On May 28, a diocesanwide ceremony honored the teachers who hold onto their faith while passing it down to their students. Three teachers received Golden Apple Awards, while students were recognized for their character. Bishop Michael W. Fisher, along with Julie Gajewski, assistant superintendent of Academics, and Christian Riso, assistant superintendent of Government Programs for […]
Back in 2013, Anthony Vilardo attended a presentation about the permanent diaconate. At the time the now 57-year-old West Seneca resident had a very active role at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Springbrook, helping with Life Teen, Family Promise and several other ministries. His involvement, faith life and devotion to the faith earned him entrance […]
He calls himself a “revert” to the faith, someone who leaves then returns to the Catholic Church. His wife is a convert. Together they get fired up for the faith. “In 2019, prior to her being brought into the Church, I had this idea (to become a permanent deacon) and I thought I’d just share […]
Faithful? Check. Family man? Check. Quick to serve others? Check. Serving on his parish mission team, made a few people eye Michael Hahn as an ideal deacon candidate. Deacon Hahn, 56, recalls 10 years ago, someone bringing up the subject at his home parish of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Harris Hill. Catholic Diocese […]
Outside St. Joseph Cathedral, the Allentown Arts Festival was getting underway. Inside the cathedral, three men began their diaconal ministry. Bishop Michael W. Fisher called it a glorious day, as he ordained Michael Hahn, Michael Katilus and Anthony Vilardo as permanent deacons. Within the Catholic Church, deacons serve as ministers of the Word, proclaiming the […]
He has no super powers. He can’t fly. He doesn’t even have a colorful costume. But Father Baker is the newest comic book hero. OLV Charities has teamed up with Voyage Comics to produce a one-shot issue about the life of Buffalo’s own Venerable Nelson H. Baker. Catholic Diocese of Buffalo Sound Hub · June […]
He calls it his first love – the priesthood. From the time he began praying the rosary with his grandmother, Father Sebastian Aristizabal knew he wanted to dedicate his life to the service of God. The Diocese of Buffalo’s newest priest grew up in Colombia, the son of a lawyer and a coffee farmer. He […]
On June 2, Central Niagara Catholic Family of Parishes celebrated the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ with a unifying procession through Lockport’s main streets from St. John the Baptist Parish to All Saints. The overcast skies remained at bay until the last person entered All Saints Parish. The procession began […]
People came by the busload to see the man who ministered to them be ordained a priest. “I think he’s going to be an incredible gift to our diocese,” said Katherine Morhart, who got to know Father Sebastian Aristizabal during their time at Holy Trinity Parish in Dunkirk. The June 1 ordination of Father Aristizabal […]
On May 28, the Diocese of Buffalo announced a plan that would merge approximately 34 percent of the diocese’s 160 parishes. The announcement came after a comprehensive and collaborative planning process directed by the diocese’ Road to Renewal division. Following a meeting with more than 180 diocesan priests, the diocese shared the next step in […]
