Diocese temporarily eases obligation for Mass

With concerns about the coronavirus and state restrictions on attendance being 250, the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo “temporarily dispenses the Catholic faithful from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days during the coronavirus threat.”

The announcement was made Friday by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, apostolic administrator of the diocese.

“Until further notice, Catholics of the Diocese of Buffalo should use their prudent judgment as to whether or not to attend Mass,” he said. “Older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and family members of such individuals should take special care in discerning the best course of action to avoid exposure to large groups of people. At this time, Mass will continue to be offered publicly as announced or scheduled, contingent on emergency governmental restrictions regarding larger gatherings.”

Free community meal today

Trinity UCC in Gowanda is having its free community meal today from 4-6 p.m. On the menu is pork and sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, applesauce and a vegetable. The church does accept free will donations. Everyone is welcome. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the meal is served at 4 p.m. The church is located at 30 Erie Ave. in Gowanda, 532-3004. The parking lot is on Erie Avenue across from church.

Church of the Living Spirit

This week’s Speaker is Judith Rochester. Church services are held every Sunday in the Assembly Hall on Cleveland Avenue in Lily Dale.

Service time is 10:30 a.m. to noon and consists of a spiritual talk, a hands-on healing, a message demonstration, music, meditation and prayer.

The public is invited to attend and there is no gate fee through June. Visit the website at www.livingspiritlilydale.org and/or the Facebook page for more information concerning church services.

Janey Wagner to speak on Justice Sunday at UUC

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Northern Chautauqua welcomes Janey Wagner as the speaker on Sunday, March 15. Today we will celebrate 80 years of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, founded in May of 1940. UUSC is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization advancing human rights together with an international community of grassroots partners and advocates. Wagner will lead us through key highlights and lessons of UUSC history as we look ahead to the next 80 years.

During worship services, children may remain with their parents, or parents may send children either to the supervised nursery or to the independent play room for children who are able to engage in unsupervised activities such as crafts and games. Both rooms are adjacent to the main room and have large windows which allow parents and children to see one another during the service.

This month, the Social Action Committee is collecting body lotion for the Silver Creek Food Pantry.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Northern Chautauqua is a liberal religious community devoted to promoting individual spiritual development, working toward peace, liberty and justice in our immediate and global communities, and providing companionship on life’s sacred journey. Our worship services are held each Sunday at 11 a.m. at 222 Temple St., Fredonia. Parking for those who need close access is located immediately behind the building. Others are asked to park in the lower lot behind the building. Call 679-7944, visit the online calendar at https://tinyurl.com/caluucnc or visit the page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/uucnc for more information.

Silver Creek Assembly of God St. Patrick’s Day dinner

The Silver Creek Assembly of God will host a St. Patrick’s Day dinner on Tuesday, March 17 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the church, located at 1385 Route 20, Silver Creek. Donations will be accepted. Dining options include eating in, or take-outs are available.

Park United Methodist Church to hold St. Patrick’s Day dinner

Park United Methodist Church in Sinclairville will hold a St. Patrick’s Day dinner on Tuesday, March 17 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Cost is $4 for children ages 4-12 and $8.50 for adults. Families are $30 per unit. Children under 4 eat free.

St. John’s swiss steak cancelled

The St. John’s United Church of Christ Swiss steak set for March 21 has been cancelled.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Gowanda community meal set

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Gowanda will host a community meal on Saturday, March 21 at the school building, 71 E. Main St., Gowanda from 4 to 6 p.m. this month’s menu is meat loaf, mashed potatoes, green bean/tomato salad and desserts. There is no charge. Donations are accepted. All are welcome.

Blessed Mary Angela to hold Stations of the Cross for Youth

Blessed Mary Angela RC Parish will hold their annual Stations of the Cross led by the youth of the parish on Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. at St. Hedwig’s Church, on the corner of Roberts Road and Doughty Street in Dunkirk. Any youth, ages pre-school to high school are invited to participate. Organizers are looking for those interested in being readers, walking the stations or just being in attendance for this special evening. For more information, call or text Lori Felt at 785-8831 or Tamara Benjamin at 467-5656. All are welcome!