BLESSING OF THE BAMBINELLI Parishioners of our EM Catholic Community are invited to bring your figurine of the infant Jesus on Gaudete Sunday. During each Mass parishioners will hold up their infant Jesus for a blessing and then place Jesus in the manger scene at home. The Blessing of the Bambinelli (baby Jesus) was first instituted by St. John Paul II. On the Third Sunday of Advent, the children of Rome are encouraged to bring the baby Jesus (Bambinelli) from each of their nativity sets to St. Peter’s Square. Following the Sunday Angelus address, the Pope blesses the figurines. Now celebrated in many churches around the world, this Advent tradition is a way for children to connect their nativity scene at home to the celebration of Christmas at their church. But this tradition is for all ages!

Let us be joyful this Gaudete Sunday and every Sunday. We acknowledge the work that needs to be done, not simply in terms of Advent preparations, but in terms of our lives on Earth. However, we are joyful because we are not alone. We have our Savior, our Church, and our Community to walk with us on this journey. Click on title for the complete reflection.

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A more just, compassionate, merciful and loving Kingdom awaits us. With God’s guidance, in prayer, let’s start building it!

EMCC SNOW CLOSING POLICY: If either the Olean City School District or the Allegany-Limestone School District delcare a snow day, then there will be no public liturgies in any of the EM Catholic family churches and the Parish Office Hub will be closed.

Psalm 25: “To You, O Lord, I lift my soul!”

Join us to thank God for all our blessings! The EM Catholic Community will be celebrating Mass together on Thursday, November 28th at 9:00 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. We will continue our longstanding tradition of bringing non-perishable foods for the poor. Liturgy of the Hours morning prayers will begin at 8:40 a.m. Give thanks with a heart filled with love!

Adoration is the worship of the Blessed Sacrament outside of Mass. It is the Holy Eucharist displayed so that everyone can see it and be in the presence of Christ, allowing us to contemplate and pray quietly. Adoration is a wonderful way to acquire a sense of peace and comfort in times of need or discerning God’s Will. Dedicating prayer time for the intentions of others, praying the rosary, meditating on the Gospels or just sitting silently and listening to what Jesus may have to say to us are ways to spend time with Jesus. As St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “Time spent in the presence of Jesus is the best time you will spend on earth.” We look forward to having you all participate in this devotional opportunity.

Psalm 93: “The Lord is King; He is robed in majesty.”

There remains a draw within each person to the infinite, and this drive does not go away. We need to harness the energy of others as we rebuild our Church; it will be more difficult than simply repairing one building, but the work can be done through the community coming together with the Grace of God.

Psalm 16: “You are my inheritance, O Lord!”

2025 Mass Books are now open. Please stop by the EM Catholic Parish Office or drop your request in any of the collections in an envelope marked Mass Intentions/Parish Name. We cannot accept requests over the phone. Thank you for your cooperation.

We can take this week as an opportunity to reflect on the question: Where is God calling me today? How can I help the Church and be a witness to God’s love? What is it about me that can help rebuild the Church in 2024? Click on the title for the complete reflection.

Psalm 146: “Praise the Lord, my soul!”

“Let us do all the good we can, and trust to God for the rest.” Blessed Frederic Ozanam, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Founder

Psalm 18: “I love You, Lord, my strength!”

On the 22 October the Church celebrated the feast day of Pope St. John Paul II. As a young boy growing up, he had a great impact on my faith and call to the priesthood. Looking at his life today I reflect on the following. by Fr. Peter