RECTORY 180 George Urban Boulevard ....................... 892-1746 ................................................................ Fax 892-3005 CONVENT ..................................................... 895-5900

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE Michael Sacilowski D.R.E. ............................. 895-2162 Email: ......................................... qmre121@verizon.net Website: ............................. queenofmartyrsbuffalo.com MASSES: Sunday Masses: 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM Saturday Evening: 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM Daily: Monday thru Friday 7:00 AM Vigil of Holyday: 4:00 PM Holyday: 7:00 AM, 12 Noon and 6:00 PM First Friday: 7:00 AM CONFESSIONS: Every Saturday: 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Thursday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon (Closed in Summer) Evenings by appointment only. NO OFFICE HOURS ON SATURDAYS OR SUNDAYS. BAPTISMS: Sunday at 11:45 AM. Arrangements for Pre-Baptismal Instructions which are compulsory for the parents must be made at the Rectory office at least 2 weeks prior to the Baptism. Expectant parents are encouraged to make these arrangements before the birth of the child.

R.C.I.A. The Rite Of Christian Initiation (R.C.I.A.) Program is for adults inter-ested in becoming members of the Roman Catholic Church, adult Roman Catholics who would like to receive the Sacrament of Confir-mation, and Catholics interested in Adult Education. Classes begin in the fall.

MARRIAGE: Arrangements should be made at least six months in advance with a priest.

SICK CALLS: CALL THE RECTORY at any time, day or night.

SHUT-INS: Communion is taken to shut-ins once a month. Call the Rec-tory Office during office hours to have your name included. NEW PARISHIONERS: Are kindly requested to register as soon as possible. YOUNG ADULTS: Upon reaching their 18th birthday should assume their own identity by registering with the parish. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: These are testimonies to the fact that you are a practicing Catho-lic in this parish. Please use contribution envelopes to indicate attendance. To be a sponsor for Baptism, the sponsor needs to be confirmed. Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation are the sac-raments of initiation. Stay close to Jesus by daily prayer, weekly worship and acts of charity and justice.

Queen of Martyrs Church Rev. Louis S. Klein, Pastor Rev. Christopher Okoli (In Residence) 180 George Urban Blvd. Cheektowaga, New York 14225 October 15, 2017 2016

Page Two December 17, 2017 Queen of Martyrs

For the sick in hospitals, in nursing homes, and those who are homebound especially: Tom Barrett, Noreen Bauer, Frederick Bloom, Tyler Jacob Borawski, Thomas Borowicz, Rita Buziak, Catherine Cammarata, Justin Chandler, Henry Chimes, Mary Ann Conroy, Henry Cyran, Joseph Daily, Stephanie DiMaggio, Joseph E. Engelhaupt, Debra Finger, Joe Funk, Kara Garlach, Gordon Gladden, Ronald Heil, Dorothy Hosinski, Sadie Kassim, Phyllis Kendzierski, Dorothy Kracht, Pat Kupkowski, Rose Lesch, John Marchitte, Michelle Martin, Erin Mildenberger, Mary Moser, Michael Muroff, Tim Nietopski, Alice Nowak, Irene Osinski, Pat Palascak, Maxine Paoletti, Theresa Pochylski, Bernadine Powalowski, Nolan Przybysz, Patricia Rakiski, Adolph J. Rakowski, Barbara Robertson, Annette Rowley, Harriet Rucki, John Sczepanik, Edward Sponholz, Father Jerry Stelmach, Zach Sucharski, Ethel Thomas, Kayla Urban, Dee Urbaniak, Pat Ward, Betty Warejko, Marcia Weigand, Theresa Wesley, Thomas Wnuk, Alfred T. Wojciechowski, Wanda Wojciechowski, Frances Zagorski, Judith Zielinski, Robin Zion, Daniel Zotara, II, Lorraine Zotara.

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..the safety and quick return of those serving in our Armed Forces, our parishioners and loved ones: Kevin Ardonetto, Jason Babirad, Matthew Baideme, Thom Brown, Colin Dudziak, Barbara Fowler, Michael Fowler, Janet Glindeman, Julia Glindeman, William Glindeman, Justin Kasprzak, James A. Koller,

Claymore Mac-Tarnaghan, Colton Marinelli, Joe Seminatoro, Capt. Glen Taylor, Christopher Wojcik.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

REJOICE IN YOUR GOD, THE GOD OF HOPE AND LIGHT

The world literally grows darker each day this time of the year. But as dark as the world grows, the darkness will not overcome the light. Jesus is the light of the world. He illumines our darkness with his love and truth. We are able to sit in the darkness with confidence that the Lord is with us.

And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God." - Lk 1:35

Readings for the Week of December 17, 2017 Sunday: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11/Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54 [Is 61:10b]/1 Thes 5:16-24/Jn 1:6-8, 19-28 Monday: Jer 23:5-8/Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 [cf. 7]/Mt 1:18-25 Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 [cf. 8]/Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14/Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 [cf. 7c and 10b]/Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 [1a; 3a]/Lk 1:39-45 Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28/1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd [cf. 1a]/Lk 1:46 -56 Saturday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 [cf. Lk 21:28]/Lk 1:57-66 Next Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

12/19 7:30 PM St. Vincent de Paul Meeting (Holy Name Room)

Desk of Fr. Lou

The Christmas season is a time of joy, visiting family and friends, sharing meals, laughter and excitement. As we celebrate Christmas, may your Christmas Day find you most thankful for the birth of the Christ Child. On behalf of our staff, volunteers, and myself, we would like to wish each and every one of you and your families a “Very Happy and A Blessed Christmas.” and may all the blessings of the Christ Child be yours this Christmas and may his divine presence enrich your life throughout the New Year.

CHRISTMAS EVE Vigil: CHRISTMAS DAY:

December 24th December 25th

4:00 PM 8:00 AM

6:00 PM 11:00 AM

10:00 PM

The Rectory Office will be closed starting Thursday, December 21st, through Wednesday, January 3rd. The Office will reopen on Thursday, January 4th, at 10 AM.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TRIDUUM and NEW YEAR’S EVE MASS

The Solemn Christmas Triduum, beginning Thursday, December 21, and closing on Saturday, December 23, will be conducted by Rev. Martin X. Moleski, SJ. Services each evening of the Triduum will begin with the Rosary at 7 PM, followed by Mass. We ask that all who attend be modestly and suitably dressed. There will also be a Mass offered at 11:30 PM on December 31st to give thanks to God for all the graces of 2017 and to ask His blessing on the New Year. Rev. Msgr. Paul A. Litwin will be the celebrant. Stories for Christmas” will air on Sunday, December 17th, at 1 PM and on Monday, December 25th, at 11 PM on WKBW-TV, Ch. 7. This show will feature uplifting stories from people in our community who make a difference. Bishop Richard Malone, Rev. Paul Seil and friends help to spread the Christmas message.

Page Three December 17, 2017

Barrels have been placed at the Church entrances to receive non- perishable currently dated food donations for the Christmas distribution. The St. Vincent de Paul Society aids many families in our Parish. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated during the Holiday Season.

THE LIFE-CHANGING MESSAGE OF MERCY

Are we a People of Mercy?

There are three degrees of mercy that Jesus reveals to St. Faustina from the Devine Mercy message. I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first-by deed, the second-by word, the third-by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy.

We have all been called to this threefold practice of mercy, but we are not all called in the same way. We need to ask the Lord, who understands our individual situations, to help us recognize the various ways we can each live His mercy in our daily lives. St. Faustina comments on these three degrees in her diary: The first: the act of mercy, of whatever kind. The second: the word of mercy–if I cannot carry out a work of mercy, I will assist by my words. The third: prayer—if I cannot show mercy by deeds, I can always do so by prayer. My prayer reaches out even there where I cannot reach out physically.

Please personally explore in greater depth how to live the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, a list of ways to respond to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of others.

The Corporal Works of Mercy Feed the hungry Give drink to the thirsty Clothe the naked Shelter the homeless Comfort the imprisoned Visit the sick Bury the dead

The Spiritual Works of Mercy Admonish sinners Instruct the uninformed Counsel the doubtful Comfort the sorrowful Be patient with those in error Forgive offences Pray for the living and the dead

THANK YOU!

We would like to thank the following volunteers for giving of their time to set up the outdoor manger:

Ken Makowski Brian Le Aaron Makowski Jim Murphy Jim Gallagher Ryan Racinowski Brian Gordon Bob Weigand We are in need of volunteers to help take the Manger down after the 11am Mass on January 7th. Please call Kenny at 685-6255 if you are able to help. Thank you and God Bless.

Don’t forget to get your envelopes for our monthly 50/50 split club. Envelopes are available at all entrances of the church. Good Luck!!

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Christmas shopping is a pleasure at The Catholic Store on the campus of St. Gregory’s Parish at 1600 Maple Road in Amherst (adjacent to Millard Suburban Hospital). Browse thousands of religious items to help your family and friends remember the reason for the season. Quality gifts for people of all ages at reasonable prices. The store is open Tuesday through Friday from 9am through 3pm, Saturday from 9am to Noon and Sunday from 9am until 2pm. Also open Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30pm.

VOCATIONS John the Baptist urged his followers to turn from their sins and renounce anything that was keeping them from doing God’s will. If God is calling you to the priesthood or religious life, what can you turn from in order to hear the call more clearly and answer more readily? If God is calling you to a Church vocation, call Father Andrew Lauricella at 847-5535.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY

In today’s Gospel John the Baptist says, “I am the voice of one crying in the desert; make straight the way of the Lord.” Let us ask for the grace to help others to know the Lord. Christmas is a time of love and gift giving6 please give to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so that those who do not have clothes and food can share in the blessings of Christmas.

OUR GIFTS TO GOD

December 8, 2017

Immaculate Conception $ 1942.00

December 10, 2017

Sunday Collection $ 7588.74

Religious Retirement $ 4156.38

May God continue to bless you for your generosity!

Vigil Mass Saturday, December 16, 2017—Third Sunday of Advent 4:00 PM Frances Gronowski req. by Family 6:00 PM Henry Bartczak (Estate) Sunday, December 17, 2017—Third Sunday of Advent 8:00 AM Elizabeth Lew req. by Tony Szczygiel and Andrea

Szalanski 11:00 AM Rosinski and Maturski Families req. by Dorothy Zenon, Sophie and Geraldine (Birthday Mass) req.

by Family Monday, December 18, 2017—Late Advent Weekday 7:00 AM Adam Miga (4th Anniversary of Death) req. by

Family Frank and Eleanor Stanczewski req. by Family Tuesday, December 19, 2017—Late Advent Weekday 7:00 AM Jerome Grabowski (Birthday) req. by Paner Family Wednesday, December 20, 2017—Late Advent Weekday 7:00 AM Joseph and Lucy Kulczyk (Estate) Thursday, December 21, 2017—Late Advent Weekday—Saint

Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church

7:00 AM Thomas Scherrer (5th Anniversary of Death) req. by Wife, Margaret

Friday, December 22, 2017—Late Advent Weekday 7:00 AM Alice Janusz (4th Anniversary of Death) req. by

Daughters, Karen and Lauren Saturday, December 23, 2017—Late Advent Weekday 7:00 AM Scripture Reading/Communion Service Vigil Mass Saturday, December 23, 2017—Fourth Sunday of Advent 4:00 PM Frances Zagorski req. by Wife, Frances 6:00 PM Denise Welch req. by John Pochylski Sunday, December 24, 2017— Fourth Sunday of Advent 8:00 AM John and Eugene Kluss (Estate) 11:00 AM Genevieve M. and John J. Bak (Estate) Vigil Mass Sunday, December 24, 2017—The Nativity of the Lord

(Christmas) 4:00 PM Thaddeus P. Brudz req. by Wife, Children and

Grandchildren 6:00 PM Queen of Martyrs Parishioners 10:00 PM Queen of Martyrs Volunteers