History of Our Church

Celebrating 10 Years of Ministry

The Story of St. John of God Parish

2016–2026

St. John of God Parish began as a small mission in October 2016, shortly after Bishop Tony Green, FCR, was incardinated as a deacon in the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America (CACINA) by Bishop Francisco Betancourt, then Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of Little Portion.

Bishop Tony chose St. John of God as the patron of the new faith community because of his many years of ministry in hospice and healthcare chaplaincy. St. John of God, known for his extraordinary compassion for those who were sick, poor, and marginalized, is the patron saint of hospitals and healthcare workers. His spirit of compassionate service became a fitting foundation for the new community.

Humble Beginnings

The St. John of God Mission began with Sunday Communion services in the chapel of the Ellis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, located in the former St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady. Residents of the nursing home gathered faithfully for worship, and before long, family members and others began joining them.

Among those early worshippers was Mafalda Lucca, who initially attended with her husband, Nick (may he rest in peace) a resident of the nursing home. Mafalda became part of the St. John of God community and has remained with the parish throughout its journey.

Within the first few months, Fr. Victor DeSantis and his wife, Mary, discovered the mission and became an important part of its life. Fr. Victor was incardinated into CACINA, while Mary became an active and dedicated lay leader. As the community grew and lay leadership developed, Bishop Betancourt approved the transition from St. John of God Mission to St. John of God Parish. Approximately six months later, Tony was ordained to the priesthood.

Finding a New Home

After approximately four years of ministry in the chapel, Ellis Medicine announced the closing of the nursing home and the sale of the building. Faced with losing their worship space, Fr. Tony, Fr. Victor, and Mary began searching for a new home for the parish.

That search led to Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church, where St. John of God Parish found not simply a place to worship, but an ecumenical partner and a welcoming spiritual home. From the beginning, the people of Eastern Parkway offered kindness, generosity, and hospitality. The parish's inaugural Mass in its new home was attended by approximately 25 people.

Growing in Faith and Ministry

Over the years, St. John of God Parish has grown not only in the number of people who call it their spiritual home, but also in faith, ministry, service, and community.

Another important chapter began when Fr. Richard Moran, Jr. joined CACINA in 2023. He was ordained to the priesthood at St. John of God Parish on January 20, 2024, and Bishop Tony later appointed him co-pastor following the retirement of Fr. Victor.

Throughout its history, the parish has also been blessed by faithful lay leadership. Ben and Joe Saminak have served at the altar for several years; Margaret Wexler has faithfully served as financial secretary; and Charito Dreezek has enriched the parish's worship through her ministry as pianist. Their service represents the many ways members of the community have shared their gifts to build and sustain St. John of God Parish.

Our Mission, Vision & Values

As we celebrate ten years of ministry, the Mission, Vision, and Values of St. John of God Parish continue to express who we are and the kind of Catholic community we seek to be.

Our Mission
To be a Catholic community that loves everyone just as Jesus loves us.

Our Vision
To be a Catholic community that proudly identifies as progressive and inclusive.

Our Values
We seek to:

“Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.”
— The Prophet Micah

and

“Preach the Gospel at all times — and use words if necessary.”
— Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

Ten Years — and the Journey Continues

What began in 2016 as a small mission gathered in a nursing-home chapel has become a vibrant independent and inclusive Catholic parish. Through changes in location, clergy transitions, new ministries, and the arrival of new members, one thing has remained constant: the desire to create a Catholic community where people can encounter the love of God and know that they are welcome.

As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, we give thanks for those who planted the seeds, those who nurtured the parish through the years, those who call St. John of God their spiritual home today, and all those whose journeys will bring them through our doors in the years ahead.

With gratitude for our past and hope for our future, we continue our ministry as a community that is:

Catholic. Independent. Progressive. Inclusive. Welcoming.

St. John of God Parish — Celebrating 10 Years of Ministry, 2016–2026