🪽 TOMORROW - celebrate the Feast of the Archangels with a NBVM Parish Pilgrimage to the breathtaking OLV Basilica! Join us for Mass and a tour.

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026
MASS - begins at 12:10 p.m.
TOUR - following mass at 12:45 p.m., meet at front entrance.
WHERE: 767 Ridge Rd, Lackawanna, NY 14218

The guided tour will take place in the Basilica's beautiful interior, including the Main Altar, the stained-glass windows, the radiating chapels and altars, the Grotto Shrine and Father Baker's tomb, the baptistry, and the Father Baker Museum in the lower level. Along the way, your guide will share the history of Father Baker, the story of the Shrine's construction, and the meaning behind its remarkable collection of sacred art.

Tours are free of charge. Donations are gratefully accepted and go directly toward the cost of ongoing restoration and maintenance of the Shrine.

#NBVMParishPilgrimage #OLVbasilica #feastofthearchangels

about 1 hour ago, Rebecca Kisailus
Flyer for basilica tour

🎨🙏 TONIGHT - join us for Breakthrough!

Monday, Sept. 28th - Painting & Prayer in the St. Mary's Cafeteria
Click for more info: https://tinyurl.com/ahhdj7e8

Bring a friend and come join in the fun! An opportunity for 6th graders through teens preparing for Confirmation to grow in faith through games, interactive activities, prayer, food and conversation. Build a connection between scripture and living our faith while getting to know other teens in our parish and community.

Contact St Mary's Youth Ministry for further details or with questions:
(716) 688-0599 | youthministry@togetherinchristfamily.org

#breakthrough #paintingandprayer #togetherinchristfamily

about 3 hours ago, Rebecca Kisailus
graphic for breakthrough painting & prayer activity

Join us next Sunday for Life Chain, and help build a culture that cherishes and protects the gift of human life! October is Respect Life Month, and everyone is welcome to stand and pray with us for Respect Life Sunday.

Sunday, October 4, 11 AM until 12-Noon (following 10. AM Mass)
Nativity BVM Church
4375 Harris Hill Rd, Williamsville

Please join the Respect Life Committee for a public, silent, prayerful, and peaceful stand for Life.

#respectlifemonth #october #lifechain #togetherinchristfamily #respectlifesunday

about 22 hours ago, Rebecca Kisailus
blessed mothe rwith infant Jesus
people holding signs outside a church
The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, and includes the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7) and the final apparition to the children by Our Lady of Fatima known as The Miracle of the Sun (October 13).

Our Blessed Mother when she came to us at Fatima said, “I am the Lady of the Rosary” and asked us to “pray the Rosary every day” for “the conversation of sinners” and “Peace in the world”. There is no problem too big that can’t be solved by praying the Rosary!

We are offering daily opportunities to Pray the Rosary at St. Mary’s during October:
- Weekend Masses: one 1/2 hour before the start of every Mass (i.e. 3:30 PM Rosary before 4 PM Sat. Mass)
- Weekday Mornings: 8:30 AM Monday-Friday, and before 9 AM Mass on Saturday.
- Weekday Evenings: 7 PM Monday-Friday in the chapel.

Are you willing to lead the Rosary before a weekend mass? Please click below to Sign-up, or contact Hope Chavanne at 716-633-9525 or hopemariec2@gmail.com.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054CABA72FA7FD0-58819718-october#/

#praytherosary #october #ourladyoftherosary #miracleofthesun #leadtherosary
about 24 hours ago, Rebecca Kisailus
Mary statue with rosary around neck

🥞 Join us TODAY for a PANCAKE BREAKFAST!

Sunday, September 27 | 8:30 - 11 AM
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Center

Sponsored by the Sacred Heart of Jesus Hands of Christ Ministry and benefiting Sacred Heart projects. All you can eat pancakes, sausage, fruit cup, and beverages.

Adults $9 / Kids 5-12 $5 / 4 & under Eat Free!

#pancakebreakfast #SacredHeart #HandsofChrist #allyoucaneat

1 day ago, Rebecca Kisailus
Pancakes on plate with syrup
😇 "Young people of every continent, do not be afraid to be the saints of the new millennium!" ~St. John Paul II

Grades 6 - Confirmation, this one's for you! Join us for MERCY and learn about the Saints - our heavenly family.

Thurs., Oct. 1 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church
4375 Harris Hill Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221

SCAN or CLICK HERE for more info: https://tinyurl.com/fpra7h7d

MERCY is an opportunity for 6th graders through teens preparing for Confirmation to form an interior life of faith so they may encounter Christ, understand the life of the Church, and grow as faithful Catholic disciples. Each gathering is rooted in prayer, Scripture, the Sacraments, the Saints, miracles, Church history, and the liturgical year. Gatherings are 6:30 - 8pm every first Thursday of the month in the Nativity BVM Church.

Contact Youth Ministry for further details or with questions: 716-688-0599

#mercycatholicyouth #ourheavenlyfamily #thesaints #togetherinchristfamily

2 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
Mercy flyer
👏 Thank you to all who urged Gov. Hochul to "opt in" to the new federal education scholarship program! The federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, scheduled to take effect in 2027, allows taxpayers to claim a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for qualifying cash contributions to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations. These organizations can then provide scholarships for eligible elementary and secondary education expenses, including at religious schools.

Learn more here: https://newyorkfamilies.org/2026/09/hochul-says-shell-allow-new-york-to-join-scholarship-program/
2 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
girl smiling sitting at a school desk

🎨🙏 Breakthrough: this Monday, Sept. 28th - Painting & Prayer in the St. Mary's Cafeteria!

Click for more info: https://tinyurl.com/ahhdj7e8

Bring a friend and come join in the fun! An opportunity for 6th graders through teens preparing for Confirmation to grow in faith through games, interactive activities, prayer, food and conversation. Build a connection between scripture and living our faith while getting to know other teens in our parish and community.

Contact St Mary's Youth Ministry for further details or with questions:
(716) 688-0599 | youthministry@togetherinchristfamily.org

#breakthrough #paintingandprayer #togetherinchristfamily

3 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
graphic for breakthrough painting & prayer activity

🎨🙏 Breakthrough: this Monday, Sept. 28th - Painting & Prayer in the St. Mary's Cafeteria!

Click for more info: https://tinyurl.com/ahhdj7e8

Bring a friend and come join in the fun! An opportunity for 6th graders through teens preparing for Confirmation to grow in faith through games, interactive activities, prayer, food and conversation. Build a connection between scripture and living our faith while getting to know other teens in our parish and community.

Contact St Mary's Youth Ministry for further details or with questions:
(716) 688-0599 | youthministry@togetherinchristfamily.org

#breakthrough #paintingandprayer #togetherinchristfamily

3 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
graphic for breakthrough painting & prayer activity

🥞 Join us Sunday for a PANCAKE BREAKFAST!

Sunday, September 27 | 8:30 - 11 AM
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Center

Sponsored by the Sacred Heart of Jesus Hands of Christ Ministry and benefiting Sacred Heart projects. All you can eat pancakes, sausage, fruit cup, and beverages.

Adults $9 / Kids 5-12 $5 / 4 & under Eat Free!

#pancakebreakfast #SacredHeart #HandsofChrist #allyoucaneat

3 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
Pancakes on plate with syrup
Experiencing loss of relationships, death of a loved one, divorce, or miscarriage? All are welcome.

Monday, October 5 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
St. Mary's Parish Center, Room 105

Hope & Healing Connections Grief Support Group
Share. Listen. Connect. You are not alone.

#hopeandhealingconnections #griefsupportgroup #notalone
3 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
Man hugging woman, info on grief support group
😇 "Young people of every continent, do not be afraid to be the saints of the new millennium!" ~St. John Paul II

Grades 6 - Confirmation, this one's for you! Join us for MERCY and learn about the Saints - our heavenly family.

Thurs., Oct. 1 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church
4375 Harris Hill Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221

SCAN or CLICK HERE for more info: https://tinyurl.com/fpra7h7d

MERCY is an opportunity for 6th graders through teens preparing for Confirmation to form an interior life of faith so they may encounter Christ, understand the life of the Church, and grow as faithful Catholic disciples. Each gathering is rooted in prayer, Scripture, the Sacraments, the Saints, miracles, Church history, and the liturgical year. Gatherings are 6:30 - 8pm every first Thursday of the month in the Nativity BVM Church.

Contact Youth Ministry for further details or with questions: 716-688-0599

#mercycatholicyouth #ourheavenlyfamily #thesaints #togetherinchristfamily

4 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
Mercy flyer
The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, and includes the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7) and the final apparition to the children by Our Lady of Fatima known as The Miracle of the Sun (October 13).

Our Blessed Mother when she came to us at Fatima said, “I am the Lady of the Rosary” and asked us to “pray the Rosary every day” for “the conversation of sinners” and “Peace in the world”. There is no problem too big that can’t be solved by praying the Rosary!

We are offering daily opportunities to Pray the Rosary at St. Mary’s during October:
- Weekend Masses: one 1/2 hour before the start of every Mass (i.e. 3:30 PM Rosary before 4 PM Sat. Mass)
- Weekday Mornings: 8:30 AM Monday-Friday, and before 9 AM Mass on Saturday.
- Weekday Evenings: 7 PM Monday-Friday in the chapel.

Are you willing to lead the Rosary before a weekend mass? Please click below to Sign-up, or contact Hope Chavanne at 716-633-9525 or hopemariec2@gmail.com.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054CABA72FA7FD0-58819718-october#/

#praytherosary #october #ourladyoftherosary #miracleofthesun #leadtherosary
4 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
Mary statue with rosary around neck

St. Mary's Parish Council began a new year with its first meeting on Tuesday, September 15. Parishioners are welcome to communicate with the Council using the new email address: StMaryParishCouncil@TogetherInChristFamily.org

We are pleased to present our 2026-2027 Parish Council Members:
Back row (L-R): Bob Kaminska, Patrick MacDiarmid, Glenn Gawronski
Middle row (L-R): Michaela Staskiewicz, Meghan Carver, Debbie Ramos, Marilyn Wido, Eileen Nahigian, Polly Lougen, Anne-Marie Zelazo
Front row (seated, L-R): Dennis Bastible, Joe Goergen, Al Chrzanowski, Michael Morrison
Not pictured: Stephen Sorrels

We are grateful for their service to our faith community!

#StMarysSwormville #ParishCouncil #TogetherInChristFamily


4 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
group photo of 2026-7 parish council members
Women of our Together in Christ Family of parishes, please join Daughters of Mary for a gathering on Monday, October 5, 7:00 - 8:30 PM. in Room 110/111 at St. Mary's.

We will discuss the book, "Man's Search for Meaning," by Viktor E. Frankle. This book is under 200 pages and a captivating read. If you don't have time to read, no worries - come join in the discussion on finding significance in the very act of living, in spite of all obstacles.

A sweet treat will be served. Bring a friend! To join our email list, contact Elizabeth Forman at 716-691-6554 or daughtersofmary815@gmail.com.

#daughtersofmary #bookclub #manssearchformeaning #bringafriend
5 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
Daughters of Mary book club
Experiencing loss of relationships, death of a loved one, divorce, or miscarriage? All are welcome.

Monday, October 5 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
St. Mary's Parish Center, Room 105

Hope & Healing Connections Grief Support Group
Share. Listen. Connect. You are not alone.

#hopeandhealingconnections #griefsupportgroup #notalone
6 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
Man hugging woman, info on grief support group
Another fantastic event hosted by the Catholic Parenting Initiative is coming up this week Thursday for grandparents!

This event is open to everyone, you did not need to attend the previous grandparent event. Feel free to invite along a friend, register at the link below:

❤️ cpiwny.org/events-1/building-a-community-of-faith-support/form

Building a Community of Faith & Support
A round-table discussion for Catholic Grandparents
Sep 24, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
OLV National Shrine & Basilica, 767 Ridge Rd, Lackawanna, NY 14218

#community #faith #support #CatholicGrandparents #CPI #CatholicParentingInitiative
6 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
CPI flier
October is Respect Life Month! During October we reflect deeply on the dignity and sacredness of every human life from conception to natural death. The 2026 theme is "Mary, Mother of Life," focusing on the Blessed Mother as a model for respecting life in all circumstances.

This year, Life Chain for our Together in Christ Family of Parishes will be held at Nativity BVM. Please join the Respect Life Committee for a public, silent, prayerful, and peaceful stand for Life. Everyone is welcome to stand and pray with us for Respect Life Sunday on Sunday, October 4, from 11 AM until 12-Noon (following 10. AM Mass), in front of Nativity BVM Church, on Main St./Harris Hill.

Please join us and help build a culture that cherishes and protects the gift of human life!

#respectlifemonth #october #lifechain #togetherinchristfamily #respectlifesunday
7 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
people holding signs outside a church
Blessed Mother with infant Jesus and text Respect Life Month
Life Chain description
The Respect Life Committee thanks St. Mary’s Parish for your generous donations to the recent Baby Bottle collection. We collected and distributed over $7,200 to St. Gianna’s and the Mother Teresa Home; they were very appreciative!

This great collection will support the Pro-Life efforts here in our area and provide vital material, emotional, and spiritual support to families in need during and after pregnancy. Thank you!

#prolife #respectlife #babybotlecollection #stgiannamolla #motherteresahome
7 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
baby bottle filled with change

👀 We spy some Together in Christ families! Back in August, The Catholic Parenting Initiative (CPI) hosted a Family Fun Day at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Youngstown.

Families took advantage of a bounce house, games, balloon art, scavenger hunts, live music, and delicious food, while also taking the time to engage in faith activities such as a family-focused rosary, adoration, confession, and an outdoor Mass. We can't wait until next year's CPI Family Fun Day!

Watch a video with more scenes from the day here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl-FHFu0dC8&feature=youtu.be

#CatholicParentingInitiative #familyfunday #FatimaShrine #TogetherinChristFamily

7 days ago, Rebecca Kisailus
Family learning from a performer dressed up as St. Nicholas
Little girl coloring at a table
Family posing for a picture
crowds outside visiting Fatima Shrine