News - November 2021 RSS Feed

In time for Christmas! Our fully-documented history book is bigger and better than ever with more photos and more stories. This includes a NEW chapter on how our parish and community dealt with the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1918 and generously helped others through the Great Depression. From 1850 through 1956 you'll get the complete, documented history of our parish and ancestors. Purchase for $29.99 linked at the title above (we ship) or in the parish office (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or at McCarthy's Emporium in downtown Olean. Limited number of copies available. 100% of proceeds benefit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels.

This Sunday, we are progressing fast toward our celebration of Jesus’ birth. Luke explains the situation of the world at the time of the start of Jesus’ public ministry. We’re told who is in power in the world, in order to give us the world context in which Jesus’ coming happened.  Then, we are given the vision of John the Baptist, foretelling the imminent arrival of the Messiah, (Jesus) and how the world will be forever changes as a result of Jesus’ coming ministry. Some people were humbly receptive, repentant and welcoming to Jesus. How ready are we to repent, ask forgiveness, worship, welcome, sacrifice for and serve our coming Lord?

This Advent, in this mystery, let us discover the emptiness that exists. Let us ask the Lord to fill us with His Divine by completing us in His joy in the coming of the new. Let us make this prayerful time, a sacred time, and allow the mystery of Advent to be revealed. Let us open our minds, hearts and souls to the mystery and allow it to become a reality, a reality of HOPE, a reality of LOVE! Click on orange title for complete article.

I do not cease to give thanks for you as​​​​​​​ I remember you in my prayers.  -- Ephesians 1:16 Click orange title for complete message from Fr. John

Have hope! Jesus then reveals that while these distressing events are occurring, He, Himself will come again, in a cloud, with great power and glory! Reflect that both faithful and non-faithful people will witness the distressing events that will precede Jesus’ coming at the end of time. However, Jesus reminds faithful people that they have nothing to fear, and that, instead, they can be full of joyful anticipation and hope, while witnessing the coming of our Messiah, Savior and Redeemer. Jesus then cautions all, further to be alert and vigilantly prepare for His coming. If we’ve been loving, obedient, faithful servants, we can meet Jesus with joy and peace.

Today’s Gospel reading is a very important passage. When questioned by Pilate regarding the nature of His Kingship and Kingdom, Jesus is so profoundly wise and humble in His responses. He doesn’t deny that He is a King because He is both King and God! Yet, Jesus doesn’t declare Himself King of the Jews. This is sadly and profoundly true, because Jesus’ own people didn’t recognize Him as King or believe in Him as the Messiah they’d longed for. When our Divine King answers Pilate, He does so with profound subtlety; gently answering Pilate’s question with a question of His own: “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” Jesus then speaks about His   Kingdom, but again does so very quietly… humbly, noting that “My Kingdom is not of this world.” Let’s be quick to worship our humble King, our loving Shepherd!

New Parish Office Hours are Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Parish Office will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25 and Nov. 26 Happy Thanksgiving!

Catholic Charities Refugee Update: Catholic Charities has received 52 Afghan evacuees so far and are expecting 10 refugees this week. Catholic Charities sent a huge thank you to all who sent donations. We brought a van load of things to the evacuees and refugees last week. I received a new wish list from the Catholic Charities Resettlement Center to help as they settle these families. They need the following items: men's razors and blades, new cutting boards, bar soaps like Dove, sets of pots and pans that are new or in excellent condition, gently used boots for men, women, and children, and gift cards of $25 for Walmart, Target, or Visa cards. Contact Parish Office at 372-4841 for details to arrange a drop off of donations.

Ultimately, the theme of this Sunday’s readings is that we must strive always to live in holiness. Pray to be perfected in love. Then we’ll have nothing to fear. Click on orange title for complete reflection

Take action and contact NY Senators: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand at (202) 224-4451 Senator Chuck Schumer at (202) 224-6542

Jesus shows that God recognizes and judges the hypocrite and the unapologetically evil as well as the simple, heroic and virtuous just ones. We’re told throughout Scripture that God can discern our hearts and minds from afar. This is both an invitation and a warning to us that we must work on cleansing our minds and hearts to prepare for death and final judgment. Live in love. Then, there is nothing to fear! 

The bone marrow transplant happened Monday, November 1st. Colt's brother Jack was the donor. Now pray fervently that Colt may beat this leukemia. Matz Family is very grateful for all your prayers.