Weekly News & Updates

January 28, 2026

Diocesan News

From the Bishop

Dear People of God,

Included with this Newsletter is a link to the Presiding Bishop’s statement about maintaining hope in our time, particularly in relation to events unfolding in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I commend it for your prayerful reflection.

I am resistant to the notion that our time is worse or more difficult than any other time. I think every period has its difficulties, as ours certainly does. But determining which period is worst – or best – is more a reflection of our collective anxieties than anything else. Certainly those who lived through the World Wars or the Depression or Vietnam might have had such thoughts. And we know from our reading of Scripture that Jesus’ time had its own difficulties.

The truth is that, in every period, those who follow Jesus have to address the realities of the world they live in. They have to claim him as their Savior, and they have to respond to his teachings. Those teachings are clear: love God, love your neighbor, care for the weak, the poor, the sick, and the stranger, love your enemies, make peace. The statement from the Presiding Bishop is a call to follow Jesus now in our context and in whatever ways we can. And it's a call to hold on to hope, no matter what.

Not all of us will agree with Presiding Bishop Rowe. Some will think he's hyperventilating. Some will think he's not doing enough. That’s ok. There’s plenty of room for different opinions. But none of us can escape asking what Jesus would have us do. We are all pledged to follow Jesus above all else.

I also know that the same confrontations occurring in Minnesota and elsewhere may eventually come to New York State. I pray that does not happen. Whatever happens, Christ’s call to us remains, and we will strive to be faithful. I encourage conversations and prayer in your congregations about what God requires, with a willingness to listen and a heart full of compassion for those who differ.

+Steve

From Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe: Death and despair do not have the last word

Dear people of God in The Episcopal Church:

Like Jesus, we live in frightening times. His earthly ministry began, as we heard in today’s Gospel reading, when John the Baptist was imprisoned by authorities who wanted to silence his preaching and prophesying.

Jesus knew what happens when earthly powers persuade human beings to fear one another, regard one another as strangers, and believe that there is not enough to go around. In Jesus’ time, the power of these divisions motivated John’s beheading and Jesus’ own death on the cross at the hands of Roman authorities.

In our time, the deadly power of those divisions is on display on the streets of Minneapolis, in other places across the United States...READ MORE

Clergy News

There have been several transitions in the diocese so far this year.

Jack Marshall ended his tenure as the rector at St. Mark’s, Orchard Park. On Easter Sunday, St. Mark’s will welcome their new rector, The Rev. Shawn Clerkin. Shawn currently is serving St. John’s in Franklin PA as well as overseeing the regional ministry known as CORE (Churches of the Oil Region, Episcopal) in the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Please pray for St Mark’s, St John’s, CORE, Fr. Shawn (and his wife Almi) during this time of transition.

Kim Rossi also left a long-term rectorship at St. Stephen’s Episcopal and Bethany Lutheran in Olean. The faithful folks in Olean are working diligently with Cathy Dempesy-Sims (and now Bonnie Morris) of the Episcopal Diocese and Deacon Rachel Sosebee of the Upstate Lutheran Synod, ELCA in their search for a new rector/pastor. Kim and her husband Owen have moved “back home” to Batavia. Any who know Kim, know that her retirement will most likely be short-lived.

Shannon Collis concluded her service at St. Mark’s Leroy and is now available for supply work. St. Mark’s is using supply clergy in their interim period.

Also, although she has been among us for a couple of years, Kathy Lawler (who serves St. Aidan’s in Alden) has officially transferred her canonical residence to Western New York. Officially now, “Welcome Kathy!”

Effective at Diocesan Convention 2025, Jason Miller assumed his role as Dean of the Eastern Erie Deanery, succeeding Robert Harvey, who served in that role for a number of years. Thank you to Robert and Jason for their service! Also effective at convention, Barbara Price assumed her role as Dean of the Genesee Deanery, succeeding Cathy Dempesy-Sims as Cathy returned to full time work on the Bishop’s staff. The other deans are: Nicholas Evancho, Northern Region; Michael Hadaway ,Central Erie; Ann Tillman, Southern Erie; and Luke Fodor, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus deaneries. Thanks to all for serving.

Healing Circle

There is one more opportunity to attend a healing circle on Stephen McKinley Henderson & Stephen Rosenthal's film: It Is Up To Us. We encourage you to be part of one of these events!

Renovation Church

February 3 from 5-7pm

To RSVP...CLICK HERE

Parochial Reports Due

It's that time of year again...2025 Online Filing by congregations is now open and is due March 1. Please contact Maria Manocchio (716-881-0660 x118) with any questions.

Please review carefully before submitting. Reports are due ONLINE by March 1. 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 completion of the Parochial Report is required for your congregation to receive voice and vote at the Diocesan Convention on October 23-24.

SUBMIT YOUR 2025 REPORT

2026 Congregation & Delegate Information Form

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.

Ashes To Go?

Ash Wednesday is February 18, and if you are offering Ashes To Go, we want to promote it!

Please send us the location and time of your distribution by February 9, and we will list it in the February 11 Newsletter.

Parish Leadership Day

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 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 so that we have an accurate count for planning purposes.

Diocesan Grants Available

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.

Calling all Fryers

As Lent approaches, 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!

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

Episcopal News Service

Stay informed on everything in the wider Church by visiting and/or subscribing to the Episcopal News Service (ENS).

ENS WEBSITE

Lenten Meditations

Beginning on Ash Wednesday (February 18) and continuing throughout the Lenten season, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) is offering daily Lenten Meditations, inviting readers to reflect upon and deepen their spiritual practices.

This year, the organization has partnered with Sister Monica Clare—Episcopal nun, best-selling author and unlikely TikTok star —to create meditations that explore the theme of “Holy Habits.” In her meditations, Sister Monica Clare reflects on the Scripture readings for Vespers (Evening Prayer) to encourage habits that support and strengthen a life of faith.

ERD invites everyone from the Episcopal community and beyond to participate in “Holy Habits” by subscribing to daily emails, downloading resources for further study and including the meditations in community prayer, worship and gathering time.

Explore the Lenten offering: HOLY HABITS

Ordination Anniversaries

The Rev. Karen Gough: January 31

The Rev. Joanne Frake: February 2

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

Youth & Children Ministry

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

Church Profile

St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Grand Island

What are the most vibrant ministries or strengths of your parish today?

We have a blessing box food pantry and a pet food pantry that serves a large number of people around the island. We have very active mens and womens groups that do charitable work and fellowship activities throughout the year. We are well known on the island for our annual Chicken BBQ which serves more than 700 people every year...READ MORE

Congregational Events

Chili Tasting & Basket Raffle

St. Peter’s, Eggertsville - Invites you to their Chili Tasting/Sale and Basket Raffle on February 1 from Noon-2pm. All proceeds to benefit St Peters Capital Campaign!

(Park in the lot on Callodine Ave and enter through the side door)

$10 Admission Fee:

Allows you to sample all chili presentations
Tickets to vote for your favorites
Bread and refreshments provided

Basket Raffle:

$10 per sleeve of 8 tickets/ $20 for 3 sleeves
You need not be present to win

Take Out :

$10 for a quart jar OR $5 for a pint jar

Epiphany Tea & Ukraine Presentation

Trinity, Fredonia - Join us February 1 at 2pm when we will host Patrick Stokes to be the guest speaker for the 93rd annual Trinity Episcopal Church Women’s Epiphany Tea.

Mr. Stokes is a freelance photographer and a SUNY Fredonia graduate who has been a leader with several charity missions that help those in need living within the Ukraine.

Following his sharing and answering questions, guests will be invited to enjoy modern Epiphany cake, cookies, tea, coffee or hot cider.

A free-will offering will be available and any monies collected will be given to Mr. Stokes for his future missions.

Blessings of Freedom:

A Midday Prayer Service

St. James, Batavia - Join us on February 4 from Noon-12:30pm for a Community Prayer Service.

"In a world that often feels heavy and divided, we invite you to pause, breath, and give thanks for the profound gift of freedom..."

To join the Zoom option...CLICK HERE

Enter passcode: zrXG3y (when requested)

Absalom Jones Celebration at St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo - Join us for a celebration of Absalom Jones and Black History Month on February 14 at 11am. Holy Eucharist will be celebrated followed by a reception hosted by the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE), Bishop Holly Chapter.

The guest preacher for the Eucharist will be The Rev. Canon Masud Ibn Syedullah, TSSF. Born into a family with a Christian mother and a Muslim father, Father Syedullah has a keen awareness and sensitivity for racial and interfaith concerns and helping Christians understand their call to be in positive relationship with people of other faiths and to work to end the ignorance, fear, and hatred done in the name of religion that fuels so much violence and destruction in today’s world.

The service music includes a special program featuring works by African-American composers. Jaman Dunn-Danger, former Asst. Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic, professor at UB, and outstanding baritone will be our special musical guest.

A joint choir from across the Diocese is being assembled. If you are a singer, or your church choir wishes to be part of the festival choir under the direction of Jaman Dunn-Danger, please contact Patricia Hills, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir Director, as soon as possible for more information.

The Absalom Jones celebration is co-sponsored by St. Paul's Cathedral; St. Philip's Church; The Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE), Bishop Holly Chapter; and the WNY & NWPA Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination. Street parking, public parking lots, & a public parking garage under Main Place Mall (less than a block away) are available.

We hope you will join us and invite others from your community to be part of this special day!

MASS APPEAL Concert

Calvary, Williamsville - Join us for MASS APPEAL on February 15 at 4pm, directed by Roland Martin. Three complete musical settings of the Mass will include a lyrical setting by Gabriel Faure', written for female voices and organ, followed by Joseph Haydn's "Little Organ Mass", a brief setting for strings, organ, choir and soprano soloist.

The featured work on the program is a brand new setting of the Mass by Julian Allcock, a British rock bass guitarist living in Bruges, Belgium. This very innovative work is scored for chorus, baritone solo, and a small ensemble of instruments. The concert is bookended by two settings of the Gloria, the first from the 14th century, the other by the great J.S. Bach.

Come and enjoy the mass appeal of MASS APPEAL.

Shrove Tuesday Chicken & Waffles

St. Philip's, Buffalo - Join us for a Mardi Gras Party on February 17 from 5-8pm.

For $25 you can enjoy all-you-can-eat Chicken & Waffles!

Music, masks, & Mardi Gras vibes!!

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

St. John's, Wilson - Kick off the Lenten Season with a Pancake Supper offered by the Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS) Group.

Join us for a Free Will offering on February 17 from 4-6:30pm. Inside seating and takeout options available.

Pancakes, toppings, sausage, & homemade applesauce!!

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.

Lenten Fish Frys

Calling all Fryers

As Lent approaches, 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.