Service in Community

Genesis House A private, ecumenical family shelter operates on two campuses in the community providing shelter and services to families—with emphasis on women and children—to help stabilize their health and welfare. Hundreds of families have been served since opening its doors in 1995. A total of 14 parishioners from St. Mary of the Angels have served on its governing board. In addition to St. Mary of the Angels being the most significant supporter of its major fundraisers, since 2002, nine parishioners have been honored for outstanding volunteer service to Genesis House. 

Warming House  Our tri-parish community serves dinners here once a month.  Check the Upcoming Events Column on the home page for dates (usually the 2nd Sunday of the month).  Sponsored by St. Bonaventure University, this is one of the oldest student-run soup kitchens in the nation.  Located in downtown Olean, it serves more than 12,000 meals annually. 

Greater Olean Association of Churches A multi-denominational association of Christian churches in the Olean area to manifest the charitable ideals underlying the teachings of Jesus Christ. St. Mary of the Angels’ pastor has served as chairman of this organization. The parish also participates in many of the GOAC initiatives and events during the course of the year including ecumenical prayer and service. 

St. Gianna Pregnancy Care Center of Cattauragus County provides emotional, material, and spiritual support to families of young children from conception through the toddler years. The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels supports this vital service by participating in fundraising efforts and providing space for the Pregnancy Center in the Parish Life Center. Several parishioners volunteer their time by mentoring clients, serving on the advisory committee, sorting and organizing donations, or handling clerical tasks.  For more information call 716-373-2569 or visit our webpage here.

Southern Tier Symphony and Friends of Good Music For more than 100 years, St. Mary of the Angels has been host to hundreds of public musical performances in its beautiful church. These offerings have included world-class artists and musical groups along with local artists performing in concerts or recitals. In recent years, the parish has partnered with Southern Tier Symphony and Friends of Good Music, two community organizations which focus on classical and traditional sacred repertoire which annually hold concerts at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. Friends of Good Music books world-class artists and musical groups while the Southern Tier Symphony orchestra is comprised of local artists and professional musicians from the region. Besides these two entities, the parish books local professional chamber groups and individual artists including the Olean Community Orchestra and Chorus Academy. The quality programs are offered free (through parish sponsorship) or at minimal cost for the enjoyment and edification of the community. 

The Knights of Columbus #338 has been established since 8 May 1898 in Olean. They operate out of the Parish Life Center. The Knights are engaged in works for the Church and charitable activity.  Contact person:  Fran Tripodi at 716-307-0428.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society international charitable organization to help the poor. Each year 25 of our parishioners assist those who are poor in material goods. This includes running an annual collection and distribution of Christmas gifts to 60 needy families and visiting area nursing homes. Contact person:  Frank Aloi at 716-933-6622.