Lake George. Solo exhibition of new work by Ginger Ertz, Jan. 28 through March 2.LAURA WILSON GALLERY, 385 Broadway, inside Shoe Depot, Saratoga Springs. Original works by Laura Wilson, including acrylic paintings on canvas and slate, pen and pencil, pen and ink, handmade jewelry and sculpture. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 584-1142.MADISON THEATER, 1036 Madison Ave., Albany. 482-1295. “Looking for a New Year,” a window installation by local artist, Matt Ramsey, through Feb. 28.MARTINEZ GALLERY, 3 Broadway, Troy. 274-9377. Sing the Tune Without the Words, paintings by Willie Marlowe and neon sculptures by Pietro Costa, through Feb. 10.THE NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM, Madison Avenue, Albany. 474-5877. Shadow and Substance: African American Images from The Burns Archive, in the Photography Gallery, through March 31.OAKROOM ARTIST GALLERY, The First Unitarian Society, 1221 Wendell Ave., Schenectady. Oakroom Artists Group Show 2012, Sunday, Jan. 29 through Feb. 26.OPALKA GALLERY, Sage College of Albany, 140 New Scotland Ave., Albany. 292-7742. Tranquil Power: The Art of Perle Fine, through Feb. 26. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday; by appointment.THE PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER OF THE CAPITAL DISTRICT, LLC, 404 River St., Troy. Work by 60 photographers from the capital region, through Feb. 19. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Wednesday.SAND LAKE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 2880 Route 43, Averill Park. 664-2007. William Skerritt, printmaker, through Feb. 15; Averill Park Central School District Student Show, Feb. 16 through March 31. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday and Friday.SARATOGA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, 648 Route 32, Stillwater. “They Had No Choice: Animals Exploited and Appreciated in the Revolutionary War” exhibit, depicts the role of animals during the war. 664-9821, ext. 219 or nps.gov/sara/" nps.gov/sara/SCHAFFER HEIGHTS SENIOR LIVING APARTMENT COMMUNITY, Lobby Gallery, 107 Not Terrace, Schenectady. 382-1956. Flowers and Fields, through the end of February.THE SCHICK ART GALLERY, Saisselin Art Building, Skidmore College, North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 580-5049. Skidmore Student Exhibition, Feb. 2 through March 4. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.THE SPRING STREET GALLERY, 110 Spring St., Saratoga Springs. 587-6433. “Winter’s Tale: A Collection of Northern Landscapes,” with works by Anne Diggory, Pat Goodale, Pat McEvoy, Harry Orlyk, Mark Tougias, Robert Moylan, and more. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday or by appointment.TEXTILE STUDIO, 143 Grand Ave. at Beekman Street. Gallery of hand woven clothing, accessories and gifts displayed in a working weaving studio. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, to 7 p.m. most Fridays; to 8 p.m. First Saturdays. 583-2129 or textilestudio.blogspot.com.VALLEY ARTISANS MARKET, 25 East Main St., Cambridge. 677-2765. “Reflection,” a juried exhibition for artists in all media, through Saturday, Feb. 25. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday.THE VIEWPOINT GALLERY, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, 1270 Belmont Ave., Schenectady. 386-3520. Artwork of students of its Studio Art Program, through March 23. The Viewpoint Gallery is open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-8 p.m. weekends and holidays from 1-8 p.m.THE VISUAL ARTS GALLERY, SUNY Adirondack, 640 Bay Road, Queensbury. Counterpoint, work commenting on the poem “Objects,” by Gertrude Stein, through Feb. 16. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.THE WESLEY GALLERY, Wesley Health Care Complex, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs. The photographs of Yuko Edwards during February. Open daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.WORLD AWARENESS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 89 Warren St., Glens Falls. 793-2773. Chinese New Year, through March 4.POTPOURRIALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY & ART, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. Dr. Eric Ruijssenaars tells the enthralling life story of Abraham Staats, a Dutch Founding Father of Albany, 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29. The event will be free with museum admission.ALBANY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 161 Washington Ave., Albany. The Friends of Albany Public Library will host book talks at 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays in January. Carl Strock tackles “The God Delusion,” “The End of Faith” and God is Not Great,” Jan. 31. Admission is free.BROADWAY BREW PUB & GRILLE, 254 Broadway, Troy. 279-7550. Creative Stand-Up Comedy Showcase, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26.CLAY CONCEPTS POTTERY STUDIO, 71 Lawrence St., Glens Falls. 744-2002. Winter Session of Pottery Classes, meet weekly for 2 hours, for 6 weeks. Day or evening classes are available.THE COMEDY WORKS, Best Western, 200 Wolf Road, Albany. 275-6897. Jon Fisch & Joe List, 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday, Jan. 28. $15 advance/$20 day of show.THE COMEDY WORKS, Starting Gate Restaurant, 12 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs. 275-6897. Jon Fisch & Joe List, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. $15 advance/$20 day of show.THE EGG, Hart Theatre, Empire State Plaza, Albany. 473-1845. John Pinette will present a hilarious evening of stand-up comedy, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. Tickets are $35.75 plus applicable service charges. This is an all age show.GANNETT AUDITORIUM, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs. 899-4787. Lunafest Films, 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. $10/$15.THE LINDA, 339 Central Ave., Albany. 465-5233. Interactive film premiere, “Creeping Crawling,” 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, $20/$30/$10. Mike Doughty, “The Book of Drugs,” reading, concert, question and answer, 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. $22. All ages.MILLER AUDITORIUM, Dearlove Hall, SUNY Adirondack, 640 Bay Road, Queensbury. SUNY Adirondack English professors Jane Arnold and Courtney Reid will present a talk, “NEH Grants for Community College Faculty,” 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. Free.NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DANCE AND HALL OF FAME, 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Third annual Winter Antique Show, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 28 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 29. $5.PALACE THEATER, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. The Royal Comedy Tour featuring Sommore, Earthquake, Mark Curry and Arnez J, 7 p.m. Sunday, March 18, $47.50 and $38.PROCTOR’S THEATRE, 432 State St., Schenectady. 346-6204. Vicki Lawrence and Mama will appear at 2 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 8. Tickets are $40 & $50.SAND LAKE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 2880 Route 43, Averill Park. New creative movement and ballet classes starting in January at The School of Creative Arts. Call 477-8922.SARATOGA FILM FORUM, Dee Sarno Theater, Saratoga County Arts Council, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. “The Mill & the Cross,” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 and Friday, Jan. 27; 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29. General admission, $7; members and valid student ID, $5.SARATOGA FILM FORUM, Family Flicks, Dee Sarno Theatre, Saratoga Arts Center, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. “Big” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. Adults, $5; children, $2.SAVANNAH’S, 1 South Pearl St., Albany. Bing Bamboo Room Burlesque, Monday, Jan. 30. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m. $10. 21 with ID.SCHENECTADY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER, 2565 Balltown Road, Schenectady. 377-8803. “Ahead of Time: The Extraordinary Journey of Ruth Gruber,” will be screened at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Members, $7; non-members, $8; students, $3.THE TIMES UNION CENTER, Pearl Street, Albany. The 32nd Annual Great Northeast Home Show, 3-9 p.m. Feb. 10; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 11; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 12. $8.UNDERGROUND AT PROCTOR’S, 432 State St., Schenectady. 346-6204. MOPCO presents Spontaneous Broadway, 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. $14/$6.UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY, Performing Arts Center, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany. 442-3997. Gioia De Cari performs Truth Values: One Woman’s Romp Through M.I.T.’s Male Math Maze, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8. $15/$12/$10.UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY, Recital Hall, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany. “Slavery By Another Name,” a new documentary, 7 p.m. Feb. 3. Free.WORLD CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 89 Warren St., Glens Falls. 793-2773. Faraway Fridays: Discover the Chinese language through play, 11:30 a.m.-noon Fridays, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24. $30 program fee per child; caregiver free. Ages 3-5. Registration required by Feb. 1. Homeschool Fridays: Haitian Love Symbols, 9:45-11:15 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Cost: $5 museum admission plus $5 program fee; Ages 5-12. Registration required by Feb. 15. Carnival Traditions: Mardi Gras in the USA, 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Feb. 21. Cost: $5 museum admission fee includes program; Ages 5-12. Registration recommended. Carnival Traditions: Trinidad, 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Feb. 22. Ages 5-12. Cost: $5 museum admission fee includes program. Registration recommended. Carnival Traditons: Europe, 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Feb. 23. Ages 5-12. Cost: $5 museum admission fee includes program. Registration recommended. Carnival Traditons: Brazil, 1-2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24. Ages 5-12. Cost: $5 museum admission fee includes program. Registration recommended.THEATERCAPITAL REPERTORY THEATRE, 111 North Pearl St., Albany. 445-7469. “Sisters Rosensweig,” through Feb. 19. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday; 2 p.m. second Wednesday of the run; 3 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday.C-R PRODUCTIONS, Cohoes Music Hall, 58 Remsen St., Cohoes. 237-5858. “The Pirates of Penzance,” Feb. 9 through 19. Performances at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday; 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $25-$35.CURTAIN CALL THEATRE, 210 Old Loudon Road, Latham. 877-7529. “Next Fall,” through Feb. 11. Performances 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. $22.HOME MADE THEATER, Spa Little Theater, Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs. Two new sessions of acting classes for children and teens ages 6 to 17 starting in January through March. For information and registration, call 587-4427.PROCTOR’S, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. “Shrek the Musical,” through Sunday, Jan. 29. Tickets are $20, $35, $45, $50, $60, $70. Tickets available at Proctor’s Box Office, 346-6204 or proctors.org.SAND LAKE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 2880 Route 43, Averill Park. 674-2007. Circle Theatre Players present “The Legacy of Human Property,” an original play by Eric Washburn, 8 p.m. Jan. 27 and 28; 2:30 p.m. Jan. 29. $10/$8.SCHENECTADY CIVIC PLAYHOUSE, 12 South Church St., Schenectady. 382-2081. Schenectady Civic Players present “The Ives Have It,” nine short comedies by David Ives, Jan. 27 through 29 and Feb. 1 through 5. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $15. “Becky’s New Car,” staged reading, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12. Free.SCHENECTADY LIGHT OPERA THEATER, 427 Franklin St., Schenectady. 1-877-350-7378. “Baby the Musical,” 8 p.m. Feb. 10 and 11, Feb. 16 through 18; 2 p.m. Feb. 12 and 19.CAFFE LENA, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs. 664-5999. The Local Actors Guild of Saratoga presents “The Last Five Years” Voices for a Common Cause: All net proceeds to benefit The American Cancer Society, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6, 7, 19 and 14; 2 p.m. Feb. 11 and 12. $15. Dirck Toll, 2 p.m. Sunday, April 15 in the Black Box Theater, $10 general public/$8 students and seniors. caffelena.org.

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Anglicans Transition to Catholic Rule Under New Church Body

Posted by on January 28, 2012 No comments
  • (Photo: Reuters/Andrew Winning)In this file photo, former Anglican bishops John Broadhurst, Andrew Burnham and Keith Newton stand during their ordination as Catholic priests at Westminster Cathedral in central London.

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The Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter was officially created on Jan. 1. The Ordinariate will allow Anglican churches in the United States to join the Roman Catholic Church while retaining their Anglican tradition.

Susan Gibbs, a spokeswoman for the Ordinariate, told The Christian Post that the planning of this new church body was the result of years of processing and planning for disaffected Anglicans.

According to Gibbs, around “23 new communities” have been accepted, which are comprised of about “1,400 people plus 100 clergy who have applied to become Catholic.”

This is not the first time Anglican clergy have sought ordination into the Catholic Church. In the 1980s Pope John Paul II created a “pastoral provision” that allowed American Anglican priests “on a limited basis,” including an exemption from the celibacy rule for those who were already married.

When asked if congregations and clergy from other denominations could join the recently enacted Ordinariate, Gibbs explained that they could not since the Ordinariate specifically allows Anglican or Episcopalian clergy only.

“We have not had the same requests from other faith groups,” said Gibbs, who added that should there be a coordinated effort then there would be consideration by the Catholic Church.

For churches like St. Luke’s Parish of Bladensburg, Md., the transfer from Anglican to Catholic has been a gradual process years in the making.

“[St. Luke’s] ceased using the Anglican Service Book for our worship and began using the Book of Divine Worship,” said Fr. Mark Lewis of St. Luke’s, in an earlier interview with CP.

“The Book of Divine Worship is the Vatican approved liturgical book used by Anglican Use Parishes in the United States.”

St. Luke’s was one of the Anglican churches that successfully petitioned the Catholic Church to join the Ordinariate and the first in the State of Maryland.

“We are proud and humbled to be part of this historic event!” reads their website.

“As such we are fully in communion with the Holy See and enjoy the benefit of a Catholic chaplain until, God willing, our pastor, Mark Lewis, is ordained a Catholic priest.”

In November, Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., announced that a church body known as an “Ordinariate” would be created to incorporate American Anglicans who disagreed with the liberal theological direction of the Episcopal Church.

Several churches in the United States petitioned the Roman Catholic Church for reception into the Ordinariate. The Ordinariate’s first leader, or Ordinary, is Fr. Jeffrey Steenson, himself a former Episcopal priest.

“I pray that we who will come into full communion through this Ordinariate will bring the Holy Father much joy through our love and faithful service to the Catholic Church,” said Steenson in a statement released on Monday.

“But pray too that we do not forget who we are and where we have come from, for we have been formed in the beautiful and noble Anglican tradition.”

Cupid.com Dating Site Review – Online Dating Made Easy

Posted by on January 28, 2012 No comments

1327734270 59 Cupid.com Dating Site Review – Online Dating Made Easy

Want to meet loads of sexy singles at the click of a mouse? The folks at Cupid.com know you do, and they’ve made it easier than ever! From the moment you arrive at the site, you’ll see photo profiles of the hottest singles this site has to offer, and wow are they gorgeous.

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Cupid.com doesn’t waste your time with long questionnaires and tests to find your matches. They let you do the deciding — like an adult should. You’ll spend your precious time meeting the local singles you want to talk to, and cupid.com’s free search tools make it easy and simple. Speaking of free, a basic membership is!

So what are you waiting for? Check out Cupid.com today. With so many complicated online dating sites out there, stay ahead of the game with a site that cuts through the clutter and gets straight to the point.

Cupid Review via SomeoneToSomeone.com

Anderson’s Jose Alvarez once sold drugs on New York’s streets, now tells of his new life

Posted by on January 28, 2012 No comments

1327731848 65 Andersons Jose Alvarez once sold drugs on New York’s streets, now tells of his new life

Palm Sunday in 1987 is the day that Jose Alvarez will never forget.

He walked into a Catholic church on 204th Street in New York to get his palm cross, as sort of a “good luck” charm for the year ahead. But the place was packed. So he walked to the next church he could find, the Manhattan Bible Church on 205th Street.

There he found something he’d not seen, or felt, since a trip he’d made to the Dominican Republic three years earlier.

Alvarez, a native of the Dominican Republic and now an Anderson resident, traveled to the Caribbean nation to sober up and spend some time with his family in 1984. He’d spent years dealing drugs, and eventually using them.

“I used to go there to dry up,” Alvarez said. “It was there that I heard the Gospel for the first time — out of the mouth of this little short guy from Puerto Rico, Nicky Cruz. It was like he’d followed me there and was telling my story.”

Alvarez had just finished a two-year sentence at one of the prisons on New York’s Rikers Island. The prison sentence was one of the blips in Alvarez’s life of crime.

When he was 12, Alvarez was already involved in a gang in Brooklyn. While in high school, he started smoking marijuana and huffing glue.

Drugs and gangs had attracted Alvarez because he saw it as a way out of the streets of Brooklyn. His mother was a single mother, raising him after his father left them when he was 8 years old.

It didn’t take long for him to meet a group of men with connections to a supply of drugs coming out of South America. Soon, the boy from the Dominican Republic was buying boats, a Stingray Corvette, a 1957 Chevy Corvette. By the time he was 33, he was spending $1,200 a day on cocaine and heroine.

“You think that because of that status, those things you have, that the drugs aren’t going to touch you,” Alvarez said. “But they do.”

Cruz’s story was similar. He too, was a poor young boy who was influenced by the wrong sorts of people on Brooklyn’s tough streets.

“This life I live now, I live because of the Christ who died for me. So, now, I work for him.”

That day in 1984, Alvarez’s aunt’s maid had invited him to a concert where a salsa band, Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, was performing.

Alvarez didn’t know that the band, whom he’d listened to in New York, was there to sing Christian songs. Nicky Cruz was slated to speak at the concert, to tell the crowds of his powerful conversion to Christianity.

Nicky Cruz was a leader of the violent Mau Mau gang that ruled Brooklyn’s streets in the 1950s. Like Alvarez, Nicky Cruz was a transplant to New York City. Cruz’s life was changed the day that he ran into evangelist preacher David Wilkerson, who was ministering to people on the streets in Cruz’s neighborhood.

Cruz went on to become an evangelist like Wilkerson, and in 1984 told his story to a large crowd that was gathered in Alvarez’s hometown. Cruz’s life story is told in the book, “The Cross and the Switchblade.”

“The feeling in that crowd was amazing,” Alvarez said. “Nicky Cruz talked about how Jesus Christ had died for my sins — for me, Jose Alvarez.”

That was the same message that Alvarez heard when he walked into the Manhattan Bible Church. He heard a pastor in the pulpit talk about how there was no sin so great, so evil that he would not be loved by God.

“He was preaching on the Bible verse John 3:16,” Alvarez said. “It became so real to me. Then a woman,

Diane Monroe, got up and sang ‘People Need the Lord.’ That day, I responded to the invitation to the altar. I knew I was that person. I knew I needed the Lord.”

Now Alvarez is doing the same thing that Nicky Cruz was doing in 1984. Except Alvarez is doing his mission work in Anderson. After that Palm Sunday service in Manhattan, he went through a year of counseling and Bible study at New York’s Transformation Life Center, a Christian program for those addicted to drugs and other substances.

He was ordained as a minister at First Baptist Church at Woodstock, Ga., in 2003. Now, he travels among Anderson, Atlanta and the Dominican Republic on a regular basis to lead prayer groups, reach out to children and tell his story.

He and a group of board members lead a ministry that bears his name.

“We come alongside other ministries to help them,” Alvarez said.

On Wednesday, he led a church service on the streets of Atlanta, and by Thursday, he was back in Anderson teaching a Bible class at the Haven of Rest Ministries on West Whitner Street.

“Because of his past, Jose has a heart for hurting people,” said Sid Stewart, director of the Haven of Rest ministries. “That’s the thrust of his life.”

Before he taught that class at the Haven of Rest, Alvarez led a small prayer group at Second Baptist Church in Belton. He wasn’t in front of a large crowd, and he was sitting in a room not much bigger than a closet with three other men.

He went around the room, asking about their concerns and worries. He scribbled notes on a piece of paper, and then he bowed his head and prayed for miracles from the same God who performed a miracle in his life 25 years ago.

With certainty and joy, Alvarez said, “This life I live now, I live because of the Christ who died for me. So, now, I work for him.”

Speed Dating In Store For Catholics At Denver Conference

Posted by on January 28, 2012 No comments

1327730650 55 Speed Dating In Store For Catholics At Denver Conference

The National Catholic Singles Conference is back in Denver this winter, Jan. 27-29, 2012. It’s being coordinated by Darin and Molly Ries, a couple who met on CatholicMatch. Darin, what compelled you to choose that location?

The National Catholic Singles Conference was founded in Denver in 2005 and we’ve had a great reception there in the past. When we learned that scheduling conflicts in San Antonio would make it difficult to hold it there in 2012 we started looking for a new site to hold the conference. We seemed to be guided by the Spirit as we started the search and all roads seemed to lead to Denver.  

 

What’s different about NCSC this time around?

We’re bringing in some new speakers that we’re really excited about and we’re partnering with Denver Catholic Speed Dating for pre- and post- conference activities, which should be a lot of fun!

Give me an example of a change you’re making based on feedback from attendees of the last conference?

We often are asked for more opportunities to socialize and to meet other people. While we don’t think of the weekend as a place you go to get paired up, many singles do come with the hopes of meeting people and making some great connections.

The speed dating will give attendees a great opportunity to do just that. I think many people haven’t tried speed dating because you never know what kind of people you’re going to meet. That’s why I love this concept of Catholic speed dating. Because other NCSC attendees will be the ones there, you know that you are going to meet other great people who are there for the same reason you are.  

What’s something you’re maintaining from past conferences based on overwhelmingly positive feedback?

It is important to us to keep the balance through the weekend and to make sure it is rooted in the sacraments and in our Catholic faith. It’s not any of the work that we do that makes the conference successful, it’s the work of the Holy Spirit that is alive throughout the weekend.  

The format of the weekend has been tweaked a bit over the years, but it seems to work well and we get a lot of very positive feedback about it. We’ve worked to keep the same basic format with speakers, adoration, Masses and the dance and we’re not planning to move far from it.

But there may be a few surprises this year.

I’m interested in the fact that iconographer David Clayton will be speaking. What role does creativity and art play in the lives of Catholic singles?

I think it’s more about the recognition of beauty that is all around us. I remember watching a TV show in which a young lady was having a conversation with God. She didn’t believe he was really God, so she asked him to show her a miracle and he pointed to a beautiful tree. She said, “That’s just a tree!” to which he responded, “Let’s see you make one.”  

I think that makes a good point in a lighthearted way. How often do we stop to recognize the beauty around us and in every part of God’s creation? Can we see it in everyone we meet? If we can’t, how much are we missing?  

The first reading at Mass a few Sundays ago was from Proverbs 31. It speaks to the need to value a good wife for the right reasons and that “charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting.” We’ve been conditioned by secular culture to look at that outward beauty and not the true beauty that is in the gifts and graces that God has given us.  Many of us need to learn how to see that true beauty, and David will share some great insight into how to find that in others and in our daily lives.

 

Roy Petitfils, a Catholic counselor, will also be speaking. What message will he be sharing?

I’ve heard Roy speak and I thought he had a great message about how we have to see the beauty and value in our selves, to love ourselves as God loves us so that we can better love others. Roy is a really inspiring speaker and I think attendees are going to be really fired up after having a chance to hear him on Sunday.  

We all need to be self-aware to be healthy people and there is value in having the right counselors to help us grow. Sometimes those people are professional counselors, other times they aren’t.  

G.K. Chesterton said that “psychotherapy is confession without absolution.”  If we think about that, it highlights that we really do need to have the opportunity to examine and talk about our struggles in order to grow as God’s children. That’s one of the great benefits of being Catholic, though: You can go to see your therapist before Mass and not worry about how your insurance will be billed!

Molly, what will single Catholic women get out of the weekend?

First and most importantly, the single Catholic women who come to the conference will get a fun and relaxing weekend with like-minded people and the chance to be inspired and renewed by the wonderful speakers we have lined up.

We live in a culture that does not often appreciate our values. This is a chance to be strengthened and reaffirmed in our struggle to live good Catholic lives in a secular culture.

The second great advantage of the conference is the opportunity for networking, both social and professional.  When I was single and on my own, I worked full time as a nurse in women’s health. Talk about a hostile environment for faithful Catholic! I was challenged every day by those who did not agree with my stance on life issues and human dignity.

I remember being so refreshed by the other women that I met each year at the National Catholic Singles Conference. We shared stories about our struggles, made wonderful friendships, and gave each other great advice. In addition, there are many young professionals who attend the conference, and it’s a great opportunity to get new ideas and learn about the initiatives that some Catholic singles are making.

Lastly, there is definitely the possibility of romance! This is a great opportunity for men and women to meet and perhaps hit it off! My own brother met his wife at the NCSC three years ago, so it can definitely happen.

Darin, what will single Catholic men get out of it?

Well, the food’s pretty good.  

Seriously though, I think there are a lot of things that men can get out of the weekend.  The weekend is definitely influenced by the Holy Spirit and people seem to always hear what they need to.  I know it happened to me as well at my first NCSC; I heard what I need to and it really helped to transform me into a better Catholic and a better man, which ultimately has made me a better husband and father.

There aren’t very many venues where you’ll hear people talk directly about the challenges we face as men living in the culture as it is. There are images and temptations to be something other than what we are called to be all around us. At the conference, not only will you hear it talked about, you’ll be challenged and grow as a man.  

For me, I’m always on the go and it’s hard to unplug. I’m one of those guys that will get phantom Blackberry vibrations because I’ve trained myself to respond to it, which isn’t a good thing. The conference is a great place to turn it off and experience the weekend. I wonder when the last time many of us made a conscious decision to unplug from the grid and focus on our faith.

How can we register online?

You can register online here.

What’s the early bird discount and when does it expire?

The early bird discount is a preregistration discount of $30 off the normal price of $159 and ends on Nov. 30, so you’d better hurry!

Deacons who serve on the fly « The Deacon's Bench

Posted by on January 28, 2012 No comments

1327729452 25 Deacons who serve on the fly « The Deacon's Bench

Some are doing it at airports, and St. Louis Today recently looked at a thriving ministry at the local international airport:

The young soldier was sitting by herself in the airport terminal sobbing.

George Miller, a deacon at the chapel at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, said he walked over, introduced himself and stayed with her for about half an hour.

“She was thinking she made a drastic mistake joining the Army,” he said recalling the incident. “I just sat with her and talked to her and let her know that she could turn to God for some help and strength.”

Like many of the people the airport chaplains encounter, Miller never saw or heard from her again.

The Interfaith Chapel, which has been at Lambert for more than 20 years, provides counseling, a daily Catholic Mass and a place for worshipers of all religions to pray. Attendance increases around Christmas but officials don’t keep track.

At a recent noon Mass, pilot Laura Johnson had just arrived from Dallas and rushed over before her flight to Pittsburgh.

“My life is so hectic, I can’t always make it on Sunday, so I try to make it up wherever I can,” she said.

Passenger Molly Coffey-Scalley stopped by before catching her flight back to Ireland. She takes communion daily, but when she’s traveling it’s not always possible.

“I saw information about the service on one of the terminal screens, and I had time,” she said. “I figure this can serve as my Viaticum (last rites) in case the plane goes down.”…

…When the chaplaincy began in 1985, only two members of any one faith were allowed to be involved, but over the years, many have dropped out, and the staff now is entirely Christian — five Catholic priests, eight Catholic deacons and two Protestant ministers.

The chapel is still considered interfaith, though, and is open all day every day to anyone who wants to pray. The staff provides Jewish prayer books, and for members of the Islamic faith, a prayer rug, the Quran and a chart with an arrow facing toward Mecca.

The Rev. Gene Brennan, one of the Catholic priests who celebrates Mass regularly, said sometimes no one attends, but usually between four and 10 worshippers show up. The chapel can hold about 60 people….

…On a recent weekday, Deacon Joseph Sulze arrived at Terminal 2 just before 10 a.m. to provide communion to travelers and then headed over to Terminal 1, where he set up eucharistic adoration from 11 to noon. Several people already were kneeling in the sanctuary, which has cherry wood paneling on two sides and stained glass along the rear wall.

Sulze placed candles, an advent wreath, a crucifix and several statues of Jesus. He plugged in a CD playing monastic chants. The symbols are brought out for the Mass and put away afterward so as not to offend people of other faiths. Similarly, the sanctuary is not decorated for Christmas.

Read more.

Photos by Erik M. Lunsford