February 8, 2006

Oblates complete service at St. Rose of Lima Parish

A diocesan priest will soon be assigned as pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish in North Buffalo as the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate leave the parish. The Oblates also serve two other parishes in Buffalo: Holy Angels and Annunciation. That service will continue at the request of Bishop Edward U. Kmiec.

Father Harry Winter, OMI, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish, and Father Martin Walsh, OMI, parish parochial vicar, will leave St. Rose on July 15 for other assignments.

Since 1998, the Oblates have staffed St. Rose of Lima, a parish of 838 families. The parish is well known for its commitment to Catholic education. St. Rose of Lima Catholic School will celebrate 80 years of Catholic education this year. During Catholic Schools Week, the school presented WGRZ-TV weathercaster Kevin O’Connell with its first Distinguished Alumnus award. Registration for the 2006-07 school years begins February 13.

St. Rose of Lima hosts the monthly diocesan Mass for Life, followed by walks to a nearby abortion clinic where there is silent prayer for life. The parish is also home to many other ministries.

Bishop Kmiec thanked the Oblates for “Faithful and effective priestly ministry that they have provided to the people of St. Rose of Lima Parish. I am profoundly grateful for all that the Oblates have done in their pastoral care and concern for the people of the diocese.”

When the Oblates leave St. Rose of Lima Parish this summer, the parish will return to the control of the Diocese of Buffalo. In the coming months, a diocesan priest will be named as the new pastor.

“It has been a special privilege to work with the wonderful faith community of St. Rose,” Father Winter said. “We are proud to have served here and prouder still that the Oblates and the diocese feel the parish is vital and energetic and no longer needs the services of a missionary focused order of priests. The parishioners are active and faith-filled, and should take pride in all they have done and continue to do to make St. Rose such a special, vibrant, welcoming parish.

“We look forward to continuing to bring Christ’s message to the faithful Holy Angels and Annunciation Parishes.”

In a statement to the parish community, the St. Rose of Lima Parish Council thanked the Oblates for their service. “We wish to express our deepest thanks to Father Winter and Father Walsh for their insight, wisdom and support. We pray for their happiness and wellness in their future assignments.”

The Oblates will continue to serve Holy Angels Parish on Porter Avenue in Buffalo. More than 4,000 Oblate priests and brothers serve in 68 countries on every continent. In the United States, they minister in 19 states and the District of Columbia. The Oblates are committed to carrying the Gospel to others, with special preference for the poor and those on the margins of society.

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Note: St. Rose of Lima Parish is located at 500 Parker Avenue, Buffalo, 14216.