I have been a devoted member of St. Edward’s Parish for more than 45 years. As a widow, mother of two adult children, grandmother of two grandsons, and with another grandchild expected in January, I am deeply grateful for the blessings God has bestowed upon my family. During my retirement, I also care for one of my grandsons four days each week, a role that brings me great joy and keeps me closely connected to the experiences and needs of young families. In addition, I am honored to serve as the caregiver for my father-in-law, an experience that continues to strengthen my faith, compassion, and commitment to serving others. 

I recently retired from St. Peter’s Healthcare following a 40-year career in healthcare administration. Throughout my professional life, I gained extensive experience in real estate lease administration, supply chain management, capital budget purchasing, and executive support within the Pastoral Care Department. These roles required collaboration, strategic planning, stewardship of resources, and effective communications skills that I believe would be valuable in supporting the mission and future of our parish. 

In addition, I am a recent graduate of the Diocesan Pastoral Associate for Leadership Program, a comprehensive formation program focused on parish leadership, administration, ministry, and the many facets of church operations. This experience has further prepared me to serve the Church and contribute thoughtfully to parish decision-making and planning. 

Faith and service have been central to my life at St. Edward’s. For the past 30 years, I have been a member of the parish choir. I also serve as a Eucharistic Minister and have been a Collection Team Counter, and I have also assisted with various projects whenever needed. These ministries have allowed me to grow in faith while supporting the parish community that has been such an important part of my life. 

I am seeking the opportunity to serve on the Pastoral Council because I believe God is calling me to this role. I bring a lifetime of parish involvement, professional experience, a commitment to collaborative leadership, and a sincere desire to listen, serve, and help strengthen our parish community. With a grateful and open heart, I am ready to answer that call and contribute to the continued growth and vitality of St. Edward’s Parish. 

Thank you for your consideration.

My name is Mark Vinett and I retired in 2018 from the State of New York - Office of the Attorney General with over 41 years total service. My position was Police/ Senior Technical Investigator and I worked in the Special Operations Unit, working on traditional and non traditional organized crime and conventional crime cases.

 I attended the basic training academy for police officers, and numerous law enforcement and specialized technical schools. I graduated from Hudson Valley with a degree in Automotive Mechanics. 

My wife Janet and I started attending St Edward the Confessor in 2016.  Janet and I have one Daughter and 3 grandchildren.  I am an active 4th Degree member in the Knights of Columbus.  The fellowship, friendship, and community the Knights bring together are truly beautiful. Once retired I started attending daily Mass, volunteering as a Eucharistic Minister, and helping in the Music Ministry with the  audio sound board and video livestream.  I love Saint Edward the Confessor it is like a second home.  St Edward the Confessor is family to me.  I usually come to church early for greeting and saying hello to everyone I meet. I attend church to have a relationship with God during Mass and to receive the Eucharist… and I stay after to be with all of the many friends God keeps surrounding me with.  St Edward’s community has taught me how to talk with God all day long and most importantly continues to teach me to be still and listen to God.  

Reading my words there are so many I’s… my existence would not be without God.  He is the creator without Him i am nothing.

I feel I would be an asset to this important Parish ministry.

Thank you 

My career path as a Registered Nurse has led me through many meaningful opportunities to serve others. I began my professional career at St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady, where I held a variety of roles, including bedside nursing, critical care, and work with the hospital’s Foundation, where I helped implement fundraising events. I later had the privilege of serving on the Foundation Board of Directors.

 Building on my organizational and fundraising experience, I became a volunteer with Community Hospice. In that role, I developed, chaired, and implemented special events, and eventually became Chairman of the Foundation Board—an honor I deeply cherish.

 In every business my husband and I have developed, the common thread has always been the privilege of helping others.

Through the wonderful ministries at St. Edward’s, I have been able to continue that commitment to service. Over the years, I have been involved with Faith Formation, served as a Eucharistic Minister, a Parish Nurse and Mary’s Ladies of the Knots. Oh, and I love working in the kitchen with Nora and the gang. 

The ministry closest to my heart is the Christmas for the Elderly program, where many know me as “Jingles.”

If chosen, I will do my very best to continue the good works of the Council and our Church with dedication, gratitude, and a sincere desire to serve.