ROAD TO RENEWAL

Some weeks ago, an article appeared in the Buffalo News introducing a new initiative being undertaken by the Diocese of Buffalo to strengthen the presence of the Church and its mission across Western New York. This new endeavor is called Road to Renewal.

Over the course of several years, the population of Western New Yorkers has dwindled and so has the number of Catholics. The Pandemic has shown that we need to strengthen the mission of the church in Western New York by working together on a common goal and common mission

This was begun by Bishop Scharfenberger when he was the Apostolic Administrator and has been accepted by Bishop Fisher as a way forward. The Road to Renewal is meant to bring together the many talents and treasures of our parishes to create a more vibrant church.

The groundwork is continuing and will continue into the near future. The “Family of Parishes” model was introduced as a way to help us work together in the future to provide for a faith life of the people of the Diocese of Buffalo. A draft proposal has been put together to further discussion and seek input from lay parish leaders, school principals and educators, priests and deacons and anyone who his vital to our parishes.

Over the next several months further discussion will take place about the implications for the “Family of Parishes” model so that it may develop to meet the needs of our parishes and schools to build a stronger future.