Clergy are pictured participating in the milestone Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton for the Lord’s Vineyard of Catholic Parishes.

A celebration of two milestone anniversaries took place at The Lord’s Vineyard Family of Catholic Parishes, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Dunkirk, on Sunday, Sept. 14.

The founding of the first Catholic parish in Northern Chautauqua County, St. Mary Assumption Parish, occurred 175 years ago in 1850. St. Mary Parish served the needs of the Dunkirk-Fredonia Catholic families. A parish school was established in the 1850’s. St. Mary Parish continued for 125 years at the present site. Bishop Edward Head suppressed Saint Mary and Sacred Heart parishes and canonically established Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish 50 years ago on Sept. 14, 1975.

A Mass of celebration was offered Sept. 14 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church with the Most Rev. Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, presiding. Concelebrants included Rev. Robert Owczarczak, Pastor; Rev. Sebastian Aristizabal; Rev. Maximilian Avila, OFM Conv.; Rev. Daniel Fiebelkorn; Rev. Timothy Koester; Rev. Peter Santandreu; JCL; Rev. Stephen Soares; Rev. Daniel Walsh; Rev. James Walter; Rev. Joseph Walter and Rev. Mark Ward, CP. Deacon Dan Tyler was Deacon of the Word. Deacon Mike Lemieux served as Deacon of the Eucharist. Gordon “Skip” Cole was the altar server.

The following members were recognized in the procession: Oldest member: Mary Ann Begier; Newest Family: David, Nivia and Camilla Moch; Recently Confirmed: Lucas Felt, Owen Miller and Cameron Rivera; Trustee: Frank Valone accompanied by his wife, Michele; Sacristans: 10 Mass: Sandy Bain and Albert VanDette; 11:30 Spanish Mass: Raul Tardi; Lectors: Patricia Ebert and Margaret Baumgartner; Extra Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion: Saranne Karalus, Marti Webster and Nancy Renckens; Hispanic Representatives: Helen Pierce and Mirna Ortiz; Usher: William (Willie) Rivera.

Gift bearers were Edward and Kelly Schrantz and Dolly Schrantz.

Owczarczak, Pastor of The Lord’s Vineyard Family of Parishes, greeted the congregation.

Fisher offered opening remarks.

During the homily, the Bishop discussed the “divergence of things coming together.” He mentioned that a few years ago, the Diocese of Buffalo celebrated its 175th anniversary. He referred to St. Mary’s, observing, “they grew up together.” He shared that he received his call to Holy Orders in the room where St. Elizabeth Ann Seton had died. He thanked the Passionists for their service to the parish, and all other religious members who had ministered to the faith community. Sept. 14 is always celebrated as the exultation or the triumph of the cross, as well as the day that St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was canonized. He said, “it is the cross that is at the center – the core of who we are.” The Glory of God …expresses itself through the sacraments… and this church continues to reach out and to minister in a diverse way to others who may not be from here but are becoming neighbors and a part of the fabric and history of this parish. He stated that we need to remember the legacy, look back, be proud and thankful, but can’t rest on that. We need to continue to move forward as a people of faith, reaching out with hospitality. People need to know that they are loved, healed and forgiven.

Following the prayer after communion, Ward read a congratulatory letter from the Passionists Provincial office. The Passionists had staffed the church from 1861 until they returned it to the Diocese of Buffalo in 1972. The letter, written by Rev. James O’Shea, congratulated the mission church of St. Mary’s and its resiliency as a faith community.

Owczarczak read a letter from the Papal Nuncio, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, which conveyed an Apostolic blessing from Pope Leo XIV and the Pope’s spiritual closeness and paternal affection.

The Lord’s VIneyard Choir, directed by Mary Filutze, included Tom Gestwicki, Andrea Gestwicki, Virginia Miller, Jim Palmatier, Sue Nickle, Gabrielle Carr, Lucy Hurley, Michele Starwalt-Woods, Mary Dunbar and Carmela Tuttle.

Following the Mass, the priests offered a prayer service to re-dedicate the century-old grotto on the property.

A dinner catered by Matt Brunner of Bayside Catering took place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Hall in Silver Creek following the Mass. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a member of the Lord’s Vineyard Family of Catholic parishes in Northern Chautauqua County.

Edward Kolodziej, master of ceremonies and chairman of the 175th anniversary committee, welcomed the guests.

Frank Valone, trustee of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, led a toast. He was recognized for his many years of service to the church and his part in coordinating the milestones celebration. His wife Michele was also recognized for her support.

Owczarczak offered the invocation.

After the meal, Master of Ceremonies Kolodziej shared some accomplishments of several of the past priests and lay members of the parish. Rev. Peter Santandreu has become a canonical lawyer.

The Rev. Jim Walter was the last assistant pastor of St. Mary’s prior to the establishment of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton when St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart were combined in 1975, and the first assistant pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Rev. Jim Walter was honored for the lasting impact of programs that were initiated during his leadership. Youth ministry and community outreach were tenets of his tenure. He, Sam and JoAnn Mancuso, and other youth leaders worked with the young people who were recognized for Ed Argy Community Service awards for 31 consecutive years. The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Food Pantry and the Christmas Basket project are still thriving today.

Deacon Lemieux was acknowledged for his outstanding work that resulted in a beautiful liturgy and heartfelt celebration. The legacy continues. The motto is “yes, we can.”

The evening ended with a novena prayer led by Fisher.