Bucks for Ben's Early Bird Drawing delayed due to storm!

We were supposed to have the first early bird drawing for the Bucks for Ben's calendar drawing during the Meat Raffle on Saturday night.  

However, we have been informed that our mail has been held all week, and is still being held in Hamburg, until after the driving ban is lifted (most likely on Monday).  

So, in order for all tickets to be processed, we are going to wait until Monday after all the mail has been received so we can count the tickets postmarked through 11/21.  

Parishioners are invited to come into the school office between 7 - 9 a.m. tomorrow morning (Friday) to purchase tickets, or drop off money for tickets if they want to be included in the early bird drawing. Ms. Carol Boerema will be there between those times.  You may also call her at 930-6603 or email cboerema@saintbenedicts.com to set up an alternative time, or you may drop your money and tickets at the rectory.   

Thank you for your understanding.

Bishop Malone Mass dispensation this weekend (22/23 Nov. 2014)

Bishop Malone announces dispensation 

from Sunday Mass obligation

Bishop Richard J. Malone has granted dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation (weekend of Nov. 22-23) for Catholics living in communities hit by this week’s unprecedented snowfall.    

“It will be up to the local pastor to decide whether or not to celebrate weekend Masses in those parishes,” Bishop Malone said.  “It is my advice that parishioners living in snowbound areas use their best judgment when it comes to attending Mass.  Their safety and well-being is a priority, and they need to comply with local travel advisories.

"We pray for those who lost their lives during the storm, and offer our gratitude to highway crews, first responders and neighbors helping neighbors, whose tireless efforts have demonstrated the resilient spirit of Western New Yorkers,” Bishop Malone said. “Through Catholic Charities, Catholic Health and other Catholic institutions, the Catholic Church will continue to play an important role in serving those in need as recovery efforts continue.”

Handling Grief during the Holidays 16 Nov. 12:45pm

Handling the Holidays

16 November

12:45pm in the cafeteria

ALL WELCOME!

The holiday season is not always greeted with happy anticipation. You may be facing the realization that a loved one is no longer present to enjoy the celebrations. 

The sadness overshadowing Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years may make it difficult to carry on as usual. Grief does not go away just because the holidays arrive and, in fact, the feelings may intensify. 

Explore ways that you can make it through the season and incorporate your loved one’s memory into your holiday plans.

On November 16, after the 11:30 am Mass (12:45pm)at St. Benedict's school cafeteria, Nancy Weil will discuss handling the holidays when a loved one is no longer present to enjoy the celebrations. 

Presenter Nancy Weil serves as Director of Grief Support for the Catholic Cemeteries, Diocese of Buffalo. She has certifications as a Grief Management Specialist, Grief Services Provider and Laughter Leader. Founder of The Laugh Academy, she is the author of If Stress Doesn’t Kill You, Your Family Might.

Light refreshments will be served