Church of the
Annunciation

The following prayer for Spiritual Communion may be helpful when watching a televised Mass:

My Jesus, 

I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. 

I love You above all things, 

and I desire to receive You into my soul. 

Since I cannot at this moment

receive You sacramentally, 

come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

DIOCESAN COVID GUIDELINES AS OF 6/15/21

August 3, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ: 

Over a year and a half ago, we surveyed our parishioners to get a sense from you on how we are doing as a Catholic Community. The returns identified positive dimensions of parish life including nourishing the faith, celebrating liturgy, fiscal stewardship and handling the clergy abuse crisis. The survey also identified opportunities for growth including use of social media, involvement of children/teens, engagement in social/life issues, and safety/health concerns. Our Pastoral Council has created Focus Groups to respond to these opportunities and to keep our parishioners informed. 

The Safety/Health Focus Group has been meeting to assess our situation. Members of the committee are examining our preparedness for a medical emergency, a safety threat and utility malfunctions. Already things are happening. On advice of a pediatrician, play things in the Toddler Room have been removed to lessen probability of young children placing things in their mouths. A map is being drawn up with photos to locate utility turnoff valves and circuits with contact tele numbers. Approval has been given for surveillance cameras outside the church, Selbert Hall and the pavilion. Already, surveillance cameras have been installed for the cemetery. The church attic is being cleaned to lessen any fire hazard with ready access to furnace and air-conditioning pumps, fans and gages. Instruction cards on medical emergencies with accompanying adult and pediatric First Aid have been attached to our AEDs in the church and Selbert. A survey will be taken to gather more information about our parishioners with training in various safety, related health skills and law enforcement. We intend to communicate our safety/health initiatives within the assembly on a forthcoming awareness “Safety Sunday”.    

We are so grateful for our ushers and greeters who provide welcome and vigilance. We are scheduling a special meeting for veteran and prospective new greeters and ushers on Monday August 23^rd at 6 PM in Selbert Hall. The Safety/Health committee will share our preliminary discussion/efforts and seek their input and expertise on how to fashion a best practice “to do list” for hospitality, health and safety. We will also talk about scheduling future dates for required CPR-AED and First Aid training. As we emerge from the diminishment of the pandemic, ushers and greeters will play a key role welcoming folks back.  

Our Summer Picnic Weekend August 13-14-15 is one weekend away. Come join the fun. Enjoy the Car Show on the grass, DJ Music, Food and Refreshments at the Pavilion on Friday 5 - 9 PM; Drive-up take out Wendel’s BBQ Chicken and Famous Chowder in the Selbert parking lot on Saturday 11 AM - 3 PM/Sold Out; and bring a lawn chair for 11 AM Sunday Mass in/around the Pavilion followed by Food, Drinks and Live Music - Dan McPartlan’s Other Band 12 - 2 PM. Boy Scout Troop 325 will be serving hot dogs hamburgers and soda on Friday & Sunday; doing fast car service on Saturday; and clean up after each event. Thank you for returning your Special Picnic Donation envelope and the Ladies Sodality Raffle Tickets. Winners of the authentic Amish Quilt and St. Joseph Workers’ handcrafted Porch-Glider & Birdhouse will be drawn on Monday August 16 to make sure all tickets have been received. Tickets are available at the parish office, in church and on the picnic weekend.  

The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo has deposited a disbursement of $16,760.74 into our parish bank account. This will bring our total Upon This Rock disbursements thus far to $158,263.91. We thank all those who have contributed to Upon This Rock that benefits Catholic Ministry in WNY and the local parish. Funds are dedicated to our Master Plan of Improvements. 

Fr. Gene Ulrich