Welcome to
St. John the Baptist
168 Chestnut Street, Lockport, NY 14094
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Sacraments
BAPTISM
A Pre-Baptismal class is required for a couple’s first child. Please call the rectory to make arrangements. Sunday Baptisms after the 10:00am mass are preferred.
Godparents have the privileged role of assisting parents to nurture the child's faith from childhood though maturity. According to Canon Law (#872-874):
- A godparent must be at least sixteen years of age
- Be fully initiated into the faith (i.e. has received the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).
- He or she should lead a life of faith in harmony with the duty undertaken.
- The godparent may not be one of the parents of the child being baptized.
- One godparent is required for Baptism and a maximum of two can participate in the ritual and be recorded in the baptismal record.
- Only one Catholic godparent is required.
FIRST RECONCILIATION
Students in Grade 2 or Age 7 participate in a parish Sacramental Preparation program for First Penance / First Reconciliation. This is for students in Catholic and Public Schools. Please contact the Faith Formation Office at (716) 514-9405 for information.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Students in Grade 3 or Age 7 participate in a parish Sacramental Preparation program for First Holy Communion. This is for students in Catholic and Public Schools. Please contact the Faith Formation Office at (716) 514-9405 for information.
CONFIRMATION
Typically, 10th Graders participate in a parish Sacramental Preparation program for Confirmation. This is for students in Catholic and Public High Schools. A Community Service component is also a requirement. Please contact the Faith Formation Office at (716) 514-9405 for information.
MARRIAGE
Before a wedding is scheduled, arrangements must be made with the parish priest at least 6 months in advance. Attendance at an approved Diocesan preparation program for marriage is required.
It is imperative to call the Parish Office at (716) 433-8118 ext. 104 before making any Marriage plans.
Ministries
Altar Servers - are members of a very special group of young people in our parish who have answered God's call to ministry. As a St. John's Altar Server, you are one of the liturgical ministers of our parish and have special tasks to perform during the litugies, especially during the celebration of the Eucharist at mass. Serving at mass will involve learning some new words and terms. You will also be asked to perform some very specific duties. It is important to realize that you are serving God in helping with prayers and with the Eucharist.
Anyone who has an interest in serving as an altar server must be 10 years of age or older and entering into the 5th - 12th grade, have received First Holy Communion, know how to genuflect properly and how to make the sign of the cross. You must attend mass regularly, be a member of St. John the Baptist Church or a student at DeSales Catholic School, and have a strong desire to serve at the Altar of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. YOU must have this desire and not be serving because anyone is pressuring you.
To inquire please call 716-433-8118 ext 104 and ask for Sally Dockery, Coordinator
Lectors Ministry - A lector is appointed to read the word of God in the liturgical assembly. Accordingly, they read the lesson from sacred Scripture, except the Gospel, in the Mass and in other sacred celebrations; recite the psalms between the readings, in the absence of the cantor; presents the intentions for general intercessions when the deacon or cantor is absent; and may also direct the congregation in song. If necessary, they also assume the responsibility of instructing any of the faithful called upon to read the Scriptures in any liturgical celebration.
Anyone interested in becoming a lector should call 716-433-8118 ext 104 and ask for Elaine LaFountain, Coordinator
Eucharistic Ministers/Extraordinary Ministers - Lay people can be deputed, on either a temporary or ongoing basis, to assist the priests and deacons of the Church to distribute the Eucharist either at Mass or to the homebound. Since they are not ordained, they are not ordinary ministers of Holy Communion, but are called Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
Please inquire by calling 716-433-8118 ext 104 and ask for Angie Hahn, Coordinator.
Music Ministry - The Music Ministry brings richness to the Mass by supporting and encouraging active participation of all assembled through song and response. Music, a joyful form of prayer, gives glory to God and assists the parishioners of St. John the Baptist Church to experience Him through the power and beauty of sacred song. This ministry provides musical direction and brings together parishioners who share a passion for music.
Want to be a member? Contact 716-433-8118 ext. 104 ask for Lucy Wronski, Music Director
Ushers & Greeters Ministries - Your willingness to serve God in the capacity as an usher or greeter reflects your commitment to Christ. Your willingness to commit to a monthly schedule; to arrive on time and to be friendly and welcoming presence to those coming to worship here at St. John the Baptist Church is a further reflection of your commitment to serve this Parish. By assuring a welcoming presence and orderly seating at all Masses offered in this Parish, you enhance the beauty of the Liturgy and become an instrument through whom God may be present to those in worship.
Interested in being an Usher - Call 716-433-8118 ext. 104 ask for Pat Sullivan, Coordinator
Interested in being a Greeter - Call 716-433-8118 ext 104 and ask for Christine Sullivan, Coordinator
Legion of Mary - is the Glory of God through the intercession of Mary, under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The Legion will meet on Tuesday, July 11 & 18th, at 3PM in the Bosco Center. Please note July 25th will meet at 6:30pm in the Bosco Center.
Contact 716-433-8118 ext 104 for more information. Sara Pazik, President St.
Vincent de Paul Society - is an international voluntary organization, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor. SVdP meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month in the Central Niagara Catholic Family Service Center at 1PM. Next meeting is July 18, 2023. All are welcome. Contact 716-433-8118 ext 104 for more information. Robert "Bob" Betsch, President
Men's Ministry and Bible Study - Join this prayerful group of men as they examine, "How the Church's Social Doctrine Addresses the Issues of Our Times" by Fr. Jeffery Kirby, STD. Men's Ministry meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month in the Bosco Center at 7:00pm. Next meeting is July 18, 2023. Ken Paulin, Jr., President
Women of Faith Ministries - Is a CNCF Ministry of women who meet twice a year to read, reflect and share there lives around a spiritual text. These seminars are once a week for 6-7 weeks. Dates will be posted and shared six weeks before the start of the retreats.
Ann Schuler and Julie Kapuscinski, Co-Chairs
Rosary for Peace - Dedicated to praying for peace in our world and special prayers weekly for the devotion candle to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. This group meets every Monday at 9:30am in the Church Proper. If a funeral is scheduled the Rosary will meet in the church hall. Contact 716-433-8118 ext 104 for more information, Kevin Pothier and Beverly Nuwer Leads
Garden Club Ministries - Do you have a green thumb? If you do come join the Garden Club. Meets Friday's at 9:00am in the back parking lot near the garage doors. Anyone interested in donating to this beautification ministry please make checks out to St. John's and indicate garden on check.
Knitting Blankets for Baptisms - This ministry will create beautiful blankets for our newest members. Through their work and prayers they will share their talents and love with our future generations. Anyone interested to join please call 716-433-8118 ext 104.
The Altar & Rosary Society - strives to fulfill their spiritual needs and those of the parish. The Society promotes the Spiritual and social life of the Parish, and provides community for Catholic Women and a great service to the Lord and His Altar.
The Altar and Rosary Society is a multi-faceted Ministry centered around our common devotion to the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Mother, Mary.
The Altar & Rosary Society is a group of Parish Women dedicated to the upkeep of the altar and sacristy of the church.
Interested in Joining? Call 716-433-8118 ext 104 and ask for Christine Sullivan
Food Pantry
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.
Monetary donations are appreciated and can be made payable to St. John the Baptist Church marked Pantry on the check.
Hours of Operation - Mon. & Wed. 12noon until 3pm - Sat. 10am until 12noon
Client criteria - 1 utility bill or recent ID and age and number of all who live in the household.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Kevin Pothier at 716-433-8118 ext 104.
Our Parish Events
Our History
St. John the Baptist, the second-oldest church in the Diocese of Buffalo and the oldest Catholic community in Niagara County, is set to commemorate its remarkable 188th anniversary.
The parish's origins date back to the construction of the Erie Barge Canal, when in 1827, local Catholics came together to form a faith community. Despite facing challenges, such as limited meeting spaces, they remained steadfast in their commitment to their Catholic faith, gathering in homes, barns, and public buildings whenever visiting missionaries were present. Naming St. John the Baptist as their patron saint, the community rallied support and sought assistance from the Diocese of New York to establish a church.
By 1834, the church's walls were erected, though the roof remained unfinished. Undeterred, parishioners joyously celebrated midnight Mass under the open sky, led by their first pastor, the Rev. Charles Managan. Over the years, the church underwent several renovations and expansions, including in 1873 and 1882, alongside the construction of a parish school in 1891. In 1952, a rectory was built adjacent to the church, while in 1967, due to safety concerns, the original church was replaced with a new structure shaped like a dove.
Since its inauguration on March 1, 1970, the new church has remained a focal point for worship and community engagement. Additionally, St. John the Baptist parish has been actively involved in social outreach, serving as one of the largest social service providers in Niagara County. Notably, in 2008, St. Mary’s of Gasport merged with St. John the Baptist, further enriching the parish community, which now boasts 2,500 families united in faith and service.
St. John the Baptist, revered as a prominent figure in Christianity, holds a significant place in religious history and tradition. As a central figure in the New Testament, St. John the Baptist is known for his role as the precursor to Jesus Christ, baptizing believers in the Jordan River and proclaiming the arrival of the Messiah. His teachings emphasized repentance, spiritual purification, and the imminent arrival of God's kingdom.
In Lockport, New York, St. John the Baptist Church stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this revered saint. Founded as a community in 1827, the church has served as a spiritual hub for the local community, offering worship services, religious education, and community outreach programs. With its distinctive architecture and rich history, St. John the Baptist Church stands as a symbol of faith and tradition, welcoming parishioners and visitors alike to experience the timeless teachings of St. John the Baptist and the enduring message of hope and redemption found in Christianity.
