About St. Henry's Church · Averill Park, New York
St. Henry's Church is a Roman Catholic parish in Averill Park, New York, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. The parish was founded in 1868 by Rev. Henry Gabriels — a Belgian-born priest and gifted linguist who would later become the second Bishop of Ogdensburg — and takes its name from his patron, St. Henry II, the Holy Roman Emperor born in Bavaria in 972. The parish celebrates Mass on Saturdays at 4:00 PM and Sundays at 8:00 and 10:00 AM, and describes itself as 'a welcoming community fed by Christ's compassion and called to bring God's word to life in loving service to all.' Today it serves the Sand Lake area of Rensselaer County with a wide range of liturgical, formation, outreach, and social-justice ministries organized through its Parish Pastoral Council.
- Established
- 1868
- Patron
- St. Henry II (Holy Roman Emperor, born in Bavaria 972, crowned King of Germany 1002)
- Rector
- Rev. John Cronin
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
Why belong here
St. Henry's welcomes new members with open arms and asks only that visitors introduce themselves after Mass and register with the parish office. The community gathers around a strong liturgical life — Saturday Vigil and two Sunday Masses, daily weekday Masses (with Tuesday Mass shared at neighboring St. Mary's of the Nativity in Nassau), monthly First Friday Adoration, a weekly Rosary group, and Stations of the Cross during Lent — and supports that worship with a robust slate of ministries for every age and stage. Faith Formation runs from K through Confirmation (10th grade), a Knights of Columbus council serves men of the parish, and an unusually broad range of outreach efforts (food and personal-care collections, Damien Center and Joseph's House meals, an Advent Giving Tree, a Diaper Drive, Fair-Trade sales) reach the broader Sand Lake community. Family-friendly events like monthly breakfasts, seasonal celebrations, the summer parish picnic near the feast of St. Henry (July 13), and Family Day round out a parish that takes its mission of 'loving service to all' seriously.
Mass times at St. Henry's Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Sacrament of Reconciliation: by appointment (call the parish office at 518-674-3818)
Adoration times
- First Friday of the month, following the 8:30 AM daily Mass, ending at 11:00 AM
Parish Overview & Mission
St. Henry's is a Roman Catholic parish in Averill Park, New York, belonging to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany and currently led by Rev. John Cronin. The parish describes itself as 'a welcoming community fed by Christ's compassion and called to bring God's word to life in loving service to all.' New members are warmly welcomed and invited to introduce themselves after Mass and register by calling the parish office.
- Diocese: Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
- Pastor: Rev. John Cronin
- Deacon / Pastoral Associate: Robert Pasquarelli
- Founded: 1868
- Parish Secretary: Nancy Cole
- Music Director: Gabby Tegiacchi
- Faith Formation / Rel. Ed. Coordinator: Sarah Tripp
Our History
The parish was organized in 1868 when Bishop John Conroy of Albany appointed Rev. Henry Gabriels to found a new parish in Averill Park. A wooden church was begun in 1869 and the first Mass was celebrated there on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1870. The present Troy-brick church was built in 1902 under Rev. Henry Miller, designed by Hopkins & Casey and erected by Bulmer & Richards, and still seats 300 people. Founder Henry Gabriels went on to become the second Bishop of Ogdensburg in 1891 and is the namesake of Gabriels, New York.
- 1862: John H. Aken donates land on Main Street, Averill Park
- October 25, 1868: Bishop Conroy appoints Rev. Henry Gabriels to organize the parish
- June 1869: Nassau and East Poestenkill chapels incorporated into the parish
- January 4, 1870: Parish formally incorporated as 'St. Henry's Church'
- April 17, 1870: First Mass celebrated on a temporary altar (Easter Sunday)
- October 14, 1870: Church and cemetery blessed by Rev. Edgar Wadhams, Vicar General
- 1902: Present brick church built under Rev. Henry Miller; designed by Hopkins & Casey of Troy, erected by Bulmer & Richards; seats 300
- 1868–1871: Father Gabriels serves as first pastor; later becomes second Bishop of Ogdensburg (1891–1921)
Founder: Rev. Henry Gabriels
Father Henry Gabriels was born in Wannegem-Lede, Belgium, graduated from the seminary of Ghent in 1860, and arrived in New York on October 17, 1864. He served as professor of Dogmatic Theology and second president of St. Joseph's Seminary in Troy, and is remembered as a gifted linguist reportedly fluent in English, French, German, Flemish, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Sanskrit. In December 1891 he was appointed second Bishop of Ogdensburg, where he founded the Gabriels Sanitarium for tuberculosis patients in 1894; he served until his death in 1921.
- Born: Wannegem-Lede, Belgium, 1838
- Died: April 23, 1921
- Founder and first pastor of St. Henry's, 1868–1871
- President of St. Joseph's Seminary, Troy, from July 3, 1871
- Second Bishop of Ogdensburg, 1891–1921
- Namesake of Gabriels, New York
Patron Saint: St. Henry II
The parish is named for St. Henry II (Heinrich II), the Holy Roman Emperor who was born in Bavaria in 972 and crowned King of Germany in 1002. He was the patron saint of the parish's founder, Father Gabriels, and his feast day on July 13 is celebrated annually with the parish picnic.
- Born: Bavaria, 972
- Crowned King of Germany: 1002
- Feast Day: July 13 (celebrated annually with the parish picnic)
Clergy & Staff
St. Henry's is served by Pastor Rev. John Cronin, Deacon and Pastoral Associate Robert Pasquarelli, Parish Secretary Nancy Cole, Music Director Gabby Tegiacchi, and Faith Formation Coordinator Sarah Tripp.
- Pastor: Rev. John Cronin
- Pastoral Associate / Deacon: Robert Pasquarelli
- Parish Secretary: Nancy Cole
- Music Director: Gabby Tegiacchi
- Faith Formation Coordinator: Sarah Tripp
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Faith Formation at St. Henry's serves children in Grades K through 12 under the direction of coordinator Sarah Tripp. Children's Liturgy of the Word is celebrated during the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass on selected dates throughout the year, and a special Children's Mass invites youth to serve as Lectors, collection takers, and Gift Bearers. The parish also follows the Diocese of Albany's annual safe-environment training for children in grades K–12, in line with the U.S. Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
- Faith Formation for Grades K–12
- Children's Liturgy of the Word during 10:00 AM Mass
- Children's Mass — youth serve as Lectors, gift bearers, and collection takers
- Annual safe-environment training (grades K–12)
- Coordinator: Sarah Tripp ([email protected], 518-674-3818)
Sacramental Preparation
Sacramental preparation at St. Henry's follows the norms of the Diocese of Albany. Baptism requires an instructional class for parents (first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM); Baptisms are celebrated the second Sunday of the month during Mass and the fourth Sunday after the 10:00 AM Mass. First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are prepared for after at least one year of Faith Formation, and Confirmation is conferred in 10th grade after a required two-year preparation in grades 9 and 10, including a retreat and two-day mandatory preparation. Couples are asked to begin marriage arrangements at least six months in advance.
- Baptism: parent class first Tuesday at 7:00 PM; Baptisms 2nd Sunday (during Mass) and 4th Sunday (after 10:00 AM Mass)
- First Reconciliation & First Communion: after at least one year of Faith Formation
- Confirmation: 10th grade, two-year preparation (grades 9 & 10), retreat, and two-day prep
- Marriage: arrange at least six months in advance
Spiritual & Liturgical Ministries
St. Henry's offers a wide range of spiritual and liturgical opportunities beyond Sunday Mass. These include a weekly Rosary Prayer Group in the Chapel, a monthly general Bible Study and a weekly Men's Scripture Group, Stations of the Cross during Lent, First Friday Adoration, an annual Blessing of the Pets on the feast of St. Francis (October 4), and ecumenical Lenten services and luncheons organized through the Sand Lake Area Association of Churches.
- Rosary Prayer Group — Tuesdays 6:00–6:45 PM in the Chapel
- Bible Study — second Tuesday at 7:00 PM in the Community Room
- Men's Scripture Group — Wednesdays at 7:00 PM in the Blue Room
- Stations of the Cross — Wednesdays during Lent at 5:30 PM, followed by soup-and-bread
- First Friday Adoration — 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- St. Francis Blessing of Pets — October 4
- Ecumenical Lenten Luncheons — Fridays during Lent at noon
Youth, Young Adult & Family Ministries
The parish supports youth and young families through dedicated ministry teams that develop programs of worship, service, and social events. Youth Ministry empowers parish teens to plan events including a Teen Reconciliation Mass, Midnight Runs service projects, and Movie Nights, while the Young Adult / Young Family Ministry gathers adults 18–39 and families in small social groups for mutual support, faith-sharing, and parish-sponsored events.
- Youth Ministry (Teen Reconciliation Mass, Midnight Runs, Movie Night)
- Young Adult Ministry (ages 18–39)
- Young Family Ministry (small groups and parish-sponsored events)
Social & Hospitality Ministries
Parishioners gather socially through Coffee Hour after Sunday Masses (September through May), monthly parish breakfasts on the first Sunday, the annual Parish Picnic near the feast of St. Henry (July 13) hosted by the Knights of Columbus, Family Day, seasonal celebrations for St. Patrick's Day, Octoberfest, and the Feast of St. Nicholas, and post-funeral receptions for grieving families.
- Coffee Hour — Sundays after Mass (Sept–May)
- Monthly Breakfasts — first Sunday of the month (Sept–May)
- Parish Picnic — near the feast of St. Henry, July 13
- Family Day — annual showcase of parish ministries
- Seasonal Celebrations — St. Patrick's Day, Octoberfest, Feast of St. Nicholas
- Post-Funeral Reception
Social Justice & Outreach Ministries
Outreach is a major pillar of parish life, with regular collections supporting local food and personal-care needs, prepared meals delivered to the Damien Center and Joseph's House, an annual Advent Giving Tree, a Mother's Day Diaper Drive, an 'Undie Sunday' in January, and fair-trade product sales supporting small farmers in developing countries.
- Weekly Food Collection
- Personal Care Collection
- Damien Center and Joseph's House Meals (monthly/rotating)
- Advent Giving Tree
- Diaper Drive (near Mother's Day)
- Undie Sunday (third or fourth week of January)
- Fair-Trade Products (chocolate, coffee, tea)
Pastoral Care & Bereavement
Pastoral Care ministries reach parishioners who are homebound, hospitalized, or living in nursing facilities, and accompany families through the funeral process. Trained volunteers make friendly and Communion visits, and the Bereavement Ministry hosts a monthly potluck meeting for those mourning a loss, with periodic service projects for local food pantries and the Veterans Hospital.
- Homebound Visitation
- Hospital / Nursing Home Visitation
- Funeral Liturgy Preparation and Funeral Ministry
- Bereavement Ministry (monthly potluck)
- Cards and Gift Bags (holidays for homebound and nursing-facility parishioners)
Health Ministries
St. Henry's hosts a suite of health-focused programs in the Community Room and parish facilities, run by licensed professionals and volunteers to support the well-being of parishioners and the broader community.
- Diabetes Support Group (monthly evenings, led by a licensed pharmacist)
- Chair Yoga (8-week sessions in fall and spring)
- Immunization Clinics (fall)
- CPR Training (annually)
- Blood Pressure Checks (monthly)
Parish Services & Communications
Behind-the-scenes ministries keep the parish running smoothly and connected. Volunteers assist with office work, buildings and grounds maintenance, event setup and breakdown, and communications through the parish website, social media, and mass mailings.
- Buildings and Grounds (mowing, shoveling, spring/fall cleanup)
- Office Help (envelopes, bulletins, collating)
- Event Setup / Breakdown
- Parish Website maintenance
- Social Media (Facebook and other platforms)
- Mass Mailing Communication
Knights of Columbus
St. Henry's is home to a council of the Knights of Columbus, an international Catholic fraternal organization open to all men of the parish. The Knights serve both St. Henry's and the wider community through parish-specific service projects and fundraising — including barbecuing the annual Parish Picnic each summer near the feast of St. Henry.
- Open to all men of the parish
- Community service and parish-specific projects
- Fundraising for parish and community initiatives
- Hosts the barbecue at the annual Parish Picnic (near July 13)
Pastoral Council
The Parish Pastoral Council provides a respectful space for parishioners to voice concerns and contribute to the collective vision of the parish. Council members work alongside clergy and staff on faith formation, facilities, fundraising, and community-building initiatives, strengthening support systems for the parish's mission.
- Works with clergy and staff on parish vision and priorities
- Supports faith formation, facilities, and fundraising efforts
- Strengthens unity and pastoral support across the parish
Visit, Contact & Office Hours
St. Henry's Church is located at 39 Old Route 66, Averill Park, NY 12018, with the Rectory at 17 Crystal Lake Rd. The parish office can be reached at (518) 674-3818 or [email protected], and the mailing address is P.O. Box 550, Averill Park, NY 12018. Office hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, and Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (closed for lunch daily from 1:00–2:00 PM). The office is closed Monday and Thursday. If Averill Park Schools are closed or delayed due to inclement weather, daily Mass is cancelled.
- Church: 39 Old Route 66, Averill Park, NY 12018
- Rectory: 17 Crystal Lake Rd, Averill Park, NY 12018
- Mailing: P.O. Box 550, Averill Park, NY 12018
- Phone: (518) 674-3818
- Fax: (518) 674-1043
- Email: [email protected]
- Office hours: Tue–Wed 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Fri 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM; closed Mon & Thu
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Henry Gabriels1868–1871
Founder and first pastor; born in Wannegem-Lede, Belgium; later became the second Bishop of Ogdensburg (1891–1921).
- Rev. Henry Miller
Pastor at the time the present Troy-brick church was constructed in 1902.