Church of the
Annunciation

A scribe (one knowledgeable in the Law) asks Jesus which is the first of all the commandments? Jesus replies: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord our God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The torah, prophesy and wisdom of Israel hang on the peg of these greatest commandments. Together the two commandments become a lens to see ourselves and give me a handle on speaking about the well-being of our faith community.

Our love for God, creator and author of life, finds expression in praise and worship, at Eucharist and in the sacraments, in bible study, prayer (e.g. rosary for life), adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and at Mission. We have a beautiful church that is well kept, clean and adorned with plants and flowers. The liturgy is enhanced with musicians, leaders of song, lectors and special ministers of Holy Communion, greeters, ushers and servers. A liturgy committee plans for feasts and seasons of the year. More special events will be scheduled in our sacred space (e.g. concerts and plays) to nourish our souls and lift our spirits.

Love for God is nurtured in children in our school, in our religious education programs and those who are schooled at home. Sr. Marilyn and Sr. Lori both have advisory councils to advise them. Adult inquirers are welcomed and accepted into the R.C.I.A. process. The assembly assumes a primary responsibility of evangelization and initiation into the faith.  In the spring we plan a video series entitled Catholicism that will highlight the depth and richness of our faith.

Our love for neighbor begins here when we welcome strangers and visitors who come for Mass. Our compassion and care extends to East Buffalo, to Haiti and Nicaragua. We generously support Catholic Charities. Soon we will find a way to help folks still hurting in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Deb Keenan, our pastoral associate for ministry, is strengthening our ties with FISH in East Aurora (local outreach) and is dong presentations on Catholic Social Teaching.

As your pastor, I express my appreciation for your generous support that is entrusted to us to sustain the mission. Larry Zielinski, chair of our finance committee, will present the annual fiscal report to the Pastoral Council on Wednesday. Larry will be speaking to you next week weekend and the following weekend Deacon Jim Jaworski will be speaking on stewardship. The trustees have carefully reviewed and signed the fiscal report that goes to the Bishop. We are committed to good business practices and transparency in our financial transactions.

Your involvement in ministry and your input in planning are critical as we plan for the future and continue to articulate our vision and implement our mission. Please let us know if you have a pastoral or spiritual need. How can we know or respond unless you tell us? May God give us the grace to be faithful to the two greatest commandments – love of God and love of neighbor. Perhaps Jesus may say that we are not far from the Kingdom.