Church of the
Annunciation

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

Thank you from our Pastor, Fr. Jerry Skrzynski

As many of you are aware, this is the last weekend I will have the privilege of celebrating Mass with you. It has been my honor to lead the WHEAT, Scattered and Sown Family through the many changes and challenges on the Road to Renewal. I sincerely thank all who have served on the Pillars, forming Committees, setting up the family councils, all while continuing to serve in the numerous ministries that were established before the Road to Renewal. You have truly inspired me.

One recurrent theme in my homilies is having the courage to follow the call of the Holy Spirit, even if it requires changes in our lives. This is one of those moments for me as I look forward to having a larger role in ministering to the deaf community within the Buffalo Diocese.

I will continue to pray for the success of the WHEAT, Scattered and Sown Family’s endeavors and I ask for your prayers for the ministry to the deaf community.

Peace, 

Fr. Jerry

 

 

Loving God, 

we give you thanks for the life and ministry of Pope Francis.

In him you gave us a man of humility, 
one who valued listening to the voices of the voiceless, 
compassion for the undervalued, 
mercy for sinners and justice for the oppressed.

You gave us a pastor 

who led through the example of his love 

for your people and your creation, 

who was not ashamed to smell like his sheep.

Comfort all who mourn his passing, 

and may the angels now lead him to paradise with you 

to rest in your peace for eternity.

May your Spirit guide the future successor to your servant Francis

to continue the work you have begun through him,

for the good of the Church and the world.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

STATEMENT OF BISHOP MICHAEL FISHER ON THE DEATH OF POPE FRANCIS

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude, we commend to our loving and one true God the soul of Pope Francis, the good and faithful “Servant of Servants” who guided our Universal Church and the Catholic faithful these past 12 years. Pope Francis’ example of humility and simplicity, his constant call to seek peace, and his openness to all will forever remind us of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, whom he mirrored in spirit and throughout his long and devoted life as a faithful layman, priest, bishop and pontiff.

In this, the Jubilee Year that the Holy Father inaugurated, may we honor Pope Francis and indeed be true ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ on our pilgrimage toward renewal and reconciliation. May we be constantly inspired by his pursuit of holiness, his warmth, humor, keen insights into the mysteries and traditions of our faith, and most especially, by his love for all without scorn and judgment.

We also humbly appeal to the Holy Spirit to now guide the cardinals of our church as they prepare to select the successor to Pope Francis. May their only motive be to choose one among them who is possessed with great holiness, compassion, wisdom and courage, and best suited to now lead our Church forward in this complex and difficult age.

Eternal rest grant unto your servant Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in eternal peace. 

April 21, 2025