New coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry begins
3/22/2013 11:05:03 AM by ERIN TRESTER

Ministry and helping young people have always been a part of Sarah Leahy, the new youth ministry coordinator for the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

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Bishop Malone expects ‘interesting ride’ from Pope Francis’ papacy
3/18/2013 3:44:00 PM by PATRICK J. BUECHI

Habemus Papam. We have a pope. And it’s one nobody outside the Vatican conclave expected. No one predicted Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the cardinal of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bishop Richard J. Malone was as surprised as anyone over the announcement.   read more...

Catholics, world leaders react to Pope Francis
3/14/2013 1:51:57 PM by MARK CIEMCIOCH

One day after Pope Francis - formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina - was elected to the highest seat in the Catholic Church, world and religious leaders offered their thoughts and congratulations to the 266th pontiff, who will be installed Tuesday, March 19.  Pope Francis is the first Latin American and Jesuit pope in history.

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Pope Francis elected as first Latin American pontiff
3/13/2013 3:55:51 PM by MARK CIEMCIOCH

The College of Cardinals has elected the 266th pope of the Catholic Church – Pope Francis, formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aries, Argentina. Pope Francis, 76, becomes the first Latin American pope, as well as the first Jesuit pontiff, in history.

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Papal conclave begins
3/12/2013 12:56:37 PM by MARK CIEMCIOCH

The eyes of the world are upon the Vatican this week, as the election of the 266th pope begins today and cardinals from around the world have begun their papal conclave.

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Young mother on way to new life, thanks to St. Gianna’s
3/5/2013 3:02:11 PM by PATRICK J. BUECHI

One of the young mothers scheduled to give a witness talk was absent during the Feb. 6 banquet for the St. Gianna Molla Pregnancy Outreach Center. Nicole Fournier shied away from speaking in front of the 300 people who gathered to support the diocesan-run center that provides pregnancy care information, referral services and baby items to women and children living in poverty or in need of assistance. read more...

Benedict makes history today as he resigns papacy
2/28/2013 10:53:49 AM by MARK CIEMCIOCH

Today marks a historic day in the history of the Catholic Church, as Pope Benedict XVI becomes the first pontiff to willingly step down from his seat at 8 p.m. Vatican time.  Many Catholics are wondering about the ramifications of a decision that has not been made in the Vatican for centuries.

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Saint plays part in parish’s Year of Faith plans
2/26/2013 2:00:00 PM by PATRICK J. BUECHI

St. Christopher Parish in Tonawanda has taken a page out of the classic children’s book “Flat Stanley” to celebrate the Year of Faith. The 1964 book by Jeff Brown tells the story of a boy who, after being flattened by a bulletin board, gets to experience adventures a normal boy could not. At St. Christopher’s, parishioners and students used photographs of St. Christopher and their faith to take them to special places. read more...

Conference helps men connect to their faith
2/25/2013 2:00:00 PM by MARK CIEMCIOCH

If tradition follows, about 1,000 men are expected to attend the 11th annual Catholic Men’s Fellowship of Western New York Conference on Saturday, March 9, at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Tonawanda. The one-day event will ask participants if they are connected to their faith and their lives.

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The Year of Faith and vocations
2/22/2013 8:34:01 AM by FATHER WALTER SZCZESNY

On Oct. 11, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared that a “Year of Faith” would begin on Oct. 11, 2012, and conclude on Nov. 24, 2013. During the year, Catholics are asked to study and reflect on the documents of Vatican II and the Catechism so that they may deepen their knowledge of the faith. read more...