NOVEMBER 29, 2015 FIRST SUNDAY OF

SAINT MARTIN OF TOURS SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS 1140 Abbott Road • Buffalo, NY 14220 450 Abbott Road • Buffalo, NY 14220

Parish Office: 823-7077 • Fax: 995-0300 Parish Office: 822-1250 • Fax: 822-2594

Website: www.StMartinBuffalo.com Website: www.StThomasBuffalo.com

Office Hours Office Hours Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Closed 12:00–12:45 p.m. for lunch) Wed. 8 am - 12 noon, Closed Wed. afternoon & Friday

(Closed 12:00–1:00 p.m. for lunch) Mass Schedule Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., & 12:00 noon Sunday: 10:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. Monday–Friday: 8:15 a.m. Please check Bulletin for Holy Day Masses Confession: Saturday: 3:00 p.m. Any time after morning Mass or call Fr. Judge Confession: Saturday: 3:30 p.m.

PARISH STAFF

Pastor & Canonical Administrator South Buffalo Adoration Chapel Coordinator ...... Don Graham, 822-0283 Catholic School at Notre Dame Academy.…… ………….. Religious Education Rev. James G. Judge M.A., M.Div., 823-7077 Grades 1-8 ...... Cheryl McNerney, 822-1250 Senior Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas Aquinas… ……….. Grade 9 & Confirmation…..Maureen Myers, 823-7237 Fr. Barry Allaire, 823-7077 ext 229 Assisting Retired Priest……………………………………. South Buffalo Catholic School Principal at Notre Dame Rev. Msgr. William Gallagher, 677-4109 Academy…………… ……….Kimberly Suminski, 824-0726 Deacon ...... Jack Burke, 675-3219 Deacon & RCIA ...... Michael Quinn, 515-8725 Page Two St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Buffalo, NY November 29, 2015

MASSES AT ST. THOMAS AQUINAS BAPTISMS Parents are required to attend a Pre-Baptismal Class before SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 - WEEKDAY arranging the baptism of their child. It is recommended that 4 PM (6TH ANN) ANNE V. BARNETT By Family they attend as early as possible, preferably during the peri- SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT od of pregnancy. Classes are offered the second Monday 10:30 AM THE MURPHY & HULA FAMILIES By Joe & of the month at 7:00 PM in the St. Martin of Tours School Kathy Kula Community Room. To register, call Leader Couple, Marty 7:00 PM CAROLE MCGLOIN By Daughters Tracy & and Mary Kennedy at 825-6327 Karen PARISHIONERS OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS AND ST. MARTIN OF TOURS MARRIAGES Engaged couples should make wedding arrangements at MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30 - ST. ANDREW 8:15 AM JAMES WEBSTER By Family least six months in advance. Pre-Cana classes are required. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 - ADVENT WEEKDAY Participation in the Diocesan pre-marital preparation pro- 8:15 AM JIM (JUMBO) GRIFFIN By Family & Friends gram may be required. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 - ADVENT WEEKDAY 8:15 AM FRANCES HOWARD By Estate PLANNING A WEDDING??? THURSDAY, DECENBER 3 - ST. FRANCIS XAVIER This is an exciting time for you and we know you are anxious 8:15 AM MARY GIRARD By Estate to make plans. But before you make plans or call anyone, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 - ADVENT WEEKDAY please follow parish protocol and speak to your pastor Fr. 8:15 AM (ANN. REM.) DOLORES GARRETT By Linda Judge first (823-7077). He will get you started with the SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 - WEEKDAY procedures that need to be followed in order to be married 4 PM (BIRTH. REM) JOE & KAY By Family in the church. SUNDAY, DECEMER 6 - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 10:30 AM (46TH ANN) FRANCIS SLOAN By Alice (ANN) ROBERT HOSKING, JR By Estate ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH 7:00 PM ANGELINE CHAMBERS By Dau, Michelle Adimey BETTER THAN EVER PARISHIONERS OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS We are going to begin to do improvements to St. Thomas AND ST. MARTIN OF TOURS Aquinas Church during the next few months, before and after . There might be some disruptions but in the end it will add to and compliment the beautiful church that we already have. Thank you for your patience and under- THE SANCTUARY LAMP WILL BE LIT standing. FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER FOR ST. THOMAS AQUINAS AND GIVING TREE ST. MARTIN OF TOURS PARISH The annual Giving Tree will be set up in the Tamarack wing FAMILY COMMUNITY side of our church. We are asking for new, warm items for children and adults to trim the tree. Examples might be hats, scarves, gloves, socks, underwear, turtlenecks, sweaters BAPTISM or a lap blanket. All items will be donated to St. Luke’s Mis- St. Thomas Aquinas Parish would like to con- sion. Thank you again for your generosity now and always. gratulate and welcome the newest additions to the Catholic community. We thank their families for making it possible and pray ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE that the presence of the Lord will forever be There will be a Penance Service for parishioners of St. instilled in their hearts. Martin of Tours and St. Thomas Aquinas parishes and any- one else who wishes to attend on Monday, Dec. 14 at 7 PM Robert William Smith V in St. Martin’s Church. The overall theme will be God’s Mer- cy. Several priests will be available to hear confession.

SCHEDULES FOR THE WEEKEND OF DECEMBER 5/6 (When it doubt, always refer to the schedule you were mailed) EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS LECTORS ALTAR SERVERS 4:00 PM P. Grondahl, T. Higgins, P. Lalley, S. Reid J. Romanowski C. & S. Goodman

10:30 AM N. Castiglione, P. Mlodzienski, M. Phelan, A. Shea P. Repman N. Hafner, M. Roche

7:00 PM M.,T.,J. Breen, E. Good, S. Battaglia J. Zygaj

Page Three St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Buffalo, NY November 29, 2015 PARISH TRUSTEES: Barbara Fitzgerald & Patrick Reddington CANDLELIGHT REMEMBRANCE SERVICE PARISH COUNCIL: President: Linda Zielezinski You are invited to attend the Catholic Diocese Cemeteries Vice President: Mary Phelan annual Candlelight Remembrance Service on Sunday, De- Secretary: Anne Fecio cember 6 at 2 pm. Your choice of two locations: Mount PARISH Mary Ede: 822-1250 ext. 10 Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Elmwood Avenue, Kenmore or Holy COORDINATOR: Email: [email protected] Cross Cemetery, 2900 South Park Avenue, Lackawanna. PARISH OFFICE: Records: Barb Krause 822-1250 ext. 12 This spiritually uplifting service is filled with music, prayers, and healing words from the Chaplains at the Pastoral Care PLEASE PRAY FOR, VISIT, CALL, OR WRITE OUR SICK Department at Hospice Buffalo. Reserve your spot by call- Adrian Huggins, Sally Marling, Socorro Palmberg, Kathy ing Mount Olivet at 716-873-6500 or Holy Cross at 716- Detample, Barbara Summers, Jim Shea, Arthur Wager, 823-1197. Jackie Kelly, Conor Gallagher, Matthew Shillea, Anne Walitur, Laura Merritt, Dan Licker, Tom Brennan, Joan Stutz Pawlak, Maxine Paoletti, Sandra Carlo, Kevin Corcoran, PARISH SACRAMENT PROGRAM NEWS Carol Sargente, Lynn Sellick, Vince Courtney, Linda St. Martin of Tours and St. Thomas Aquinas: Wieglein, Carly Sutton, Thomas Evoy, Ron Hodge, Anna 1st Reconciliation Program for all children in Grade 2 who Runyeon, Elizabeth Sloan, Joyce Roncone, June Barnes, are members of St. Thomas Aquinas or St. Martin of Tours James Salasny, Dawn Hough, Zach Feldman, Deborah An- Parishes must be represented at a Parent Meeting on Tues- thone, Ed Kostek, Brian Martin, Betty Graham, Jane Bres- day, January 19, 2016 at 6:30 PM in St. Martin's Church. nock, Georgia Roche, Judith Zielinski, Art Homewood, Liz S. 1st Reconciliation will be celebrated on March 5, 2016 @ , Dan Shriver, Stephanie Sugorovskiy, Mario Fabbro, Norine 11:00 AM at St. Martin's Church. Kawczynski , DJ Block , Tim Scheffler Tim Burns & Margie Hazen, Mary Ellen Ryan, Bill Marx. 1st Eucharist Program for all children in Grade 3 who are IF SOMEONE FROM YOUR HOME IS BEING HOSPITALIZED, members of St. Thomas Aquinas or St. Martin of Tours Par- PLEASE INFORM THE PARISH, SINCE WE NO LONGER ARE GIVEN ishes must be represented at a Parent Meeting on Tuesday, INFORMATION FROM HOSPITALS ON OUR PARISHIONERS BECAUSE January 12, 2016 at 6:30 PM in St. Martin's Church. OF CHANGES IN THE LAW. 1st Eucharist will be celebrated on May 7, 2016 4:00 PM PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL THE RECENTLY DECEASED at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and on May 14, 2016 at 4:00 PM and May 15, 2016 at 10:00 AM at St. Martin of May our Lord, Christ, the Resurrection and the Life, Tours Church. welcome them into the joy of eternal life . At each meeting you will be receive all necessary infor- mation regarding the celebration of the Sacraments. We have not scheduled any other meetings so please make every effort to attend these meetings. HELP WANTED: SACRISTANS, FUNERAL SERVERS Have you been wondering how to become more involved CATHLIC CAMPAIGN lately? Then look no further! STA is looking for helping hands FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT to set up the altar for weekday morning and weekend mass- Thank you for your contributions to the collection for the es, as well as helping the other sacristans clean the altar Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)! Your linens from time to time. No experience is necessary, you will generous gifts will help CCHD end poverty in the United be trained by one of our experienced sacristans! If you are States through better education, improved housing, and eco- interested in learning more about this special Parish Ministry nomic development. Through CCHD and its beneficiaries, opportunity, call the Parish Office. we demonstrate Catholic social teaching and carry out Je- sus’ mission to “bring glad tidings to the poor . . . to proclaim Women and men are needed for the Funeral Ministry to liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let serve at Funeral Masses. No time commitment is required. the oppressed go free” (Lk 4:18) Serve when you are able. Training is available. This is a beautiful way to pay your last respects to our deceased parishioners. For more information call the parish office: SACRAMENT OF THE SICK Call the parish office at 822-1250 before surgery or if you or someone you know is in the hospital, so arrangements can NEW PARISH OFFICE HOURS be made with Fr. Judge or Fr. Allaire. The parish office will now be open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 AM - 4 PM, Wednesdays from 8 AM - 12 TV AND VCR noon and closed on Fridays. Thank you for your patience The rectory has a TV and VRC that is not being used. If you and understanding during the transition of personnel. or anyone you know can use a TV and/or VCR please call the rectory at 822-1250. Page Four St. Martin’s Church, Buffalo, NY November 29, 2015 MASSES FOR THE WEEK OF NOV. 29 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 THIS WEEK AT ST. MARTIN’S 4:00 PM (ANN REM) JASON SCANLON by Cunningham SUNDAY Family 8:00 AM, 10 AM, 12 NOON Mass ………..………..Church SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 - 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 3:00 PM Divine Mercy Chaplet …………....…....…...Chapel 8:00 AM ST. MARTIN OF TOURS & ST. THOMAS AQUI- Warming Tree Continues…...………………………Narthex NAS PARISH FAMILY COMMUNITY AND MONDAY ROBERT “HOPPER” RUSH by Family 8:30 AM Mass……...…..…..…………………….…..Church 10:00 AM (2ND ANN REM) MATTHEW COMERFORD by 9:00 AM Prayer Group Mtg..……………...Rectory Mtg Rm 3:00 PM Divine Mercy Chaplet …………………...... Chapel Comerford Family TUESDAY 12:00 NOON (ANN REM) MICHAEL PAOLUCCI by Sue & 8:30 AM Mass…………………………..…….……...Church Michael 3:00 PM Divine Mercy Chaplet ………...... Chapel MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30 - ST. ANDREW 6:30 PM Boy Scouts…………………………………..School 8:30 AM MARIE HANNON by Johnson Family WEDNESDAY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 8:30 AM School Mass…………….....…………….…Church 8:30 AM DR. TIMOTHY NOSTRANT by Jack Jerge 3:00 PM Divine Mercy Chaplet ………...... Chapel WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 7:00 PM Cub Scouts………………………………….School 8:30 AM FR. TED ROG by Kathy & Ken Nagel 7:00 PM Grade 9 & Confirmation Class…………….Church THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 - ST. FRANCIS XAVIER THURSDAY 8:30 AM JOSEPH TAIBBI by Fr. James Judge 11:00 AM Family Mass………….……………..….…Church FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 - ST. JOHN OF DAMASCENE 3:00 PM Divine Mercy Chaplet ………...... Chapel 7:00 PM Religious Education Grades 1-8……...…….Church 8:30 AM DOROTHY THOMPSON by Patti Kwiatkowski FRIDAY SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 8:30 AM Mass…………………………….…………Church 4:00 PM RONALD GIGLIO by The Kavanaugh Family 3:00 PM Divine Mercy Chaplet ………...... Chapel SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 - 2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 7:00 PM Friends of Harmony Christmas Concert……..Church 8:00 AM ST. MARTIN OF TOURS & ST. THOMAS AQUI- SATURDAY NAS PARISH FAMILY COMMUNITY AND 3:00 PM Confessions…………………...…………...... Church MRS. JOAN LARUSCH by Bev & Mel Rogalski 3:00 PM Divine Mercy Chaplet ………...... …...... Chapel 10:00 AM (BIRTH REM) MICHELINA CIAVARELLA by Family 4:00 PM Mass/ Villa Maria Chorale..………….……Church 12:00 NOON VINCENT & MARIE JUDGE by Fr. James Warming Tree Continues Judge CLIP AND SAVE OUR E-MAIL ADDRESSES Father James Judge: [email protected] See page 6 for information about a Christmas concert com- Msgr. Joseph Sicari: [email protected] Mary Fitzgerald, Parish Coordinator: ing December 4th featuring 2 of our own parishioners. [email protected] Deacon Jack: [email protected] KILLER BEE - Don’t forget your Killer Bee donation. All mon- Deacon Mike: [email protected] ey will go towards capital expenses. Religious Education:

WEEKEND OF DEC. 5/6 (When in doubt go by schedule mailed to you) LECTORS EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS MINISTERS OF ALTAR SERVERS * Captain - purify cups & ciborium HOSPITALITY

4:00 PM D. Wittman *M. Barrows, S. Budzinski, J. Purcell, T&D Lauber N. Redmond, M. Diggins, T. Lewandowski, A. Ventura C. O’Connor, M. Przepasniak Volunteer

8:00 AM T. Skotarczak *K. McCarthy, D. Camp, D. Curry, M. S. & M. McCafferty S. Manfredo, Jaskula, M&M Kennedy, G. Ogden, C. Monaco A. Snyder 10:00 AM D. Budzinski *A. Smith, C. Cirbus, D. Corbett, J. Paxson R. Pinterpe, R. Mackey, D. Quinn, R. Szen, D. Szen C. Mackey I. Tyszko P. Mackey 12:00 J. Weeks *S. Meegan, M&R Cudney, A. Held, M&R Cudney A. Cirbus, Noon M. Evans, D. Graham, K. Pappas, B. Rupert, J. Tyszko Page Five St. Martin’s Church, Buffalo, NY November 29, 2015

Sacrament of the Sick: Call Fr. Judge any time, before surgery, or if you or someone you know is in the hospital or see Fr. Judge after any VILLA MARIA CHORALE NEXT SATURDAY Mass. The Villa Maria will provide the music for the 4 PM Mass at Baptisms: Parents are required to attend a Pre-Baptismal Class before St. Martin’s on December 5. All are invited to attend. arranging the baptism of their child. It is recommended that they attend The Chorale, the “Choir in Residence” at Villa Maria Col- as early as possible, preferably during the period of pregnancy. Clas- ses are offered the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in Notre lege, has made an impact on the Western New York commu- Dame Academy’s Faculty Room. To register, call Leader Couple, Marty nity since the choir’s debut in 1984. Their unique style and and Mary Kennedy (825-6327). blend of voices has been the result of the masterful instruc- Marriage: This is an exciting time for you and we know you are anxious tion and direction of award-winning director, Ireneusz to make plans. But before you call anyone please follow parish proto- Lukaszewski. Among the music they will sing is Glory to God col and speak to our pastor Fr. Judge first (823-7077). He will get you in Gregorian Chant, Krakowskie Alleluia, Pie Jesu, Vivaldi started with the procedures that need to be followed in order to be Agnus Dei, Jasna Panna. married in the church. Engaged couples should make wedding arrange- ments at least six months in advance. Pre-Cana classes are required. WARMING TREE Participation in the Diocesan pre-marital preparation program may be Our Warming Tree will be set up from November 21 until required. December13. New hats, gloves, scarves, socks, thermal un- Letter of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation to act as a derwear, lap robes or any other new item that can help sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation can only be issued to parishioners who have been registered a minimum of six months; who regularly at- keep someone warm can be placed on or under the tree in tend Mass and receive the sacraments. Regular use of envelopes indi- the Narthex. Don’t forget the men. All donations collected cates attendance at Mass. Sponsors are to be Baptized, Confirmed and will be distributed to the Community Table, Harvest House, if married, have done so in conformity with the laws of the Church. Adult and the Franklin Street Refugee Center. Thank you in ad- children (18 and older) should register individually and receive their own envelopes. Out-of Town college students should receive a letter vance for your generosity. from their campus minister and adults in the military should receive a letter from their chaplain. Young adults, who were recently confirmed REQUEST FROM MONEY COUNTERS and are working, even part-time, should assume their own identity in the parish by registering in their own name. Please, Please, Please DO NOT use any tape or staples to New Parishioners: Welcome! Please call the Parish Office (823-7077) seal your collection envelope. and register at your earliest convenience. Moving?: If moving, please inform us. ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE There will be a Penance Service for parishioners of St. Mar- PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS all the sick and suffering tin of Tours and St. Thomas Aquinas parishes and anyone of the parish, including: Palma Barone, Dante Pacella, Bill Keefe, else who wishes to attend on Monday, Dec. 14 at 7 PM in Chuck Sopko, Anna Cummings, Peter Lombardo, Sue Buttino, St. Martin’s Church. The overall theme will be God’s Mercy. Fiona Cross, Josephine DeJames, Pauline Santana, Matthew Shil- Several priests will be available to hear confession. lea, Mary Krista, Robert Browne, Ann Pacillo, Joan Crance, Dan Healy, Margaret Lalley, Nathan Brunditch, Betty Meyer, Ed Kostek, Betty Leary, Jack Johnson, Marie Gilmour, Robert Browne, FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Carolyn Fitzpatrick, Lisa Webb, Judith Zielinski, Jim Robertson, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes Mary Ann Corbett, Giovanna Coccionetti, Lillian Beyer, Mary me welcomes the one who sent me.” (Matthew 10:40) Coakley, Pat Gardner, Fr. Thomas Quinlivan, Emily Willman, Ronald Fraccica, Tom Otwell, Sr. Patricia Kelly, Mary Andol, Jo- Each Christian family can first of all - as Mary and Joseph ey Szymkiewicz, Ron Doebler, Christopher Fuller, Bill Mortellaro, did - welcome Jesus, listen to him, speak with him, grow with Stephanie Sugorovskiy, Doreen Majchrzak, DJ Block, Heather him and in this way improve the world. Let us make room in Przybyszewski, Ann Nicosia, Tim Scheffler, Loretta Martin, Bob Jendrysek, Joan Benz, Mary Ellen Ryan, Bill Marx, Theresa Rollek, our heart and in our day for the Lord as Joseph and Mary Anthony Lavecchia, Debbie Parysz, Dorothy Merckle did. And it was not easy - how many difficulties they had to overcome! They were not a superficial family, they were not PLEASE ALSO REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS all of our an unreal family. And what happened in those 30 years in deceased relatives and friends. Nazareth can happen to us too: in seeking to make love and not hate normal, making mutual help commonplace, not in- difference or enmity. NDA SPORTS INFORMATION Each time there is a family that keeps this mystery - the mys- You can access information about Notre Dame sports teams tery of the Son of God, the mystery of Jesus who comes to game results on Facebook, Twitter, the school website: notre- save us - then even if it were on the periphery of the world damebuffalo.org or send am e-mail to [email protected] the mystery is at work. He comes to save the world. And this to receive e-mail blasts. Also, look for print outs on the tables is the great mission of he family: to make room for Jesus in the Narthex. Go Saints! who is coming, to welcome Jesus in the family, in each mem- ber: children, husband, wife, grandparents. Jesus is there. Welcome him there, in order that he grow spiritually in the SANCTUARY LAMP FOR WEEK OF NOV. 29 family. May the Lord grant us this grace in these days of The Sanctuary Lamp at the Tabernacle is offered as an anni- Advent. —Pope Francis versary remembrance for John & Marie Kelly as requested by their family. The Sanctuary Lamp in the Chapel is offered Jesus, help me to be more attentive to your presence in those as a 90th birthday celebration for Anne Courtney as request- around me. Today I will... ed by Ellie Gorny. Page Six St. Thomas Aquinas & St. Martin of Tours Linked Parish Communities

LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT WEEK Luke 3:1-6 Today’s Gospel reading references an ancient text from the Old Testament Book of Isaiah. There, a prophecy was made that John the Baptist would fulfill many years later; John is the “voice of one crying out in the desert.” And the message that John’s voice proclaimed, in preparation for the coming of the Messiah, was a message of repentance. As we prepare to welcome the Lord this Advent season, we should make the “path” of our souls level, straight, and FRIENDS OF HARMONY smooth. We should “fill” the valleys of laziness or despair CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN SONG with diligence and joy. The mountains of pride and greed St. Martin of Tours will host the Friends of Harmony for a should be made low with humility and generosity. The wind- Christmas Concert on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 PM in the church. ing roads of dishonesty and manipulation “shall be made The award-winning group is a not-for-profit organization straight” with commitment to the truth. And the rough ways providing beautiful and exciting singing. They are a barber- of our selfishness and stubbornness should be made smooth shop chorus of about 75 men of all ages representing a di- through charity and docility to the Holy Spirit. When we live verse mix of professions from Western New York and South- our faith with sincerity and devotion, our souls are trans- ern Ontario who share a love of four-part harmony. formed. This Advent, may our souls become a pleasant path The group continues the tradition started by the Barbershop Harmony Society and their forerunners over 67 years ago. for Christ. The Friends of Harmony have performed for audiences of all sizes and types – from singing Valentines to performing the National Anthem at major sporting events, headlining A VOCATION VIEW arts festivals and charity performances for hospitals. They Christ will come again! This we have been promised. The strive to provide the finest in a capella entertainment in same Christ has called us all to different vocations, and Western New York. some of these include Holy Orders and Religious Life. What There will be a free will offering to benefit the Western greater way is there to honor our Lord and King than by New York Food Bank. All are invited to start your Christmas faithfully answering his call. If you think God is calling you, Season with this fun and inspirational concert. Call the parish office (823-7077) or The Friends at 716- call Fr. Andrew Lauricella at 716-847-5535. You can also 573-5911 or [email protected] for more infor- check out the “Priest of the Month” stories on our website – mation. www.buffalovocations.org!

“LITTLE CHRISTMAS” SALE MUSIC MINISTRY St. John XXIII Parish will hold a “” cookie sale The St. Martin of Tours/St. Thomas Aquinas Music Ministry on Saturday, December 5th, from Noon to 5:30 pm in the welcomes young voices to join the choir for Christmas. Start- parish hall, 1 Arcade St., West Seneca, NY. Homemade ing on Sunday, November 22nd, rehearsals will be held at holiday treats will be available for sale; also, a Chinese St. Martin’s from 9:00-9:30 am. Children of all ages are auction, and kids can decorate a cookie to take home For encouraged to participate! The Children’s Choir will sing at more information, you call the parish office at 823-1090 the 4 pm Mass at St. Martin of Tours. Please contact Laura Lawless at 716-208-5608 or lauralynnlaw- [email protected] with any questions. MARCH FOR LIFE PILGRIMAGE CHRISTMAS CHOIR WASHINGTON D.C. The STA/SMT Music Ministry would like to welcome new January 21-22, 2016 voices to the choir this Christmas Season! Anyone interested Join the Buffalo Diocese and hundreds of thousands of Cath- in participating with the adult ensemble is encouraged to olics for a pilgrimage of public witness, penance, and pray- join! Please contact Laura at 716-208-5608 or er for all those effected by the 1973 Roe v Wade Supreme [email protected] for a rehearsal schedule. Court decision legalizing abortion, and for the conversion of those who misguidedly perpetuate it. For more detailed information visit www.buffalodiocese.org/prolife or call HOLIDAY MEAT RAFFLE (716) 847-2205. St. Theresa’s Parish, 33 Mineral Springs Road, Saturday, December 5th. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the raffle starts at 7:00 pm. Admission is $5.00 which includes pizza, snacks, ADVERTISER OF THE MONTH beer, pop, plus we have a beautiful door prize. You must Kevin E. Loftus, Attny at Law be 21 to enter. Tickets are available after all the weekend Chelus, Herdzik, Speyer & Monte Masses and at the rectory Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Fri- Please support our advertisers day from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. For additional information call 822-0608 ext. 3.