Churches throughout Western New York hosted Holy Thursday Mass, commemorating the Lord’s Supper, His final supper before his betrayal and crucifixion the next day. Churches remained open following Mass to allow Catholics the opportunity to renew the tradition of the Seven Churches Visitation. Each church visited on Holy Thursday night represents one of the stops […]
Bishop Michael W. Fisher wishes everyone a happy Easter.
An ancient tradition that creates a new beginning? The blessing of the Chrism oils. The oils, consecrated during a special Mass, will be used to welcome the catechumens to the Church at the Easter vigil, and other sacraments throughout the years. St. Joseph Cathedral welcomed a packed house to witness and participate in the sacred […]
Palm Sunday Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral featured the usual traditions Sunday, March 23, from beginning with the blessing of the palms, to the reading of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. It was a celebration of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, followed soon after by his betrayal, suffering and crucifixion. […]
For the past 17 years, Broadway Fillmore Alive, a local neighborhood preservation group, has kept the Holy Thursday tradition of the seven Churches Visitation alive by organizing a self-guided pilgrimage to historic churches in the Broadway-Fillmore/Polonia, Downtown, First Ward and Kaisertown areas. The tradition of entering seven churches to pray before the Blessed Sacrament mimics […]
The Downtown Family of Catholic Parishes will offer several Pillars of Lent events this week at five their six locations. This week’s prayer opportunities are many and diverse. From a classroom setting of learning about the Bible’s book of Psalms to the group service of the beautiful Stations of the Cross. Enjoy fellowship after prayer […]
Ash Wednesday arrived with Cupid this year. The beginning of the Lenten season coincided with Valentine’s Day. But the latter holiday didn’t prevent Catholics from embarking on their journey of spiritual preparedness and inner reflection, in advance of the Paschal Triduum and Easter. Bishop Michael W. Fisher celebrated Mass on the morning of Ash Wednesday […]
Ash Wednesday services conducted through the Downtown Family of Catholic Parishes included Mass with ashes at: 12:05 p.m. St. Louis Church 12:10 p.m. St. Joseph Cathedral 6 p.m. St. Anthony of Padua Church (Latin Mass) Ashes Distribution only will occur at: 5:15 p.m. St. Michael Church 7 p.m. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.
Lent is a time when Catholics around the world are invited to pray, fast and give alms as the Church prepares to enter once again into the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. It is a time when the faithful often give things up such as desserts, junk food or social media to remember Jesus’ […]
Many parishes celebrated Holy Week for the first time as a family this year, and found the blessings to be bountiful. The Beloved Disciples of Christ the Lord, which has parishes in Lancaster, Depew, Cheektowaga and Bowmansville knew some adjustments would have to be made as they had three priests serving six parishes. “There was […]
