Fr. Dennis G. Riter

You may have notice a funeral at our church last Monday afternoon and wondered who died from our parish. Actually the deceased, Charles Harris, was not a parishioner here but belonged to Friendship Baptist Church on the corner of Washington and Second St. The deceased was very well known in the community and was frequently called “Mayor of Dunkirk” for his many friendships. The family knew that the attendance would far surpass the capacity of the small Baptist Church. I gladly welcomed them to use our building as neighbors and as fellow Christians.

In a Homily last Sunday, I made brief mention of a coming initiative on the part of the Diocese of Buffalo entitled Catholics Come Home. It will consist of messages of invitation to be shown on network and cable TV Stations throughout our 8 counties during the Christmas Season. Based on the experience of various dioceses in other parts of the country, these messages on TV should bring many who have drifted away from the church back to our doors, but only if we can welcome them with a spirt of enthusiasm and generosity. It will be successful only if these “commercials” are linked with a real effort on the part of active parishioners to encourage family and friends who no longer attend church for many reasons, most often because of the busyness of life. Much more information will follow. You may look ahead at www.CatholicsComeHome.org to see for yourselves.

Sr. Louise Alf, OSF will give a presentation at the seminary on Friday, October 24, and Sat. Oct. 25. Her talks will give concrete ideas about we can prepare to welcome inactive Catholics who might be returning around Christmastime. This is in conjunction with a media campaign to be conducted soon by the Diocese of Buffalo, entitled “Catholics, Come Home!” Save the insert in today’s bulletin and seriously consider attending this conference. You may send in your own registration fee. This parish will refund $15 for those attending both conference days. Call the rectory if you are interested in car-pooling.