Memorial Day in the U.S. is a time when Americans honor U.S. combatants killed in wars. It is a day of intense nationalism with lots of flag waving accompanied with a perceived need for military strength – even superiority. But with more than 1 million Americans who have lost their lives fighting in America’s many […]
Sister Mary Elaine Hecker, a Sister of St. Mary of Namur for 63 years, died May 24, 2021. She was 81 years old. The daughter of Sheldon and Eunice Hecker, she entered the order in 1958 and made her perpetual vows in 1967. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from D’Youville College and further […]
Sister Mary Antonita Sikorski, 87, a Felician Sister for 68 years, died in Blessed Mary Angela Convent, Cheektowaga, on May 22, 2021. The former Theresa Ann was born on Aug. 3, 1933, in Syracuse to Genevieve (Wasielewski) and Anthony Sikorski. She was a member of Sacred Heart Parish and attended St. Patrick High School in Syracuse. She […]
Deacon Gregory Gaulin receives the Book of the Gospels from Bishop Michael Fisher, as the bishop ordains him to the permanent diaconate on May 22 at St. Joseph Cathedral. Photo by Dan Cappellazzo Gregory Gaulin has a unique quote when he talks about answering his call to be a deacon. “I said Yes, but God […]
Bishop Michael Fisher has made the following appointments. Msgr. Robert E. Zapfel, who had been serving as administrator of St. Benedict Parish in Eggertsville, as well as pastor of St. Leo the Great Parish in Amherst, has been appointed as pastor of St. Benedict Parish for a term of six years beginning April 27. He […]
Timothy Coughlin felt his vocation call from a young age. Back in high school the thought of serving in ordained ministry crossed his mind, but his girlfriend, whom he would marry shortly after graduating from high school, helped him realize his call was to married life. His 11 children remind him of that. “That’s the […]
Rachel’s Vineyard, a ministry of Priests for Life and the world’s largest ministry of healing after abortion, has a new look for its website. The newly designed site, launched this week, makes it even easier for visitors to find a weekend healing retreat in their area, read testimonies, obtain social media content to share, ask a […]
Bishop Michael W. Fisher blesses Deacon William Broderick Jr. during the Ordination of Deacons Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral. Photo by Dan Cappellazzo It started with a simple question. “Have you ever considered becoming a deacon?” When an already active permanent deacon asked William Broderick Jr. to consider joining the diaconate, he did so with […]
St. Francis seniors Aidan Roberts (from left), Joseph “JT” Syta and Andrew Sovinski display the Erie Niagara Scholastic Achievement Awards they received as top scholars. Photo courtesy of St. Francis High School. ATHOL SPRINGS — St. Francis High School seniors Joseph “JT” Syta, Aidan Roberts and Andrew Sovinski were honored at the 41st annual Erie […]
Bishop Michael W. Fisher blesses the class of 2021 deacons; William Broderick Jr. (from left), Timothy J. Coughlin and Gregory P. Gaulin during the Ordination of Deacons Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral. Photo by Dan Cappellazzo Three men were welcomed to the order of the permanent diaconate as Bishop Michael Fisher ordained William Broderick Jr., […]
