From Father Michael's Desk
Good Samaritan Sunday
Pope Leo: Welcome the Lord who knocks at our door
Recalling the Old and New Testament readings of today's liturgy on the theme of hospitality as shown by Abraham and his wife Sarah, and then later by the friends of Jesus, Martha and Mary, the Pope reflected on the interplay of giving and receiving hospitality.
Humility in offering and receiving hospitality
Kindness, attentiveness and openness are part of what hospitality is about, but so too and especially is humility, the Pope noted. He recalled how the Gospel reading recounts how Martha is overwhelmed with serving, being the good and generous person she was, but she risked missing out on the joy of the encounter being with the Lord and hearing his words.
Openness to something greater than ourselves
Attentiveness has importance, as "our lives can only flourish if we learn to be open to something greater than ourselves" that brings "happiness and fulfillment", the Pope explained. And Mary, Martha's sister, recognized the importance of that encounter in not only welcoming, but listening to the Lord.
Slowing down and listening
In conclusion, the Pope encouraged us to follow Mary's example by slowing down and listening so that we do not "fail to choose the better part." And we can always improve on our learning the art of hospitality, he suggested, and this "includes both welcoming others and allowing ourselves to be welcomed", since "we have much to receive, not only to give." It's about recognizing how every genuine encounter is freely offered, "whether it is an encounter with God, with others or with nature."
“Let us pray to Mary Most Holy, our Mother, who welcomed our Lord, bore him in her womb, and together with Joseph gave him a home. In her, we see the beauty of our own vocation, the vocation of the Church, to be a home open to all and in this way to welcome her Lord, who knocks at our door and asks our permission to enter.”
Welcome to St. John the Baptist Parish!
Our Mission
St. John the Baptist is a Roman Catholic parish founded by St. John Neumann where God is loved and present in the liturgy, the sacraments and the community, faith is enriched through our teaching and experiencing the gospel, all are welcome in the spirit openness, and generosity and charity is extended through our ministry to all.
St. John Neumann Museum
The St. John Neumann Shrine Museum is open to the public. Anyone wishing to see our recently renovated Chapel or the St. John Neumann Archives Room can call the Rectory at 716-873-1122 to schedule a tour.
Our Parish Staff
- Rev. Michael Parker, Pastor
- Rev. Peter Ekanem, Parochial Vicar
- Deacon Andrew Mical, Permanent Deacon
- Sr. Jolene Ellis, OSF, Pastoral Associate
- Anita Stockton, Parish Administrator
- Bryan Mertz, Maintenance Manager
- Michelle Fisher, Dir. of Religious Education - Grades 1 - 8
Contact Us
St. John the Baptist R.C. Church
1085 Englewood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14223
Phone: 716-873-1122
Fax: 716-873-3305
E-mail: saintjohnsrec@gmail.com
Make Your Donation to St. John's Online
You can manage your giving to St. John the Baptist Parish ONLINE using a credit/debit card. It is easy and allows you to set up automatic recurring contributions. This will help your weekly offerings to continue on an uninterrupted basis when travel, illness, or other circumstances prevent you from attending Mass.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you sign up for a recurring donation, your weekly envelope mailing will be canceled (saving us the cost of these mailings is one of the many benefits of joining this program.) However, this change process submitted to our Envelope Supplier may take up to two to four months to take place. Therefore, you may still receive envelopes sent to your home for several months until the mailing cancellation has been processed.
If you are planning to use this program periodically to select Non-Recurring, Special Collections, or Specific Donations, you will still receive parish envelope packets mailed to your home. If you no longer wish to receive the Envelope Packet Mailing to your home, please call the Rectory Office at 716-873-1122 to cancel your envelopes.
To get started, click here, then select Create Profile to the right.
Simply follow the on-screen instructions to create a profile and to schedule your contributions. Any questions, please contact the parish at stjohnsfinance2017@gmail.com
Thank you for your generous support!
Streamed Mass
Click HERE for St John the Baptist's YouTube Channel
Weekly Mass will "Go Live" Saturday at 4:00 p.m., on our YouTube Channel
Mass Times
12 Noon
Saturday Vigil:
4:00 p.m.
Sunday:
8:00 a.m., 11:00am
Confessions:
Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m.
Adoration in the Chapel:
Monday - Friday, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday Holy Hour in the Chapel:
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Rectory Office Hours
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(Rectory is closed for lunch between 12:00-12:30 p.m.)
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
We Are Called to Share of Ourselves
If you're looking to get involved in the parish, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer within our wonderful community. Perhaps you'd like to join one of our many ministries and parish organizations? Or would you prefer to participate in the Mass? Helping hands are always needed.
Please click here for information regarding altar serving, Eucharistic ministry, choir, and ushering.
You may also navigate the above tab labeled Ministries/Volunteer for Parish Ministry Information.
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