About Saint Clare's Church · Albany, New York
The Church of Saint Clare is a Roman Catholic parish in the Town of Colonie, just outside Albany, New York, belonging to the Diocese of Albany. Founded as a mission of St. Paul the Apostle Church in 1931 and established as an independent parish in 1939, Saint Clare's now serves more than 1,500 families from its location on Central Avenue. The parish is currently led by Parish Life Director Deacon Dick Thiesen with Sacramental Minister Father James Kane, and offers a robust slate of liturgical, faith formation, and outreach ministries for the surrounding community.
- Established
- 1939
- Patron
- Saint Clare of Assisi
- Rector
- Deacon Dick Thiesen (Parish Life Director) and Father James Kane (Sacramental Minister)
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
Why belong here
Saint Clare's is a mid-sized, family-friendly Catholic parish on Central Avenue in Colonie that warmly welcomes new members. With over 1,500 families, it offers a genuine sense of community through its many ministries — from RCIA and faith formation for children and youth to adult and contemporary choirs, a Food Pantry, a Bereavement Support Group, Christmas Gift Program, Parish Nurse ministry, and parish social activities. Weekend Mass is offered Saturday at 4:00 PM and Sunday at 9:30 AM, weekday Mass on Wednesday at 8:00 AM in the Chapel, and confession on Saturdays — making it easy to fit parish life into a busy week.
Mass times at Saint Clare's Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 3:15–3:45 PM in the Chapel
Our History
Saint Clare's began as a mission of St. Paul the Apostle Church in 1931, was established as an independent parish in 1939, and has grown to serve more than 1,500 families in the Colonie area. The parish's full history — from Bishop Gibbons's 1930 land purchase through pastors Place, Ryan (Monsignor), Douglass, Schmitt, and today's Parish Life Director model — is preserved on the parish's 'Our History' page.
- Mission established 1931; parish status 1939
- First pastor: Reverend John E. Place (d. 1954)
- Monsignor Francis X. Ryan oversaw the church/school (1958) and convent (1960)
- New church building dedicated 1982
- Served by four orders of sisters: Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Sisters of St. Joseph, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (Mill Hill Sisters)
Parish Staff & Clergy
Saint Clare's is led by Parish Life Director Deacon Dick Thiesen, with Father James Kane serving as Sacramental Minister. A team of pastoral associates and parish staff support faith formation, administration, and parish services.
- Deacon Dick Thiesen — Parish Life Director (ext. 116)
- Father James Kane — Sacramental Minister
- Mary Nicholson — Coordinator of Faith Formation / Youth Ministry (ext. 117)
- Maria Ritz — Administrative Assistant for Faith Formation (ext. 121)
- Laurie Luizzi — Pastoral Associate for Parish Services
- Anne Borghetti — Pastoral Associate for Administration
- Patti Donohue — Chair, Pastoral Council
- Gary Davis — Chair, Finance Ministry
Pastoral Council & Finance Ministry Leadership
Lay leadership guides the parish alongside the clergy and pastoral associates.
- Patti Donohue, Chair — Pastoral Council
- Gary Davis, Chair — Finance Ministry
Faith Formation & Youth Ministry
Faith Formation is coordinated by Mary Nicholson with administrative support from Maria Ritz. The parish publishes a Faith Formation Registration Form on its website (two pages) along with a Faith Formation Information Update for families.
- Coordinator of Faith Formation / Youth Ministry: Mary Nicholson
- Administrative Assistant: Maria Ritz
- Volunteer roles: Catechist, Substitute Catechist, Catechist Aide, Office Helper
- Online registration form available via the parish website
Music & Liturgical Ministries
Saint Clare's offers several music ensembles to support the parish's liturgical life, alongside the traditional liturgical roles at the altar.
- Adult Choir
- Contemporary Ensemble
- Instrumentalists
- Resurrection Choir (funerals)
- Extraordinary Ministers of Communion
- Readers (Lectors)
- Altar Servers / Sacristan
- Ambassador / Usher / Cross Bearer
- Children's Liturgy of the Word Team
- Altar Care
Christian Initiation & Sacramental Preparation
The parish welcomes adults and families preparing for the sacraments through a dedicated Christian Initiation and Sacramental Preparation track.
- Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
- Baptismal Preparation
- Marriage Preparation
Christian Service & Outreach
Saint Clare's maintains a strong culture of charitable outreach, with committees and programs that reach the homebound, the bereaved, the hungry, seniors, and the broader community.
- Human Services Committee
- Visitations: Hospital, Nursing Homes & Housebound
- Ministry to Bereaved: Support Group & Funeral Planning
- Food Pantry
- Bishop Appeal
- Senior Citizens Sacrificial Sharing
- Christmas Gift Program
- Parish Nurse
Parish Life, Stewardship & Facilities
Beyond worship, Saint Clare's fosters community through fellowship activities, stewardship, and care for the parish plant.
- Parish Council
- Financial Stewardship Committee
- Buildings & Grounds Committee
- Coffee Hour
- Social Activities Committee
- Prayer Group
- Funeral Ministry
I'm New — Visiting Saint Clare's
The parish's 'I'm New' page provides a quick orientation for first-time visitors, with Mass and confession times and a map link showing the parish's location on Central Avenue in Colonie (Albany mailing address).
- Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:00 PM
- Sunday Mass: 9:30 AM
- Weekday Mass: Wednesday 8:00 AM in the Chapel
- Confession: Saturday 3:15–3:45 PM in the Chapel
Contact & Office Hours
Parish offices are open limited weekday hours. The parish uses a contact form on its website to reach specific staff members by name.
- Address: 1947 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205
- Phone: (518) 456-3112
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Closed Friday
- Summer Hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Reverend John E. Place1939–1954
First pastor of Saint Clare's after the mission was elevated to parish status by Bishop Gibbons. Died on Sunday, October 30, 1954, as he was preparing to celebrate Mass.
- Reverend Francis X. Ryan (Monsignor)1955–1973
Appointed November 19, 1955 by Bishop William A. Scully. Oversaw construction of the church, school (1958), and convent (1960). Honored as Domestic Prelate by Pope Paul VI in 1963. Retired October 1973.
- Reverend Louis E. Douglass1973–1980
Assigned November 1973 by Bishop Edwin B. Broderick. Left in 1980 when named Campus Minister at SUNY Oneonta.
- Reverend Michael T. Schmitt1980–
Appointed Administrator upon Father Douglass's departure and subsequently became pastor.
- Deacon Richard Thiesen (Parish Life Director)present
Current Parish Life Director, assisted by Father James Kane as Sacramental Minister.