News - February 2025 RSS Feed

ATTENTION EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS!!! ATTENTION LECTORS!!! Father Greg and Cathy Pressimone will be holding a mandatory meeting regarding training, scheduling and information February 26 | 7:00-8:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lower Hall This is for anyone who is currently an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister or Lector as well as for those who would like to help in either ministry. This is a required meeting for CURRENT AND FUTURE MINISTERS. If you cannot make this meeting date, but wish to servecall Cathy by February 24th at 716-372-4841 Extension 120

Psalm 103: “The Lord is kind and merciful.”

OUR HOPE IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT When we arrive at Mass, prior to sliding into our pew, we genuflect; bending one knee to the ground as we make the sign of the cross. It is a sign of reverence to the altar where we will shortly participate in the Eucharistic Sacrifice. It is also an act of hope as we acknowledge that, within the tabernacle, the holy of holies, resides Jesus in the reposed consecrated hosts - truly present, body and blood, soul and divinity.

Psalm 1: “Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.”

Hello from Cheektowaga! You may have heard that I have returned from further studies in Missouri and I have been named the Senior Parochial Vicar at the Cheektowaga Catholic Family (Family #8) which includes Our Lady Help of Christians, Queen of Martyrs, Resurrection, and St. Josaphat parishes. I have also been named as the Coordinator of Healing Ministry for the Diocese. I am beginning to set up Spirituality and Healing Ministries at the Cheektowaga Family as the first site of Healing to be established across our Diocese.  Below is my current information should you want to contact me or learn more about Healing Ministries being developed and implemented. Rev. John Adams 125 Galleria Drive, Unit 115 Cheektowaga, NY 14225 (716) 683-3712 [email protected] God's blessings and His graces, Fr. John

Requiescat in Pace—Rest in Peace With sad hearts we relay that Rev. Thomas J. Quinlivan, 7th Pastor of St. Mary of the Angels (1990-1997), went home to the Lord. “Remember your pastors who have spoken the Word of God to you.” (Hebrews 13:7) Let us pray for eternal rest for his soul. An exerpt from our Basilica history book covers a brief overview of his ministry in Olean.

Attn: Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors! Fr. Greg and Cathy Pressimone will be holding a mandatory meeting for training updates and scheduling on Wednesday, February 26 from 7:00-8:00 pm at St. John’s Lower Hall. This is a required meeting for current and future ministers. If you cannot make this meeting but wish to serve, call Cathy by Feb. 24th at 716-372-4841 ext. 120.

BasilicaFEST Planning Committee is looking for volunteers to chair the food concessions and food & beverage tickets! You will be trained and guided to do the job! Contact our co-chairs and join the planning team! Open to all EMCC parishes!

Don’t forget to start the year off by making a commitment to volunteer in any of the EMCC ministries! Contact Cathy, our new Parish Life Coordinator at [email protected] or call the Parish Office Hub at 716-372-4841 if you can help.

The San Damiano Cross is a well-known example of that which is referred to as an icon. An icon is religious instruction through stylized painting or drawing. St. Francis was praying before this cross when the Lord spoke to him, asking Francis to “Rebuild My Church.” Through the details of the cross, it teaches more fully the meaning of the crucifixion.

Psalm 138: “In the sight of the angels, I will sing Your praises, Lord.”