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Click on title to access Altar Server online application! Dear Parish Family Members, Two weeks ago, we just celebrated the Baptism of the Lord. The Baptism of the Lord involved the wholeness of the Trinity as the heavens opened, words were spoken by the Father, Jesus was anointed and baptized and the Holy Spirit transformed the Jordan and Jesus began His actions and Words of the Divine as He began His mission delegated from heaven to this earth. At our Baptism, we are bathed in the Spirit as the Heavens open up, words are spoken and the Holy Spirit transforms us. We then can use the gifts given as we bring them mission of the Lord to those around us. We actively take part of this mission of Love by leading a good holy life (Priest, as one of the priestly people), announcing Him to the world by sharing Him in our words and actions (Prophet), and take care of one another (in our kingly role as shepherd). We take on the Mission of Our Lord at any age. During World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal in 2021, Pope Francis told the youth attending to “embrace the new life bestowed on us in baptism, the Lord gives us an important and life-changing mission: “You are to be my witness!” Our children and youth are the future of our Church. The Holy Father also stated “may [all of our youth] increasingly be open to God’s surprises, for he wants to light up our path. May we be more and more open to hearing his voice, also through the voices of our brothers and sisters. In this way, we will help one another to rise [up together] as prophets of a new and hope-filled future! There are several ways that our children and youth can take part in the renewal of the Church during these challenging times such as attending Mass regularly, participating in religious education and faith formation, to join youth in ministries of our parish like being involved in a youth group, children and youth choir (on the horizon), reading or greeting at our weekend Masses, or in serving the Lord on His holy altar. Please find one area that children and youth from grades four and up can serve in the Mission of Christ and begin to answer their baptismal call by using their gifts God has bestowed on them. Fr. John

It seems that Jesus may have been shy about performing the miracle. Scripture suggests that He was humble; wanting to blend in and certainly not wanting to make a hero or a spectacle of Himself. However, out of obedience and respect for His beloved Mother’s wishes; Jesus acquiesces and performs the miracle; resulting in a kind of embarrassment that He had to endure as a result. He became an instant celebrity. What talents are we called to share? How will we respond?

We should ask ourselves:  Do we actively take part in this mission of Love by leading a good holy life (Priest), announcing Him to the world by sharing Him in our words and actions (Prophet), and taking care of one another (King). As we move forward in the Spirit this New Year, may God gaze down upon each one of  us and say, “You are my beloved child, with you I am well pleased.”

Sat, Jan 22nd, 2022 3:30 pm St. Gregory the Great is excited to host the Youth Rally, March, and Mass for Life with Bishop Fisher on January 22, starting at 3:30 pm. This will be in place of the Diocese sending a group of individuals to the March for Life in DC this year. We are honored to have St. Greg’s be the gathering place for this inspiring, peaceful, and vibrant event. Schedule of Events: 3:30 Youth Rally in Ministry Center 4:15 March for Life and Rosary on Maple Ave 5:30 Mass in Church with Bishop Fisher Reception to follow in the Ministry Center All are welcome to attend. We ask for parental oversight to help with safety. Face coverings will be required. We ask that you dress appropriately as we will be marching outside regardless of the weather. Everyone is encouraged to make signs. Click orange title for link.

AngelCam will be closed for Upgrades on Sunday, Jan. 9 from 9am to 12 noon.

Jesus is His own beloved Son, in Whom, He (the Father) is well-pleased. Thus, Jesus’ status and authority as the Son of God is proclaimed, publicly, through a direct message from Heaven.  Ponder this week, that even after the Heavens were opened and the very voice of God was heard, there were still people who didn’t believe! Do we believe that Jesus is our Savior? Do we behave  accordingly? Ponder that!   

Beloved,                                                                                   let us love one another,  because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God  and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might have life through him. 1 John 4:7-9

The chief priests and scribes confirm that prophecy foretells a powerful ruler of Israel’s coming from Bethlehem. The precision and accuracy of these prophecies and interpretations of the configurations of the stars are astounding.

The Epiphany is a wonderful Feast in the life of the Church and is one of the foundations of our faith. It is a beautiful story of God’s manifestation, revelation to the world and the goodness brought forward through His birth.

Friday, December 31 - Open 9 am to noon. Monday, January 3 - Office Closed

The picture of Jesus at twelve years old that we are given shows Him already to be beyond His years in insight and inquisitiveness about the Law. Imagine the wisdom of Jesus’ heart and mind… as Jesus, at His core, is pure love… the refulgence of wisdom… the Light that penetrates all with its purity and grace! Contemplate listening to the questions and answers that day! 

The joy of Our Lord’s Birth breaks through any of the darkness that we can experience in our lives as a community, as a family, or as individuals. The Lord brings light to all aspects of our humanity. May you always walk in your journey toward the Light, with the Light and in the Light of Our Lord. May you know with confidence and trust in your heart and soul that Our Loving God is by your side who offers us hope as He embraces us, He embraces you with His love. It is much love and affection, the staff and ministerial teams at your Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels parish wish you a beautiful Christmas Season filled with His love, peace, and goodness. And, on this Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph may you always know that you have a parish family who walks with you to share in your sorrows and your joys, and who cares deeply for you and prays for you in humble attempts of imitation of Our Lord and His Holy Family. Blessings of the Christmas Season and always, Fr. John

Thank you to the Knights of Columbus Council #338 for their generous donation of $25,000 to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels.

Thank you for the kindness you shared upon the passing of my mother. Click on above title for more...

The Messiah’s God-given strength and adherence to God’s law are predicted, as is His all-encompassing peaceful rule over all in the Name of God.

Community Christmas Dinner 2021 featured in the Olean Times Herald! Click on title!

Drivers Needed for Christmas Dinners! We had a great response last year 2020! Can we do it again? Click on orange title to sign up!

NYS Mask Mandate reinstated for all counties. On December 10, 2021, New York State announced a mask mandate for all indoor venues effective December 13, 2021 which will be reviewed January 15, 2022. At this time, masks are mandated for all participants in liturgies held in Catholic churches and worship spaces located in the Diocese of Buffalo regardless of vaccination status.

Because of John’s godly message of charity, justice, honesty and living with integrity and detachment from possessions, John’s disciples wonder if he is the Christ; the coming Messiah. John then prophecies the imminent coming of Jesus. The message for those people and for us is to prepare ourselves. Let’s straighten out our lives to prepare for Jesus’ coming! 

Rejoice IN THE LORD always; again, I say Rejoice! For Our God is near! Click on orange title for complete article.