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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.

In the Basilica and in St. John’s, you will see a display featuring Mary, Undoer of Knots and prayer cards to help us pray to Our Lady during the renewal process. We the Lord to link our God-given gifts we have in our  Catholic faith communities in Olean and Allegany to enlighten and strengthen us to better serve Him and the communities of the faithful here and beyond. St. Francis, Pray for Us!  Mary, Undoer of Knots, Pray for Us!    

In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims the dignity and sanctity of marriage. Jesus condemns divorce if it is enacted for selfish reasons or for reasons of unfaithfulness to one’s marriage vows. In our modern culture, there’s a huge emphasis on pursuing one’s own self-indulgence and pleasure, such that the concept of focusing on the spiritual ideal of mutual giving and receiving sacrifices of love are not often the focus of discussions regarding marriage. There are doubtlessly, good reasons for some divorces; including as Jesus mentioned, infidelity; but also, domestic violence and other forms of abuse. Clearly, we need to have more of a focus on developing the holy dynamics of a Christian marriage, centered on God and with obedient adherence to the faith.

"For me, prayer is a burst from my heart, it is a simple glance thrown toward Heaven, a cry of thanksgiving  and love in times of trial as well as in times of joy." -- St. Therese of Lisieux Click on orange title for complete article.

Once again, a well-meaning disciple, John, is questioning the integrity and authority of a previously unknown disciple’s acting in God’s Name.  In this case the unknown disciple is driving out demons in Jesus’ Name. In His answer, Jesus, like Moses, calls for openness to the promptings of the Spirit. We might reflect that people like the man casting out demons and Eldad and Medad, from the first reading have the child-like simplicity and outlook of the “little ones,” that Jesus reminds John (and us) to welcome, facilitate and even celebrate. Jesus promises great rewards for such openness and obedient living out of our faith. How are we doing with that?

The Road to Renewal is in progress and has officially structured the family units of the “Family of Families” within our Diocese. As announced formally more recently, the Road to Renewal leadership has specifically established the design for the Southern Tier. As many of you know, the Basilica of St. Mary of the   Angels, St. John the Evangelist and St. Bonaventure are asked to form a linked family community in Cattaraugus County as we model ourselves after the Holy Family during this Year proclaimed by our Pope honoring family unit. With confidence and trust, we turn to Jesus who is the center of the Holy Family and the center of our lives and of parish life to guide us and provide us wisdom. We also call upon the intercession of Our Lady under the title of Mary,   Undoer of Knots (see her image above) to help us engage and move smoothly through the transitioning process of renewal. At this time, parishioners with various roles and leadership will gather with our Vicar Forane on Wednesday, Sept. 22nd, to go over our goals and objectives. Click on orange title above for complete article.

A consolation is that we know the “end of the story;” the growth of the Christian Church into a world civilization-saving entity. Love and sacrifice emerge victorious in the end, over pride, selfishness and hate. Click orange title above for complete article.

PRAYER FOR RENEWAL In every age, O God, You have called us to be Your people, to be Your Church. In this time, we begin anew to discern the pathways that will lead us, Your people, closer to You. Continually Bless our journey as we proclaim Your Good News, celebrate Your saving presence among us, serve others with charity and justice, and steward the world You have entrusted to our care. Send Your Spirit to lead and guide our Emmaus journey as we commit ourselves to the renewal of our Church. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today, Jesus asks His disciples who the people say He is, or how they interpret Him. The disciples respond that the people recognize Jesus as akin to great religious persons of the past, such as John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the prophets.  When Jesus asks the disciples who they say that He is, Peter responds with God-given wisdom: “You are the Christ.” Peter recognizes Jesus as the Messiah. Peter could only recognize Jesus, as God allows this. Once again, we’re totally dependent upon God for all inspiration, wisdom and knowledge. Nothing we have comes from us. We’re totally dependent upon God. As Jesus relates in today’s Gospel, to save our lives, we must relinquish all and follow Him, serving others and loving God, with trust and confidence.

Happy 11th Birthday Superhero Colt! From Your Parish Family Pray for Colt Matz who is fighting leukemia and for his younger brother Jack who will be donating bone marrow for his brother! Send birthday cards to: Oishei Children’s Hospital Colt—OCH Rm 1206 818 Ellicott Street Buffalo, NY 14203

Over the last several months, you have read or heard about the reorganization of the Diocesan parish structure called the Road to Renewal as placed into units called “Families.” These Families were to be composed of 3 to 6 parishes based on geographical proximity to one another. The objective for grouping into Families is to have each parish collaborate and coordinate with each other and then support one another in their implementation of services and programs to build up and strengthen the Catholic presence and Christ’s mission in their region. Click on orange title for complete article by Fr. John

Isaiah brings beautiful hope to those with frightened hearts, who feel vulnerable. God promises them “vindication,” or freedom from accusation, blame, suspicion or doubt. Click orange title for complete article.

In most images of the Holy Family, the Child Jesus is at the center . . . Jesus Christ needs to be at the center, at the heart of the family, no matter its composition. Pope Francis’s message is that “Only in the light of His love can the love of the family be fully illuminated.” According to the Pope, we must learn within our families, within our parish families to see through “the gaze of Jesus.” Pope Francis calls the Church to see and follow the way of the Lord, who “looked upon the women and men whom he met with love and tenderness . . .” Amoris Laetitia, 60. A gaze of love is the also the one used within our parish family as we support and embrace each family unit. When Christ is at the center, the family becomes the primary classroom of love and goodness. The Church’s teaching is that God is love. God is the source of all love and the Giver of all life. When Jesus Christ, Love incarnate, is at its center and at the core of family life then it becomes the place where, despite many difficulties and challenges, love and life overflow in abundance.

Pondering these readings, we might ask ourselves: “How am I doing with obeying the Law, (the 10 Commandments)? Do I obey with honesty, simplicity and sincerity? Am I loving and fair with others?

Chaplains of the Pastoral Care Dept. at Olean General Hospital will be offering a memorial service on August 24th at 6:30 pm at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean, NY. The purpose of the service is to honor the memory of 96 patients who passed away at OGH due to COVID-related illness. This service is open to the public and honors previous patients of all ages, races and faiths. In addition, a moment of silence will be offered in memory of all who passed away outside of the hospital. The programs will honor those lost to COVID at BRMC and OGH as well as those who passed away elsewhere. Names will be read, followed by bell ringing and lighting of candles. Program organizers Stacy Williams and the Rev. Vickie Hedlund wanted to hold this important service once they felt it was safe to do so. “Our communities have experienced loss due to this terrible virus and it’s important to remember them and comfort their loved ones,” they said. Olean’s service will be at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. Services will honor those of all faiths. Service will be live streamed on the church’ website, https://www.smaolean.org/ and Facebook pages - @BasilicaOlean.