(file photo)
In a letter read to parishioners on Sunday morning, Bishop Michael W, Fisher has announced a closure date for Ascension Parish. In a decree issued by the Bishop, Ascension Parish will be extinct as of Friday, November 22, 2024.
According to the Bishop, All parish and sacramental records of the extinct Ascension Parish, St. Anthony
Parish, and Sacred Heart Parish will be preserved in the parish archives of Resurrection Parish, Batavia.
On August 27th, 2024, the presbyteral council met at the Catholic Center of the Diocese of
Buffalo.
“At this meeting, I consulted the council about the possibility of merging Ascension
Parish into Resurrection Parish, Batavia. Rev. Zielenieski pointed out that there would likely
only be three available priests (l Diocesan and 2 Mercedarians) serving in Family 12 by 2030.
Resurrection Parish was also considered to absorb the territory of other nearby parishes so as to
centralize pastoral ministry and increase efforts for evangelization. This proposal received nearly
unanimous support from the members of the Presbyteral Council present on 27 August,” stated Bishop Fisher in his letter.
Members of the FriendsofAscension on Facebook (20+) Facebook say they plan to appeal the Bishop’s decision.
“Our resolve is to not give up and an appeal will be submitted please continue to pray and support us as we work together to keep Ascension Parish open.”
In closing, Bishop Fisher stated, “Anyone who feels his or her rights have been legitimately harmed by this decree, may present a challenge by requesting its revocation or emendation to its author within ten (10) useful days from its legitimate notification.” (Given at the Chancery of the Diocese of Buffalo on this 16th day of October 2024)
We need to be closer to God now, more than ever and the catholic church denies this? You are welcome to the Presbyterian church but I would fight for your cause in a heart beat.
NO..NO..NO. This proposed merger is going to be of grave circumstance with the Catholic Church. Now notice I said Catholic Church not Catholic Faith. My Faith in God is strong and I will continue to attend mass when and where I can and continue to do for others as I always have. My Faith in the leadership of our Diocese is I feel beyond repair. They are truly only worried about covering their losses in the bankrupt and law suit against the priest. I would like them to stand before the Cross on the Altar and explain what are truly God’s Laws and what are the MAN MADE ones. I know things change as life goes on but I think the real truth and Law’s of God have gotten lost along the way