The word on everyone’s lips was joy. And Buffalo never needed joy more than right now. The Diocese of Buffalo welcomed three new permanent deacons on May 21 during a special Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral. “My brothers and sisters, this is a joyful day; a day when we celebrate an ancient rite of ordination […]
Deacon Francis A. Zwack, who had served at St. Christopher Parish in Tonawanda before his retirement, died Nov. 25, 2021. “Deacon Frank served at St. Christopher’s parish for many years baptizing many children and being a constant presence though many changes over the years in the parish. He was also a mentor to men who […]
Father Jerome E. Kopec, former pastor of SS. Peter & Paul Parish in Williamsville, has taken on the role of episcopal vicar for clergy. This role sees him involved in many others ministries within the diocese. He works with deacons, helps plan clergy assignments, and works with the continuing formation of priests and deacons. This […]
Yvon Dimiyo and Jim Cantella, both candidates in the permanent diaconate, help with the renovations at Holy Cross Parish on Buffalo’s West Side. (Photo courtesy of the permanent diaconate) A group of deacon candidates had their first experience of hands-on ministry as they spent a day serving the people of Holy Cross Parish on Buffalo’s […]
The class of 2021 deacons; (from left) Gregory P. Gaulin, Timothy J. Coughlin and William D. Broderick Jr. stand in front of the altar during the ordination of deacons Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral. WASHINGTON (CNS) — Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, New Jersey, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on […]
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 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 […]
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., […]
James Cantella stands before Bishop Michael Fisher as he receives his lectionary. A dozen men preparing for the permanent diaconate were welcomed into the ministries of lector and acolyte at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Buffalo on March 6. On March 6, Bishop Michael Fisher joined the candidates in diaconate formation and their families […]
Last February, when the Diocese of Buffalo announced that Christ the King Seminary would be closing, some might have thought that the diaconate and lay ministry programs taught at the East Aurora institution would leave as well. That is not the case. Working with St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry in Rochester, the Diocese […]
