The following is an excerpted and edited portion of a message from Fr. Joe, which originally appeared in the bulletin.
Dear Parishioners,
St. Mary’s, East Arcade is celebrating the 175th anniversary this year. I found this wonderful letter written to Father Steinbach from Bishop Edward Head when the parish celebrated the 135th anniversary, dated May 31st, 1981. Here is a portion of the letter:
A Parish is really a Community of Faith — a group of people who come together to celebrate the Presence of the Lord Jesus in Word and in Sacrament. Since the foundation of the Diocese of Buffalo, in fact one year before our Diocese was established, St. Mary’s was organized.
The anniversary of a Parish Community is an occasion for all the members of the Parish to deepen their faith, hope and love, and to recommit themselves to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to strengthen the Christian Community.
I will provide more information about our celebration as plans are made.
God’s Blessings Always,
Fr. Joe Gullo
For more information about our 175th Anniversary celebration, please see the following post: 175th Anniversary: September 26, 2021 (Updated)
