About St. Mary · Cattaraugus, New York
St. Mary Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish located at 36 Washington Street in the village of Cattaraugus, Cattaraugus County, western New York. The parish community was established in 1863 and is part of the Diocese of Buffalo. St. Mary is currently linked with St. Joseph Parish in nearby Gowanda, with both parishes sharing clergy and ministry. Sunday Mass is celebrated at St. Mary's in Cattaraugus, and visitors approaching the church are greeted by a pure white statue of the Blessed Mother, a feature noted in the Diocese of Buffalo's 175th Anniversary Pilgrimage Guidebook.
- Established
- 1863
- Patron
- The Blessed Virgin Mary (the parish is named 'St. Mary')
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo
Why belong here
St. Mary in Cattaraugus offers a small, longstanding Catholic community in rural western New York where families can worship in a historic church marked by a welcoming statue of the Blessed Mother. The parish is linked with St. Joseph in Gowanda, which broadens the worship and ministry opportunities available to parishioners. It participates in wider diocesan efforts including Catholic Charities of Buffalo, and it encourages members to explore vocations and the call to sainthood within an authentic, pastoral setting.
Mass times at St. Mary
Weekly Mass schedule
About St. Mary Parish, Cattaraugus
St. Mary Catholic Church is a historic Roman Catholic parish serving the village of Cattaraugus in Cattaraugus County, western New York. Located at 36 Washington Street, the parish is part of the Diocese of Buffalo and was established in 1863. It is currently linked with St. Joseph Parish in Gowanda, sharing clergy, schedules, and outreach. Visitors to the church are greeted by a pure white statue of the Blessed Mother, a feature highlighted by the Diocese of Buffalo in its pilgrimage guidebook.
- Parish established: 1863
- Diocese: Buffalo
- Linked parish: St. Joseph, Gowanda (founded 1898)
- Address: 36 Washington Street, Cattaraugus, NY 14719
- Phone: (716) 257-9351
History
St. Mary has ministered to the Cattaraugus area for more than 150 years. It was founded in 1863 during the early growth of Catholic communities across western New York. Decades later, as rural populations shifted and priest availability declined, the Diocese of Buffalo formally linked St. Mary with St. Joseph in Gowanda so the parishes could sustain regular Mass, sacraments, and ministry together. A white statue of the Blessed Mother stands at the church as a mark of Marian devotion and a welcome to all who come seeking hope.
- 1863 — parish founded in the village of Cattaraugus
- 2010s — formally linked with St. Joseph, Gowanda
- 2022 — featured in the Diocese of Buffalo 175th Anniversary Pilgrimage Guidebook
Parish Clergy and Staff
The parish is currently served by a pastoral team shared with St. Joseph in Gowanda. Public listings identify Rev. William Frankhauser as the pastoral leader (Religious Leader) of St. Mary's Church.
- Rev. William Frankhauser — pastoral leader
Mass and Service Schedule
St. Mary's Mass schedule reflects its link with St. Joseph in Gowanda. Visitors and parishioners are encouraged to confirm current times directly with the parish office, especially during inclement weather or holy seasons.
- Sunday at St. Mary's, Cattaraugus — 11:15 AM
- Saturday Vigil at St. Joseph, Gowanda — 4:30 PM
- Sunday at St. Joseph, Gowanda — 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM
Diocese and Wider Affiliations
St. Mary Parish belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, which was established in 1847 and serves the eight counties of western New York. Through the diocese the parish participates in wider Catholic life, including Catholic Charities of Buffalo, vocations promotion, and the annual diocesan pilgrimage celebrating the diocese's 175th anniversary.
- Diocese of Buffalo
- Catholic Charities of Buffalo (supporter)
- Diocese of Buffalo 175th Anniversary Pilgrimage (2022 site)
Visiting and Contact
Parishioners and visitors can reach St. Mary's through the shared parish office line and email. The white statue of the Blessed Mother at the entrance offers a visible point of welcome for anyone approaching the church for prayer or Mass.
- Phone: (716) 257-9351
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.stmaryscatt.org/
- Address: 36 Washington Street, Cattaraugus, NY 14719