News - January 2024 RSS Feed

Recall how Jesus said, “by their fruits you shall know them.” Well, here we have a prophet, (Jesus) teaching with great authority, a message of love, forgiveness, redemption and healing. Notice that today the unclean spirit quickly recognizes Jesus as “the Holy One of God.” He sees Jesus as his enemy. Do we see Jesus as our Savior and our best friend? Consider this week how we can better hear, obey and welcome our Lord, our God and our Savior! Click on the title for a complete reflection.

Like Apollo 8, there are many uncertainties with the mission we are undertaking. Yet, like Apollo 8, we are not alone. We have our crew (our friends, family, and members of parish community). We have mission control (the Church). Most importantly, we have our Lord. There may be times when we feel like we are on the far side of the moon, yet the Lord is always with us on this journey as we move to something far greater than the moon. We journey towards the banquet of heaven. Click on title for complete reflection.

Given our current culture, I’d find it difficult to predict how people would respond to calls for repentance. People who’ve been misled, believe that there is no objective truth couldn’t imagine having any “sins” of which they must repent. Reflecting upon this “cultural flaw” of moral relativism reveals a great danger… a nation with no clear sense of right and wrong. That explains so many of our nations’ and our worlds’ many troubles right now. May God’s Holy Will be done, unto and by us all! Click on title for complete reflection.

THANK YOU, Fr. John! Bishop Michael Fisher has asked Fr. John to set up and coordinate centers and programs of healing throughout Western New York. He will spend six months in the Ozark Hermitage and will attend the University of Missouri for continuing education studies. We want to thank Fr. John for shepherding us for the past 3+ years. Fr. John has been a blessing to our Olean Catholic Community and we will pray for his new diocesan ministry.

For reflection, click on above title. Tomorrow Through swaying trees we gaze upon An evening crescent betwixt the sheaths New beginnings, of soon to be leaves Remembering our friend who has gone on   We shall all follow the path to the end Routes that we take are different for each Along the way we have goodness to teach Until the day we join our dear friend   Too small to comprehend the necessity We wonder now as upward we do stare The grace of God we pray you do share                                                                                                                                                                              Immersed in His love for all eternity Theodore Zendarski

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist encourages Andrew to follow Jesus; while Andrew (also listening to God’s promptings) calls Peter to Jesus. Now, we see how this whole reciprocal relationship with God works. We listen. We respond and obey. Sometimes, the call is to us, while at other times the call is to others, through us. Whichever way it goes, we are all called to listen, to respond and to obey! Click on title for complete reflection.

"I love sports and have been preparing myself for trading in my UB basketball season tickets and becoming a Bonnies fan. I am also a huge Notre Dame fan. In my spare time I love to read non-fiction and go to the gym. I know that we will certainly get to know each other better once I am able to meet everyone, but until then, I ask for your prayers, and know that you will be in my prayers as we form our Allegany/Olean family of parishes." For complete intro, click on title above.

This New Year, let us strive to make the Lord manifest in our lives and the lives of others. And, just as the magi have done, let us discover the gift of our salvation in Jesus and let us show Him forth. Let us be a star, a beam of grace, a light leading others to Him, to His mission and to His love during this Holy time and always. Click on title for complete reflection.

Click on title for complete reflection