A Joyful Christmas … 6-Jan-2019
From the Desk of Father David
Dear Friends in Christ,
Today is a great day for our parish. The Feast of the Epiphany, January 6th, is also the anniversary of the dedication of our Church. Our church was built as a prayer hall for the People of the True Inspiration. After ten years, they moved to Wisconsin because Sin City (Buffalo) was getting too large. Our parish was founded in October 1864 when the building was purchased. After much work to transform the prayer hall into a Catholic Church, it was ready to be dedicated to God on the feast of the Epiphany in 1865. Our parish, like the star of Bethlehem, has guided people to Christ. Since I have been here, I have experienced individuals telling me that they felt drawn to our parish. Just last week a young man told me the story of being drawn here so he could find the help he needed to make a new beginning. A woman knew she needed to come here to be healed, and she was healed. A couple who have wandered away from the faith and tried other religions, told me once they started attending mass here, they experienced Christ and knew they belonged at Fourteen Holy Helpers. The feast of the Epiphany is about Christ being revealed to the world. Our parish has a special role in making that a reality.
What an amazing Christmas Season, over 1500 people came to Mass for Christmas. I would like to specially thank our musicians: Patrick Barrett, Terry O’Shei, Voices of Praise, and the Adult Choir. You were outstanding and your music added so much to our celebrations. A wonderful thank you to our Decorating Committee, who did awe-inspiring decorating. Every year your decorations are better than the year before. Trina Hibbs, her helpers and the children who made the pageant prayerful and special. A big thank you to all the Altar Servers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers and Greeters who made our celebrations flow smoothly with God’s blessings. Thank you to all who participated in the Angel Tree which helped serve the needy of West Seneca, you truly made Christ present to those people. An enormous thanks to all who attended the celebrations because your presence and prayers made it all worthwhile. A huge thank you to my staff who always go the extra mile.
On a personal note, I would like to thank everyone who sent cards, goodies or gifts. I am grateful for your generosity. You are an amazing community and I am proud to be your pastor.
May the Christ Child fill your hearts with peace and always hold you in His loving embrace.
In Christmas joy, Fr. David
