Catholic Diocese Of Buffalo Podcasts

It's known as Tenebrae, or the Service of Shadows. It's an event that uses prayer, music, and darkness to mark the Crucifixion and deaty of Jesus Christ. Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Lancaster, New York played host to a Tenebrae service on the evening of Good Friday, April 7, 2023.

Following the Mass of the Lord's Supper every Holy Thursday, many Catholic faithful embark on a visit to seven churches, commemorating seven stops along Jesus Christ's path to the Crucifixion.

Each year, the Diocese of Buffalo hosts the Chrism Mass early into Holy Week. It's the annual blessing of the oils used in numerous sacraments throughout the year. The Mass is also an occasion for priests to renew their vocational promises.

Each year, the Diocese of Buffalo honors members of the laity who excel and lead in their service to their parishes, and the greater Catholic community. On March 18, 2023, St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown Buffalo hosted the annual Bishop’s Altar Server Awards.

The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo honored dozens of individuals and couples from nearly 70 parishes with the Lay Award of St. Joseph during a special Mass on Saturday, March 11th, 2023 inside St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown Buffalo.

The funeral for Buffalo Firefighter Jason D. Arno, who died in the line of duty March 1, 2023, was held inside St. Joseph Cathedral on Friday, March 10, 2023. Bishop Michael Fisher presided over the Mass, joined by numerous celebrants. Delivering the eulogy was Arno's brother, Delton Arno. Following his eulogy were remarks by former Buffalo Fire Commissioner and family friend Michael D'Orazio, Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282 President Vincent Ventresca, and International Association of Firefighters 1st District Vice President James Slevin. Following Slevin's remarks, he and Ventresca presented Arno's family with the IAFF Medal of Honor.

The funeral for Buffalo Firefighter Jason D. Arno, who died in the line of duty March 1, 2023, was held inside St. Joseph Cathedral on Friday, March 10, 2023. Bishop Michael Fisher presided over the Mass, joined by numerous celebrants. Delivering the homily was Rev. James Van Dyke, S.J.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the solemn season of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, penance, and charity in the weeks leading up to Easter. Bishop Michael W. Fisher of the Diocese of Buffalo presided over a noon-hour Mass in St. Joseph Cathedral. This recording is of the homily he delivered during Mass. It was spoken just before the distribution of ashes, the gesture which reminds us all of our earthly mortality.

Catholic Health, a hospital operator which manages five hospitals and numerous clinics in Buffalo and Western New York, marked its 25th anniversary with a special Mass February 17, 2023. The Diocese of Buffalo is one of Catholic Health's founding sponsors.

To mark Black History Month, WNY Catholic Audio welcomes Sister Roberta Fulton, SSMN, and Dr. Althea Porter from the Diocese of Buffalo to discuss Black Catholicism, and how the Catholic faith is an important element of Black history and heritage. (NOTE: More episodes are planned for November, coinciding with Black Catholic History Month.)

Catholic Charities, serving the eight counties of Western New York, continues its 2023 Appeal, hoping to raise $9.5 million to support its nearly 60 human service programs. On February 8, Catholic Charities president and CEO Deacon Steve Schumer welcomed Bishop Fisher into a handful of agencies run by Catholic Charities to learn more about their offerings.

Catholic Schools Week 2023 in the Diocese of Buffalo included several scheduled visits to schools by Bishop Michael W. Fisher. WNY Catholic Audio followed him at one of his stops, St. Joseph University School in the City of Buffalo.

Catholic Schools Week will be held in the Diocese of Buffalo, January 30 through February 3, 2023. WNY Catholic Audio spoke with the diocese's Secretary of Education, Dr. Timothy Uhl, to get a preview of activities, and which schools will get a visit by Bishop MIchael W. Fisher.

The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo held its annual Catholic Education Luncheon Thursday, January 27 in Buffalo, during which it met a fundraising challenge which is just one part of a broader effort to secure financial support for families who need a little help to provide their kids a desired Catholic education.

The 50th March For Life, held January 20, 2023, was the first since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision which legalized abortion throughout the United States. The Diocese of Buffalo sponsored a pilgrimage to the march for the first time since the COVID pandemic. Bishop Michael Fisher was among those to participate. WNY Catholic Audio was there, and has this summary of the visit.

The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, through the sponsorship of its Office of Cultural Diversity and Social Justice, and its African-American Commission, hosted an annual Mass of Remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday, January 15, 2023 at St. Martin de Porres Church in Buffalo.

Leaders from Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Buffalo joined to announce the fundraising goal for Catholic Charities' 2023 Appeal, adding the message that the need for support is greater this year following a string of tragedies dating back to last May's mass shooting.

Days after Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's passing, and in advance of his funeral at the Vatican, the Diocese of Buffalo held a Mass for the repose of the soul of the retired pope.

The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo will host a Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Emeritus XVI, who died December 31, 2022 in Vatican City. In the meantime, Bishop Michael Fisher issued a statement following the retired pope's passing.

Just a few days before Christmas, it was already busy inside St. Joseph Cathedral, with events including the Diocese of Buffalo hosting retired priests for a Mass and luncheon.