“Actually, 102 people joined the parish”: Buffalo sees growth

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Many in Western New York’s Catholic community are in shock after the Diocese of Buffalo recommended the merger/closure of more than 70 churches.

Over the past two weeks, the diocese has held vicariate meetings across the region to announce its recommendations.

LEARN MORE: Here are the parishes in the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo that have been recommended to merge

Blessed Sacrament Church on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo is not on the closure list, but on a “watch list.”

WKBW

7 News Senior Reporter Eileen Buckley has learned that despite fewer people attending Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is experiencing growth.

“It’s just very enthusiastic and energetic,” remarked Blessed Sacrament parishioner Tim van Oss.

WKBW

“We hope that we will be a positive light in this darkness,” responded Michael Pitek, president of the Blessed Sacrament Parish Council.

Some of that positive light is already shining through the beautiful stained glass windows of Blessed Sacrament Church on Delaware Avenue in Elmwood Village.

WKBW

Parish council president Michael Pitek said his church was on a watch list for now.

“And this is basically to prove that we can be viable,” Pitek explained.

I met Pitek, who told me that they will have a year to return to a stable financial situation. But as many churches see declining enrollment and Mass attendance, Pitek says, over the past three years, Blessed Sacrament has experienced a growth spurt.

“Just add it back up and we actually had 102 people join the parish,” Pitek noted. “I’m not going to say we’re good, because I think every church is challenged. »

WKBW

And more importantly, Pitek tells me that about 60 percent of these new members are between 20 and 30 years old.

“We are in the village of Elmwood. we are a short walk from the medical campus. I mean Buffalo is experiencing a resurgence, so I’m really excited that our parish is starting to show, sure, it’s modest, but it’s growth versus, you know, decline,” Pitek mused.

“And the Blessed Sacrament ensures that this is a welcoming community for all generations,” commented van Oss.

“The Blessed Sacrament is a great reflection of what people do when they come together in a loving community,” van Oss describes.

WKBW

Tim van Oss, 32, tells me that he has spent his entire life in the Blessed Sacrament and today, as a young adult, remains a devoted Catholic. According to him, the Blessed Sacrament has the right formula for involving young people.

“The fact that Catholic, with a lowercase ‘c’ means universal, we should really embrace that towards everyone, and I think that’s where the Blessed Sacrament really finds a tone in our community. I think that We are very welcoming and our hearts are open to all people from all backgrounds,” van Oss said.

The church even created “The Hangout,” events for young adults ages 21-39.

WKBW

van Oss said he believes the Blessed Sacrament has the right formula for attracting younger generations to church.

“Eileen, I think the Blessed Sacrament has the right formula to involve young people because we are enthusiastic. I think we all enjoy each other’s company. We come from a very diverse group of people from all walks of life,” commented van Oss.

Pitek says now that the diocese has announced potential closures, some may be looking for a new church, and he will be ready.

“So we have to be ready to welcome these buyers, and not pretend, but we have to open our doors and be warm and welcoming,” Pitek said.