Bishop Scharfenberger announces Cessation of public Masses during Coronavirus Threat!
Bishop Scharfenberger announces that there will be no regular scheduled public Masses in the Diocese of Buffalo until further notice due to an abundance of caution and growing concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus. Churches may remain open, as locally feasible, and the faithful are encouraged to continue to visit and pray while maintaining a prudent distance from one another.
Bishop Scharfenberger announced that all Catholic faithful are dispensed from obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation.
In addition, all other parish events and large gatherings are to be postponed.
“As the faithful community of WNY, we have an important part to play in protecting those most vulnerable and those with underlying medical issues during this period of extreme concern over the spread of the coronavirus,” said Bishop Scharfenberger.
I realize how deeply disappointing it is during our season of Lent to refrain from gathering at public Masses and participating together in our liturgical life, but we must avoid the risk of wider infection. I encourage the faithful to pray fervently during this time when we must be apart and to continue their Lenten journey within families and in the quiet of their own prayerful reflection, knowing that Christ abides with us always and in every place.
Message from Father Joe Gullo
In accordance with the Diocesan guidelines from Bishop Scharfenberger, all daily and weekend Masses are canceled at our parish. Intentions scheduled are being celebrated by me privately.
All Religious Education Sessions and all Lenten Services are also canceled. We are still awaiting guidelines concerning Holy Week and Easter.
Please be assured of my prayers and thoughts for all of you at this time. I encourage you to use social media/television to watch daily and weekend masses. Please continue to pray daily as a family.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on Thursdays and Fridays each week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please remember social distancing.
Also, both of our Worship Sites will be opened for private prayer each Sunday morning from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Please remember social distancing if you will be making a visit. Weekend bulletins will be available with updated information each Sunday in the vestibule of both worship sites.
We are trying to conduct business as usual while keeping our staff and parishioners healthy and safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the parish office. We will try and address your questions over the phone.
Finally, you are welcome to send your weekly contribution or your Catholic Charities donation to the parish through the mail.
Let us look to the Lord at this time for His blessing and strength.
Rev. Joseph A. Gullo
Pastor
