News - October 2021 RSS Feed

In the Catholic Church, we are called to imitate and venerate saints because of their heroically virtuous lives, martyrdom, or their offering of life for others. Honoring and praying to saints fosters our faith in God and strengthens our relationship with our brothers and sisters in the faith who are in heaven.

This week, as ever, let’s pray to be filled to overflowing with love. That will make everything else seem easier and more “do-able.”

Today, those words of the crowd are being extended toward you and me. “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you!” Jesus wants to give you and me His mercy, love and healing as He did to Bartimaeus and to countless others. Jesus also wants us to encourage others to “come to Jesus.” That is our vocation in this life. Pondering this reading really affected me. I haven’t been very hopeful or encouraging, lately; but I’ve made a decision to carry hope and confidence in God as a shield.

We express our deepest condolences to Fr. John for the loss of his mother, Mary Adams. Although no words can really help to ease your loss, please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Click title for details.

Pope Francis tells us that in difficult and challenging times, [in this time of pandemic, scandal, and uncertainty] it is necessary to trust in God’s help through childlike prayer. Let us join in community, in a time of renewal, to be in Communion (common-union) with Our Lord as he sends His mother forth, to rebuild and renew our world. Let us be sent forth as missionary disciples in communion with heaven and from an earthly community of love, healing, hope and peace . . .  Let us pray . . .

Jesus replies that Heavenly recognition or rewards require one’s willingness to sacrifice and suffer in this life. James and John agree to this. Then, Jesus overturns expectations by asking all who would like to be exalted, to exalt others; by serving them, humbly, lovingly and sincerely. Are we truly serving whole-heartedly?

Following independent investigations and review and recommendation by the Independent Review Board of the Diocese of Buffalo concerning allegations which have been determined to be unsubstantiated, Bishop Michael W. Fisher has accepted the IRB’s recommendations and has reinstated the four priests, including Fr. Greg Dobson, who were previously placed on Administrative Leave.  We praise God and thank you for all your prayers.

We must put God and service to God above all else; even being willing to detach ourselves from our wealth in order to accomplish this priority. We manifest our love of God via our love and service to others. This is a very challenging reading. It makes all of us squirm when we consider the costs of   serving God. Therefore, it helps to focus on the benefits and the decision will be easier!

The Guidelines below were examined by our medical consultant team members for our linked parish community. We have provided their input to help all of us remain safe and healthy. Our ministry team’s explained response to the guidelines are in italics and bold  print for contrast.

In the Basilica and in St. John’s, you will see a display featuring Mary, Undoer of Knots and prayer cards to help us pray to Our Lady during the renewal process. We the Lord to link our God-given gifts we have in our  Catholic faith communities in Olean and Allegany to enlighten and strengthen us to better serve Him and the communities of the faithful here and beyond. St. Francis, Pray for Us!  Mary, Undoer of Knots, Pray for Us!    

In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims the dignity and sanctity of marriage. Jesus condemns divorce if it is enacted for selfish reasons or for reasons of unfaithfulness to one’s marriage vows. In our modern culture, there’s a huge emphasis on pursuing one’s own self-indulgence and pleasure, such that the concept of focusing on the spiritual ideal of mutual giving and receiving sacrifices of love are not often the focus of discussions regarding marriage. There are doubtlessly, good reasons for some divorces; including as Jesus mentioned, infidelity; but also, domestic violence and other forms of abuse. Clearly, we need to have more of a focus on developing the holy dynamics of a Christian marriage, centered on God and with obedient adherence to the faith.