Fr. Tom Zelker, pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church in Hoosick Falls and parish priest at St. Patrick’s Church in Cambridge, will be the keynote speaker at the HACA Volunteer and Community Partners Appreciation Brunch to be held on October 20 from 10 am to noon at the First United Presbyterian Church.
Fr. Zelker grew up in Glenmont, NY. He is the son of John and Jennie Zelker and the brother of Barbara. He graduated from Bethlehem Central High School in 1971 and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in 1975. Prior to entering the ministry, he worked in forestry for Albany County and the City of Albany at the Alcove Reservoir. Fr. Zelker graduated from the Catholic University of America in 1983 with a Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained as a priest of the Albany Diocese for service to the people in 1983. Since that time he has served at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany, St. John the Evangelist in Schenectady, St. Vincent’s in Cobleskill, St. John’s in Valatie, St. Catherine’s in Albany, St Mary’s, All Saints and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Granville and the Washington County Correctional Facility in Comstock. Fr. Tom is now the Vice President of the Hoosick Area Church Association (HACA).
In addition to his gifts of service Fr. Tom enjoys the 4th of July, Polish food, old movies, fishing, caving, skiing, canoeing and gardening. The latter can be attested to in the Community Garden adjacent to the Immaculate Conception Church on Elm Street which has blessed the Food Pantry all summer with fresh vegetables.
Please join us for a morning of great food, music and wonderful company. Help us celebrate the dedication and commitment of all those who have supported the HACA programs in the past year. For reservations call Norma Brenenstuhl at 686-9530, Iva Durkee at 686-7146 or Dianne Hosterman at 686-5310 by October 17.