Church of the
Annunciation

May 17, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ:

We are shocked by the vicious attack on innocent people at a TOPS supermarket on Jefferson Avenue in the City of Buffalo. I share Bishop Mike Fisher’s statement: “What unfortunately has become an all too common occurrence in this country has now shown its abhorrently evil face in Buffalo as we have now learned that 10 innocent souls have lost their lives here. On behalf of the Diocese of Buffalo, I, in the strongest of terms, condemn this utterly senseless act and pray for the victims and all those impacted by this act of cowardice. May the Good Lord guide us as we pray that our society regain respect for life and for an end to this tragic and despicable act in this beautiful city of ours. I encourage all Catholics and all people of faith to come together in prayer for the victims and for peace. The scourge of senseless gun violence that has taken the lives of so many across our nation and changed the lives of countless innocent men, women and children must come to an end.” 

Fr. Bryan Zielenieski, Director Diocesan Renewal, has released a “playbook” on how Parishes become Families. There are 26 pages that include Introduction; Governance Structure; Consultation Councils/Committees; Six Pillar Groups: Liturgy, Spiritual Life, Outreach/In reach, Catholic Education, Stewardship & Administration; Support/Expectations for Business Managers, Directors of Worship, Discipleship & Mission; Family Action Plan; and Glossary of Terms. Priests are being asked to apply to be Pastors of 36 proposed Families. Once they are announced, priests will be invited to apply to be Parochial Vicars. It is a lot to absorb. Pilot Parishes are already into the process. Parishes in our Family (Immaculate Conception, East Aurora; St. Vincent, Springbrook; St. George, West Falls; St. Joseph, Holland; and Annunciation, Elma) are scheduled to begin the process of renewal in October 2023.  

Our Boy Scout Troop 325 and the Holy Name Society are sponsoring their Spring Duck Race on Sunday May 22, 2022 at 1 PM in the Elma Town Park. It is a fun time for young and old alike. Yellow plastic ducks will be racing down the creek. There will be plenty of food and refreshments with prizes for the winning ducks and even for the last duck past the finish line.  

Fr. Robert Wardenski, Pastor of Immaculate Conception, will be celebrating his Golden Jubilee of Ordination 1972-2022 with a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday May 22^nd at 4:00 PM in the Church in East Aurora. Please express your best wishes to Fr. Bob.  

Ascension Thursday, a Holy Day of Obligations, will be May 26, 2022 with Masses at 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. There will be no vigil Mass.   

Bishop Mike Fisher will be ordaining Mark Bialkowski, Timothy Haley and Andrew Mical Permanent Deacons on Saturday May 21^st in St. Joseph Cathedral and Jeffrey Donovan a Transitional Deacon on Friday May 27^th at Our Lady of Victory Basilica. Bishop Mike will also be ordaining Joseph Franz and Joseph Tokasz Diocesan Priests on Saturday June 4, 2022 in St. Joseph Cathedral. Keep these men in your prayers.  

Fr. Gene Ulrich