Welcome to St. Christopher Parish

Dear Family,

This Sunday we celebrate the great Feast of Pentecost! What a wonderful way for us to end the Easter Season with the celebration of the Holy Spirit!! Jesus promised that not only would He stay with us in order to nourish us (His Most Holy Body and Blood in the Eucharist) as He returned to the Father, but the Holy Spirit would also be sent to us for all time to lead and guide us on our pilgrimage toward eternal life in heaven with our God! The Holy Spirit is constantly at work in the world, especially in the Church, and in each one of us as Christian persons. We as individuals just need to be open to His movements in our lives and follow His lead. We hopefully have heard of the teaching regarding the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit but even if we had, the teaching often gets confused. So, you will find below an explanation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit from St. Thomas Aquinas (in a summary provided by the wonderful people at Catholic Answers). Pray over them and see how the Holy Spirit is working in your life!

Wisdom is both the knowledge of and judgment about “divine things” and the ability to judge and direct human affairs according to divine truth (I/I.1.6; I/II.69.3; II/II.8.6; II/ II.45.1–5).

Understanding is penetrating insight into the very heart of things, especially those higher truths that are necessary for our eternal salvation—in effect, the ability to “see” God (I/ I.12.5; I/II.69.2; II/II.8.1–3).

Counsel allows a man to be directed by God in matters necessary for his salvation (II/II.52.1).

Fortitude denotes a firmness of mind in doing good and in avoiding evil, particularly when it is difficult or dangerous to do so, and the confidence to overcome all obstacles, even deadly ones, by virtue of the assurance of everlasting life (I/II.61.3; II/II.123.2; II/II.139.1).

Knowledge is the ability to judge correctly about matters of faith and right action, so as to never wander from the straight path of justice (II/II.9.3).

Piety is, principally, revering God with filial affection, paying worship and duty to God, paying due duty to all men on account of their relationship to God, and honoring the saints and not contradicting Scripture. The Latin word pietas denotes the reverence that we give to our father and to our country; since God is the Father of all, the worship of God is also called piety (I/II.68.4; II/II.121.1).

Fear of God is, in this context, “filial” or chaste fear whereby we revere God and avoid separating ourselves from him— as opposed to “servile” fear, whereby we fear punishment (I/II.67.4; II/II.19.9). As we journey again into Ordinary Time, let us never lose the joy of Easter!!!

Praised Be Jesus Christ…Now and Forever!!!

Father Steve

Statement of Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger

On the Death of George Floyd and Subsequent Turmoil

“As followers of Jesus Christ and as Catholics, we have the responsibility and mandate to eliminate the tragedy and scourge of racism. Our hearts ache for the family of George Floyd who suffered and died senselessly at the hands of those sworn to serve and protect. We mourn with people of conscience everywhere who have been motivated to speak out against abuse of power and to give voice to all who suffer the persistent injustices of racist attitudes and practices. It is not enough just to decry injustice, or even to pray and sympathize with those who suffer from an everyday experience of being treated as inferior or unworthy because of their racial or ethnic identities. This must be our constant work.

“We have no more urgent task than to join with those of all faiths in promoting the God-given dignity of each and every person, and to come together in these troubling days of our national life to bring about understanding, acceptance and healing among people of all races and backgrounds.”

Letter from Bishop Sharfenburger 6/1/2020

What to Expect When Public Masses Resume

Thank you to everyone who has continued to send in their donations. They are truly appreciated! Donations may be dropped off or mailed to: 2660 Niagara Falls Blvd. Tonawanda, NY 14150 or made at The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo here:

Online Giving

Tuesday School Mass 6/2/20

Pentecost Sunday 5/31/20

LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS TO THE FAITHFUL FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2020

Mission Statement

We, the people of St. Christopher Parish, journey to the heavenly kingdom of God our Father by following the example and service of Jesus Christ his Son, inspired daily by the Holy Spirit to lead faith-filled Christian lives.

We are asking all parishioners to update their email address by sending an email to rectory@saintchris.org. This will enable us to update you as conditions change. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone one of you during this difficult time.

Holy See grants indulgence to coronavirus patients and Catholics who pray for them.

GROWING IN FAITH NEWSLETTER

PARTNERS IN FAITH

GROWING IN FAITH SUMMER CALENDAR

THE VATICAN

U.S CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS

MASS TIMES

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger announces that there will be no regularly scheduled public Masses in the Diocese of Buffalo until further notice per Governor Cuomo's directive.

On-line gifts can be made under the “GIVE TODAY” tab at www.frcdb.org. In completing their gift, donors should indicate their parish by name so 100% of the proceeds are then sent back to St. Christopher from the Foundation.