Many times in varied ways, we are called to be “missionary.” The faithful in our diocesan parishes illuminate like “stars” in their response to the needs of the Church near and far. We assist the missions, Catholic Relief Services, when unexpected natural disasters occur, black and Native American Missions and also the Catholic League for Religious Assistance to Poland. Truly the sun never sets on our charity.

The Brothers of Mercy Sacred Heart Adult Home at 4520 Ransom Road in Clarence has expanded services to accommodate men and women who require oxygen therapy.

  It's been a long and winding road for pop culture hero Harry Potter, but the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano says the final film, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2," champions the values of friendship and sacrifice.

The Station of the Cross Catholic Radio Network has undergone some major developments over the past year including a significant change in the signal strength for WLOF 101.7 FM in Buffalo.

There’s no doubt that pets make wonderful companions, and they should receive suitable care. Yet ironically, Washington State is one of only two states that have legalized assisted suicide for human beings, offering death rather than proper medical care.

The diocesan Youth Board passed the torch to a new crew of ambitious teens in a very literal sense. The 2010-2011 board welcomed their successors with a special candle lighting ceremony June 7 at the Catholic Center in downtown Buffalo.

On June 24, 2011, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed a bill into law allowing same-sex marriage in New York state.  This makes New York the largest state to allow same-sex marriages.

Blessed Sacrament Parish in Tonawanda will welcome the Robert Halligan Brothers Concert Tour to its informal night of music and praise known as PraiseSong. The July 8 concert begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $15 at the door, with no presale tickets available.

This summer season the Chautauqua Catholic Community will celebrate its 25th Anniversary. To commemorate the event a special Mass will be led by Bishop Kmiec on July 31st. Before the concelebrated Mass, Jon Schmitz, Chautauqua Catholic Community board member, will give a history of the Catholic presence in Chautauqua.

Dr. Jack Kevorkian, better known as “Dr. Death,” died in June at the age of 83, from kidney disease. The Michigan doctor gained worldwide attention in the 1990s when he helped 130 people commit suicide.