News & Events

The following is an edited and updated version of a message that was originally printed in the bulletin on June 27, 2021.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The information below is outdated; please see the News & Events page for the latest guidelines.

Masks

Based on prevailing guidance from health officials or an individual’s doctor or other medical professional, masks are now optional, but may continue to be worn at the discretion of the individual.

Ministers of the Eucharist will continue to wear masks when distributing communion for the protection of the vulnerable and those who may not be able to be vaccinated.

Holy Water and Shared Materials

Based on current guidance from New York State (June 9, 2021), baptismal fonts and holy water stoups should remain empty; hymnals are allowed in pews.

Receiving of Communion

When receiving Communion, you must continue to receive it in your hand.

Important Note

As always, please see the most recent bulletin for the latest updates. (You can view the bulletins online! View bulletins)

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)

The following is an assortment of information about Catholic Charities from past bulletins, specially selected and edited for this page.

Helpline

These are challenging, uncertain times. But one thing remains a constant: Just as we have for nearly 98 years, Catholic Charities is here and ready to help now. If you have a need for food or toiletries, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and more, Catholic Charities is ready to answer your call. Our Helpline can be reached at 716-218-1419. The Helpline is staffed weekdays from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and you can leave a message at any time.

Therapy, Treatment and Counseling

You don’t have to struggle with mental health, familial or marital problems. Catholic Charities can help. The agency offer several different types of support including: marriage counseling, individual psychotherapy, family and group therapy, substance abuse treatment, diocesan counseling. For more information, see the “Counseling and Mental Health” tab under the “Services” menu on the righthand side of the following page: https://www.ccwny.org/services

Friendly Phones, Telephone Assurance Program

The Friendly Phones program serving Orleans County and Home Visitation Program in Genesee County, as well as the Telephone Assurance Program (TAP) in Erie County are free volunteer services providing regular telephone calls to home-bound elderly and disabled persons to check on their well being and to give people an opportunity to socialize. Relationships grow and last for years through a regular
5-to-10 minute call. These friendly calls can
alleviate some concerns facing those who live
alone, and can help them maintain their independence. If you know someone in Orleans
and Genesee counties who would like to receive calls or to volunteer to make calls, call 585-343-0614, ext. 18 for Friendly Phones. If you live in Erie County, you can connect with TAP by calling 716-218-1400.

Food Pantries

Catholic Charities runs nine food pantries, seven in Erie County and a pantry in both Franklinville in Cattaraugus County and Wellsville in Allegany County. Your donation of non-perishable food items can help feed hungry
individuals in your community. In light of the pandemic, all donations must be scheduled ahead of time. To schedule a time to drop off your donation, call 716-218-1400, ext. 2005. To find your nearest pantry, visit: https://www.ccwny.org/services/food-pantries

Care Coordination

Are you or a family member at risk for out-of-home placement? Do you need help navigating complex healthcare and social support systems? If so, we can help. Catholic Charities offers Care Coordination Services for a range of ages through Children’s Health Home Care Management and Project HOPE (Helping Older People Excel) programs.

Our care coordinators will work with you, your family, your own care providers and whoever you deem important to your health and happiness to complete comprehensive assessments and work together as a team to create a care plan directed by you so you can meet your goals. If you have a mental health diagnosis and/or multiple chronic conditions and feel you would benefit from linkage and referral to services, as well as advocacy and intervention, please visit https://www.ccwny.org to learn more about our Care Coordination Services.

Children

Is your child displaying chronic negative behaviors such as noncompliance, verbal and/or physical aggression, truancy, school failure, curfew violations, running away, illegal substance abuse and/or criminal activity? Our Multisystemic Therapy Program in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties can help. MST is an intensive, family-focused intervention program that’s facilitated in the youth’s natural environments, including the home. Think MST might be a good fit? Call 716-204-0555, ext. 5025 or visit https://www.ccwny.org/services/mst-eligibility In other WNY counties, office-based counseling is always available to families.

Donate

Catholic Charities: Hope for All Seasons. To make a secure online donation, visit https://www.ccwny.org/donation.

A quick, COVID-related update. (Current as of December 11, 2020.)

• Both worship sites can be filled to 33% capacity.
• Social distancing measures are in place at Mass.
• Please bring your face mask and hand sanitizer when you come to Mass.
• Holy Communion will be given in the hand only.