Welcome to our new site.  As baptized members of the Catholic Church, all people are welcome to share in the liturgical, spiritual, ministerial, educational and social activities in parishes throughout our Diocese. With open doors, hearts and minds, we are extending our journey to better serve you, our brothers and sisters for we are one family united by Christ.  Here we will share with you the resources that are currently provided within our Diocese.  We will update the information monthly and hope to grow with new ministries in the future.

 DIOCESAN MINISTRIES

The Diocesan Council for Persons with Disabilities is an advisory council which communicates to the Bishop on issues and activities related to the spiritual needs of persons with disabilities and their families throughout the Diocese. Members of this council are appointed by the Bishop and consist of persons with disabilities and their advocates. Bishop Head initiated this council in 1975.  For information, contact Deacon Bill Willis at 675-5891 or WSDEACBILL@aol.com.

Catholic Charities Office of Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities assists parishes through a network of individual parish volunteer advocates to welcome and include persons with disabilities as full and participating members of the parish community. Parish advocates are appointed by pastors.  For information call Eileen Nowak at 856-4494 or eileen.nowak@ccwny.org.

The Diocesan Office of Family Life Ministries   provides support that enhances all aspects of Christian marriage and family living through diverse programs from womb to tomb.  We advocate accessibility to respond to the needs of all persons with disabilities on an individual basis.  For information, contact Deacon Tom and Gini Schultz at 847-2210 or familylife@buffalodiocese.org.

The Diocesan Office of Lifelong Faith Formation serves as a link to parish programs available for the faith formation of persons with disabilities.  It provides consultation, support and resources to catechetical leaders (DRES/CRES), parents and pastors for the inclusion of all people with special needs into spiritual formation programs.  For more information, contact  Sharon Urbaniak at 847-5514 or surbaniak@buffalodiocese.org.

The Diocesan Office of Pro-Life Activities advocates for the sacredness of all human life from conception until natural death, and responds to any threats to life.  It is their hope to build a “culture of life” that respects and protects all life particularly to the most vulnerable” the unborn, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and the terminally ill. For more information see their Diocesan website at http://www.buffalodiocese.org/prolife/index.html , or contact Director Dawn Iacono through Miriam Escalante-Secretary at 847-2205 mescalante@buffalodiocese,org

Disabilities Action Team established to increase awareness and inclusion of all individuals with disabilities within our Catholic parishes by opening doors to accessibility, opening minds through education and awareness and opening hearts to minister to the needs.  For more information, contact Sharon Urbaniak at 847-5514 or surbaniak@buffalodiocese.org.

    Click on these links for more information: