Most Reverend Michael W. FisherBishop of Buffalo

October 7, 2021

Dear Friends -

My warm greetings to you all. As always, I appreciate you taking a few moments out of your dayto catch-up with me in this way.

It’s hard to believe that we’re already into October and of course, the fall season is beginning tomake itself known. But this month has particular meaning for all Catholics across our countrygiven that it’s designated as “Respect Life Month.” This month-long commemoration is ultimatelynot only about what we celebrate as God’s greatest gift - the gift of life - but also an opportunityto recommit ourselves to what we’ll do in our own way to promote the dignity of each and everyperson from conception to natural death. Often, as I’m sure you know, the Catholic stand for life ismischaracterized as only concerned about the unborn. Certainly, we must do all that we can toassert the sanctity of life in its earliest stages. And at the same time, we must do all that we canto support young mothers who are faced with the daunting circumstances of unplannedpregnancies - as we do through our Mother Teresa Home. In our parish communities, we mustmake their struggles our own and, however we can, reach-out in support and offer assurance thatthey are not alone but loved and cared for.

Similarly, we must honor and respect those in advanced years, who perhaps no longer resembletheir younger, vibrant selves, when their memories were clear and sharp, and their lives active.Do we embrace their experiences and make time for them - listening to stories that we’ve likelyheard before, but in a way that will help us to see them for the unique individuals that they are? Ireflect often on my own cherished memories of my grandparents, with whom I lived for a time.They taught me so much and were always supportive when it mattered most. I carry theirmemory with me always in my heart and encourage you to also cherish your grandparents ifyou’re blessed to have them in your lives.

Let us also look for opportunities to lift up those whom we encounter unexpectedly and whostruggle greatly. We know that there are many in our communities who are hostage to addictionand mental illness which has robbed them of their dignity and their ability to direct their lives tomeaningful purpose. We should never allow ourselves to regard them as anything less thanGod’s children, loved unconditionally and possessed with sacred life and worthy of our care andconcern. Although they may have lost their way, the Lord has not abandoned them but seeks

Most Reverend Michael W. FisherBishop of Buffalo

them out through our actions of charity and those essential social programs and ministries thatoffer them hope.

And so, let us indeed celebrate life and look for any opportunity to reach out and honor thesacred gift of life of those around us, even while we urge all to respect and embrace human life inits first moments.

Finally, I look forward to celebrating All Catholic Schools Mass this coming Friday. This is such animportant time for our students, who missed so much over the past year due to the ongoingpandemic. They and their teachers, our school administrators, volunteers and indeed, theirparents, deserve our constant prayers, support and admiration. Our school officials and teachersare doing all that they can to keep our children safe - as well as themselves - and to ensure thatour students can keep them learning in the classroom where they belong.

Thanks so much for spending a few moments with me in this way. I wish you a blessed weekwith the assurance of my constant prayers, asking also that you keep me in yours. I look forwardto speaking with you again soon!

Yours sincerely in Christ,