It is Holy Week for Catholics around the globe and in Buffalo.

March 7 is Good Friday, with Easter Sunday not far behind.

Spectrum News 1 spoke with Buffalo Bishop Michael Fisher and he explained why this week is so important in the Catholic religion.

Fisher says Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday represent the holiest days of the year for Catholics. He says Holy Week is at the heart of what Christians and Catholics believe. Fisher also says the Easter season represents new life and hope.

The themes are especially significant this year, given everything the city of Buffalo has gone through in the past several months.

"We've always had problems and concerns to deal with individually, in the community, in the nation, in the world, but there's always that hope of life that God's smile brings to us," said Fisher.

Catholics do not celebrate mass on Good Friday, but the diocese has organized a Veneration of the Cross at parishes across Western New York.

It's also the time of year for the annual Catholic Charities appeal. The organization has a $9.5 million goal. About half has already been raised. Bishop Fisher discussed the importance of the appeal and where the money goes.