BRISTOL, R.I. — If the animals who witnessed Jesus’ birth could have spoken, what would they have said? In her 2022 Moonbeam Award-winning book, “Bethlehem Barn,” Debra Westgate-Silva gives young audiences a lighthearted retelling of the classic Christmas story – from the animals’ point of view. “The story was inspired by a church service I […]
Sister Eleanor Thielman, OSF, who ministered in education, pastoral ministry and community service passed away on Nov. 26, 2022 at Autumn View Health Care Facility. She was 90 years old. Sister Eleanor was born Mary Lucille on Oct. 21, 1932, in the Lovejoy neighborhood of Buffalo to Anthony and Eleanor (Ernst) Thielman. Sister Eleanor was […]
Msgr. Francis Braun, longtime pastor of St. Mark Parish, died Nov. 23, 2022, after 68 years of priestly ministry. Born Aug. 12, 1929, to George and Mary (Hennessy) Braun, Msgr. Braun was raised and educated in Buffalo, attending St. James School and Canisius High School. He went on to attend St. Bonaventure University earning a […]
BALTIMORE — Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, was elected president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops during the Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore. Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore was elected as USCCB vice president. They succeed Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and Archbishop Allen […]
On Oct. 25, 2022, the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo announced its new Child Protection Policy coordinator, Melissa Potzler. Her legal experience includes service as an assistant Erie County district attorney, and as a criminal defense attorney. She also previously served as the parish life coordinator at Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Orchard Park. Potzler […]
’Tis the season of giving and the Ladies of Charity elves at Catholic Charities Santa’s Workshop are seeking donations, recipients and volunteers to help brighten the holidays for children in need throughout Western New York. Once again part of the WNY Holiday Partnership, Catholic Charities’ Christmas program will serve infants to teenagers. Each year, Catholic […]
TONAWANDA — Cardinal O’Hara High School is rejoicing at the news that a 1972 graduate is donating a record-breaking $1 million to be used exclusively to update the school’s athletic fields. Renee Orr, Cardinal O’Hara’s director of advancement, said his only requirement is that the gift remain anonymous. “I couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” […]
Sister Julie Uhrich, who served as regional director of religious education of the Southern Tier for over two decades, died Nov. 21, 2022. She was 80. Born Carol Uhrich on Jan. 3, 1942, to Mildred (Knab) and Julien Uhrich, Sister was introduced to the Sisters of St. Francis in Williamsville when she attended Bishop O’Hern […]
WASHINGTON (CNS) — With the pro-life landscape shifting to the states after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, events in the Washington Archdiocese connected to the annual March for Life in the nation’s capital will have a different focus this January. In one change, the archdiocese has canceled its long-running arena-size Youth […]
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope Francis has appointed Auxiliary Bishop Richard G. Henning of Rockville Centre, as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island. The pope also accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans of Providence, who has served the diocese as an auxiliary since 2009. On Sept. 2, he turned 75, […]