Spirituality and Healing
For January and February Spirituality and Healing passages, click here.
A Spirituality of Healing: Lent – Recreated by the Lord, Living in the Spirit through our Baptism
As we prepare for the beginning of the Lenten Season, we ready ourselves to enter into the very life of God in a very intimate way by participating in and experiencing the sacraments. The sacraments are beautiful pathways into our Lenten journey celebrated by the Church as they are signs of grace that provide a deeper reality of God’s presence within and around us. One reality we encounter through the sacraments is Christ’s presence in the Church community, His body. This recognition of Christ’s presence in the community should lead to a stronger awareness of being sent on mission to engage in love-inspired action in the world. As Pope Benedict XVI noted in Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), the celebration of the sacraments and the ministry of love are “inseparable.” Love in action, he says, is “an indispensable expression” of the Church's being (25). We begin this Lenten Season with our understanding that the first sacrament received as a young child or through the rite of initiation into the Christian community as a youth or as an adult, offers us intimate access to a personal loving God. Like at our Baptism, during Lent, we are given the opportunity to become renewed as the Divine washes over us and recreates us. As you read further and during this Lent, consider the meaning of your own baptism, your membership in the community, and the mission on which you are sent.
Lenten Blessings, Fr. John
As we prepare for the beginning of the Lenten Season, we ready ourselves to enter into the very life of God in a very intimate way by participating in and experiencing the sacraments. The sacraments are beautiful pathways into our Lenten journey celebrated by the Church as they are signs of grace that provide a deeper reality of God’s presence within and around us. One reality we encounter through the sacraments is Christ’s presence in the Church community, His body. This recognition of Christ’s presence in the community should lead to a stronger awareness of being sent on mission to engage in love-inspired action in the world. As Pope Benedict XVI noted in Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), the celebration of the sacraments and the ministry of love are “inseparable.” Love in action, he says, is “an indispensable expression” of the Church's being (25). We begin this Lenten Season with our understanding that the first sacrament received as a young child or through the rite of initiation into the Christian community as a youth or as an adult, offers us intimate access to a personal loving God. Like at our Baptism, during Lent, we are given the opportunity to become renewed as the Divine washes over us and recreates us. As you read further and during this Lent, consider the meaning of your own baptism, your membership in the community, and the mission on which you are sent.
Lenten Blessings, Fr. John
Baptism makes us “members of one another.”
Since the time of early Christianity, Baptism has been the rite of initiation into the Christian community of the Church. In Baptism, the “one Spirit” makes us members of the Body of Christ and of “one another” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1267). Pope St. John Paul II described the result of Baptism as a “mystical unity” between Christ and His disciples, and the disciples with one another, like “branches of a single vine.” This reflects the mystical communion of the Holy Trinity (Christifidelis Laici 12).
Baptism reveals the equality and dignity of each member of the community. In the one body of Christ, all the members share “a common dignity” so that “no inequality on the basis of race or nationality, social condition or sex” exists, for all are one in Christ (Lumen Gentium 32). During the rite of Baptism, we reject sin, renouncing those beliefs, values, and choices that are opposed to Christ. We also reject sinful attitudes that degrade the dignity of others (e.g., racism, sexism, etc.) and practices that prevent other members of our human family from living in dignity (e.g., abortion, policies that hurt the poor, etc.). Baptism calls us to reject death and embrace life and dignity for all. Lent is a sacred time to recommit ourselves to our Baptismal vows.
Baptism invites us to a vocation of holiness and the practice of charity. In Baptism, we receive a “vocation to holiness,” which is “intimately connected” to our membership in the “Communion of Saints,” which strives to make present the “Kingdom of God in History.” Participation in the Communion of Saints requires a commitment to communion with Christ and “a life of charity” in “this world and the next” (Christifidelis Laici 17-18). In the Lenten season, Our Lord helps us to live this type of life more fully.
Baptism incorporates us into the life, death and resurrection of Christ (The Paschal Mystery) and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the world. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church reminds us, “By Baptism, the laity are incorporated into Christ and are made participants in His life and mission” (541). The triple immersion in the baptismal water signifies the death of sin and entry into the newness of life through Christ’s death and resurrection. The oil signifies anointing by the Holy Spirit and receiving of the Holy Spirit’s gifts. The Holy Spirit helps us to imitate Jesus’ self-sacrificial love and allows us to share in the work of the Holy Spirit in the world. The baptized are called to imitate Jesus’ example and strive in thought, word, and action to live His love. This means working to heal the wounds of sin, living the beatitudes, practicing the twofold commandment of love of God and neighbor, and imitating the lives of the Saints (Catechism 1694-97). Having been anointed by the Spirit, “Christians can repeat in an individual way the words of Jesus: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord’ … (Lk. 4:18)” (Christifidelis Laici 13). One of the first gestures enacted by the priest or deacon at our Baptism is the tracing of the cross on our foreheads as he claims us for Christ. At the beginning of Lent, when we receive the ashes on our foreheads, we are reminded of His life giving sacrifice and the self-sacrifice we are called to offer as well. In a papal audience in 2010, Pope Benedict proclaimed – “[We are] made in God’s image and [are] seen as precious dust in God’s eyes.” The Pope further stated, “Indeed, in the Christian vision of life, every moment must be favorable, and every day must be a day of salvation, but the church’s liturgy speaks of this in a special way during the season of lent however it is ongoing in our lives . . . a favorable time of Grace. Our current Pontiff, Francis, reminds us that the simple action of the imposition of ashes reveals to us the unique riches of its meaning. Lent is a divine invitation to a more conscious and intense immersion in Christ’s Pascal Mystery, remembering that we are baptized in the death and resurrection of Our Lord. The Ancients knew that Ashes brought Life as they often used them to prepare themselves for a renewal of self and community. We have hope for the future of the Church, for in our own ashes, life can be found. Our Holy Father states further, “hope is like embers under the ashes; let us help each other [in] solidarity [by] blowing [on] the ashes to rekindle the flame. The sign of the cross in ashes “carries us onward -- hope does not belong to any one person; we all create hope!” In communion with Christ, in communion with each other, as a priestly people moving forward in a common Baptism, in this Jubilee of Hope, this Year of Healing, as a sacramental people, let us proceed together into this Sacred Journey of Lent.
Since the time of early Christianity, Baptism has been the rite of initiation into the Christian community of the Church. In Baptism, the “one Spirit” makes us members of the Body of Christ and of “one another” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1267). Pope St. John Paul II described the result of Baptism as a “mystical unity” between Christ and His disciples, and the disciples with one another, like “branches of a single vine.” This reflects the mystical communion of the Holy Trinity (Christifidelis Laici 12).
Baptism reveals the equality and dignity of each member of the community. In the one body of Christ, all the members share “a common dignity” so that “no inequality on the basis of race or nationality, social condition or sex” exists, for all are one in Christ (Lumen Gentium 32). During the rite of Baptism, we reject sin, renouncing those beliefs, values, and choices that are opposed to Christ. We also reject sinful attitudes that degrade the dignity of others (e.g., racism, sexism, etc.) and practices that prevent other members of our human family from living in dignity (e.g., abortion, policies that hurt the poor, etc.). Baptism calls us to reject death and embrace life and dignity for all. Lent is a sacred time to recommit ourselves to our Baptismal vows.
Baptism invites us to a vocation of holiness and the practice of charity. In Baptism, we receive a “vocation to holiness,” which is “intimately connected” to our membership in the “Communion of Saints,” which strives to make present the “Kingdom of God in History.” Participation in the Communion of Saints requires a commitment to communion with Christ and “a life of charity” in “this world and the next” (Christifidelis Laici 17-18). In the Lenten season, Our Lord helps us to live this type of life more fully.
Baptism incorporates us into the life, death and resurrection of Christ (The Paschal Mystery) and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the world. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church reminds us, “By Baptism, the laity are incorporated into Christ and are made participants in His life and mission” (541). The triple immersion in the baptismal water signifies the death of sin and entry into the newness of life through Christ’s death and resurrection. The oil signifies anointing by the Holy Spirit and receiving of the Holy Spirit’s gifts. The Holy Spirit helps us to imitate Jesus’ self-sacrificial love and allows us to share in the work of the Holy Spirit in the world. The baptized are called to imitate Jesus’ example and strive in thought, word, and action to live His love. This means working to heal the wounds of sin, living the beatitudes, practicing the twofold commandment of love of God and neighbor, and imitating the lives of the Saints (Catechism 1694-97). Having been anointed by the Spirit, “Christians can repeat in an individual way the words of Jesus: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord’ … (Lk. 4:18)” (Christifidelis Laici 13). One of the first gestures enacted by the priest or deacon at our Baptism is the tracing of the cross on our foreheads as he claims us for Christ. At the beginning of Lent, when we receive the ashes on our foreheads, we are reminded of His life giving sacrifice and the self-sacrifice we are called to offer as well. In a papal audience in 2010, Pope Benedict proclaimed – “[We are] made in God’s image and [are] seen as precious dust in God’s eyes.” The Pope further stated, “Indeed, in the Christian vision of life, every moment must be favorable, and every day must be a day of salvation, but the church’s liturgy speaks of this in a special way during the season of lent however it is ongoing in our lives . . . a favorable time of Grace. Our current Pontiff, Francis, reminds us that the simple action of the imposition of ashes reveals to us the unique riches of its meaning. Lent is a divine invitation to a more conscious and intense immersion in Christ’s Pascal Mystery, remembering that we are baptized in the death and resurrection of Our Lord. The Ancients knew that Ashes brought Life as they often used them to prepare themselves for a renewal of self and community. We have hope for the future of the Church, for in our own ashes, life can be found. Our Holy Father states further, “hope is like embers under the ashes; let us help each other [in] solidarity [by] blowing [on] the ashes to rekindle the flame. The sign of the cross in ashes “carries us onward -- hope does not belong to any one person; we all create hope!” In communion with Christ, in communion with each other, as a priestly people moving forward in a common Baptism, in this Jubilee of Hope, this Year of Healing, as a sacramental people, let us proceed together into this Sacred Journey of Lent.
From Fr. John - Our Healing Ministry...
When we were born, we were chosen by the Lord and created to become a child of God. At our Baptism, we are reborn into the very life of God. During this sacred time of Lent, we begin our journey in the wilderness to be recreated to deepen our relationship with the Lord by coming face to face with our sins, our trials, our challenges. We reflect on our desires, examine our motives, adjust our priorities, and evaluate our interactions. To help, God gives us three great tools of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Prayer is the vehicle of communication and conversation with our God to open our mind, heart, and soul to change. Fasting is to deprive ourselves for a short period of time of foods that we like or to limit its intake during a sacred time. Fasting can also be done by less engagement or to eliminate involvement in an activity that we take pleasure in such as being on social media, watching tv, etc. And, Almsgiving provides us with opportunities to give to those most in need like giving food, clothing, or monetary gifts to the poor. Almsgiving can also be sharing of ourselves with others by offering our time, talents or treasures for an individual, our family, our parish, or our community. Jesus tells us that “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that [I] told you,” John 14:26.
This Lenten Season, during these 40 days, prepare yourself to walk in the Lord . . .
+ Try to establish a quiet and comfortable place in your home to spend alone time with Our Lord.
+ Begin, by centering yourself, free from distractions, and start the conversation by some phrase or sentence similar Our Father (or Abba), please hear me, or Hear I am, Lord, etc.
+Spend several minutes telling God how much you praise and love the goodness that flows forth from the Lord and how much you have gratitude in your heart for the forgiveness, the love, the compassion and the mercy that comes from the Divine Heart. Use the Psalms in your Bible to help you express what is in your heart and soul or use your own words.
+Then, listen to God’s response after you ask the Lord to help you understand how best to approach this specific day in Lent and to guide you on your path to renewal and recreation.
-adapted from Word Among Us, 2023
Each day begin again to walk with the Lord by Keeping a Holy Lent . . .
When we were born, we were chosen by the Lord and created to become a child of God. At our Baptism, we are reborn into the very life of God. During this sacred time of Lent, we begin our journey in the wilderness to be recreated to deepen our relationship with the Lord by coming face to face with our sins, our trials, our challenges. We reflect on our desires, examine our motives, adjust our priorities, and evaluate our interactions. To help, God gives us three great tools of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Prayer is the vehicle of communication and conversation with our God to open our mind, heart, and soul to change. Fasting is to deprive ourselves for a short period of time of foods that we like or to limit its intake during a sacred time. Fasting can also be done by less engagement or to eliminate involvement in an activity that we take pleasure in such as being on social media, watching tv, etc. And, Almsgiving provides us with opportunities to give to those most in need like giving food, clothing, or monetary gifts to the poor. Almsgiving can also be sharing of ourselves with others by offering our time, talents or treasures for an individual, our family, our parish, or our community. Jesus tells us that “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that [I] told you,” John 14:26.
This Lenten Season, during these 40 days, prepare yourself to walk in the Lord . . .
+ Try to establish a quiet and comfortable place in your home to spend alone time with Our Lord.
+ Begin, by centering yourself, free from distractions, and start the conversation by some phrase or sentence similar Our Father (or Abba), please hear me, or Hear I am, Lord, etc.
+Spend several minutes telling God how much you praise and love the goodness that flows forth from the Lord and how much you have gratitude in your heart for the forgiveness, the love, the compassion and the mercy that comes from the Divine Heart. Use the Psalms in your Bible to help you express what is in your heart and soul or use your own words.
+Then, listen to God’s response after you ask the Lord to help you understand how best to approach this specific day in Lent and to guide you on your path to renewal and recreation.
-adapted from Word Among Us, 2023
Each day begin again to walk with the Lord by Keeping a Holy Lent . . .
You are invited: A “Souper” Sacramental Lenten Experience
Our Catholic Family of Cheektowaga announces a Healing and Spiritual experience for our parishes and others in the Diocese. This includes a variety of soups, bread, and a dessert, a presentation of one of the primary and Healing Sacraments followed by the Stations of the Cross that flows from the presentation given during four Fridays during Lent. For information contact, Fr. John Adams at his residence at 716-683 3712 or at [email protected].
Our Catholic Family of Cheektowaga announces a Healing and Spiritual experience for our parishes and others in the Diocese. This includes a variety of soups, bread, and a dessert, a presentation of one of the primary and Healing Sacraments followed by the Stations of the Cross that flows from the presentation given during four Fridays during Lent. For information contact, Fr. John Adams at his residence at 716-683 3712 or at [email protected].
From Fr. John - Our Healing Ministry...
The primary Sacraments of Healing are seen as the Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation (Confession or Penance). The Eucharist is the ultimate Sacrament that offers us a daily opportunity of fullness of health and life.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation: Healing Power of Confession
The Sacrament of Reconciliation also called the Sacrament of Confession or Penance, is a critical way to encounter the presence of the Lord in a deep way outside of Mass. In this beautiful Sacrament, we ask for the Lord’s forgiveness and mercy for patterns of our sinfulness and for those choices we have made that have separated us from God and one another. We do so in a focused, personal and public manner. One of the important benefits of Confession is the targeted healing of the mind and the soul. Christ instituted the Healing Sacraments so we can experience the Paschal Mystery of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord in the present moment. We go to Confession to be renewed (resurrected) in our relationship with our God and one another. We choose Confession to receive the graces to strengthen us to avoid temptation to sin and to bring a halt to our patterns of behaviors and thoughts as we address our physical, mental health and spiritual struggles (Passion). We bring to surface our choices and mistakes before they grow into further separation from God and community (a spiritual erosion or death). This Lenten Season we enter into the Paschal Mystery of the Lord’s passion, death and await His resurrection.
It is critical for all of us to live a life of healing. Pope Francis tells us that going to Reconciliation/Penance/Confession enriches our souls and our lives in that as we experience God’s love and mercy, we are likely to become more loving and merciful to others. When we confess our sins, we free ourselves of the chains of sin and those struggles with our relationships in order that we can love more freely, live more freely. Living in this love, we can now give more readily to the Lord, to others and also very importantly, to ourselves!
This Lent, take advantage of the opportunity to go to the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation and experience this Sacrament of Reconciliation with God and others in this beautiful gift of Healing and of Life. Also, You are invited to Our “Souper” Sacramental Lenten Experience --learn more about this important Sacrament and its healing effects during this special Lenten event:
What: Penance: Reconciling with Our God and One Another (Enjoy meatless soup and bread during the Presentation followed by Stations of the Cross at 6:30 pm)
Where and When: St. Josaphat’s Church, Parish Center, March 21 beginning at 5:30 (Stations of the Cross to follow at 6:30 in the Church)
Note: To RSVP for the event and for further information contact the Central Office at 716-276-9288 or Fr. John Adams at [email protected] or 716-683-3712.
The primary Sacraments of Healing are seen as the Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation (Confession or Penance). The Eucharist is the ultimate Sacrament that offers us a daily opportunity of fullness of health and life.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation: Healing Power of Confession
The Sacrament of Reconciliation also called the Sacrament of Confession or Penance, is a critical way to encounter the presence of the Lord in a deep way outside of Mass. In this beautiful Sacrament, we ask for the Lord’s forgiveness and mercy for patterns of our sinfulness and for those choices we have made that have separated us from God and one another. We do so in a focused, personal and public manner. One of the important benefits of Confession is the targeted healing of the mind and the soul. Christ instituted the Healing Sacraments so we can experience the Paschal Mystery of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord in the present moment. We go to Confession to be renewed (resurrected) in our relationship with our God and one another. We choose Confession to receive the graces to strengthen us to avoid temptation to sin and to bring a halt to our patterns of behaviors and thoughts as we address our physical, mental health and spiritual struggles (Passion). We bring to surface our choices and mistakes before they grow into further separation from God and community (a spiritual erosion or death). This Lenten Season we enter into the Paschal Mystery of the Lord’s passion, death and await His resurrection.
It is critical for all of us to live a life of healing. Pope Francis tells us that going to Reconciliation/Penance/Confession enriches our souls and our lives in that as we experience God’s love and mercy, we are likely to become more loving and merciful to others. When we confess our sins, we free ourselves of the chains of sin and those struggles with our relationships in order that we can love more freely, live more freely. Living in this love, we can now give more readily to the Lord, to others and also very importantly, to ourselves!
This Lent, take advantage of the opportunity to go to the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation and experience this Sacrament of Reconciliation with God and others in this beautiful gift of Healing and of Life. Also, You are invited to Our “Souper” Sacramental Lenten Experience --learn more about this important Sacrament and its healing effects during this special Lenten event:
What: Penance: Reconciling with Our God and One Another (Enjoy meatless soup and bread during the Presentation followed by Stations of the Cross at 6:30 pm)
Where and When: St. Josaphat’s Church, Parish Center, March 21 beginning at 5:30 (Stations of the Cross to follow at 6:30 in the Church)
Note: To RSVP for the event and for further information contact the Central Office at 716-276-9288 or Fr. John Adams at [email protected] or 716-683-3712.
From Our Healing Ministry…
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the three Catholic sacraments of initiation into the life of God and into the life of the Church. Confirmation in the Catholic Church includes the laying on of hands, and anointing in the sign of the cross with Chrism oil. The same sacred oil (Holy Chrism) used at our Baptism is used to open up the person’s whole being, mind, body and soul to the graces of Our Lord as this beautiful sacrament leaves an indelible upon and within us. Confirmation is the sacrament by which Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives us the increased ability to practice our Catholic faith in every aspect of their lives and to witness Christ in all situations of life.
The Laying On of Hands: The Bishop or his designee asks the Father to give new birth of eternal life to his chosen sons and daughters. We pray to God, so that the Lord would pour out the Holy Spirit to strengthen us so each day we can become more like the Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ. We ask God to send the Holy Spirit upon those to be confirmed as His Helper and Guide. We ask the Lord to give the confirmandi (those to be confirmed) the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. We ask God to fill each of us with the spirit of wonder and awe in the Lord’s presence.
The Anointing of Chrism: The Bishop or designee dips his right thumb in the Chrism and makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of the one to be confirmed, as he proclaims “[Name] be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” He then offers the person to enter into the perfect harmony of Christ in and with the Holy Trinity by saying “Peace be with you.” As the Lord was anointed by the Father to bring His Mission of Love and Salvation to the World, we are anointed to go forth and announce the Good News to the world around us. God continues the effects of the sacred anointing as the Lord recreates us through His Son and the Holy Spirit after our Baptism as we enter His very life, and throughout our lives until its earthly end. Stay tuned as we discover more about entering deeply into the Paschal Mystery through the Sacrament of Sick as the Lord anoints with a sacred oil, the oil of the sick (infirmed), for those in need of being brought to wholeness of health and life.
You are invited: A “Souper” Sacramental Lenten Experience -- The Catholic Family of Cheektowaga announces a Healing and Spiritual experience for the Diocese during the next two Fridays of Lent. March 28th: Anointing of the Sick and Dying: Experiencing the Lord’s Shalom, Resurrection Church; and, April 4th: The Eucharist – The Transforming and Healing Power of Our Sacred Meal, Our Lady Help of Christians Chapel.
Each of the Fridays’ Lenten Events will begin at 5:30 pm with Soup and Bread during the Presentation followed by Stations of the Cross at 6:30 pm. To RSVP and/or for further information contact, Fr. John Adams at [email protected] or 716-683-3712.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the three Catholic sacraments of initiation into the life of God and into the life of the Church. Confirmation in the Catholic Church includes the laying on of hands, and anointing in the sign of the cross with Chrism oil. The same sacred oil (Holy Chrism) used at our Baptism is used to open up the person’s whole being, mind, body and soul to the graces of Our Lord as this beautiful sacrament leaves an indelible upon and within us. Confirmation is the sacrament by which Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives us the increased ability to practice our Catholic faith in every aspect of their lives and to witness Christ in all situations of life.
The Laying On of Hands: The Bishop or his designee asks the Father to give new birth of eternal life to his chosen sons and daughters. We pray to God, so that the Lord would pour out the Holy Spirit to strengthen us so each day we can become more like the Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ. We ask God to send the Holy Spirit upon those to be confirmed as His Helper and Guide. We ask the Lord to give the confirmandi (those to be confirmed) the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. We ask God to fill each of us with the spirit of wonder and awe in the Lord’s presence.
The Anointing of Chrism: The Bishop or designee dips his right thumb in the Chrism and makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of the one to be confirmed, as he proclaims “[Name] be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” He then offers the person to enter into the perfect harmony of Christ in and with the Holy Trinity by saying “Peace be with you.” As the Lord was anointed by the Father to bring His Mission of Love and Salvation to the World, we are anointed to go forth and announce the Good News to the world around us. God continues the effects of the sacred anointing as the Lord recreates us through His Son and the Holy Spirit after our Baptism as we enter His very life, and throughout our lives until its earthly end. Stay tuned as we discover more about entering deeply into the Paschal Mystery through the Sacrament of Sick as the Lord anoints with a sacred oil, the oil of the sick (infirmed), for those in need of being brought to wholeness of health and life.
You are invited: A “Souper” Sacramental Lenten Experience -- The Catholic Family of Cheektowaga announces a Healing and Spiritual experience for the Diocese during the next two Fridays of Lent. March 28th: Anointing of the Sick and Dying: Experiencing the Lord’s Shalom, Resurrection Church; and, April 4th: The Eucharist – The Transforming and Healing Power of Our Sacred Meal, Our Lady Help of Christians Chapel.
Each of the Fridays’ Lenten Events will begin at 5:30 pm with Soup and Bread during the Presentation followed by Stations of the Cross at 6:30 pm. To RSVP and/or for further information contact, Fr. John Adams at [email protected] or 716-683-3712.
From Fr. John - Our Healing Ministry…
The Sacraments of Healing demonstrate directly the Lord’s Mercy and Love for His Creation. The primary Sacraments of Healing are seen as the Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation (Confession or Penance). Christ instituted the Healing Sacraments so we can experience the Paschal Mystery of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord in the present moment.
In the Healing Sacrament of Confession (Penance, Reconciliation), we turn back to God after choosing sin as it is a remedy of the Lord’s Love given as a gift to us to be renewed. Pope St. John Paul II proclaimed that ". . . Penance . . . [is] a supernatural reality designed to produce in hearts the effects of serenity and peace, that is a fruit of grace." In 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected Pope. When the media asked him, who is Jorge Bergoglio? Pope Francis stated: “I am the sinner!.” In his writings, he stated further that he received his vocation when he deeply experienced God’s Mercy after going to confession at the age of 17. As fellow sinners, we recognize our human limitations and failures in the light of God’s unlimited love for us. God deeply loves and forgives us, and the Sacrament of Confession makes the gift of reconciliation a reality for us. In this healing sacrament, we are restored to a proper relationship with God, we are made whole and recreated. In making an authentic and honest confession, we demonstrate our complete trust in our loving and compassionate God. Confession is a conversation of God, a prayer wherein the very hand of God reaches out to us through the hands of a priest who absolves our sins through the healing power of the Lord. Rev. Ralph Martin, SJ, tells us that "It is so clear that the fundamental message of the saints is the importance of placing our confidence in the infinite mercy of Christ” In Confession we can experience the presence of God in the process of becoming renewed as we encounter the Our Savior reaches out to us and recreates us with His loving touch..
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick introduces us to the Healing Power of God when we are most vulnerable. In this moment of time, the Lord offers us wholeness through the laying on of hands and a holy anointing. His healing is a concrete sign of God’s Kingdom, His Divinity at work in the world. In James 5:14-15 we hear: Is anyone among you sick? He should summon presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of the faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up . . . Through this Sacrament, God strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by physical, mental health and spiritual ills, by providing them with the ultimate support and comfort. A sacred pathway to God’s Will is made to bring us to wholeness of health and life. In this sacred anointing, those with illness are reminded that Christ and the Church are in Communion with their suffering and their resurrection. In both of the Sacraments of Confession and the Anointing of the Sick, the Divine brings to His creation renewal in mind, body, and spirit.
A Magnificat for Renewal
My heart shudders in God's close breath,
and I stand silent before majesty and mercy. . .
God shines in the eyes of those who love me,
startles me with unending surprises.
God's mercy rains on me. I lift my face to drink
its cleansing power.
God favors me with family and friends.
graces me with poetry for beauty of expression
and deeper understanding.
And I praise God with these, with the gift of myself.
God upholds the promise lived through Jesus
present in the world, and in my heart. Amen
The greatest of all the Healing Sacraments will be addressed in our final Lenten “Souper” Sacramental Experience as we enter deeply into whole Paschal Mystery (the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord) through the Eucharist, which takes away venial sin as well as it brings us to wholeness of life, through His Human and Divine life.
You are invited: A “Souper” Sacramental Lenten Experience -- The Catholic Family of Cheektowaga announces:
What: The Eucharist – The Transforming and Healing Power of Our Sacred Meal
Where: Our Lady Help of Christians (soup, bread, and presentation at 5:30 pm in the school building. Stations of the Cross follow at 6:30 in the Shrine of the OLHC [Maria Hilf Zu] Chapel).
To RSVP to this Lenten Event and/or for further information contact, Fr. John [email protected] or 716-683-3712.
The Sacraments of Healing demonstrate directly the Lord’s Mercy and Love for His Creation. The primary Sacraments of Healing are seen as the Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation (Confession or Penance). Christ instituted the Healing Sacraments so we can experience the Paschal Mystery of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord in the present moment.
In the Healing Sacrament of Confession (Penance, Reconciliation), we turn back to God after choosing sin as it is a remedy of the Lord’s Love given as a gift to us to be renewed. Pope St. John Paul II proclaimed that ". . . Penance . . . [is] a supernatural reality designed to produce in hearts the effects of serenity and peace, that is a fruit of grace." In 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected Pope. When the media asked him, who is Jorge Bergoglio? Pope Francis stated: “I am the sinner!.” In his writings, he stated further that he received his vocation when he deeply experienced God’s Mercy after going to confession at the age of 17. As fellow sinners, we recognize our human limitations and failures in the light of God’s unlimited love for us. God deeply loves and forgives us, and the Sacrament of Confession makes the gift of reconciliation a reality for us. In this healing sacrament, we are restored to a proper relationship with God, we are made whole and recreated. In making an authentic and honest confession, we demonstrate our complete trust in our loving and compassionate God. Confession is a conversation of God, a prayer wherein the very hand of God reaches out to us through the hands of a priest who absolves our sins through the healing power of the Lord. Rev. Ralph Martin, SJ, tells us that "It is so clear that the fundamental message of the saints is the importance of placing our confidence in the infinite mercy of Christ” In Confession we can experience the presence of God in the process of becoming renewed as we encounter the Our Savior reaches out to us and recreates us with His loving touch..
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick introduces us to the Healing Power of God when we are most vulnerable. In this moment of time, the Lord offers us wholeness through the laying on of hands and a holy anointing. His healing is a concrete sign of God’s Kingdom, His Divinity at work in the world. In James 5:14-15 we hear: Is anyone among you sick? He should summon presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of the faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up . . . Through this Sacrament, God strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by physical, mental health and spiritual ills, by providing them with the ultimate support and comfort. A sacred pathway to God’s Will is made to bring us to wholeness of health and life. In this sacred anointing, those with illness are reminded that Christ and the Church are in Communion with their suffering and their resurrection. In both of the Sacraments of Confession and the Anointing of the Sick, the Divine brings to His creation renewal in mind, body, and spirit.
A Magnificat for Renewal
My heart shudders in God's close breath,
and I stand silent before majesty and mercy. . .
God shines in the eyes of those who love me,
startles me with unending surprises.
God's mercy rains on me. I lift my face to drink
its cleansing power.
God favors me with family and friends.
graces me with poetry for beauty of expression
and deeper understanding.
And I praise God with these, with the gift of myself.
God upholds the promise lived through Jesus
present in the world, and in my heart. Amen
The greatest of all the Healing Sacraments will be addressed in our final Lenten “Souper” Sacramental Experience as we enter deeply into whole Paschal Mystery (the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord) through the Eucharist, which takes away venial sin as well as it brings us to wholeness of life, through His Human and Divine life.
You are invited: A “Souper” Sacramental Lenten Experience -- The Catholic Family of Cheektowaga announces:
What: The Eucharist – The Transforming and Healing Power of Our Sacred Meal
Where: Our Lady Help of Christians (soup, bread, and presentation at 5:30 pm in the school building. Stations of the Cross follow at 6:30 in the Shrine of the OLHC [Maria Hilf Zu] Chapel).
To RSVP to this Lenten Event and/or for further information contact, Fr. John [email protected] or 716-683-3712.
From Our Healing Ministry – “For the Eucharist: We are thankful . . .”
Bethlehem
(House of Bread)
Our Lady Help of Christians, Queen of Martyrs, Resurrection, St. Josaphat
(Homes of the Living Bread)
Bethlehem is the site of the Birth of Jesus Christ. It is where in Christian tradition and where in our Catholic teachings, the Old Testament prophecy of Israel’s future ruler, (the Messiah) would come (Micah 5:2). In Hebrew, Bethlehem means House of Bread. As a grown man, when Jesus brought His mission to the earth, He proclaimed, “I AM the Bread of Life” (John 6:35;48). In the Eucharist, the Living Bread, the same Jesus who was carried in the Womb of the Virgin Mary before she delivered Him in Bethlehem, is the same Jesus that we receive in Holy Communion.
On Holy Thursday, April 17, 2003, then Pope John Paul II presented his encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharis a: On the Eucharist in Its Relationship to the Church. In this profound reflection on the theological connection between the Eucharist and the Church, this encyclical begins – “the Church draws her life from the Eucharist.” This truth proclaims not only critical part of our faith, but is the very heart of the mystery of the Church. The Eucharist is the fulfillment of the promise: “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Pope St. John Paul II wrote his encyclical on the Eucharist to renew a Eucharistic “Amazement”. In his ultimate Sacrament of Healing and Recreation, our modern day saint wanted to highlight the centrality of the Eucharist and inspire everyone to experience afresh this “living bread”. The Eucharistic Revival held between 2022-2024 had the heart of St. John Paul’s words as its main goal.
As Catholics, our highest expression of communal prayer is the Eucharist (Greek, meaning, Thanksgiving) that we pray together fully during each Mass and “we thank the Father, for this blessing by and on the Church which expresses her gratitude . . . . for all that he has accomplished through creation, redemption, and sanctification” (CCC, #1360).
Several years ago, Catholic Online reported a poll that showed that “more than 60 percent of American Catholics say they do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ as bodily present in the Eucharist.” Perhaps Catholics understand the term Real Presence too narrowly or do not understand fully this foundational belief in our faith tradition. Pope Francis acknowledged that some in the crowd when Jesus walked the earth were shocked and even scandalized by the Lord’s words: “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life” (John 5:51-54). But he said the Lord’s teaching is clear: The Eucharist is neither a symbol nor even a thing, but rather a Divine Person who desires that we live in inmate communion with Him.
In our Homes of Living Bread in Our Catholic Family of Cheektowaga, we believe in the healing presence of the Eucharist. We believe in its transformative power of this Sacrament that nourishes and nurtures our minds, bodies, and souls. During the Easter Season from Easter Sunday, April 20th to Pentecost Sunday, June 8th and extended during the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Chris ) on June 22nd, we will continue to have special events, Masses, devotions, and prayer opportunities to celebrate the “Source and Summit” of Our Faith, the Sacred Eucharist.
Blessings upon you as we continue to renew ourselves during this Lenten Season. We anticipate Holy Week and the Great Paschal Feast of Easter. We will celebrate the true presence of Our Lord deeply experienced in the Mass and in the sacramental foundations of our Catholic Faith tradition. And for this gify, Lord, We are thankful!
From our sacred homes of bread in our Cheektowaga Family, to yours, Blessings and His graces, always. Fr. John
Bethlehem
(House of Bread)
Our Lady Help of Christians, Queen of Martyrs, Resurrection, St. Josaphat
(Homes of the Living Bread)
Bethlehem is the site of the Birth of Jesus Christ. It is where in Christian tradition and where in our Catholic teachings, the Old Testament prophecy of Israel’s future ruler, (the Messiah) would come (Micah 5:2). In Hebrew, Bethlehem means House of Bread. As a grown man, when Jesus brought His mission to the earth, He proclaimed, “I AM the Bread of Life” (John 6:35;48). In the Eucharist, the Living Bread, the same Jesus who was carried in the Womb of the Virgin Mary before she delivered Him in Bethlehem, is the same Jesus that we receive in Holy Communion.
On Holy Thursday, April 17, 2003, then Pope John Paul II presented his encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharis a: On the Eucharist in Its Relationship to the Church. In this profound reflection on the theological connection between the Eucharist and the Church, this encyclical begins – “the Church draws her life from the Eucharist.” This truth proclaims not only critical part of our faith, but is the very heart of the mystery of the Church. The Eucharist is the fulfillment of the promise: “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Pope St. John Paul II wrote his encyclical on the Eucharist to renew a Eucharistic “Amazement”. In his ultimate Sacrament of Healing and Recreation, our modern day saint wanted to highlight the centrality of the Eucharist and inspire everyone to experience afresh this “living bread”. The Eucharistic Revival held between 2022-2024 had the heart of St. John Paul’s words as its main goal.
As Catholics, our highest expression of communal prayer is the Eucharist (Greek, meaning, Thanksgiving) that we pray together fully during each Mass and “we thank the Father, for this blessing by and on the Church which expresses her gratitude . . . . for all that he has accomplished through creation, redemption, and sanctification” (CCC, #1360).
Several years ago, Catholic Online reported a poll that showed that “more than 60 percent of American Catholics say they do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ as bodily present in the Eucharist.” Perhaps Catholics understand the term Real Presence too narrowly or do not understand fully this foundational belief in our faith tradition. Pope Francis acknowledged that some in the crowd when Jesus walked the earth were shocked and even scandalized by the Lord’s words: “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life” (John 5:51-54). But he said the Lord’s teaching is clear: The Eucharist is neither a symbol nor even a thing, but rather a Divine Person who desires that we live in inmate communion with Him.
In our Homes of Living Bread in Our Catholic Family of Cheektowaga, we believe in the healing presence of the Eucharist. We believe in its transformative power of this Sacrament that nourishes and nurtures our minds, bodies, and souls. During the Easter Season from Easter Sunday, April 20th to Pentecost Sunday, June 8th and extended during the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Chris ) on June 22nd, we will continue to have special events, Masses, devotions, and prayer opportunities to celebrate the “Source and Summit” of Our Faith, the Sacred Eucharist.
Blessings upon you as we continue to renew ourselves during this Lenten Season. We anticipate Holy Week and the Great Paschal Feast of Easter. We will celebrate the true presence of Our Lord deeply experienced in the Mass and in the sacramental foundations of our Catholic Faith tradition. And for this gify, Lord, We are thankful!
From our sacred homes of bread in our Cheektowaga Family, to yours, Blessings and His graces, always. Fr. John
Sharing the Real Presence of Christ . . .
“I am the Bread of Life . . .” “I am the living Bread . . . “ John 6
“We were created as social beings who find fulfillment only in love – for God and for our neighbor. If we are truly to gaze upon him who is the source of our joy, we need to do so as members of the people of God (cf. Spe Salvi, Saved by Hope, no. 14).
Our Dear Late Pope Francis designated 2025 as a Jubilee Year of Hope and named each of us as Pilgrims of Hope. The words of Pope Benedict above indicate he saw a need to revitalize the faith around the world. Pope Benedict declared that we become what we receive. And, with this knowledge we are confident that we receive the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. We hear this from Our Lord when he states very clearly in Sacred Scripture that While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins (New American Bible, Matthew 26: 26-28). And, amazingly even before Matthew wrote these words spoken by Jesus (about 60 AD), St. Paul proclaimed these words to in the early Church in Corinth just 20 years after Our Lord gave His life for us and left us His Body and Blood to nourish our mind, body and soul (around 55 AD) as he reported that the Lord said, “For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ ”In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ “ With these words and actions of Our Lord as His last Will and Testament, 2,000 years later as it is handed on to us like the words of St. Paul indicate, we also are blessed and graced to experience the real presence of Jesus and are sent forth to share His love, His truth, His very mission to the world around us..
Specifically, as Easter People, we hold onto the Catholic teaching that proclaims that the real presence of Christ exists most fully when the assembly, the priest (all of us), the Sacrament (the changing of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus), and the Word (Sacred Scripture) are together at the Eucharist. The simple bread, the basic wine, is transformed into the greatest gift of self-giving that Our loving Father gave us in His Son which we celebrated in its highest form this past Holy Week and Triduum as the Paschal Mystery unfolded in front of us. The final transformation however occurs after the Eucharistic Celebration as we become what we consume – we lowly human beings become transformed into beings capable of humble service to the Lord and to each other as we become Christ bearers to the World. Let us be transformed, let us share the real presence of Christ and become His living presence to all in our lives. Peace. Fr. John
“I am the Bread of Life . . .” “I am the living Bread . . . “ John 6
“We were created as social beings who find fulfillment only in love – for God and for our neighbor. If we are truly to gaze upon him who is the source of our joy, we need to do so as members of the people of God (cf. Spe Salvi, Saved by Hope, no. 14).
Our Dear Late Pope Francis designated 2025 as a Jubilee Year of Hope and named each of us as Pilgrims of Hope. The words of Pope Benedict above indicate he saw a need to revitalize the faith around the world. Pope Benedict declared that we become what we receive. And, with this knowledge we are confident that we receive the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. We hear this from Our Lord when he states very clearly in Sacred Scripture that While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins (New American Bible, Matthew 26: 26-28). And, amazingly even before Matthew wrote these words spoken by Jesus (about 60 AD), St. Paul proclaimed these words to in the early Church in Corinth just 20 years after Our Lord gave His life for us and left us His Body and Blood to nourish our mind, body and soul (around 55 AD) as he reported that the Lord said, “For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ ”In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ “ With these words and actions of Our Lord as His last Will and Testament, 2,000 years later as it is handed on to us like the words of St. Paul indicate, we also are blessed and graced to experience the real presence of Jesus and are sent forth to share His love, His truth, His very mission to the world around us..
Specifically, as Easter People, we hold onto the Catholic teaching that proclaims that the real presence of Christ exists most fully when the assembly, the priest (all of us), the Sacrament (the changing of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus), and the Word (Sacred Scripture) are together at the Eucharist. The simple bread, the basic wine, is transformed into the greatest gift of self-giving that Our loving Father gave us in His Son which we celebrated in its highest form this past Holy Week and Triduum as the Paschal Mystery unfolded in front of us. The final transformation however occurs after the Eucharistic Celebration as we become what we consume – we lowly human beings become transformed into beings capable of humble service to the Lord and to each other as we become Christ bearers to the World. Let us be transformed, let us share the real presence of Christ and become His living presence to all in our lives. Peace. Fr. John
- Unique stained glass depicting Our Lady receiving the Body of Christ from St. John, (Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, Olean, NY)
Happy Mother’s Day as we receive the Real Presence of Christ . . .
During this beautiful time of year, this Easter Season, in the month of May, we are reminded of the first one who bore Christ to the world, Our Lady. As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, we praise our Blessed Mother and thank her for her role model as mother, as disciple and as one who deeply loved Our Lord. Our Dear Mother, Mary, experienced the Real Presence of the Lord in her life in an intimate and close manner as she lived life on earth with Him. We also are blessed and graced to experience the Real Presence of Christ as He lives with and within us.
We speak of the presence of Christ under the appearances of bread and wine as "real" in order to emphasize the special nature of His presence. What appears to be bread and wine is in its very substance the Body and Blood of Christ. In Our Catholic Faith, it is our belief, as sacred doctrine of the Church, that the elements of the Eucharist, the whole substance of the bread is changed into the Body, and the whole substance of the wine is changed into the Blood, of Jesus. These elements of the earth are substantially transformed into the Divine yet remain in the appearances of the bread and wine. This transformation is called transubstantiation. The bread and wine changes in substance into the whole being of Jesus and remains this way. We place the hosts, not consumed at Mass, in the tabernacle to preserve His Real Presence among us. [The sacrament of Holy Communion] contains the whole actual being of Our Lord, as God and Human." (Mysterium Fidei, (The Mystery of Faith), no. 39). This weekend as we celebrate Mother’s Day and children in our Diocese and across the country and world will be receiving the Real Presence of Jesus for the Frist Time – let us proclaim for them and us all -- Praise be to God! Our Blessed Mother Mary knew our Lord so deeply and bore Him to the world. As we imitate His first beloved disciple, His Mother, our dear Mother Mary, let us bring Him to the world. During this time of May as we celebrate Our Heavenly Mother and honor all of our mothers here on earth and in Heaven, may we celebrate all those who receive First Holy Communion and with Our Lady, let us adore Him, let us be part of Him, let us share Him: God’s Love and peace, Fr. John
O Mary, give us a heart as beautiful, pure, and spotless as yours. A heart like yours, so full of love and humility. May we be able to receive Jesus as bread of life, to love him as you loved him, to serve him under the mistreated face of the [vulnerable]. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -- St. Teresa of Calcutta
Happy Mother’s Day as we receive the Real Presence of Christ . . .
During this beautiful time of year, this Easter Season, in the month of May, we are reminded of the first one who bore Christ to the world, Our Lady. As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, we praise our Blessed Mother and thank her for her role model as mother, as disciple and as one who deeply loved Our Lord. Our Dear Mother, Mary, experienced the Real Presence of the Lord in her life in an intimate and close manner as she lived life on earth with Him. We also are blessed and graced to experience the Real Presence of Christ as He lives with and within us.
We speak of the presence of Christ under the appearances of bread and wine as "real" in order to emphasize the special nature of His presence. What appears to be bread and wine is in its very substance the Body and Blood of Christ. In Our Catholic Faith, it is our belief, as sacred doctrine of the Church, that the elements of the Eucharist, the whole substance of the bread is changed into the Body, and the whole substance of the wine is changed into the Blood, of Jesus. These elements of the earth are substantially transformed into the Divine yet remain in the appearances of the bread and wine. This transformation is called transubstantiation. The bread and wine changes in substance into the whole being of Jesus and remains this way. We place the hosts, not consumed at Mass, in the tabernacle to preserve His Real Presence among us. [The sacrament of Holy Communion] contains the whole actual being of Our Lord, as God and Human." (Mysterium Fidei, (The Mystery of Faith), no. 39). This weekend as we celebrate Mother’s Day and children in our Diocese and across the country and world will be receiving the Real Presence of Jesus for the Frist Time – let us proclaim for them and us all -- Praise be to God! Our Blessed Mother Mary knew our Lord so deeply and bore Him to the world. As we imitate His first beloved disciple, His Mother, our dear Mother Mary, let us bring Him to the world. During this time of May as we celebrate Our Heavenly Mother and honor all of our mothers here on earth and in Heaven, may we celebrate all those who receive First Holy Communion and with Our Lady, let us adore Him, let us be part of Him, let us share Him: God’s Love and peace, Fr. John
O Mary, give us a heart as beautiful, pure, and spotless as yours. A heart like yours, so full of love and humility. May we be able to receive Jesus as bread of life, to love him as you loved him, to serve him under the mistreated face of the [vulnerable]. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -- St. Teresa of Calcutta
You are invited . . . The Living Rosary in Honor of Mary, Our Mother for Hope, Healing and Peace . . . Join Us!
When: The Feast of Our Lady of Fama, Tuesday, May 13th 7:00 pm
Where: Our Lady Help of Christians Outdoor Grotto (weather permitting, alternative site -- Our Lady Help of Christians, Maria Hilf Chapel)
RSVP: Designate whether a ending and/or being a living bead (holding a candle in prayer) contact OLHC parish office at 716-276-9288; [email protected] or Fr. John at 716-683-3712; [email protected].
When: The Feast of Our Lady of Fama, Tuesday, May 13th 7:00 pm
Where: Our Lady Help of Christians Outdoor Grotto (weather permitting, alternative site -- Our Lady Help of Christians, Maria Hilf Chapel)
RSVP: Designate whether a ending and/or being a living bead (holding a candle in prayer) contact OLHC parish office at 716-276-9288; [email protected] or Fr. John at 716-683-3712; [email protected].