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What Does It Mean to Keep a “Holy Lent”?
The invitation to a holy Lent in the Ash Wednesday service calls us to “...self-examination and repentance; …prayer, fasting and self-denial; ...reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.” We’re familiar with those words. But what do they mean?
I grew up with meatless Fridays. It’s been fashionable of late to have an alcohol-free or chocolate-free Lent. When I was in the parish, I encouraged my folk to take something on: daily prayer or Bible reading or some new habit of service. And all this has its place. But what’s the point? What are we trying to do?
The key word, I think, is “repentance,” which means “to turn.” To turn from the way of sin and death and to turn toward the love and life given us in Christ. Most of us, I suspect, would think we’re already kind of there. We attend church, we volunteer, we give of our time and money. We try to be kind and hospitable. We’re conscientious and trustworthy. What more do we need to do?
The purpose of this annual exercise called Lent is to push us deeper. Not simply to consider obvious vices and virtues, but to ask ourselves about our relationships and our behavior. How are things with our loved ones? Are there things we need to talk out? What about our anger or our envy? What about all the time we spend working and working and working? Are we enjoying the good earth God has given us? Are we caring for it? How do we engage with those who are different?
These are matters of the heart, and Lent means to open our hearts; for self-examination, to be sure, but more importantly, for turning – toward Jesus. The thing is, you see, that by virtue of our baptisms we have been joined with Christ forever. And our task in life is to grow up into Christ, to become more and more like Jesus. (Ephesians 4:14-16)
We’ll never get that entirely right, of course. The world is too much with us, and we all have our fears and our weaknesses. The human condition is to be caught between this world and God’s dream for the world.
So, maybe for many of us it’s little things: remembering to smile and to be kind; remembering to say, “I love you;” letting go of some anger or resentment; remembering to give to that cause we’re always thinking about; remembering to offer a hand to someone new at work or at school.
Or maybe it’s a big thing: seeking to heal a broken relationship with someone we’ve hurt or who’s hurt us; taking the risk of inviting someone new to church or trying a new ministry; speaking on behalf of a stranger; visiting someone in a healthcare institution or in prison; standing up for justice and reconciliation in the public square.
The question for all of us in this Lent is this: How do I turn? How do I grow up into Christ? How do I become more like Jesus? You’re in my prayers as you live through your holy Lent.
+Steve
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As Wednesday Message from the Presiding Bishop
Dear people of God in The Episcopal Church:
When God told Moses to lead the ancient Israelites out of slavery in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh stood in his way. Pharaoh wanted power and control over God’s people, and Exodus tells us that the more serious the situation got, the more hardened his heart became. Despite locusts and frogs and all manner of chaos in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh remained trapped by his view of the world, which had himself and his power at the center. He could not see that God’s imagination was far bigger and more expansive than his. He could not imagine liberation for God’s people—or for himself.
Today, in the opening collect of our Ash Wednesday service, we ask God to “create and make in us new and contrite hearts.” I think of Pharaoh’s hard heart, and sometimes my own, when I say that prayer, and never more so than this year...READ MORE
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A Reminder About Real Property and Canonical Approval
From time to time, congregations in our diocese consider listing, leasing, or selling real property. Whether driven by mission discernment, changing demographics, or financial realities, these decisions carry significant spiritual, legal, and canonical weight. Because of that, the Episcopal Church has clear requirements that must be followed before any real property is listed or sold.
Under the Canons of The Episcopal Church (Title I, Canon 7), no parish or mission may encumber, lease, or alienate real property without the written consent of the Bishop and the Standing Committee. This applies not only to accepting an offer or completing a sale, but also to listing property for sale or otherwise placing it on the market. These canons exist to protect congregations, the wider Church, and the trust placed in us to steward property for the sake of the Gospel.
In the Diocese of Western New York, this approval process happens in two phases:
First, before any real property is listed for sale, the congregation must come to the Standing Committee with Part A of the sale documentation completed. This is the request for permission to list the property. At this stage, the Standing Committee is asked to review the discernment process, the congregational approval, and the basic terms and intentions around the listing. No property may be listed prior to this approval.
Second, once an offer has been received and the congregation wishes to accept it, congregational leaders return to the Standing Committee with Part B of the documentation. This is the request for permission to accept the offer and proceed with the sale. Only after Standing Committee approval (and the Bishop’s consent) may a sale move forward.
This two-step process is not meant to slow down faithful discernment or create unnecessary hurdles. It exists to ensure transparency, good governance, and shared responsibility for decisions that affect the long-term mission of the Church in Western New York. It also protects congregations from unintended legal or financial consequences and ensures that property decisions are aligned with diocesan and churchwide canons.
If your congregation is beginning to talk about the possibility of selling or otherwise disposing of real property, please contact Canon Cathy Dempesy-Sims in the diocesan office early in the process. We are eager to walk with you through the discernment, documentation, and canonical requirements so that your leaders can move forward with clarity, confidence, and faithfulness.
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Parochial Reports Due
DEADLINE APPROACHING
The 2025 Parochial Report filing site closes on March 1, 2026, at 11:59pm EST, marking the final deadline to submit data. Please contact Maria Manocchio (716-881-0660 x118) with any questions.
The form no longer includes a workbook or separate instruction guide. Instead, helpful
guidance is embedded directly within each section of the online report.
All reports must be submitted online, but if your congregation lacks internet access, the diocese is here to assist. A PDF VERSION of the form is available. Congregations
without internet access can complete the PDF, and diocesan staff will enter the
information online for you.
Please remember that failure to file by March 1 may jeopardize your congregation's voice and voting privileges at the Diocesan Convention on October 23-24.
SUBMIT YOUR 2025 REPORT
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2026 Congregation & Delegate Information Form
DEADLINE APPROACHING
Once you have held your Annual Meeting, please remember to submit your CONGREGATION & DELEGATE FORM so that we can update your church record, contact information, and convention delegates.
The form is due by March 1.
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Ashes To Go
A number of our congregations are offering evening Ashes To Go around the Diocese today, February 18.
St. Patrick's, Cheektowaga: Prayer bags with ashes to go, 10am-7pm
St. Matthias’, East Aurora: Drive-thru parking area along Maple St, 5:15-6pm
St. Paul's, Harris Hill: Church driveway/parking lot, 4-6pm
St. David's, West Seneca: Church parking lot, 7am-6pm
Calvary, Williamsville: Church parking lot, 6am-6pm
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Parish Leadership Day
DEADLINE APPROACHING
The diocese will hold a Parish Leadership Day on March 7 at the Diocesan Ministry Center.
9-10am: Overview for new wardens and new vestry members
10am-3pm: Group presentations and breakout sessions for all parish lay leaders
As there will be multiple sessions, we recommend at least TWO members from each congregation to attend. We encourage all lay leaders to attend...warden, vestry member, treasurer, and all other lay leaders.
Lunch will be included as part of the day. Please REGISTER by March 2 so that we have an accurate count for planning purposes.
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Diocesan Grants Available
DEADLINE APPROACHING
The Spring Grant Applications are due March 1. Contact Maria Manocchio (716-881-0660 x118) with any questions.
Details for all available grants and the applications can be found on the diocesan website Grant Page, CLICK HERE.
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LGBTQ+ Task Force Invites Survey Input
Episcopalians are invited to complete a 15- to 20-minute survey offered by the Task Force on LGBTQ+ Inclusion to help the church better understand how it honors the dignity of all people and where work remains to be done.
The 80th General Convention established the task force in 2022, charging it with conducting an audit of how The Episcopal Church has lived into its public commitments affirming the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people. A survey report will be shared with the 82nd General Convention in 2027.
Members across the church—those who are LGBTQ+ and those who are not—are encouraged to share about their experiences with pastoral care, sacramental access, representation in leadership, and institutional accountability by March 15.
TAKE THE SURVEY
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February Episcopints
Join the Rev. Laurence Wainwright-Maks on February 22 at 7pm for good conversation & warm connections at Fattey Beer Co. for our monthly get-together.
Bring your questions, bring a friend, just come as you are!
View our event on FaceBook
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Calling all Fryers
During Lent, we’re excited to welcome back our WNY Fish Fry tradition!
We’d love to help you spread the word...please send us your Fish Fry flyers and they will be included at the end of our weekly newsletters thru Lent. See Below!
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Family Bowling
Strike up some fun with us at the Lanes on March 15 from 2-4pm at the Broadway Sports Center.
$10 per Bowler or $40 per Family, Includes:
- 2 Hours of Bowling
- Show Rental
- Pizza & Soda
RSVP to Wendy Schumacher
716-830-5443
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Episcopal News Service
Stay informed on everything in the wider Church by visiting and/or subscribing to the Episcopal News Service (ENS).
ENS WEBSITE
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Ordination Anniversaries
The Rev. Ann Tillman: February 21
We give you thanks, almighty and gracious God, that you have blessed us with their ministry, and we pray that they may continue to exemplify in word and deed the Gospel of your Son. Amen
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YUM Schedule
Join Wendy Schumacher for Youth United in Ministry (YUM) for these upcoming events.
For details and to participate, please contact:
Wendy Schumacher
Missioner for Youth & Children
EMAIL or 716-830-5443
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St. Andrew's', Burt
What are the most vibrant ministries or strengths of your parish today?
St. Andrew’s Community Store: offers affordable, gently used clothing and household items to local families.
Adopted family ministry: The church "adopts" three families in the community, every year, who are in need of resources. We provide the family holiday meals, gift cards to support monthly needs, school supplies, and Christmas gifts...READ MORE
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A Member’s Reflection
Hello everyone. My name is Susan Woods. I’m a members of the Bishop’s Search Committee from Good Shepherd, Buffalo and of the WNY and NWPA Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination. I was part of the Profile information gathering group. Thank you all for sharing your ideas at the Convention conversations, in the many listening sessions and through the Holy Cow survey. What we learned about us as a Dioceses has provided important information for understanding who we as a Diocese are at this point, who we want to become and what is important for us to discern in the next Bishop. I wanted to share an insight from the Holy Cow survey results....READ MORE
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Lent at the Cathedral
Ash Wednesday, February 18 at
7pm - Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with the Imposition of Ashes with hymns, organ and choir.
Lenten Bible Study
On Tuesday evenings, Dean Rebecca will lead a study on the Gospel of John. The program will be on the Cathedral Zoom Page from 7-8:30pm on 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 317, 3/24, and a final session on Easter Tuesday, 4/7. We will look at an overview of the "Fourth Gospel" while giving greater attention to the readings from the Gospel that are part of the Lenten and Holy Week Lectionary. (If you are unable to attend the Wednesday evening Center City Lent sessions in Buffalo, this will be a good alternative.) For more information, please contact Dean Rebecca.
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Lenten Study
A number of churches in the Central Erie Deanery will be coming together again this year for a joint Lenten study. This program will be in-person only (no hybrid). Gather for a simple meal at 5pm with Program and Discussion to follow from 5:30pm - 7pm.
The schedule is:
February 25: St. Philip's
March 4: St. Mark and All Saints
March 11: Trinity, Buffalo
March 18: St. Paul's Cathedral
March 25: St. John's-Grace
This year's series will be Unbound: Seeking the Freedom of God’s Love. Together, we will follow Jesus through the wilderness and into the heart of the Empire.
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Winter Concert with The Deneckes
St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Grand Island - join us for an intimate evening concert of original folk music.
The Deneckes, a celestial folk duo from Andover, NY, will offer a winter concert on February 28 at 7pm.
Reception to follow.
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Basket Raffle
St. Mark's, North Tonawanda - Join us March 1 at 1pm for a chance to win over 100 baskets, 50/50, & door prizes.
$5.00 admission includes one sheet of tickets and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the afternoon.
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Our Little Roses, Honduran Luncheon
Calvary, Williamsville & Church of the Advent, Kenmore - Join us on March 14 at Calvary to benefit the girls at Our Little Roses, Honduras.
Doors open at 11:30am for the Basket Raffle, 50/50, & Honduran sale items. Lunch begins at 1pm.
Tickets are $30 each (pre-sale only and limited to 110 tickets). Call/text or Venmo to Kathy Barton at 716-534-1498 before March 1 to reserve. Please make checks payable to: Church of the Advent, with Honduran Luncheon in the omemo line.
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Calling all Fryers
During Lent, we’re excited to welcome back our WNY Fish Fry tradition! We’d love to help you spread the word...please send us your Fish Fry flyers so we can include them in our weekly newsletters thru Lent.
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