The beginning of the new year also marks the beginning of the countdown to the diocesan youth convention. The annual event gives teens an opportunity to learn about and celebrate their faith with a variety of activities provides many formats for learning. This year’s convention will be held Feb. 18-20, at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in downtown Buffalo.

A theme of influence and leadership was noted throughout the Making a Difference Dinner Thursday night, as more than 1,000 attended the event that honors and celebrates Catholic schools, educators and many alumni. One of the major events on the Diocese of Buffalo’s calendar, the dinner helps raise funds for tuition assistance and was held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in downtown Buffalo.

“The Faithful Traveler” is a refreshing new Catholic television series which highlights the histories of different churches around the world. The series is created and hosted by Diana von Glahn, who came up with the idea for the show from a few different places.

After experiencing two miscarriages, Pete and Alisha Arnold said they created the web site “Birthornot.com” and claimed they would decide whether to keep their unborn child or have an abortion based on the final vote count of visitors to their web site by Dec 9. Before the couple finally revealed the site was a hoax, comments on the site indicate that many took it very seriously. 

With signs in hand and prayers in their hearts nearly 400 pro-life supporters from the Diocese of Buffalo came to Washington, D.C., to make their voice heard. The March for Life pilgrimage took place Jan. 23-24, in the nation’s capitol. The group prayed peacefully and publicly to intercede on behalf of the unborn, their parents, families, communities, nation and its leaders.

ST. BONAVENTURE — A piece from a recent exhibition at St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts has been given to the university by the artist’s family. St. Bonaventure students were allowed to choose the work.

The annual Mass in observance of Roe v. Wade will take place at Our Lady of Pompeii Parish, 158 Laverack Ave., in Lancaster on Saturday, Jan. 22, at 4:30 p.m.  The annual Pro-Vita Awards are conferred upon by Bishop Edward U. Kmiec to those who have labored tirelessly for the pro-life cause. 

Living each day in the Catholic faith is very important to Wayne Wolf, parishioner at St. Gabriel Church in Elma. Wolf makes sure he incorporates his faith into the many different facets of his busy life, which include serving as a mounted police lieutenant, instructor and chaplain for the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, working in radio, running two small businesses, volunteering at his parish and being a husband to his wife of 29 years, Maribeth.

 Throughout his recently completed three-year term as president of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Francis George, OMI, gently but firmly led his brother bishops through a reflection on their duties as defenders of the integrity of the Catholic “brand.”

St. Peter Parish in Lewiston has become a little closer to getting a youth minister. Dunkirk’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish will soon start reaching out to young adults. St. Anthony’s in Lackawanna is a little stronger. Throughout the diocese parishes will also be strengthening and starting ministries thanks to charitable parishioners.