From Father Michael's Desk
A message from Rev. Michael Parker on the sudden passing of Deacon James Waggoner
Rest in Peace “…my good and faithful servant…come, share your master’s joy.” ---Matthew 25: 21
Our parish mourns the sudden death of Deacon James Waggoner (Sunday, Sept. 20), who has served here for over ten years. His presence has been evident in so many aspects of our community of faith. Deacon Jim:
- Assisted at Mass
- Baptized many of our children
- Led and participated in many of our prayer and liturgical services
- Shared the Eucharist with the sick and homebound
- Assisted at Kenmore Mercy Hospital visiting and praying with the sick
- Taught Religious Education
- Was present at our many school and parish functions
- Assisted with our youth program
- Holy Name Society member
As Deacon Jim was so faithful in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessed to Christian hope in the Resurrection, may that same hope and consolation be present to us.
May the Lord God, give Deacon Jim the reward promised to those who show their love of you by service to their neighbor.
The Road to Renewal
A message from Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger
My Dear Sisters and Brothers,
As you may now be aware, we have embarked on a “Road to Renewal” here in our Diocese which aims to reinvigorate Catholic faith, to optimize more fully parish and diocesan resources, and, importantly, increase the reach and impact of our varied ministries throughout Western New York. Toward this end, I formed a Diocesan Renewal Task Force this past summer to look at how others in dioceses across the country have faced similar challenges that we now confront with regard to diminished financial resources and reduced church and school attendance, but who have been successful in promoting a culture of co-responsibility among laity, clergy and religious in carrying out the work of evangelization, education and service.
Beginning in the coming days and continuing into October, the Task Force members, along with the Vicars of the Diocese, will be conducting regional consultation sessions in order to gain insight and input from parish leaders, school administrators, and from parishioners across the diocese that will inform decisions about how we will be structured and operate going forward. I want to assure you that there are no predefined conclusions or decisions regarding the way in which regions, parishes and schools will be affected. We are intent on determining how best to preserve individual parish identities as a “Family of Families” - regardless of decisions that may change the way any one parish family is organized and experiences the fullness of Catholic life.
The Road to Renewal - Key Messages
Welcome to St. John the Baptist Parish!
Our Mission
St. John the Baptist is a Roman Catholic parish founded by St. John Neumann where God is loved and present in the liturgy, the sacraments and the community, faith is enriched through our teaching and experiencing the gospel, all are welcome in the spirit openness, and generosity and charity is extended through our ministry to all.
Around our Church and Campus
St. John Neumann Museum
The St. John Neumann Shrine Museum is open to the public. Anyone wishing to see our recently renovated Chapel or the St. John Neumann Archives Room can call the Rectory at 716-873-1122 to schedule a tour.
Our Parish Staff
- Rev. Michael Parker, Pastor
- Deacon James Waggoner, Deacon
- Sr. Jolene Ellis, OSF, Pastoral Associate
- Cheryl Brinker, Director of Music
- Jenny Bainbridge, School Principal
Contact Us
St. John the Baptist R.C. Church
1085 Englewood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14223
Phone: 716-873-1122
Fax: 716-873-3305
E-mail: [email protected]
Now Accepting Online Donations
St. John's now allows you to manage your giving ONLINE using a credit/debit card. It is easy and allows you to set up automatic recurring contributions.
This will help your weekly offerings to continue on an uninterrupted basis when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending Mass.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you sign up as RECURRING DONATIONS - your weekly envelope mailing will be cancelled (saving us the cost of these mailings is one of the many benefits of joining this program.) However, this change process submitted to our Envelope Supplier may take up to two to four months to take place. Therefore, you may still receive envelopes sent to your home for several months until the mailing cancellation has been processed.
If you are planning to use this program periodically to select NON-RECURRING, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS or SPECIFIC DONATIONS, you will still receive Parish Envelope Packets mailed to your home. If you no longer wish to receive the Envelope Packet Mailing to your home, please call the Rectory Office at 716-873-1122 to cancel your envelopes.
To get started, click on DONATE NOW then select Create Profile to the right.
Simply follow the on-screen instructions to create a profile and to schedule your contributions. Any questions, please contact Carla Mazurek at [email protected]
Thank you for your generous support!
Prayer for Spiritual Communion
For those who are unable to receive Holy Communion while watching televised Masses, we can pray An Act of Spiritual Communion:
My Jesus,
I believe that You present in the
Most Holy Sacrament.
I love you and I desire to receive
You into my soul.
Since I cannot receive You sacramentally,
come spiritually into my heart.
Jesus you’re the one I love;
you’re the one I know.
You’re the one who makes me strong,
Spirit in my soul.
Bread, blessed and broken for us all,
symbol of your love from the grain so tall.
Bread blessed and broken for us all,
bread of life you give to us,
bread of life for all. Amen.
Parish News & Updates
Parish Weekend Mass is now streamed live on FaceBook at 4pm.
OUTREACH FOOD PANTRY REMAINS OPEN - Wednesdays 1-2 p.m. Do not come into the building; drive-up only, please!
You can read the CURRENT BULLETIN located on our home page for updated parish information.
Weekly Mass
Video will "Go Live" Saturday at 4:00 PM and be available for viewing afterward.
Mass Times
8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Saturday:
8:30 a.m.
Saturday Vigil:
4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday:
8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m.
Confessions:
Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m.
Adoration in the Chapel:
Monday - Friday, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Holy Hour in the Chapel:
Sunday 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Rectory Office Hours
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(Rectory is closed for lunch between 12:00-1:00 p.m.)
Saturday:
9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Sunday:
Closed
We Are Called to Share of Ourselves
If you're looking to get involved in the parish, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer within our wonderful community. Perhaps you'd like to join one of our many ministries and parish organizations? Or would you prefer to participate in the Mass? Helping hands are always needed.
Please click here for information regarding altar serving, Eucharistic ministry, choir, and ushering.
You may also navigate the above tab labeled Ministries/Volunteer for Parish Ministry Information.
St. John's on Social Media
