Deacon Don Weigel’s involvement with growing technologies makes him a good fit for honorary chairman of the 2011 Catholic Communication Campaign which funds media-related projects in Catholic dioceses.

There’s no doubt about it: social networking has exploded over the past few years. Millions are using platforms like Facebook, Twitter and FourSquare to communicate to their family, friends and followers about what’s going on in their lives.

It took a future saint riding on horseback into a wooded marsh in 1836 to form the second parish in the Diocese of Buffalo. St. John Neumann, then a New York City diocesan priest, was assigned to a parish founded by German settlers in an area known as North Bush. The church was a log cabin. The parish remains St. John the Baptist, now located in Kenmore.

Bishop Edward U. Kmiec was one of the major highlights of a big day in diocesan history at St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown Buffalo Saturday, as he ordained two men to the priesthood on his 75th birthday, the age at which bishops are required to submit their resignation letter to the pope.

As required by Church law, Bishop Edward U. Kmiec will submit his letter of resignation to Pope Benedict XVI on June 4, his 75th birthday, triggering a process that will ultimately lead to the Vatican announcement naming the next bishop of Buffalo, which will lead to Bishop Kmiec’s retirement.

Father Leon Biernat has proposed an innovative concept to benefit the people of Our Lady of Pompeii Parish in Lancaster – a parish sabbatical. The parish sabbatical is a detailed program in which the parish steps back to pray, reflect and plan together to enrich parish life.

The new June 2011 issue of the Western New York Catholic newspaper is now available online. In addition, check out the regular monthly photo gallery showing the sights of the Diocese of Buffalo.

 As I approach my 75th birthday on June 4, and prepare to comply with the requirement of Canon 401, §1 of the Code of Canon Law that requires bishops to submit their resignation from office to the Holy Father upon reaching that age, I have been invited to offer a reflection on the latter seven year part of my tenure of 29 years as a bishop, which has been here as Bishop of Buffalo.

On the morning of May 1, at 10 a.m. Vatican time, Pope Benedict XVI presided over the Eucharistic celebration during which Servant of God John Paul II was proclaimed Blessed. His feast day will be celebrated Oct. 22.

KENMORE — St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, located at 845 Kenmore Ave., will hold summer sports camps.