About St. Augustine · Troy, New York
St. Augustine's Parish is a Roman Catholic heritage parish in Lansingburgh, a historic village within the city of Troy, New York. Founded in 1842 and based at its present Gothic-style stone church on 115th Street and Fourth Avenue since the first Midnight Mass on Christmas 1864, it is the spiritual home of about 600 families and has been pastored by the Augustinian friars (Order of St. Augustine, O.S.A.) for more than 160 years. The parish is celebrated for its reverent liturgy, its 24-hour Perpetual Adoration chapel, and its tradition of absorbing the devotions and heritage of neighboring Troy parishes that have closed over the years.
- Established
- 1842
- Patron
- St. Augustine of Hippo
- Rector
- Father David J. Kelley, O.S.A. (pastor since 2015; as of mid-2024 the Augustinians announced their withdrawal from the Diocese of Albany effective June 1, 2024, with Father Kelley and the friars reassigned and the parish transitioned to diocesan administration)
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
Why belong here
St. Augustine's offers the rare combination of a 160-plus-year-old Augustinian heritage, a stone Gothic church in Lansingburgh's historic core, and a robust devotional life centered on the Eucharist. Daily Mass is offered Monday through Saturday, Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is available every hour of every day in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel, and the parish has welcomed the traditions and sacred items of neighboring Troy parishes that have closed — meaning visitors encounter a richer Catholic patrimony than a typical small parish. Faith Formation for grades 1–10 (including Confirmation and First Communion preparation), the St. Vincent de Paul Society serving over 100 local families, a Respite ministry for caregivers of those with dementia, and a strong music program make it a true community of faith.
Mass times at St. Augustine
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Thursday 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
- Saturday 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Adoration times
- Perpetual Adoration — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel (open to registered adorers; the chapel is never left empty)
Parish Overview & Welcome
For over 150 years, St. Augustine's has been the place where men and women of Lansingburgh lift up their hearts in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The parish welcomes newcomers and visitors, emphasizing that Christ welcomes all, creates in us a clean heart, and transforms us into one family through Jesus Christ. The Mass is described as the source and summit of parish life, and the parish invites anyone to come experience Christ's presence in the Eucharist and in the parish community.
Parish History & Heritage
The parish was founded in 1842 as 'The Catholic Church of the Village of Lansingburgh' by local businessman Keating Rawson and his son-in-law John Tracey, who first dedicated a room in their malt house for Mass. After incorporation in a wooden church and dedication as St. John the Baptist, the parish was entrusted in 1858 to the Augustinian Order by Bishop John McCloskey, the first Bishop of Albany. The present stone Gothic church was erected in 1864 near 115th Street and Fourth Avenue; the first Mass was at Midnight on Christmas Day, 1864. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet arrived in 1869 to staff the school, and St. Augustine's Academy opened in 1901.
- 1842 — Parish incorporated as 'The Catholic Church of the Village of Lansingburgh'
- 1858 — Bishop McCloskey invites the Augustinians (O.S.A.)
- 1860 — Fr. Thomas Galberry, O.S.A., becomes pastor
- December 25, 1864 — First Midnight Mass at the present church
- 1869 — Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet arrive
- 1901 — St. Augustine's Academy opens
- 1999 — Fr. James Spenard, O.S.A., begins 18-year pastorate
- May 2009 — Perpetual Adoration chapel established
- 2015 — Fr. David Kelley, O.S.A., becomes pastor
- June 23, 2016 — Parish school closes after 147 years
- 2014 — Parish celebrates 150th (church) and 170th (parish) anniversaries
- June 1, 2024 — Augustinians withdraw from Diocese of Albany
Architecture & Sacred Spaces
The 1864 church is a Gothic-style stone edifice at the corner of 115th Street and Fourth Avenue in Lansingburgh, built at a cost of $40,000. The historic complex also includes the former St. John the Baptist church (now 'Rawson Hall'), used for parish and school activities, and the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Perpetual Adoration Chapel, which was renovated and beautified after the Blessed Sacrament was transferred there in 2009.
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Faith Formation at St. Augustine's serves grades 1 through 10, including preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Parish membership (or written permission from a home parish) and a baptismal certificate are required for sacramental preparation. The Children's Liturgy of the Word is offered during the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass in St. Rita's Room. Adult Faith Formation was re-established in the parish's modern era as well. Families and volunteers can contact Director Debbie Webster for information.
- Faith Formation Grades 1–10
- First Holy Communion preparation
- Confirmation preparation
- Children's Liturgy of the Word (during 9 AM Sunday Mass)
- Adult Faith Formation
Music Ministry
St. Augustine's maintains a strong musical tradition. The Men's Choir, with more than 118 years of tradition, sings at the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass from September through May under Music Director Michael Musial. A Children's Choir also supports parish liturgy. Repertoire ranges from chant-like Latin motets to contemporary sacred works.
- Men's Choir — over 118-year tradition, sings at 9:00 AM Sunday Mass
- Children's Choir
- Music Director Michael Musial
Outreach & Charity
St. Augustine's carries Christ's love beyond its doors through several outreach ministries. The St. Vincent de Paul Society now serves over 100 local families with food, clothing, and emergency assistance. The Respite Ministry offers support for caregivers of those with various forms of dementia. Parishioners also regularly run drives such as the 'Socktober' new-sock collection for those in need.
- St. Vincent de Paul Society (100+ families served)
- Respite Ministry (for caregivers of those with dementia)
- Sock Collection ('Socktober') and seasonal outreach drives
Devotions & Adopted Traditions
St. Augustine's is unusual in the number of devotions it has absorbed from neighboring parishes closed during the Diocese of Albany's 'Called to Be Church' restructuring. These include the annual Irish Mass (from the former St. Patrick's, Troy), the St. Anne de Beaupre novena each July (from St. Mary's/St. Jeanne's), and historical items such as the Baptismal Font from St. Patrick's and stained-glass windows from St. Paul the Apostle, which were installed during the chapel renovation. Parish-specific devotions include Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena on Mondays, First Friday Sacred Heart Devotions with Benediction, and the First Saturday Rosary followed by Mass.
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena — Mondays after Mass
- First Friday Sacred Heart Devotions & Benediction
- First Saturday Rosary followed by Mass
- Annual Irish Mass (from St. Patrick's, Troy)
- St. Anne de Beaupre Novena in July
Augustinian Heritage & 2024 Transition
St. Augustine's was entrusted to the Order of St. Augustine (O.S.A.) in 1858 by Bishop John McCloskey, making it one of the longest-running Augustinian parish assignments in the United States. The Order, founded in 1244 and based in the U.S. on the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, emphasizes community life over individual seeking — values reflected at St. Augustine's through its Augustinian Seculars group, its men's and children's choirs, and its shared devotional life. On September 22, 2023 the Prior Provincial, Father Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A., announced that, due to the aging population of Augustinian friars and a serious decline in new vocations, the Province would withdraw from the Diocese of Albany effective June 1, 2024, ending more than 160 years of Augustinian ministry at the parish.
- Augustinian Order (O.S.A.) assigned to Lansingburgh in 1858
- Past pastors include Fr. Thomas Galberry, O.S.A. (later Archbishop of Hartford) and Fr. James Spenard, O.S.A. (1999–2015)
- Fr. David J. Kelley, O.S.A., current pastor (since 2015), also serves St. Mary's, Waterford
- Fr. Liam T. O'Doherty, O.S.A. — Parochial Vicar
- Augustinian Seculars active at the parish
- June 1, 2024 — Province of St. Thomas of Villanova withdraws from the Diocese
Parish Staff
The parish is staffed by Augustinian clergy (during the order's tenure), a permanent deacon, and a team of lay pastoral and administrative staff. Contact information for the Business Office and Parish Office is published on the website and in the weekly bulletin.
- Father David J. Kelley, O.S.A. — Pastor
- Father Liam T. O'Doherty, O.S.A. — Parochial Vicar
- Deacon Gary Miles
- Deacon Tom Colton (assigned 2012)
- Mary Watson — Pastoral Associate for Business Management
- Peggy Ryan — Administrative Assistant
- Michael Musial — Music Director
- Debbie Webster — Faith Formation
Sacraments & Pastoral Care
The parish celebrates the seven sacraments on a regular schedule. Baptisms, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick are all available; parish membership and a baptismal certificate are required for children preparing for First Communion or Confirmation. Reconciliation is offered Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Pastoral staff can be reached through the parish office.
Getting Involved & Contact
Parishioners and visitors can get involved through Faith Formation catechist roles, the Augustinian Seculars, St. Vincent de Paul, the choirs, the Respite Ministry, and seasonal outreach. The Parish Office is open Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM–3:00 PM and Friday 8:30 AM–12:00 PM.
- Parish Office: 25 115th Street, Troy, NY 12182
- Phone: (518) 235-3861; Fax: (518) 233-0284
- Business Office: [email protected]
- Parish Office: [email protected]
- Faith Formation: Debbie Webster, [email protected]
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. J. Shannehan1880 (listed as first pastor in county history)
First pastor named in Lansingburgh/Rensselaer County histories; Augustinians had been invited by Bishop McCloskey.
- Most Rev. Thomas Galberry, O.S.A.1860
Second Augustinian pastor; obtained the present site, purchased St. John's Cemetery on the Hill; later became Commissary General of the Augustinian Order and Bishop/Archbishop of Hartford.
- Father John T. Emmett, O.S.A.early 1900s
Oversaw the opening of St. Augustine's Academy in 1901.
- Rev. James 'Jim' Spenard, O.S.A.1999–2015
18 years as pastor; began Adult Faith Formation, Children's Liturgy of the Word; in May 2009 led the procession bringing 24-hour Perpetual Adoration from St. Paul the Apostle to St. Augustine's; absorbed devotions of closed parishes (St. Patrick's Irish Mass, St. Anne de Beaupre novena); reassigned in 2015 to the National Shrine of St. Rita in Philadelphia.
- Father David J. Kelley, O.S.A.2015–present
Also serves as pastor of St. Mary's in Waterford; oversaw the parish after the Augustinians' June 2024 announcement of withdrawal from the Diocese.