News

My sincere appreciation to all who have sent their contribution for this year's Catholic Charities Appeal. At this time, we've collected $24,556 toward our goal of $80,000. We're living in a very difficult time. I know that all are suffering the effects of the coronavirus pandemic but, if you are able, I would ask for your support for the many people of Western New York who benefit from the programs supported by Catholic Charities. Contributions may be made by sending your donation to the rectory. Thank you, and may God bless your generous hearts. -Fr. Dennis

Catholic family life is an opportunity to recognize the grace of God in daily living. For our Faith Formation families, there are now at-home activities and videos available on our "Schedule and Events" page. We plan on adding more material over time, so please check back! We miss our families during this trying time but we look forward to the future. Stay safe, and God bless!

The St. Timothy Parish community joyfully welcomes and congratulates newly baptized Harper Ann Gravelle (parents Marc and Jessica)! We offer our prayers and support to the newest member of Christ and His Church.

Thanks to all who participated in the Mass Schedule Survey. Of the 224 votes, 141 voted for Sunday 7pm while 83 voted for Saturday 7pm. As a result, we'll retain 7pm Mass on Sunday. This schedule change is effective April 18-19. Those who have scheduled intentions for Saturday 7pm Masses can either re-schedule for Mass times in 2021 or have their stipend returned (we will mail it to you). You can re-schedule Masses for 2021 starting Tuesday, April 28. The parish office is open on Tuesdays, 9:30am-2:30pm (all business should be conducted by phone at the current time due to the coronavirus).

When Catholics gather in Jesus’ name to celebrate the Eucharist, our first concern is sharing our gratitude, faith, & belief in Christ among us. Extraordinary circumstances, however, such as sickness excuse the faithful from the obligation of attending Mass. If you suspect you have the flu or are suffering from a serious cold or other contagious illness, please stay at home & do not risk spreading infection. Everyday actions such as covering a cough or sneeze & washing hands often with soap & water are helpful. When at Mass, please don't take offense should someone choose not to shake hands during Sign of Peace; in place of shaking hands, appropriate gestures include meaningful eye contact, a smile, a wave of the hand or bow of the head in reverence to one another while saying "Peace be with you".

Congratulations to our St. Timothy Faith Formation students who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Sunday, March 1st: Hayden Marzullo, Evan Mee, Carina Newell, Lawson Sawyer, and Logan Sawyer! May they always seek the forgiveness and love of our merciful God as they continue on their journey of faith. Please remember them and their wonderful families in your prayers!

The Bishop's Altar Server Award was established to honor an altar server from each parish for their dedication and service. The 2020 Award Recipient from St. Timothy's Parish is Hayden Schmidt! The Awards Mass took place at St. Joseph's Cathedral on February 15th with Rev. Peter Karalus, vicar general for the Diocese, presenting a medal to each honoree. Following the Mass, there was a reception at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Hayden, we're grateful for your 6 years of service and commitment to our parish!

All are welcome for the "Sunday by Sunday" reflection group that gathers after the 10am Mass on Tuesdays. Sister Ann Marie Grasso, SSMN, a Sister of St. Mary of Namur, leads the program which includes prayer and connecting Holy Scripture with our lives. Reflecting on these inspired words, people can grow deeper in their relationship with God and come to understand their place in our community and the world. Please join us!

For the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord which is this coming weekend, Sat Feb 1 and Sun Feb 2, boxes of 2 blessed candles will be available for a donation of $3 per box. It's a centuries’ old tradition to distribute blessed candles on this feast. Blessed candles in our homes invite us to prayer and remind us of Jesus, the light of the world.

January is Poverty Awareness Month. During this month, join the U.S. Bishops, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, and the Catholic community in the United States in taking up Pope Francis' challenge to live in solidarity with the poor. Let us pray and reach out in our local and global communities to put faith in action to address poverty. You can also consider a donation to Catholic Relief Services, the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Thank you for whatever you can do to confront poverty. "I want a Church which is poor, and for the poor." -Pope Francis

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan 18-25, has a history of over 100 years in which Christians around the world have taken part in an octave of prayer. By annually observing this time of prayer, Christians move toward the fulfillment of Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper "that they all may be one." (Jn 17:21) This year's theme is “They showed us unusual kindness” (Acts 28:2). It is based on the biblical passage describing the shipwreck of St Paul (Acts 27:18–28,10) and promotes reflection on his journey of faith and also on the virtue of hospitality. Hospitality is a much needed virtue in our search for Christian unity. It is a practice that calls us to greater generosity to those in need. The people who showed unusual kindness to Paul and his companions did not yet know Christ, and yet it is through their unusual kindness that a divided people were drawn closer together. Our own Christian unity will be discovered not only through showing hospitality to one another, but also through loving encounters with those who do not share our language, culture, or faith.

We're collecting old palm fronds to burn for ashes for Ash Wednesday which is Feb 26th this year. As blessed items, palms should never be thrown away. They should be burned or buried in the earth. You can place them in the basket in front of the altar in the church for our collection. Thank you.

All are welcome on Fri, Jan 24th from 7-8:30pm as we pray for victims and all affected by the abuse crisis. The evening will include adoration, music, communal prayer, and a presentation by Catholic therapist Dan Lawson. This Evening of Prayer is sponsored by the parishes of the Northern Erie Vicariate and will be hosted at St. Amelia Church, 2999 Eggert Road in Tonawanda.

Thank you, parishioners, for the beautiful Christmas cards, gifts, and goodies! Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. Wishing everyone a Blessed, Happy, and Healthy New Year! Be assured you will be remembered in my prayers. -Fr. Dennis.

The St. Timothy's Ladies of Charity next meeting is Wednesday, January 15th, at 6pm. Among the items for that night: planning the candy sale. New members are always welcome!

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine's 29th annual Festival of Lights is viewable 5pm-9pm daily through Jan 6, 2020. Climb to the top of the Basilica and see a panorama of spectacular Christmas lights covering 15 acres! The shrine is located at 1023 Swann Road, off Route 18 (Creek Road), in Lewiston.

During the weekend of Dec 14-15, shepherd's straw will be available in the church for your manger! Are you familiar with the practice of preparing soft bedding in the manger for the Christ Child using wisps of straw as tokens of prayers and good works performed throughout Advent? It was originally a French custom that quickly spread to other countries. Every night, a child or anyone else puts into the crib a wisp of straw for each act of devotion, good work, or sacrifice performed. "Thus the Christ Child, coming on Christmas Day, finds an ample supply of tender straw to soften the hardness of the manger and to keep Him warm".

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Holy Day of Obligation) - Christmas Eve (Tue Dec 24): 4:30pm & 10pm, Christmas Day (Wed Dec 25): 10am & 12pm. Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation) - New Years Eve (Tue Dec 31): 4:30pm, New Years Day (Wed Jan 1): 10am & 12pm. All are invited to join our parish family at Saint Timothy's for our beautiful Christmas season liturgies as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Children: Logan Anthony Sawyer & Lawson Bernard Sawyer, Parent: Aileen Sawyer. The Saint Timothy Parish Community joyfully welcomes you and offers our prayers and support as you come into the fullness of the faith!

Our annual parish Christmas Giving Tree is up in St. Martha's Chapel. Parishioners have an opportunity to help those less fortunate in our parish and in our local community. Please bring back the unwrapped gift by Dec 8th if possible, and keep the tag with the gift. Thank you for your generosity and for bringing joy to many during this blessed time of the year! Hats and gloves are also on the tree if you or anyone you know are in need of them; please take what you may need.