Parish Pastoral Council

CONTACT: CHAIR: Kathy Barrans: 518 371 8693

Our parish Pastoral Council consists of the pastor, three ex-officio members (one must be a member of the Parish Finance Committee), three appointed members and six members nominated by the parishioners. The Pastoral Council meets eight times a year.

The purpose of the Pastoral Council is to listen to our parish community and identify the temporal and spiritual needs of the parish. The Council then develops a course of action to respond to these needs. The Council is committed to bring to life our Parish Mission.

Parish Mission Statement –

We are the People of God called to serve God and one another as we journey toward the fullness of God’s Kingdom. The Celebration of the Eucharist is the center of our Roman Catholic lives. We welcome all to be part of our parish family, worshipping, praying and serving with us.

MEMBERS

The Very Reverend James Belogi

Born in Troy, New York, to Mary Ellen Ryan and Joseph A. Belogi. One of five children. Attended St. Augustine School and Catholic Central High School. Graduate the University of Albany in 1976. Graduate St. Bernard's Seminary, Rochester, New York. Ordained to the priesthood in 1981 by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. Presently Pastor of St. Madeleine Sophie Church, St. Gabriel's and Parochial Administrator of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Margaret of Cortona.

Reverend Anthony Onu

My name is Fr. Anthony Chibueze, and I am deeply honored to introduce myself. I was born in the Southeastern region of Nigeria, a place rich in culture and heritage, and I am proud to be a member of the Igbo ethnic group. My journey of faith and service led me to the United States in 2017, where I embraced a new chapter in life. In 2018, I became a part of the Diocese of Albany, marking the beginning of a transformative period in my spiritual and academic formation.

For two years, I immersed myself in the life of the Albany community while also dedicating time to furthering my education, pursuing a master's degree in Catholic Philosophy. In 2020, I continued my theological studies at the prestigious Mundelein Seminary in Illinois, an experience that deepened my faith and prepared me for the priesthood. After four years of study and growth, I graduated in the spring of 2024, fully ready to embrace the call that God had placed on my heart.

By the grace of God, on May 18, 2024, I was ordained into the Catholic priesthood—a moment of immense joy and fulfillment. I have since been blessed to serve this wonderful parish community, and I look forward to journeying with you all in faith, service, and love.

Deacon Joseph Brennan

From Troy New York and Catholic Central High School, class of 1973. Married Cathryn Dukette on June 18, 1977.

3 children born in 1979, 1981 and 1985….and 4 grandchildren. We bought our first home and moved to Rotterdam in 1982. Retired Jan 1, 2011 from the US Post Office after 32 years of service. We attended St. Madeleine Sophie Church until 2004 when I entered into formation for the diaconate. I was ordained by Bishop Hubbard, with 3 other men, on May17, 2008 @ St. Pius X in Loudonville. (The Cathedral was closed for renovations at that time)

My first and only assignment to date has been (not without some identity changes) to Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) and, since 2010, Our Lady Queen of Peace and in 2014, the Mission at St. Margaret of Cortona. As I get older, I enjoy more down time…..gardening, watching sports, reading, walking.

Kathy Barrans Chair

I am honored to serve as Chair of the Pastoral Council. I attend Mass at St. Margaret of Cortona Church in Rotterdam Junction, the Mission of Our Lady Queen of Peace. I bring my father each week. He has Alzheimer’s and stays in an assisted living facility. We enjoy coffee hour after Mass each Sunday. It feels like time with family after Mass when I was growing up. I love the outdoors, and animals. I have three dogs and two horses at my house. I also work for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. I have been Communications Director since April 2022. I love being able to serve God with my life. One of my favorite Scripture passages is 1 John 3:18 Love, not in word or in speech, but in deed and in truth.

Barb Dunigan Vice Chair

My husband Arthur “Mickey” and I joined the parish in 2005. We both serve as Eucharistic Ministers. I also serve as a Lector, and as a member of the Hospitality, Prayer and Worship, and Bereavement Ministries.

I worked as parish secretary at OLQP from January 2009 until I retired in September 2023. Prior to that I worked for the Department of State, Division of Licensing Services in Albany NY until I retired in 2006.

Serving on the Pastoral Council affords me an opportunity to listen and learn while supporting the Life of the parish. One of my favorite scripture passages is Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me [Psalm 51:10]

Linda Beeler

I am a school teacher, focusing on dyslexia and reading interventions in middle school.

I was born and raised in Chicago as one of seven children who are all a year apart. I moved to New York by way of Montana 16 years ago. Here I met my husband Tom, who passed away on All Soul’s Day. Tom and I lived in Colonie with our 100-pound Labradoodle, Joe. Tom and I attended St. Pius X Church. It was a blessed and fantastic life with the love of my life, though God said it’s time to journey in a new direction. This is when I moved to Rotterdam and discovered Our Lady Queen Of Peace parish. I recently made first promises as an Aspirant with a lay community of Carmelites. The graces of God flow into and fuel my days and nights, and I am so blessed to serve on the parish council with hopes of working with all to strengthen and build our community.

Maureen Colose

My name is Maureen Shiely-Colose. In the beginning I lived in Ballston Lake and was baptized at Our Lady of Grace. In 1963, the family moved to Glenville. I attended St. Joseph's School until the 8th grade. Went onto Scotia-Glenville High School. Graduated in 1976. From there went to Mildred Elley Secretarial School. Worked in Albany until the office closed. Attended Schenectady County Community College. There I obtained an Associate degree as an Administrative Assistant. A few years later I went back and received a Paralegal degree. Married Dan Colose on May 8, 1998, was widowed seven years later. Attended Immaculate Conception Church until its closing then starting coming to this parish. Here I am an Altar Server, Eucharist Minister, a Rosarian, plus a member of the Parish Council.

James Dominelli

A lifelong resident of the Town of Rotterdam and a communicant of Our Lady Queen of Peace (formerly Our Lady of The Assumption Parish). Married to Angela (Pasquariello).A graduate of the College of St. Rose, Bachelor of Science. I am currently employed as Vice President of Sales for FMP of Schenectady (formerly Tattersall Industries). I am a member of the Gabriel D’Annunzio Sons of Italy Lodge.

Ronald Longo

My name is Ron Longo. I am a lifelong resident of Rotterdam. I was an altar boy at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at its first location at the Five Corners and continued when the new church was built on Princetown Road. My wife Martha and I got married at St. Margaret of Cortona Church in Rotterdam Jct., and just celebrated our 53rd anniversary. When we moved to Rotterdam we became parishioners at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, now Our Lady Queen of Peace. We have three adult children, all of whom made their sacraments at OLA/OLQP. We have twin grandsons who live in Binghamton, NY with our daughter and son-in-law.I was in the Air Force for four years during the Vietnam era and worked at the USPS as a letter carrier, driver instructor, and in Vehicle Operations and Maintenance for a total of 32 years. I am retired now and work part-time for the National Safety and Health Council as a Defensive Driving Instructor and also enjoy playing golf and volunteering at our church.

Elizabeth Miller

Originally from Columbia County, I moved to Schenectady approximately 40 years ago. As the middle child of seven, my faith, family and friends are my world.

I came to OLQP from Immaculate Conception church. I worked 43 years in Customer Service in the paper and book industry. I currently serve on the Hospitality, Greeting Card and Bereavement Ministries.

Looking forward to serving on the Pastoral Council.

Shirley Neet

As a member of the choir, I sing at the 4pm and 8am Masses at Our Lady Queen of Peace. For me, singing is praying twice. I am a mother and grandmother.

After retiring from Farnsworth Middleburgh School as a guidance secretary in 2016, I decided to do volunteer work. I so enjoy volunteering for Hospice and St. Luke’s Daily Bread Food Pantry. I am involved in Cursillo and (REC) Residents Encounter Christ. These take place twice a year at Hale Creek Correctional Facility. I enjoy taking walks enjoying all of God’s creation.

My favorite scripture passage is the 139th Psalm. I am known and loved by God.

Deb Ploetz

Growing up in Rotterdam, the 5th of 6 children, my parents gave me the very best gift, a life centered on faith and family. I graduated from Draper HS and SUNY Albany, and worked as a Quality Engineer at Rotterdam Plastics and Standard Products until their closures.

In 2000 a homily given at a Confirmation Mass regarding a spiritual calling changed my course. I had been volunteering as a Catechist for 10 years, and the following Monday the current Faith Formation Director for Our Lady of the Assumption and Immaculate Conception Churches stepped down. Yes, I heard the call and answered!

I have recently retired from Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Margaret of Cortona Mission Church after 23 years of ministry. What a blessing it has been to see the gift that the parents of our youth give to their children, and also support and pray for them as they raise children in today's society.

I am married to Jeff and together we have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. I continue to volunteer with the Stewardship Committee, the Rosary Society, coordinate the Greeter Ministry, and assist with Faith Formation whenever I am not doing all the things that grandma's do! I look forward to serving on the Pastoral Council.

Sue Rudzinski

I’m a transfer parishioner from Immaculate Conception Parish. I have been a lector for more than 50 years, am a member of the Stewardship Committee, Bereavement Ministry, and now a member of the Pastoral Council. My work experience was in Human Resources and I have volunteered with several entities - Literacy Volunteers, St. Clare’s Hospital, and the Belanger School of Nursing.

JoAnn Stankavage

My husband, Don, and I attend mass at OLQP at the 4pm Saturday Vigil Mass and I serve as a lector. We have 5 children, 4 are married, and 4 grandchildren.

Since my husband and I have retired, we spend our time with our grandchildren and gardening. I grew up in this parish, (Our Lady of the Assumption), and after living away for many years, we returned here in 2012. My experiences in ministry include: choir member, Catechetical Director, teaching catechists in my parishes, deaneries, at Spring Enrichment and teaching lay ministers at Formation for Ministry programs for the Diocese. I have also taught classes in Moral Decision Making, Business Ethics and Hebrew Scriptures at Maria College and worked as an Associate Director for St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry’s satellite site in Albany.

Because of my work in Church ministry and my love of scripture, I went back to school to earn my Master’s degree in Theology also at St. Bernard’s. I hope that my experience will be helpful in serving the parish as a Pastoral Council member.

These are just a few of my favorite scriptures: “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.” 1John 3:1 expresses God’s call to me. “As For Me And My House, We Will Serve The Lord”, Joshua 24:15 is my ongoing commitment to follow God. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13 reminds me that I depend on God for everything in my life.

Marsha Stewart

I grew up in Schenectady with my parents and sister. I graduated from Linton High School in 1969.

I retired from the cable company after 18 years. I have two daughters and three grandchildren. I was Baptized and made my Confirmation at Our Lady Queen of Peace at the Easter Vigil in 2016. I currently serve on the Hospitality, Greeting Card, and Bereavement Ministries. I also help out at other events when needed.

I am looking forward to working with the Pastoral Council this year.

Carmela Vecchio

I was born and raised in Albany NY as an only child to strong Italian Catholic parents. I worked for Albany County Department for Children, Youth and Families for 35 years in Child Protective Services as an investigator, in the legal department and later as a supervisor and retired in 2018.

I began attending Our Lady of Assumption, now Our Lady Queen of Peace in 2010. I have served as a Eucharistic Minister, Collector Coordinator and on the Pastoral Council in the past. I am currently on the Altar Rosary Society where I act as the historian and am also on the Hospitality Committee.

I am grateful that I have found myself in this parish family and am willing to serve it in whatever way I can.

Frank Ranucci Trustee

Long time member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish. Currently serving as a Parish Trustee and an ex-officio member of our Pastoral Council. Enjoys serving as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector and member of our Parish Finance Committee as well as contact person for Building and Grounds issues.

Linda Vaughn Trustee

I am a lifetime member of St. Margaret of Cortona Church and a resident of Rotterdam Junction. For 42 years I was employed by GE Corporate Research and Development in the Sourcing Department as an Analyst. Before I retired, I knew I wanted to get more involved in the parish and its activities.

In 2012 I was asked to start a Building and Grounds Committee and have been in that role since that time. Eight years ago, I was approached to take on the role of Trustee and during Covid I was assigned as the Safety person for SMC. The duty of these roles at times are consuming but also rewarding.

The individuals that pass thru SMC’s door on Sunday Morning are very special to me, I love seeing them all.