Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church
PASTOR
Rev. Ronald P. Sajdak • Ext. 302
[email protected]
www.nativityharrishill.org
February 26, 2017
A Pro-Life Parish
PAROCHIAL VICAR
Rev. Daniel E. Ogbeifun • Ext. 308
[email protected]
DEACONS
Deacon Thomas F. Friedman Jr. •
[email protected]
Deacon Carmelo Gaudioso •
[email protected]
PASTORAL ASSOCIATE
Amy Vossen Vukelic: Ext. 303, [email protected]
RECTORY
4375 Harris Hill Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221
Phone: 716.632.8838 • Fax: 716.632.7898
PARISH SECRETARY
Karen Molitor: Ext. 4, [email protected]
MASSES
Saturday Vigil: 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8AM, 9:30AM Children’s Liturgy, 11 AM, 5PM
Holy Days of Obligation: See the bulletin
Weekdays: 9 AM; Rosary after Mass, Saturdays: 8 AM
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Wednesdays: 7:30 - 8:30PM & 8PM Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Thursdays: 4 - 5:00PM, September - May
First Fridays: 9:30AM – Noon, September - May
CONFESSIONS
Saturday: 3:30 - 4:15PM, Daily after Mass upon Request
BAPTISMS
Call the rectory to schedule Baptism. First time parents are
asked to register for a Pre-Baptismal meeting.
MARRIAGES
Arrangements by the couple need to be made 6 months in advance by making appointment with the priest.
NEW PARISHIONERS
Call the rectory or the Pastoral Associate to register.
The registration form is also on our website.
NATIVITY OF MARY SCHOOL
8550 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221
Phone: 716.633-7441 • Fax: 716.626-1637
www.nativityofmaryschool.org
PRINCIPAL • Mr. Joseph Roaldi : Ext. 302
[email protected]
SECRETARY • Patricia Downing Ext.301
[email protected]
DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
Kathleen Sutter • Ext. 317 •
[email protected]
Parish Mission Statement
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish is a Roman
Catholic faith community. Centered and formed by the
Eucharist, we seek to learn and to live the Gospel and
to lovingly grow through service to one another and
to all God’s people.
LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION &
YOUTH MINISTRY
8550 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221
Phone: 716.634.3130 • Fax: 716.626.1637
DIRECTOR :
John Wilde: Ext. 322 • [email protected]
OFFICE MANAGER & ELEMENTARY COORDINATOR
Maureen Rademaker: Ext. 332 •
[email protected]
HIGH SCHOOL COORDINATOR
Stephanie Moss - Ext. 333 • [email protected]
Twitter: @NBVM_Youth/IG:ym_smoss
MIDDLE SCHOOL COORDINATOR
Meghan Rogers - Ext. 329 • [email protected]
SAFE ENVIRONMENT COORDINATOR & OFFICE SUPPORT
Kim Prisinzano - [email protected]
NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
WILLIAMSVILLE, NY
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES
FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 26, 2017
EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Mon., February 27 - Weekday
9:00 •Kenneth & Patricia Hanour - sister, Mary Gloris
Tues., February 28 - Weekday
9:00 •Lucy Ministero - Karen & Greg Mazikowski
Wed. March 1 - Ash Wednesday
6:30 •Jack Hohl - The Hohl Family
9:00 •Conio Christopher - The Family
12:15 •Concetta Emmanuele - Cathy & John Lefko
7:00 •Fran Barber - The Cucinotta Family
Thurs., March 2 - Thursday after Ash Wednesday
9:00 •Donna Merganhagen - Andrea & Richard Gleason
Fri., March 3 - Friday after Ash Wednesday,
St. Katharine Drexel, Virgin
9:00 •Bill Glaser - Kathy Glaser
Sat., March 4 - Saturday after Ash Wednesday,
St. Casimir
8:00 •Departed Souls
4:30 •The Vito & Gioeli Families - Larry & Janet Vito
Sun., March 5 - First Sunday of Lent
Readings for Today: Genesis 2:7-9, 3-7; Psalm 51; Romans
5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11
8:00 •Jack & Kenneth Coogan - The Family
9:30 •Arthur Dobson
11:00 •Joseph Prenevau - M/M Howard Mandell
•Louie Molisani - The Cucinotta Family
5:00 •Antonio Scarciotta - Biagio & Lena Farace
\
MINISTRIES FOR MARCH 4 &5
EM
Lectors
4:30PM Endres,Dobson,
Dowdell, Tom Fox,
Tugwell
Volunteer
8:00AM Beardi, Cesar, Coffey,
Jordan
Lesser, Kraus
9:30AM Altieri, Czarnecki,
A. Suchyna
Daigler x2, Zilliox
De Brauwere, Farace,
11:00AM
Ogilvie
Volunteer x2
5:00PM Gerstner, Groat x2,
Clark
Taverna, Volunteer
Servers
Copozzolo/
Holley
Farolino/Gill
Zilliox/
New Server
Burton/
New Server
Heffler/
New Server
AT
NATIVITY
In addition to our weekly or daily gatherings at Mass, we
also invite you to consider nourish your prayer life and
join us during the week at one of the gatherings:
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Join us in prayer for all families
 There will be no Eucharistic Adoration
on Wednesday March 1, because of Ash
Wednesday.
 Thursday, March 2, 4-5PM.
 First Friday, March 3, 9:30-12:00
“A Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration is a
sharing in the work of Redemption. (Archbishop Fulton
Sheen)
INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP
We meet on 1st, 3rd, & if there is one, fifth Wednesdays
of each month in the Marian Chapel, 6-7PM. You do not
need to attend each session, please come and go as you
wish. We want to pray for you and your intentions. Use
form located in the Marian Chapel. Contact Mark Miller
at 716-400-5230 or [email protected]
Centering Prayer sessions
This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and
a discipline to foster that relationship. Centering Prayer
emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God and
as a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Christ. Contact Amy Vossen Vukelic at 6328838 for further information. Centering Prayer sessions
are on Thursdays from 9:45-11:15AM in Paa Center.
THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
Please pray for the deceased members of the
parish and all who have gone before us marked
with the sign of faith especially Catherine
Galbo and Palmo Bologna.
REMEMBERING THOSE WHO ARE SICK IN PRAYER
Sheri Akiki, Carol Allwein, David Anken, Michael Backes,
Natalie Bojt, Jason Bulas, Christopher Caiola, Kathleen
Caiola, Vincent Catalano, Bernadette Cawphard, Corsignana (Rina) Corbelli, Paul & Elizabeth Coleman, Beverly
Dalfonso, Elaine Davidow, Mason Eckman, Dorothy Ericson, Clara Eubank, Biagio Farace, Kris Jordan, Cathy
Kania, Frank & Jackie Kennedy, Elisabeth Laistner, Santo
Leonardis, Sophie Levandowski, Donna Logan, Penny
Longo, Shirley Monacelli, Billy Needham, Anderson Nichols, Leonard Oseekey, James Leo Reilly, Joseph Rizzuto,
Larry Rott, Susan Rohan, Joyce Sanford, Kathleen Veronica, Mary Ann Weber. Names will appear for only three
months, after that time please notify us and if their condition continues, contact Amy Vossen Vukelic - Pastoral Associate, to add to list; 716-632-8838
THE EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FEBRUARY 26, 2017
From the Desk of Fr. Ron,
I am always amazed to watch little children, “come into their own” and begin to define their own personality. So much of our lives, are spent in this process of self-definition and experience of independence. Later in life, the
challenge is to be able to admit that we cannot quite do all the things we previously had done. We then, come to peace
with the need for assistance and the move from independence to interdependence. This weekend’s Holy Scripture Lesson,
proclaims the interdependence we need, to always have with our loving creator, God. We need not be over anxious about
wealth and/or material goods, as if we would absolutely parish without them. In the Lord’s Prayer, we do not pray for the
newest edition of the iPhone or become the winner of the next “Powerball.” Rather, we are challenged to move beyond
“things,” to that more powerful inter-relationship with our Lord and God. We do not pray and wait for all our needs to
drop down miraculously from heaven, but we realize that we need to cooperate with God’s grace and proclaim our Lord
God who is the source and origin of all our blessings. As the prophet Isaiah proclaims, “Can a mother forget her infant, be
without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15). We walk
by faith and not by sight realizing that the Lord always “has our back.”
ASH WEDNESDAY – LENT BEGINS!
DECORATING THE CHURCH
Ash Wednesday is this week on Wednesday, March 1. The
Mass times will be 6:30AM, 9AM, 12:15 and 7PM. Ashes
will be distributed during all Masses.
Please join us in decorating the church for Ash Wednesday
on Mon., Feb. 27., following the daily 9AM Mass. “Many
hands make light work.” It should take no more than an
hour, and will be rewarding to you and others.
SPECIAL COLLECTION
Pastoral Associate News by
Amy Vossen Vukelic
There will be a special collection for the Holy Land this
week on Ash Wednesday. This collection is used to assist
the people in that area of the world and provide for the
upkeep of the shrines. Please give generously!
NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CHURCH
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
Monday, February 27, 2017, 7-9 PM, Msgr. Paa Center
______________________________________________
1. Father Ron
2. Report on the February 9th parish ministries meeting
(Amy and Rob)
3 Explaining the 1:1 process and identifying council
members who would be willing to engage in it (Amy)
4. Sharing by small groups of their work on developing
implementation plans for the 2017-2018 specific goals
5. Information on entering implementation plans into the
online template (Kevin)
All parishioners are welcome to attend.
MISSION TEAM
The upcoming meeting of the Mission Team
on Tuesday, March 7, 7-8:30PM has been
cancelled.
SECOND COLLECTION
There will be a second collection next weekend, Sunday,
March 5 for Black and Indian Missions. Please give generously to support our Home Missions.
Parish In-reach:
Lenten Listening Campaign: Building Community at Nativity,
one conversation at a time! During the next six weeks, we are
inviting all parishioners to engage each other in 30-45 minutes of
conversation, very informally and with minimal structure. Consider registering to meet with someone on our team during the
six weeks of Lent. See full-page flyer in today’s bulletin.
Celiac Hosts are available during each Mass. If you would like
to receive one during communion, please come to the sacristy
before Mass and let us know.
New Parishioner Packets: If you are considering becoming a
permanent member of Nativity parish, please ask one of the Ministers of Hospitality for a New Parishioner Packet. We also have
some packets in the sacristy.
Parish Outreach:
Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity Volunteers
Needed. The first Saturday of every month Nativity sends a crew
to work on a Habitat home. We will be sending a group on Saturday March 4. No experience is needed. Anyone age 16 or older is
welcome. This can count for student service hours. If you would
like to join us or have any questions, please call Kathy Visciano
at 631-3690.
PRE-BAPTISM CLASS
The class for first time parents who wish to
have their child baptized is Tuesday, March 14
at 7PM in the Church Registration call the
Parish Secretary, Karen at 632.8838 or email at
[email protected]
Please consider advertising or sponsoring an ad in our bulletin. Advertisements may by contacting Cheryl at 800-477
-4574 x 6324. Thank you in advance for your generous
parish support and please patronize our advertisers!
NATIVITY
OF THE
BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY
THE SEVENTH
SUNDAY
IN ORDINARY
TIME
WILLIAMSVILLE,
NY
FEBRUARY 19, 2017
MSGR. FRED LEISING TO BE GIVEN
LIFETIME ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Clarence Chamber of Commerce
has announced that it will give the
Lifetime Achiever of the Year Award
for 2017 to Msgr. Frederick Leising.
The award will be given at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner this
Thursday, March 2 at 6PM. at Samuel’s Grande Manor at 8750 Main
Street in Clarence.
Further information about the Awards
Dinner, including dinner pricing and
reservations can be obtained from the Chamber’s website
www.clarencechamber.org or by calling the Chamber’s
office at 631-3888.
SCHOLARSHIP MONEY AVAILABLE FOR
PRIVATE SCHOOL EDUCATION
The BISON Children's Scholarship Fund, a tuition assistance program for children in grades K-8, has scholarships
available for the 2017-2018 school year. Interested families
can visit the BISON website to learn more about the application process, including financial eligibility and key deadlines. With a maximum award of $1,900 per child, this is a
great opportunity for families who want a private education
or their children but are unable to afford it. For information, visit www.bisonfund.com or call 1-888-216-8380.
THE EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FEBRUARY 26, 2017
NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
WILLIAMSVILLE, NY
JOIN US FOR A “M ASS OF HEALING”
Every First Friday of the month beginning
THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 7-8PM
Let's come together and pray for our family, for our community, for one another, especially the sick, those with
cancer, the Homebound, those going for surgery, those with special intentions, the travelers etc. The Mass is for anyone
seeking "physical, spiritual healing." Everyone is welcomed and will be prayed for. I am glad to offer this Mass. As you
come, may you be blessed.
James 5:14-15...St. James tells us: "Is anyone sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church, and let
them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the
Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
Please, invite your family members, friends, relatives, co-workers etc... Remain blessed………….Fr. Daniel Ogbeifun.
CATHOLIC CEMETERIES AFFIRM
VATICAN TEACHING ON CREMATION
Pope Francis has directed the Vatican’s Congregation
for the Doctrine of the Faith to publish new instructions
reaffirming teaching that the Catholic Church is not opposed to cremation, while continuing to recommend that
cremated remains of the deceased be buried in Catholic
cemeteries or other sacred spaces, such as a church or an
area set aside for burial. The church does not allow for the
cremated remains to be placed in a residence, nor are they
to be scattered in the air, on land or at sea, or preserved in
mementos, such as jewelry or other objects.
Church teaching also prohibits cremated remains from
being divided among family members. Cremation was permitted by the Catholic Church in 1963 and incorporated
into Canon Law in 1983. Catholics need to understand the
Church teaching that surrounds cremation and burial of
cremated remains, so there are no misunderstandings at the
time of death. Call Catholic Cemeteries at 873-6500 or
visit www.buffalocatholiccemeteries.org
NORTHERN ERIE VICARIATE LENTEN
LECTURE SERIES
What will you do for Lent?
Instead of giving up something for Lent this year, why not do
something special for your spiritual life by coming to the Lenten
Lecture Series, sponsored by the parishes of the Northern Erie
Vicariate. Mark your calendar for five Mondays beginning
March 6th at 7:30 p.m. Speakers include: Rev. Seán Paul Fleming on St. André Bessette and St. Maximilian Kolbe, Sister
Patricia Burkard on St. Marianne Cope, Rev. William Wipfler of
the Episcopal Church on personal friend Blessed Oscar Romero,
Rev. Msgr. Paul Burkard on Fr. Nelson Baker and Rev. Robert
Mock on St. John XXIII. Plan to come and bring a friend. No
cost! No reservations required! Come and bring a friend! Refreshments served!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SIGN-UP FOR A WEEK WITH
OUR OWN PILGRIM STATUE “LADY OF FATIMA”
You are invited to host the Pilgrim Virgin Statue of our
Blessed Mother in your home for one week, with the
commitment to offer the Rosary daily during the week.
Use the sign-up sheet in the Marian chapel on weekdays
or in the back on weekends please call, 759-1048 for further information. What a beautiful way to celebrate our
Blessed Mother!
FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES
Chosen & Cherished: Biblical Wisdom for your Marriage This Monday, February 27, 9:45AM in the Paa Ctr.
We are piloting a six week Women’s DVD study by Kimberly Hahn based on Proverbs 31. Come share your wisdom and learn tools to build your marriage on the firm
foundation of faith, applying Scripture, Church teaching
and pastoral wisdom to such practical matters as conflict
resolution, communication skills, setting financial goals,
healing wounds of unfaithfulness and cultivating a spirit of
generosity toward your spouse. Bring your friends Call
Catherine at 688-6458. Book online at Amazon!
PREPARE FOR LENT
33 Days to Merciful Love This Monday 27, at 7PM in the
school cafeteria or Msgr. Paa Ctr. A new DVD series lets
St. Therese of Lisieux prepare your heart for the season of
Lent through her “Little Way” in preparation for consecration to Divine Mercy. Uncover the power of trust in the
face of personal darkness and be inspired to become saints
amid ordinary circumstances.
Call Catherine Friedman at 688-6458.
NATIVITY GIFT CARDS
Gift cards for many area stores are available, throughout the
year, for purchase through the Nativity Gift Card Program.
You purchase cards at face value. Nativity receives a
percentage of the sale. Order forms at the doors of the
church, in the rectory or online [email protected]
or 573-8205. Thank-you for supporting Nativity school!
THE EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FEBRUARY 26, 2017
NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
WILLIAMSVILLE, NY
THE EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FEBRUARY 26, 2017
NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
WILLIAMSVILLE, NY
Fifteenth Annual Catholic Men’s Conference
Saturday, April 1
Cardinal O’Hara HS
39 O’Hara Rd., Tonawanda, NY 14150
7:30AM - 3:00PM
Speakers include Robert Rogers - after surviving
an epic tragedy which claimed his whole family,
Robert answered God’s call and is helping others.
Simon Peter as portrayed by Mark Price - a Shakespearean actor who for 40 yrs. has used his talents to
portray Biblical figures.
Deacon Mike Ficorilli - President elect of the Catholic
Men’s Fellowship of WNY.
ITEMS
Akron HS musical production of “Anything Goes” at 47
Bloomingdale Ave., Akron NY on Friday, March 10 @ 7PM
and Saturday March 11@ 3PM and 7 PM. $8 presale or $10 at
the door. Also order online at www.ticketpeak.com/
akronmusical
Spaghetti Dinner sponsored by Our Lady of Pompeii Parish, 129 Laverack Ave., Lancaster on Sunday, March 12,
12Noon - 4PM in the SS Peter & Paul Auditorium. Adults $10, Seniors (65+), $9, & children 12 & under $6. Take-out
available. Tickets at the rectory or at the door. For more information call 683-6522
Traditional St. Joseph Table to benefit St. Luke’s Mission
of Mercy on Monday, March 29 at the Lake Erie Italian Club
at 3200 South Park Ave., Lackawanna. Lunch 11-2, Dinner
3:30-8PM (3 seatings per meal) $15 donation adults, $5 children under 16. Free Parking! Call 892-0215 for additional
information. Come and Enjoy!
Pilgrimage to Italy & Rome Join the 11-day Catholic Pilgrimage to Italy and the Vatican. Visiting Florence, Assisi,
Lanciano, San Giovani Rotondo, Monte Sant Angelo, Sorrento Area, Pompeii, Monte Cassiono and Rome, with general
audience with Pope Francis. Nov. 7– 17, 2017, under the
spiritual guidance of Fr. Matt Nucz, with daily Mass, private
bus and an English - speaking tour guide. All inclusive cost
$2,999 out of Toronto. For more information call 716-8344282 or email [email protected].
O’Hara Muscial “Guys and Dolls,” a musical romantic comedy will be presented on stage at Cardinal O’Hara HS at 7
PM, March 10, 2PM on March 11 and 6PM. on March 12.
Show tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and students. A
fish fry from 5 to 7PM. will precede the March 6 performance.. For tickets or information, call 695-2600, ext. 311 or go
online at www.cardinalohara.com.
Additional Information or Register Online at
wwwspiritiscalling.org
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
“THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK”
“If we realized the power of suffering, we
would covet it.” Padre Pio
BUSINESS MANAGER
Janet Paul - Ext.311,
[email protected]
BOOKKEEPER
Cindy Schilling - Ext. 304,
[email protected]
FACILITIES MANAGER:
Otto Misso - 810.0538
[email protected]
FINANCE COUNCIL:
Bruce Zgoda - 759-6007
[email protected]
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC:
Robert Volkman
PARISH TRUSTEES:
James Beardi & Nancy Dobson
PARISH COUNCIL OFFICERS:
Chair: Robert Poczik
Vice Chairs: Robert Fohl & Margaret Cusack