Light of Christ Family Pastor
Jubilee: Rite for the closing of Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica
Vatican News
On the occasion of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, on 6 January 2026, Pope Leo XIV closes the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, the last still open among the papal basilicas of Rome, thereby formally concluding the Holy Year, which began on 24 December 2024.
Closing of the door leaves
In continuity with the practice established in 1975—and further simplified by Saint John Paul II during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000—the rite, which begins at 9:30 a.m., no longer includes the public walling-up of the door, but is limited to the closing of the door leaves.
The Pope recites the prayer of thanksgiving for the Ordinary Holy Year. The formula prescribed by the rite states: “This Holy Door is closed, but the door of Your mercy is not closed.”
He continues with an invocation that the “treasures” of divine grace may remain open, “so that, at the end of our earthly pilgrimage, we may knock with confidence at the door of Your house and enjoy the fruits of the tree of life.”
Subsequently, while the antiphon “O clavis David” is sung, the Pope approaches the Holy Door. He steps onto the threshold, kneels, and, after a moment of silent prayer, personally closes the two great bronze door leaves.
This gesture underscores that the Jubilee time comes to an end, while God’s mercy always remains open.
Bankruptcy Notice Update
https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/abf749051d8b000946c71a2e216e55eeb49cf414/Bankruptcy%20Notice.pdf
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
Our Parish Staff
- Rev. Michael Parker, Pastor
- Rev. Peter Ekanem, Parochial Vicar
- Deacon Andrew Mical, Permanent Deacon
- Sr. Jolene Ellis, OSF, Pastoral Associate
- Susan Koprucki, Business Manager
- Anita Stockton, Parish Administrator
- Bryan Mertz, Maintenance Manager
- Michelle Fisher, Dir. of Religious Education - Grades 1 - 8
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.
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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