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Super Holy Thursday at WYD2008 (Sydney)

The pope received an enthusiastic welcome to WYD2008 Up to 500,000 people including local and international pilgrims greeted Pope Benedict XVI in Sydney as his official WYD08 program began. Commencing with a formal welcome from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at Government House from 9am, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was also greeted by Governor-General Michael Jeffery, NSW Governor Marie Bashir AC CVO and Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal George Pell.

"The Holy Father has experienced a typically warm welcome to Sydney. His World Youth Day program is now well-and-truly underway," said Father Mark Podesta, WYD08 spokesperson. {read more}

Diocese announces endowment to continue Tim Russert “Making a Difference Award”

Tim Russert honored Sister Lucille Socciarelli, RSM and Father John Sturm, SJ at the “Celebrate Catholic Education” dinner in 2001. The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo today announced the creation of the Tim Russert Making a Difference Fund, an endowment created to continue the legacy of Tim Russert’s dedication to Catholic education in the diocese.

In 2001, Russert created the Sister Lucille Socciarelli/Father John Sturm Making a Difference Award, named for two of the Catholic school educators who, in Tim’s words, “had a profound impact on (my) life.” Sister Lucille taught at St. Bonaventure Catholic Elementary School in West Seneca. Father Sturm was prefect of discipline at Canisius High School.

The award has been given annually to honor outstanding Catholic elementary school teachers in the Diocese of Buffalo for their “devoted service, and the significant contribution they make to their students, their schools and the church,” Russert said during the 2008 “Celebrate Catholic Education” dinner when the award was presented.

In announcing the fund, David J. Kersten, executive director of the foundation said, “The establishment of the Tim Russert Making a Difference Fund will ensure that Tim’s mission of helping to further Catholic education in the Diocese of Buffalo will continue for generations to come.” Gifts to the fund will be used for the annual Making a Difference Award and to provide financial assistance to deserving students wishing to attend a Catholic elementary school in the Diocese of Buffalo.

“It is our hope,” Kersten continued, “to honor Tim by providing a means to support the Catholic values and heritage he credited with shaping who he became as a man, a husband, a father, a journalist and a human being.”

To give a gift to the fund in honor of Russert, for questions, or for more information, visit www.frcdb.org or contact David J. Kersten, executive director, Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, 716-847-8370.

Seminary rector to complete 12 year term

Father Siepka has led the seminary since 1996. Father Richard W. Siepka, president-rector of Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, finished his term on June 30.

“I am deeply indebted to Father Siepka for his selfless dedication to the important work of preparing men for the priesthood,” said Bishop Kmiec. “Under his leadership, the seminary has enhanced its reputation as an academic institution known for excellence in priestly, diaconal and lay formation. With a strategic plan in place as well as a strong commitment from the diocese for the future, Christ the King Seminary is well-positioned for the future.

“Father Siepka’s 12 years of leadership has helped the seminary meet the challenges of developing high-caliber theological education and spiritual formation programs.” {read more}

New York bishops issue statement on “Same-Sex Marriage”

Recently, proposals have been put forth in our state to recognize so-called “same-sex marriage,” a radical step that would remove from marriage its most basic, fundamental characteristic, thereby altering its very essence. Our Governor has ordered recognition of such unions from other states as “marriages” in New York. This redefinition defies reason. Additionally, the state Assembly last year approved a measure to permit such “marriages” here, though to date the Senate has not.

Passage of such a bill, whether the legal union is called “marriage” or “civil union” would be a destructive development for our state.

The joining of man and woman in the bond of marriage is a constant and visible reminder of God’s goodness and the beauty of the Divine plan for humankind. The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Christ himself raised marriage to the dignity of a sacrament. And, indeed, all of the world’s great religions rightfully recognize marriage as a holy union of a man and woman.

Numerous theological and religious arguments could be advanced as to why this bill should be rejected. However, this is not simply a matter of theology, and religious values are not the sole source of opposition to this plan.

Marriage always has been, is now and always will be a union of one man and one woman in an enduring bond. This is consistent with biology and natural law, and should be obvious to all, no matter what their religion, or even if they have no religion at all. It is a mutual personal gift between the two that serves the individual couple in many ways, allowing them to grow in love and, through that love, to bring forth children. (Read complete statement)

Six ordained permanent deacons

Bishop Kmiec prays over the diocese’s newest permanent deacons. On Saturday, June 7, six area men were ordained as permanent deacons in the Catholic Church. Bishop Edward U. Kmiec presided at the 10 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown Buffalo.

After years of study and both pastoral and parish ministry, Gary P. Andelora, Dennis P. Conroy, John P. Gaulin, Cornelius M. Linnan, Paul S. Stankiewicz and James J. Trzaska will join the more than 100 permanent deacons in the Diocese of Buffalo.

Permanent deacons, men who are ordained as deacons but do not continue on to the priesthood, can officiate at weddings, baptisms, funerals and wakes. They may also preach and distribute Holy Communion. Very often, permanent deacons are married with children, as are all of this year’s candidates, and have outside employment. {read more}

The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, established on April 23, 1847, comprises the westernmost counties of New York State, which include: Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, Chautauqua, Wyoming, Cattaraugus and Allegany. The Diocese covers 6,455 square miles and has a Catholic population of 702,884.

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