A sunny October day seemed fitting to honor Sister Karen Klimczak, SSJ, a religious sister who dedicated her life to tending to the darkest of hearts. On what would be her 67th birthday, SS. Columba-Brigid Parish in Buffalo opened and blessed the Sister Karen Klimczak Peace Garden.
 

On Sept. 5, the U.S. Postal Service recognized Mother Teresa with a 44-cent stamp, issued at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. The USPS Western New York District presented an enlargement of the Mother Teresa stamp to Father Lawrence Damian, pastor of the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Depew during a brief ceremony at the church on Oct. 7.

Mother Teresa, a diminutive Roman Catholic nun and honorary U.S. citizen, served the sick and destitute of India and the world for nearly 50 years.

What is the future of Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Buffalo? Are Catholic elementary schools sustainable? What will Catholic schools look like in the year 2015? How do we keep our strong schools strong? How do we assist those schools that are struggling?

To answer these questions, the Department of Catholic Schools embarked on creating a five-year sustainability plan. Beginning with a diocesan overview, the department, in consultation with the Diocesan Catholic School Advisory Council, retained Meitler Consultants in February 2009, to study the “big picture” at the diocesan level. The Meitler report, “Visioning for the Future,” was distributed in November 2009. The Department of Catholic Schools is actively working in conjunction with the Principals’ Executive Council, school leaders, Diocesan Advisory Board and local school boards and councils to address the Meitler recommendations, including Catholicity, curriculum, instruction, assessment, board governance and leadership. Significant progress has been made.

Instead of hitting the books, students at Our Lady of Black Rock School in Buffalo hit the streets. The students kicked off the first day of class today (Sept. 8) with a parade around the neighborhood. New principal Martha Eadie wanted the first day of school to be full of fun festivities to introduce over 20 new students and their families to current students and staff, commencing the school year with a positive and unified spirit.

“We have such a big influx of new students, we have multicultural students, students with English as a second language. I thought it would be a good way to invite the families in on the first day, have that atmosphere of a community, and in a very unconventional way, welcome in the new year,” Mrs. Eadie said.

With cameras in hand, parents came to St. Andrew’s Country Day School today (Sept. 7) as the Kenmore elementary school opened its doors for another year of reading, ’riting and ’rithmatic. While the poparazzi and mamarazzi snapped photos, Principal Dennis Welka and St. Andrew’s pastor, Msgr. Richard Siepka, welcomed the new and returning students.

Parents admitted to be nervous and anxious for their kids, especially those starting kindergarten. Many are already familiar with the school from having attended pre-K there, so aside from attending a full five days a week, it’s not too big a change for the wee ones.  “I like the small atmosphere. I like the Catholic education. And he just enjoys being here. That helps it,” said Lucia Gullo, mother of 5-year-old Antonio.

WASHINGTON — With this 44-cent stamp, the U.S. Postal Service on Sept. 5 recognized Mother Teresa, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work. The stamp was issued during a special ceremony held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in the nation’s capital.

Noted for her compassion toward the poor and suffering, Mother Teresa, a diminutive Roman Catholic nun and honorary U.S. citizen, served the sick and destitute of India and the world for nearly 50 years.  Noted for her compassion toward the poor and suffering, Mother Teresa, a diminutive Roman Catholic nun and honorary U.S. citizen, served the sick and destitute of India and the world for nearly 50 years.

ALLEGANY — Four postulants from Holy Name Province spent their first months in the Province at St. Bonaventure University participating in the summer program of the Franciscan Institute and experiencing varied aspects of Franciscan life.

John Aherne, Father Pedro Corces, Frank Souza and Jeffrey Upshaw began their studies in late June, according to postulant director Father Ronald Pecci, OFM. The program, which focuses on the life of St. Francis and early Franciscan history, included workshops given by friars specifically for the postulants.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Mother Teresa, two Buffalo landmarks were lit in blue and white on the evening of August 26.  The colors symbolize the Missionaries of Charity, the order of women religious founded by the woman who is now being promoted for sainthood by the Vatican.

The Electric Tower is located in the heart of downtown Buffalo.	The Peace Bridge spans the Niagara River from the U.S. to Canada, connecting Buffalo to Fort Erie.

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has announced that the full text of the English-language translation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition, has been issued for the dioceses of the United States of America.

The text was approved by the Vatican, and the approval was accompanied by a June 23 letter from Cardinal Llovera Antonio Cañizares, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. The Congregation also provided guidelines for publication.