News - August 2022 RSS Feed

2022 commemorates the 175th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Buffalo. The diocese was officially established on April 23, 1847 with Bishop John Timon as the first bishop. Throughout this year various activities and events will be taking place. One such event is a regional vicariate Mass. Bishop Michael Fisher is going to each Vicariate to celebrate a Mass during this year. The Mass for our Vicariate (Southern Cattaraugus) was Thursday, August 11 at St. Philomena Church, Franklinville. This was a wonderful opportunity for our parishes to come together and meet Bishop Fisher. Diocese of Buffalo Click on orange title for link to the article in WNY Catholic

Living out the Gospel message ... My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, ... and you will find favor with God. - Sirach 3:17-18 For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." - Luke 14:11 Humility is the recognition of the gifts given to you at Baptism but using them at the service of others ... - author unknown August 29th is the Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist. He was an instrument in announcing the Lord, True Humility and Love, to the World! Let us do the same. Use the gifts given to you at Baptism to serve others. Image adapted from the tapestry hanging above the Baptistry at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles, California.

(Psalm 68: “God, in Your goodness, You have made a home for the poor.”): At first glance, this psalm can be seen as celebrating our God’s care for the poor and the disadvantaged. Note that God is referred to as “the Father of orphans and the defender of widows,” two of the biblical world’s most disempowered groups. Even the psalm response suggests God’s concern for the lowly, in making a home for them; both on earth and in Heaven! Click on orange title for complete reflection.

The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels will be hosting a special diocesan-wide Mass on August 28th at 3:00 p.m. The faithful of the Diocese are invited to the second Renewal Mass. All representative are asked to bring their knotted ropes from the first Renewal Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine last year as we will untie one knot. The undoing of a knot symbolizes the renewed life and hope of our diocesan renewal. Please support this event with prayers and participation. https://roadtorenewal.org/

Southern Cattaraugus Vicariate Mass celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the Diocese 2022 commemorates the 175th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Buffalo. The diocese was officially established on April 23, 1847 with Bishop John Timon as the first bishop. Throughout this year various activities and events will be taking place. One such event is a regional vicariate Mass. Bishop Michael Fisher is going to each Vicariate to celebrate a Mass during this year. The Mass for our Vicariate (Southern Cattaraugus) was Thursday, August 11 (Feast of St. Philomena) at St. Philomena Church, Franklinville. This was a wonderful opportunity for our parishes to come together and meet Bishop Fisher.

The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console. Holy Spirit guide me and enlighten me to live a good life. Amen. -adapted from Cyril of Jerusalem, 360 AD  

Luke 12:49-53:  This passage can so easily be misinterpreted. A reader might be convinced that Jesus wants to spread conflict, for conflict’s sake. When Jesus says He wants to “set the earth on fire,” He doesn’t mean a destroying fire, but a “fire” of zeal for living the faith with integrity, like Paul described in today’s second reading. The “fire” Jesus describes is the fire that will consume and destroy the “chaff,” (unrepentant sinners), who will be separated from the “wheat;” (faithful people who repent of their sins; and who are sincerely trying to live the faith). Jesus sees how choosing to accept or reject the faith will, inevitably, separate people from one another; both in the intimate confines of the family and in society. Choices always have consequences and the choice for or against the faith is no exception. Which will we choose? God’s Will be done!

Come and register Monday thru Thursday and enjoy Catholic Vacation Bible Camp for children ages Pre-K thru 10 years old! Special Family Day Thursday with bounce house, spaghetti dinner and magic show!

“Arise, My beloved, My beautiful one, and come! O My dove in the cleft of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff ...” — SONG OF SONGS 2:13-14 Mass of Perpetual Religious Profession— Monday, Aug. 15 in Kentucky — Sister Frances Marie of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus (Nora Wenke) has requested prayers from August 9-11 as she makes a retreat in preparation for her Consecration to Jesus Crucified and her Perpetual Vows as a Passionist Nun. Let’s keep our Morning Star member and St. John’s parishioner in prayer. https://www.passionistnuns.org/home

Jesus exhorts us to prepare ourselves for death and judgment by living virtuous, loving and merciful lives. We’re commanded to overcome greed and selfishness. We’re called to avoid immorality of all kinds and to eat and drink, moderately. Because of His great love, Jesus makes virtuous living an appealing invitation to eternal happiness, not a negative threat. Let’s follow Him, whole-heartedly!  click on orange title for complete reflection