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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

This past Thursday, we celebrated Veterans Day. It holds a special place in this month of remembrance. It is a time when we honor those who have served before us and those who have given selflessly so much to protect our freedoms, our liberties and our nation. In a time when less than one percent of American citizens serve in our military, there is no more honorable concept than service. However, we must not only honor them for their service but we need to also pray for our veterans. Unemployment rates for post 9/11 veterans remain higher than the national average. Recent statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs highlight that approximately one-third of all homeless men in America are veterans and on any given night there are over 130,000 homeless veterans on our nation’s streets. Let us remember them on Veterans Day and remember them in our charitable giving. As we know from Our Lord who came to serve rather than to be served, service is giving self for the “other.” Service is dedicating one’s self to a greater purpose; a purpose that is not motivated by greed or profit; a purpose that is not motivated by individual recognition or fame. This purpose is to defend, protect our religious and collective freedoms, our individual liberties. May Our Blessed Mother the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of our land, wrap us in the mantle of her care. May our great land be graced from above and may God continue to bless America. Let us show our veterans and those who serve our gratitude and affection. And, let us keep them in prayer . . .

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.

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.