St. Mary's 153-year history as a spirit-filled, growing church reached a sad ending on August 31, 2011, as the status of our parish was reduced to that of an oratory brought about by a decree issued by Bishop Edward Kmiec of the Diocese of Buffalo. Words cannot possibly describe the sadness that crushed the parishioners of our beloved church. A prayer service held on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, focused on the mercy of God and His call to step down from the mountaintop and work to build the Kingdom of God. Through His grace, "we will fly like the eagle, we will rise again."

In the meantime, we would like our friends to know that two active appeals are still pending in Rome and we are committed to pursue them to their final conclusion.

We'll try to add information that we feel our friends would be interested in. Here are just a couple:

NUNSET BOULEVARD, presented by Lake Plains Players will be performed at delFuego Restaurant, 2990 Lockport-Olcott Road in Newfane on Saturday, October 1. Dinne rstarts at 5:30 p.m. followed by the play at 7p.m. On Sunday, October 2, dinner will be served at 12:30 p.m. and the performance at 2 p.m.. The cost is $25 per person: checks payable to Lake Plains Players. Half of the proceeds will go to St. Mary's Appeal and the other half to Habitat for Humanity. Please contact Julie Brounscheidel at (716) 434-4517 for tickets.

ST. MARY'S RENAISSANCE has scheduled two September spiritual gatherings, September 10 and 24 at 4:30 p.m. at Lockport United Church of Christ, 98 East Avenue. All are invited for an hour of music (with St. Mary's Folk Choir), scripture readings, meditation and a guest homilist. The faith community is invited to keep the spirit of St. Mary's alive during this appeal.