(From Greater Buffalo Blog) Over 125 people attended The Campaign for Greater Buffalo’s initial meeting of its Save Our Churches, Save Our Neighborhoods campaign. The goal was to provide background of the Buffalo Diocese’s plan to close up to 60 parishes, the fate of previously closed churches, and to gather ideas for action. Buffalo Common Council President David Franczyk and North District Councilmember Joseph Golombek, Jr. made eloquent presentations. It was a success on all counts.
The brainstorming session (led by Susan McCartney, with Chris Hawley, Fred Heinle, Richard Lippes, Tasos Ghikas, Norm Bakos, and Tim Tielman assisting) produced literally hundreds of ideas, with many coming via e-mail and phone after the event. Thanks to all who contributed.
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It’s very interesting that since the St. Ann’s Revitalization Committee began meeting almost 3 years ago, many of those possibilities were explored. It was only with a lot of – yes, prayer and discernment – that we came to where we are now.
Somebody suggested asking for a miracle – but miracles won’t happen unless a solution can’t be found… and there was!
Also, some of those suggestions don’t make much sense.
For example having Masses in German -there are annual Masses at Canisius and St. Ann’s and no one ever suggested them on a more frequent basis. Is there a pastoral reason or need?
Latin: There are currently 4 Sunday Masses in different parts of the Diocese (Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Niagara Falls and Belfast) and they aren’t packed… the attendance isn’t even that great. Diocesan Masses and all the sacraments are available from St. Anthony’s behind City Hall. So is there a need for more?
Italian: St. Anthony’s comes back to mind. They have a weekly Italian Mass and many beautiful feasts and great cultural events throughout the year. Sunday Mass attendance isn’t the best either. Again – is there a need?
Polish: I’m not too familiar with the Polish community, but with St. Stan’s, Corpus Christi and St. John Kanty on the East Side and a few places in Niagara Falls and North Tonawanda – is there a real need?