Reminder to Golfers & Wine/Bourbon Aficionados: Registration is still open for the Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament on May 19! Don't golf? Just come for wine/bourbon tasting and dinner for $75. For registration and sponsorship information: https://www.kofc17530.org/category/charity-gifts
🌸🌼🌺 Warmer weather is here, & so is the St. Mary School HSA's Annual Flower Sale in conjunction with Weeks Nursery! Support St. Mary School & beautify your home & garden at the same time - floral vouchers also make great Mother's Day Gifts! Click the link below to purchase: stmaryschoolswormville.org/flowers
The Easter Vigil for our Together in Christ Catholic Family will be celebrated at St. Mary's on Saturday, April 19 at 7:00 PM, in our main church.
What Happens at the Easter Vigil?
The Easter Vigil is not the same as Saturday evening Mass. The Vigil is the longest liturgy of the year, lasting around 2.5 hours. It consists of four main parts:
The Service of Light - we welcome the light of Christ as the fire is blessed and the lighted Easter Candle is carried through the church.
The Liturgy of the Word - we listen to Scripture readings as if sitting around a campfire delighting in some of our family’s favorite stories.
The Liturgy of Baptism - we recall our own baptism as the new members are welcomed into the Church and receive the Sacraments of Initiation.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist - we offer ourselves with Christ who gave himself up to death but was raised to life.
Bells, Bells, Bells - When the Gloria is sung at the Easter Vigil it is tradition to ring bells. All who are attending the Vigil are invited to bring a bell from home and join in the ringing.
All are invited to join us for Easter Sunday Mass at St. Mary's, located at 6919 Transit Rd, Swormville (East Amherst):
7:30, 9:00, & 11:00 AM - Church
9:00 AM - Chapel
Holy Saturday at St. Mary's Chapel, Swormville:
Morning Prayer at 9 AM
Blessing of Baskets at Noon
At ST. MARY'S on Good Friday:
9 AM - Morning Prayer-chapel
Noon - Stations of the Cross - church
7 PM - Seven Last Words of Christ - church
At NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Harris Hill) on Good Friday:
3 PM - Celebration of the Lord's Passion
At ST. MARY'S on Good Friday:
9 AM - Morning Prayer-chapel
Noon - Stations of the Cross - church
7 PM - Seven Last Words of Christ - church
At NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Harris Hill) on Good Friday:
3 PM - Celebration of the Lord's Passion
John 13:12
So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?"
Our Family of Parishes will celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper at Our Lady of Peace Church at 7 PM tonight.
Reminders: Tonight's Mass of the Lord's Supper takes place at Our Lady of Peace at 7 PM. St. Mary's chapel will be open from 8:30 PM - 11 PM tonight (Thursday) for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Repose. Friday's 3 PM Celebration of the Lord's Passion is at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Harris Hill).
Deacon Tom Friedman assisted Fr. Peter in blessing of our palms at Palm Sunday Mass.
Have you made your reservation for the Friendship Supper yet? What will you bring to share? You can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054CABA72FA7FD0-55768391-2025#/ Reservations due by Monday, April 14.
Have you or someone you know longed for an outdoor wedding but want to be sure that it is a sacramental wedding blessed by the Church? Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine in Bowmansville has a consecrated altar in its grotto at which Holy Mass may be celebrated. Call Sacred Heart of Jesus' parish office, M-W-F, 9 AM-12 PM/1 PM - 3 PM, for details: (716) 683-2375.
Attention Adults 18 yrs.+:
For the past three years, we have participated as a faith community in an adult, co-ed, slow pitch softball league through the Buffalo Diocese. This family fun activity is a great way to play softball through the summer months and meet others of all levels of talent. Games are held once a week on Sundays from May - July.
Our team will need a new leader to "coach" this year. It truly a fun experience and a nice way for families with adult children to enjoy the game together. If you have questions about playing or are interested in leading the team as coach, please contact the Catholic Education office at (716)688-0599.
Thank you to the numerous volunteers that helped before, during, and after Saturday's Auction Gala! We could not do it without you! This year we had recent SMS Alumni from the classes of 2024, 2023, and 2022 pitch in as well as from the classes of 1973, 1975, and 2009! Can you spot the Alumni?
💜🌼💚 We're still reveling in all the fun we had Sat. at the Spring for Success Auction Gala! THANK YOU to our donors, volunteers & generous bidders for ensuring the continuation of vital Catholic education programs at St. Mary's. Click for photos: https://tinyurl.com/2c9frcjs
The Parish Office will be closed today, Monday, 4/7, until 1 PM so that staff may attend a Lenten retreat.
Did you win a Silent Auction item?
A great summary of the names we use when referring to Holy Mass. https://www.churchpop.com/11-holy-names-for-the-mass-every-catholic-needs-to-know/
Congratulations Spring for Success Auction Winners and thank you for your support!
