ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC SOCIETY
Established as St. Mary of the Assumption at Transit in 1849 by Bishop John Timon
175 Years of Discipleship Celebrated with Bishop Fisher
On August 15, 2024, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Most Reverend Michael W. Bishop presided at our St. Mary's Church (Swormville) Mass of Thanksgiving commemorating 175 years of discipleship. He was joined by 14 concelebrants, including former pastors Rev. Msgr. Vincent Becker (1985-1995) and Rev. Bryan Zielenieski (2020-2023) and past parochial vicars Rev. Robert Gebhard, Rev. Ryan Keating, and Rev. Luke Uebler, and three deacons. A full assembly took part in the celebration which included sacred music by St. Mary's combined music groups. A reception for nearly 400 people followed the Mass.
The spiritual founder of St. Mary's Parish is St. John Neumann. Usually traveling by foot, then Reverend John Neumann ministered to the northern Erie area of New York State from 1836-1840.
He administered the Holy Sacraments to a few Catholic families along "The Transit" and encouraged them to build a log cabin church in 1839. Established as St. Mary of the Assumption at Transit in 1849 by Bishop John Timon, the first Bishop of Buffalo, St. Mary's continues as a vibrant faith community of over 2400 families with more than 50 active ministries.
St. Mary School has been educating students since 1849 as well. The school enrolls students from PreK-3 year old through Grade 8 and boasts a robust STREAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), interscholastic sports for K - 8, academic excellence, and a family friendly environment. St. Mary's Faith Formation program instills the Catholic faith in hundreds of public school children and teens through a Scripture and family based program.
As St. Mary's Pastor, Rev. Tom Mahoney, wrote in his welcoming message, "It is right and good that we gather to celebrate this parish’s history, but it is also important for all of us gathered here to commit ourselves to continuing the work our ancestors began."
Photos from our 175th Anniversary Mass.
Photos from the Anniversary Reception.
This video highlights key moments throughout our parish's 175 year history:
