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 […]
Deacon John J. Kelly, age 91, of Warsaw, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, at the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility. Born in North Tonawanda on May 2, 1932, Deacon Kelly is the a son of the late John T. and Catherine C. (Deneen) Kelly. He was raised in […]
Deacon Norman E. Foster died at his home in Snyder on Nov. 14, 2023. He was 92 years old. Born in the Southern Tier hamlet of Obi, on Nov. 19, 1930, he was the second youngest son of Cleo Foster Sr. and Gladys (Owens) Foster. Deacon Foster graduated from Portville High School in 1949 and […]
(Part one of a two part story) To say the Wenke family is faithful would be an understatement. Matthew, the father, is a permanent deacon. Daughter Nora is a contemplative nun. Their oldest son is now Father Emmanuel Wenke, OFM Conv. The fact that three members of the family were considering their vocations around the […]
They’ve been called the Magnificent Seven. The diaconate class of 2023 is comprised of men who will collaborate with the bishop and the priests in ministry to parishioners and others to spread the Word of God, calling all to conversion and holiness. The May 20 ordination saw St. Joseph Cathedral filled with family and friends […]
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 […]
