There is a growing body of anecdotal evidence around the country and the world linking Eucharistic adoration – both on the parish level and on the diocesan level – to an increase in vocations.

Pope Benedict XVI’s trip to Mexico and Cuba proved to be more than a pastoral visit from the leader of the Church. 

Despite many thinking that making a retreat is on the endangered species list, retreats are still very popular and integral to religious life. Spiritual leaders such as St. Francis and St. Ignatius knew the value of taking time to step away from the normal routine of life and focus on the spiritual to get a different perspective and look at things differently.

An editorial writer in Kalamazoo goes to Mass on Sunday, receives Communion, then goes to work on Monday morning and writes an editorial applauding gay marriage. On another Monday or Tuesday some time back, a Catholic in Kalamazoo wrote an editorial supporting late-term abortion.  What’s going on here? Religious hypocrisy? Something far worse. Something that can befall any of us.

The Health and Human Services mandate being forced on Catholic employers has created a lot of confusion. It’s no wonder there is confusion because the administration has put a spin on the issue that could make people dizzy.

The theme for the National Black Catholic Congress this year is, “Faith Engaged: Empower. Equip. Evangelize.” On March 10, African-American Catholics from Buffalo gathered at SS. Columba-Brigid Parish in Buffalo for a day of reflection. 

With our Lenten journey near its conclusion, we turn our focus from fasting, abstinence and almsgiving, to Christ’s suffering on the cross for us, His resurrection and the promise of eternal life.

For over 21 years the diocese has ministered to the migrants in Orleans, Genesee and Niagara Counties. Hispanic Migrant Ministry provides such services as visiting of the migrant camps, providing Bible studies, liturgies, family visits, sacramental preparation for children and adults. Another service provided is preparing young ladies for their Quinceañera, which is a celebration of thanksgiving of 15 years of life, a passage from childhood to adolescence. 

As Catholics celebrate the season of Lent, many people escape the last grasp of cold winter weather by squeezing into their neighborhood restaurant or pub on Friday nights to indulge in a tasty fish fry. Here at the Western New York Catholic, we have spent the past two Lenten seasons visiting many of the more popular and loved restaurants to taste their fish frys, and we’ve enjoyed the experience. This year, we’re back to check out one more establishment – Vizzi’s in Kenmore.

With the stress of the attack on religious freedom to the Catholic Church, Catholics should put this Lenten season to especially good use. Catholics have faced a frustrating and troubling time with the Health and Human Services regulations on mandatory coverage of contraceptives, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs.