Breaking News

Religion

Pope to mark Holy Week ceremonies in shelter of St. Peter’s

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis will celebrate Holy Week ceremonies in the confines of Vatican City, including a Good Friday Way of the Cross service on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica instead of at Rome’s Colosseum as customary. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vatican on Friday announced that Francis will celebrate Mass for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Easter vigil and Easter Sunday — April 12 — all at the basilica’s central altar. Later Friday, the pope was set to lead a special prayer in an otherwise empty St. Peter’s Square and then deliver an ...

Pray, praise and give thanks

Only God knows how long we will continue in our presence situation. We already have faced cancelled plans, interrupted routines and the curtailing of much social interaction. At the worst we are hearing we may be dealing with the virus threat for months. Even in that time our situation is going to be fluid and may get better and worse. The changes that the coronavirus has made to our lives can truly fill us with anxiety, frustration, boredom, cabin fever, etc; whether we contract it or not. So here are some thoughts to help lift your spirits and give you encouragement in this time. In ...

Religion briefs

Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the OBSERVER is not running its weekly church listing. Churches may send announcements about their services or events to editorial@observertoday.com. Holy Trinity Church radio Mass this weekend The Reverend Dan Walsh, pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Dunkirk, will be celebrating Sunday Mass which will be aired on WDOE radio (1410 AM, 94.9 FM) this Sunday, March 22 at 8:30 a.m. As a reminder, this is not a public Mass. Public Masses at this time are not able to be celebrated, so the church will not be open for people to attend in ...

What We Believe – Fasting during Lent

So where can one get a good fish fry? The Friday night menu during Lent at restaurants includes more fish sales than other times of the year, as many give up meat on Fridays, or for all of Lent. Some may give up other indulgences during the Lenten season, but do we remember why? Or has this just become tradition? Fasting, abstaining from food, or giving up some pleasure is a method of discipline, of self-denial, but let us put this in Biblical perspective. Under the Gospel (the saving work of Jesus Christ dying on a cross for sinners and rising to new life to give forgiveness of sins ...

Chautauqua Adult Day Services: gift that keeps giving

JAMESTOWN — In October 1998, the First Baptist Church of Jamestown opened its doors to house the Present Center, the first day program for older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Loss. This was the first program of its kind in Chautauqua County and the commitment by the First ...

Religion news

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 ...