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...

Families come together for activities during Lent
2/18/2013 8:58:00 AM by MARK CIEMCIOCH

During the season of Lent, many Catholic families come together to celebrate the Catholic tradition in various ways, as they prepare for Easter Sunday. Two families from Immaculate Conception Parish in East Aurora acknowledge the season with their own methods.

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Hollywood producer now educates on poverty
2/14/2013 8:52:24 AM by ERIN TRESTER

Gerard Straub has directed, filmed and produced extraordinary documentaries, written six award-winning books and produced hit shows such as “General Hospital” and “The Doctors.” However, his greatest passion and accomplishment is spreading the word about poverty through film, writings and photography in the hope that it will motivate people to stand up and do what Christ asks. 

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Ash Wednesday begins Lent
2/13/2013 1:24:37 PM by WNYC STAFF

Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the season of Lent. 

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New priest to serve in new ordinariate
2/12/2013 9:00:00 AM by PATRICK J. BUECHI

The Vatican has paved the way for Anglicans to be in full communion with the Catholic Church. On Jan. 1 of last year, Pope Benedict XVI established the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, which allows Anglicans in the United States and Canada to be fully Catholic, while still retaining their Anglican liturgical heritage and traditions. Similar ordinariates exist in the United Kingdom and Australia. read more...

Pope Benedict XVI announces surprise resignation
2/11/2013 9:33:36 AM by MARK CIEMCIOCH

The world woke up Monday morning to the surprising news of Pope Benedict XVI announcing his decision to resign at the end of February, becoming the first pontiff to willing leave the papacy since the Middle Ages.

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African-American Catholics initiate pastoral plan
2/7/2013 11:07:00 AM by ERIN TRESTER

The Diocesan African- American Commission has undertaken a pastoral plan titled “A Faith Engaged: Empower. Equip. Evangelize” in an effort to evangelize and better serve African American Catholics. It is a 10-part pastoral plan that will be utilized over five years.

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Russert widow speaks on gift women religious give to Catholic education
2/5/2013 9:57:16 AM by PATRICK J. BUECHI

Just as “Meet the Press” host and South Buffalo native Tim Russert spoke at the first Making a Difference dinner, his widow, Maureen Orth, made a visit for the 13th annual dinner to support Catholic education. Orth, an author and special correspondent for Vanity Fair, delivered the keynote address at the Jan. 31 dinner, held at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. read more...

Bishop Malone: Reading for the Year of Faith
1/30/2013 1:30:59 PM by BISHOP RICHARD J. MALONE

A recent conversation with a man leaving church after Mass was the inspiration for this month’s column. He told me that one of his New Year’s resolutions is to learn more about our Catholic faith. 

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Parish program fosters inclusion for all
1/29/2013 1:00:00 PM by PATRICK J. BUECHI

By definition catholic means universal or involving all. So the Catholic Church should be equally inclusive. When the religious education office of St. Jude Parish realized that some young people with developmental disabilities were not receiving their sacraments, a new special education program needed to be created. read more...