Renewal Snapshot!

Merry Christmas!

If you’re reading this it means you are interested in what is happening in the church. Just as Jesus is the Word made flesh to bring salvation to the world, our journey on the Road to Renewal is part of that salvation story. As church we need to be better.  

Unfortunately, our church harmed and abused people, including children. For that we can never do enough, and we can never apologize enough to those whose lives were forever changed. 

The Road to Renewal is a way forward for our church in the Diocese of Buffalo to be held to the highest standard. Renewal is working to reshape, reform, restore, grow and reinvigorate the church and make sure collaboration and accountability are a part of all we do. There are exciting things that are happening in our Diocese and many people are already noticing the positive effects of renewal.  

Learn more and share the good news! 

Here is what’s trending:  

  1. Families

    • As of today, the Diocese of Buffalo has 36 Families of Parishes (FoP) comprised of 160 parishes 
    • There are currently 114 active priests (fewer priests for 2023 than predicted) 
      • Clergy teams of priests and deacons have been formed to ensure continuity during these times of rapid change due to an aging priest population  
      • Laity are being formed and trained to assist Pastors in the leadership of our Families and in our parishes.  

  1. Renewal of Spirit: Living what it means to be authentically Catholic 

    • Alpha
      • An easy re-entry point for those who have been away from the Church 
    • Life in the Eucharist
      • A 5-week session on the richness of this Sacrament 

  1. Events – Get involved!  

    • Upcoming Conferences 
      • City Ministry Conference: “Doing More with Less: The Reality of Urban Ministry” on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at St. Stanislaus Parish Hall, Buffalo NY Featuring Keynote speaker Msgr. Ray East (link to event page) 
      • Renewal Conference: “Jesus Christ’s Mission is the Same. Our Reality is Different”  Friday, March 22, 2024 at Hilbert College, Hamburg, NY  Featuring Keynote speaker Susan Windley-Daoust, Ph.D.
      • Youth Rally: Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Villa Maria College, Cheektowaga, NY  Featuring Keynote speaker ValLimar Jansen 

    If you have questions, please click here.