JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — The COVID-19 pandemic is not stopping Catholics across Western New York from observing Holy Week this year, after churches shut down just before Easter last year.

What You Need To Know

  • The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is celebrating Holy Week
  • COVID-19 shut churches down just before Easter last year
  • All parishes are following safety protocols
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"We're constantly telling the story of Jesus. And so this Holy Week, we tell the story once again," said Father Dennis Mende, Holy Apostles Parish pastor.

Parishioners at Holy Apostles Parish in Jamestown heard part of that story again Wednesday — a story that began on Palm Sunday, continues through Good Friday, and ends on Easter Sunday

"Retelling the story invites us to be there. To be part of what unfolded during this time in Jesus' life," said Father Mende.

Last year, no one was able to be a part of that story as COVID-19 forced churches to shut down and cancel services right before Easter.

Mass has since been modified with protocols in place, as parishioners follow social safety guidelines.

"Oh, it's a homecoming this year. Kind of routine. This is what we do when we gather together in a worship space," said Father Mende.

''The most important week of our church year. It's at the heart of what we believe," said Michael Fisher, Bishop of Buffalo.

Bishop Fisher is celebrating his first Holy Week as leader of the Diocese.

GOSHGARIAN: So many people missed out on so much last year. How special is Holy Week this year, maybe more so than in year's past?

BISHOP FISHER: “In many ways, this pandemic, you might say we've been in the tomb. And we're ready to break out into joyful song and be together again as we're meant to be."

GOSHGARIAN: How meaningful is it to you to be here, and what is your message to the faithful?

BISHOP FISHER: To me, it's an incredible responsibility, but also a great joy. I hope the message to our people is that they feel a sense of stability, now having a bishop, a shepherd who has been given the responsibility and care of their souls."

Mende echoes that feeling of stability now that Bishop Fisher has settled in.

"Getting to know the Diocese, and getting to know the clergy and the people who form the Diocese. So everything is a first for him and that has its own excitement for all of us as part of the Diocese," said Father Mende.