“The right thing to do...’
Diocese and Chapter 11 legal committee for the abused reach settlement
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happened or for any neglect in dealing with it. This is why the final settlement will include commitments meant to strengthen our safe environment protocols to further ensure the past does not repeat itself.”
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors announced on July 27 that they have reached a settlement agreement in the chapter 11 case filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of New York on June 19, 2020. The settlement will provide payment in the amount of $100 million dollars to all survivors of sexual abuse for acts perpetrated against them by clergy, religious, lay employees and volunteers. That amount will be raised through a $50 million contribution from the Diocese, along with a $45-million total contribution from 119 parishes that are part of the diocesan structure. The remaining $5 million will be contributed by other diocesan entities. Because only unrestricted funds can be used to fund the contributions to the settlement, restricted gifts to parishes and other entities, and contributions to the Annual Hope Appeal campaign cannot be used to fund the settlement.
Last one is reversed type
The settlement calls for unrestricted funds to be contributed to the Victims’ Trust which will in turn be used to settle 387 unique claims filed when both the Child Victims Act and the Adult Survivors Act took effect in New York State. These Acts allowed claims of abuse to be filed regardless of any statute of limitations. Child Victims Act claims could be filed through April 15, 2021 and Adult Survivor Act claims though January 17, 2023 naming the diocese, parishes and other Catholic entities.
Bishop Lucia announced that the Diocese had entered Chapter 11 reorganization on June 19, 2020 in order to resolve claims in a fair and equitable manner. If the diocese had not filed for Chapter 11, cases would have proceeded in the courts and the first few would receive the funds available, leaving other claimants with little or nothing for their claims. To date, legal costs incurred by the diocese total nearly $11 million.
“I can tell you as shocking as the settlement amount may seem to leaders of our own parishes and other Catholic entities, more appalling and heart-rending to me is the pain and mistreatment experienced by the survivors of Child and Adult Sexual Abuse at the hands of those they thought they could trust,” writes Bishop Douglas J. Lucia in his Letter to the Faithful, also issued on July 27th. “As the present leader of the Roman Catholic Church of Syracuse, I cannot apologize enough for the abuse which
With this settlement, the Diocese, its parishes and other Catholic entities are protected through a channeling injunction against any further liability. This settlement does not include a contribution from any of the six insurance companies that provided coverage to the Diocese. The Diocese and the Committee will continue to work to negotiate with the insurance carriers with the goal of achieving a global settlement.
In addition to the ‘Letter to the Faithful from Bishop Lucia’, a group of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) also follows in this edition.

Carrying the light of Christ
Letter to the faithful
7
3 St. Lucy’s celebrates 150 years
10
They’re back! the Men in Black
August 3, 2023 | The official newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, N.Y. | www.thecatholicsun.com Bishop Lucia breathes on the Sacred Chrism, invoking the Holy Spirit, during the Chrism Mass, April 2023. Sun photo l Chuck WainwrightvChapter 11 Bankruptcy Update | Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What was announced on July 27, 2023?
A1. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in our Chapter 11 reorganization have reached an agreement on the contribution to be made by the Catholic Family which includes the Diocese of Syracuse, its parishes and other Catholic entities to the Victims’ Trust Fund. Both the Diocesan Finance Council and the College of Consultors have given their assent to this action. The amount of the contribution will be $100 million.
Q2. Who would fund the settlement of these claims?
A2. Under the agreement to establish the Victims’ Trust, the Catholic Family contribution consists of the Diocese of Syracuse, which will contribute $50 million. Collectively, parishes will contribute $45 million. The remaining $5 million will come from other diocesan entities.
Q3. How much will the insurance carriers pay toward settlement of claims?
A3. Insurance companies have yet to reach an agreement with the Creditors Committee. As we recently completed our third year of mediation, the assigned mediator in the case did not include insurance carriers in this proposal, as they have yet to agree on coverage issues with the Creditors Committee. The mediator’s priority was to reach a settlement with the Diocese and its entities first and then pursue insurers. The agreement does specify that both parties, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors and the Catholic Family, will explore a resolution in claims involving insurance.
Q4. Why weren’t insurance companies included in this agreement?
A4. Spending additional time in mediation would only add to the mounting legal expenses and possibly expose the Diocese and its entities to further legal action. To date, the Diocese has paid nearly $11 million in legal expenses.
Q5. Why did the Diocese file for Reorganization under Chapter 11?
A5. The Diocese believed that filing Chapter 11 was the fairest approach for the survivors and most viable for the Diocese to continue the work of the Church. As we have seen in other dioceses, long term litigation costs and settlements or jury awards to those filing first would have far exceeded the resources which the Diocese has or could obtain to settle or litigate these claims and bring relief to victims/survivors. By filing for reorganization under Chapter 11, it will ensure that all victims/survivors will receive a settlement.
Q6. If it was the Diocese who filed Chapter 11, why are parishes and related Catholic entities part of the settlement?
A6. Parishes were not part of the Chapter 11 filing in June 2020 but were invited to participate in contributions to the Victims’ Trust. 81 parishes and 21 other diocesan entities have claims made against them in individual lawsuits and bear substantial risk of direct liability to claimants in individual court actions. By contributing to the Victims’ Trust, each parish and related entity will now be protected for claims that may have occurred up to June 19, 2020 through what is known as a channeling injunction.
Q7. My parish did not have any claims against it. Why should we and other similar entities have to participate?
A7. As a Catholic family, it is our moral obligation to provide reparation and share a role in bringing healing and reconciliation to the survivors. As in 1 Corinthians 12:26, if one part of the body suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if a part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it. Additionally, by contributing, each entity is protected from any claims of abuse that may have occurred up to June 19, 2020 that may be filed if another legal window is opened in NYS. Sixteen states are already looking to entirely do away with the civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse.
Q8. Why is the Diocese of Rochester Catholic family contribution lower than the Diocese of Syracuse?
A8. The Diocese of Rochester who settled for $55 million had a unique situation with one of their major insurers. The insurance company denied all coverage of all CVA claims. This provided a strategy for their Creditors Committee in which the Diocese of Rochester agreed to 38 stipulated judgements in amounts up to $7.5 million per stipulation in cases where the coverage was denied. If the insurance company loses on its defense coverage, it could be required to pay $285 million just for those claims. This arrangement resulted in a lower contribution from the Rochester Catholic family. The Diocese of Syracuse does not have any insurer who denied coverage of claims. Instead, insurers issued a reservation of rights.
Q9. Will this end the actions and costs associated with this case?
A9. No, but it does end the process for parishes and other Catholic entities. The Diocese will continue working with the Creditors Committee and the mediator to pursue the insurance contribution.
Letter to the faithful
July 27, 2023

Dear Diocesan Family,
Peace be with you! Today, I write to announce that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in our Chapter 11 case for reorganization have come to an agreement concerning the contribution to be made by the Diocese of Syracuse, including its parishes and entities to the Victims’ Trust Fund. Both the Diocesan Finance Council and the College of Consultors have given their assent to this action. The amount of the contribution will be $100,000,000.
I can tell you as shocking as the settlement amount may seem to leaders of our own parishes and other Catholic entities, more appalling and heart-rending to me is the pain and mistreatment experienced by the survivors of child and adult sexual abuse at the hands of those they thought they could trust. As the present leader of the Roman Catholic Church of Syracuse, I cannot apologize enough for the abuse which happened or for any neglect in dealing with it. This is why the final settlement will include commitments meant to strengthen our safe environment protocols to further ensure the past does not repeat itself.
I ask you not to lose sight that what we are doing is the right thing to do! The reason I initiated these proceedings a little over three years ago was so the Diocese of Syracuse could be


responsible for reparation in a fair and equitable manner to those individuals who had been harmed through sexual abuse by members of our diocesan family. Together the Catholic family – the diocese, parishes, schools, and other entities – share a role in bringing healing and reconciliation to survivors of abuse and all those affected by the abuse crisis. It is hoped that acknowledgement of the grave breach of trust and the suffering it has brought will help these men and women – our brothers and sisters in Christ – to find some comfort and solace in the midst of the painful cross they carry, and that they do not walk this way alone!
Parishes and other Catholic entities have been invited to contribute to the Victims’ Trust – as they have been individually named in lawsuits, placing them at substantial risk of direct liability in State Court actions. The litigation cost, settlements or jury awards would far exceed the resources available. By contributing to the Victims’ Trust, parishes and other entities will have their individual claims settled in the same way as the diocese through a “channeling injunction.” Thus, all claims will be settled from the same fund.
The one thing I continue to struggle with myself is the “scandal” of it all. Besides the moral depravity of the abuse itself, I grapple also with what the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines as:
5 a: discredit brought upon religion by unseemly conduct in a religious person.
b: conduct that causes or encourages a lapse of faith or of religious obedience in another.
I am most heartily sorry for the lay faithful and clergy – who on their own faith journeys have been so offended and harmed by the breach of trust and detrimental behavior of their coreligionists – and who, too, have had to endure suspicion and ridicule for being a Catholic believer. I can say honestly that my own faith has been shaken and tested by the abuse scandal.
It is for this reason that I have asked that the Orations (Prayers) of all Masses celebrated in observance of the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 29 & 30) be those “For the Forgiveness of Sins” and that Violet/Purple vestments be worn. In our prayer, on this weekend, we ask pardon for sins of commission and omission, as we pray for all victims and survivors of sexual abuse and those who have been scarred mentally, emotionally, and spiritually by these heinous actions. In charity, we must not forget the perpetrators of such harmful behavior and pray for their own healing, conversion, and amendment.
In the Preface of Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation #1, the Church prays: “Even now you set before your people a time of grace and reconciliation, and, as they turn back to you in spirit, you grant them hope in Christ Jesus and a desire to be of service to all…” The hope these words contain will be found in the Church’s liturgy for the first Sunday of
Carrying the light of Christ
August (August 5 & 6) dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Lord.
This event takes place in the shadow of the scandal of the cross inviting us to listen to the Father’s beloved Son who seeks to lead us through the valley of the shadow of death to the garden of the Resurrection. For those disciples willing to follow Jesus, it will involve a journey full of ups and downs – yet accompanied by the Good News of Jesus Christ – and words filled with light, comfort, encouragement, hope, forgiveness, mercy, and power! It is in this moment that all of us together can encounter again the power of Jesus’ name for our lives.
I understand that you may have further questions. Accompanying this letter is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that hopefully will provide you with some answers and clarifications. In the coming days, your pastoral leaders and the Finance Council will meet to discuss your parish’s involvement in the Victim Trust.
Let us continue to hold each other in prayer, remaining steadfast in our resolve to help all survivors of abuse with the burden they carry and to build a new Church.
In the Name of Jesus,
Q10. What is being done to help ensure this doesn’t happen again?
A10. The Diocese of Syracuse has a comprehensive safe environment program consisting of the Diocesan Child and Youth Protection Policy, the Diocesan Code of Conduct, criminal background checks and required child sexual abuse prevention training for clergy, religious, employees and those volunteers whose ministry brings them in direct contact with minors and vulnerable adults. Take a moment and visit the diocesan website at www.syrdio.org and click on Safe Environment to review all of its components.
Q11. What impact will this agreement have on Hope Appeal funds?
A11. None. Hope Appeal contributions can only be used for the ministries supported by the Hope Appeal. Hope Appeal contributions are considered donor restricted funds. Only unrestricted funds may be used to form the Victims’ Trust. The Hope Appeal will kick off the weekend of September 9-10, 2023.
Q12. Will the Diocese close any parishes or sell parish property as a result of this Settlement?
A12. The Diocese has been in a process of pastoral planning for over two decades. Parishes have linked, merged or closed due to the declining number of clergy, changing demographics and participation. The number of unused or underused buildings has increased. Parishes may choose to sell property that is not being used as a matter of sound fiscal management.
Q13. How do I ensure that my gift and/or planned gift to the Diocese is not used to pay settlements?
A13. Restricted gifts can only be used for the purpose for which they were given. Speak to your attorney, estate planner or the Diocesan Foundation Office about how to make a restricted gift to the Diocese.
Q14. Will the Diocese need to reduce its workforce as a result of this settlement?
A14. It is not our desire nor in our current plan to reduce our workforce. Ongoing financial realities, which were also impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic and financial market downturn, have required some personnel changes while still trying to maintain the same level of support to our parishes and related Catholic entities. These challenges and efforts will continue.
Q15. Will this settlement impact the benefit recipients of The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, NY Pension Plan?
A15. Participants in The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, NY Pension Plan will continue to receive their benefit payments.
Q16. When will the contributions need to be paid?
A16. It is anticipated that the earliest the contributions will need to be paid is March 2024.
Q17. What happens next?
A17. This is a critical step toward moving towards emerging with a plan for Reorganization. The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors and the Diocese will continue to pursue a resolution in claims involving the insurance companies.
Most Rev. Douglas J. Lucia President
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129 years of worship: St. Ann Triduum is part of the fabric of Syracuse parish
By Dc. Tom Cuskey EditorThis is a tradition that has withstood the test of time at St. Vincent de Paul Church on Syracuse’s East side. Through challenges: two World Wars, the Great Depression and the Covid pandemic. Through many good times and fond memories as well.
Each year, for 129 years, the people come to attend the St. Ann Triduum, three days of prayer, worship and celebration honoring the mother of Mary, our Blessed Mother.
Why?
“People are hungry spiritually and they connect with the Spirit through the Triduum,’ says Father Severine Yagaza, pastor of St Vincent de Paul and Blessed Sacrament Churches. “They embrace the spirituality of the mother of Mary who gave of herself totally.”
Bishop Douglas J. Lucia presided on the first evening, July 24, and a Mass
of Healing was offered on the second evening, celebrated by Fr. Amedeo Guida. The third night -- always July 26, the Feast of St. Ann -- is a Mass and Rosary procession. Fr. Stephen Wirkes was celebrant.


Parishioner Ann Gorton has coordinated the liturgical event the past several years, and she points out that the three days are part of something bigger. “There is a novena of nine days to St. Ann, and it’s in honor of what St. Ann did for Mary, the mother of Jesus,” she adds. “She is the patron saint of grandmothers, and we have a lot of grandmothers here!”
Lucianna, a grandmother and greatgrandmother, had a front pew seat, along with a couple of other grandmother friends. “We are devoted to St. Anne,” she told us. She and her friend Anna have been attending the Triduum for the past 20 years. Anna shared that she “loves this devotion so much, we all look forward to it every year.”
This year they were joined by a newbie
to the event, Patty, who attended the Tuesday healing Mass and came back for the last evening seeking more of the graces of the liturgy. “I need a lot of help from her for my little ones, Patty said,


speaking of St. Ann.
The trio will be back next year, along with many others. One can put the 130th observance of the Triduum on their 2024 calendar now, July 24 through 26, 2024.
(Top) Devotion on the concluding evening includes recitation of the Rosary during a procession through and around the church. (right) St. Ann is the patron saint of grandmothers, and more than a few were in attendance for the last evening.
Retirement Fund for Religious
Elderly religious need your help. Like those pictured, nearly 25,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests have devoted their lives to prayer and ministry—educating the young, tending the sick, aiding the needy and more. Yet years of serving for little or no pay have left a profound shortage in retirement savings. Your support of the Retirement Fund for Religious helps furnish care, medicine and other necessities. Please give generously.

Please donate at your local parish August 12–13,or by mail at: National Religious Retirement Office/SYR 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194


Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.
retiredreligious.org
‘All are Welcome’
St. Lucy’s Church Celebrates 150 Years of Service to the Diocese




“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.” This inscription, written by American poet and essayist Emma Lazarus, welcomes immigrants from across the globe to America. It is the guiding principle that St. Lucy’s Church on the near westside of Syracuse has practiced for 150 years.
For 32 years, Father Jim Mathews has been at the helm – welcoming people of all nationalities, economic backgrounds and faiths. He said it’s the people that make the parish unique. “Our liturgies are outstanding and are spirit-filled,” said Father Jim. “The congregation is empowered to take an active role in the ministry.”
Parishioner Craig Polhamus said that the church’s members come from every walk of life, every economic level, every color, shape, size and gender, and from all parts of Central New York. Polhamus, a congregant for 30 years, manages the technical aspects of providing Mass via Zoom. “People participate in the virtual Mass from many locations including Brooklyn, Washington DC, Florida, Kansas, and even England and Ukraine,” he said.
On Sunday, July 16, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia celebrated Mass at St. Lucy’s, joining the energetic, joyful congregation to commemorate the 150 years the parish has served the community. In referring to the book written for the Centennial, Bishop Lucia said that the parish is an example of what the Lucian people have been and will be – strong in the faith of Jesus
Christ, a source of healing of bodies and hearts, having compassion for the poor, and as a source of light to all.
Parishioner Mary Beth Horsington said it is those characteristics mentioned by the Bishop that drew her to the parish. “I visited the church about ten years ago because even though it was Catholic, I heard it was very openminded and welcoming. One visit changed my life.” Horsington said that at St. Lucy’s, she feels the presence of a loving and accepting God with a focus on community service and outreach to the poor and downtrodden. ”We are truly all God’s children at St. Lucy’s –each of us are valued and celebrated,” she said.
“In my opinion, this church has the highest per capita of movers and shakers in the Syracuse community and we enrich each other as we walk along our individual and shared spiritual paths,” added Polhamus. “We are enriched and empowered by the unique perspectives and engaging reflections of the laity.”
Pastoral Associate Sister Pat Bergan, OSF, said that she and Father Jim learn from the people themselves. “They are our teachers. They are here with us and for us and we are here with them and for them.” Visitors just need to read the banners hanging throughout the building to understand the moral values and philosophy of the parish. “The messages are clear - embrace all who enter here,” said Sister Pat. ‘‘We are called to be peacemakers; The Spirit is Loose and She is Wild; Judge no one.’ These are the trademarks of St. Lucy’s Church,” she said.
Polhamus said the only way to understand the charisma of the parish is to visit. “We are an inner-city parish with great needs, but our spirit is strong, and our future filled with hope,” he said. “We have over 40 active ministries that touch so many folks in meaningful ways, he said.” The food pantry serves 33 streets in the area. The Agape Shop, located in the basement of the former
St. Lucy’s school, offers clothing, shoes, household items and toys at minimal cost. And the annual Christmas giveaway provides approximately 300 families with gifts, clothing for children and adults, toiletry items and other necessities.
“St. Lucy’s is a treasure located in the heart of Syracuse’s poorest neighborhood. It is part of the real world” said Horsington. “It’s not about
following strict guidelines. It’s about being there for your fellow humans. I think Jesus is present in every corner and every person there.”
What Are You Looking For?
Bishop’s Annual Vocation Picnic Helps Individuals Contemplate Their True Vocation

In John’s Gospel (1:38) Jesus is departing, after meeting his cousin John and being baptized by him. He notices two disciples following Him. Jesus turns around and asks what most people would in that situation: “What are you looking for?”
Nick Longo, youth minister at Holy Family Church in Fairmount, was one of the guest speakers at the Tenth Hour, the annual vocations picnic held on Thursday, July 20 at Christ the King Retreat House. Referring to the Gospel passage, Longo posed the question, “what are you looking for?” to the young adults who were present.
Shannon Whoriskey, a parishioner at St. James Parish in Johnson City, attended the picnic. Having recently returned from the Steubenville Youth Conference, she said she was inspired and energized to learn more about religious life. “Nick Longo’s question, ‘what are you looking for,’ was thought-provoking and encouraged us to consider the desires that God has placed in our hearts,” said Whoriskey.
Whoriskey sat next to Sister Pamela Conte, a member of the leadership team for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. “She explained her own calling and how to be open to the desires God places on your soul. She’s given me much to pray and think about.”
The Steubenville Conference also ignited the desire to enter ordained life for John Brusa III, who is studying at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. In a few weeks, Brusa will return to his studies for the academic year and is on

track to be ordained a transitional deacon in spring 2024. Growing up, Brusa said his goal was to become a meteorologist. However, shortly after high school he attended a second Steubenville conference and then witnessed a priestly ordination. He began going to daily Mass. “By the end of the summer I was certain that the Lord was calling me to apply for the
seminary,” he said.
“Discernment is making a decision with God,” explained Father Jason Hage, director of vocation promotion for the Diocese. “Individuals contemplating a call to serve Christ receive messages at different times in their lives and through different experiences that inspire and impact them.”
Father Nate Brooks was on hand at the picnic to offer information and guidance to young men considering the priesthood. He is the administrator of the Church of the Nativity with worship sites in Lafayette, Tully and Pompey. He is also the coordinator of The Fisherman’s Club – a program sponsored by the Office of Vocation Promotion. The program offers college-age and young adult men who are thinking about the priesthood the chance to come together to pray, have a conversation, and share a meal. “It’s an opportunity for those present to interact with a priest and other guys who are discerning in an informal setting, so that they know they are not alone,” explained Father Nate.
Father Nate said that there are misconceptions about the life of a priest. “People think as priests, we are always busy and never get to have any fun; that
we are constantly moving from one thing to the next.” While there are things to do, there is always time to be with friends and family, he explained, and he finds having healthy friendships and interactions with others is very beneficial to his priestly life.
Those who attend the Fisherman’s Club will learn they are not alone as they contemplate priesthood. “When you are alone in your discernment, it’s harder,” explained Father Nate. “You may feel like you’re on a raft and no one is there to help guide you. I am there to help – to be a voice and point them in the right direction. I can even help them in their prayer life and share the joy I feel in my life as a priest.”
“It’s the most meaningful life anyone could hope for,” added Father Hage. “You wake up and have a purpose. We are in love with the Lord, and we love to share that love with others. “You go to bed content every night because it’s so meaningful and impactful.”
For more information on vocations, visit https://vocations-syracuse.org/. For more information on the Fisherman’s Club, contact Father Nathan Brooks at nbrooks@syrdio.org
‘Coming to completion;’ Constantia parish finishes its mission
By Dc. Tom Cuskey EditorOn July 16, 1858, the Blessed Mother Mary appeared to fourteen-year-old Bernadette Soubirous for the final time in a grotto in Lourdes, France. On the eve of that date, now in 2023, Mass was celebrated for the final time at the Mission of Saint Bernadette in Constantia, marking the completion of the church’s 64 years of service to the diocese and the people of Oneida Lake’s north shore.
“So, we chose that as our date to celebrate this Mass of Thanksgiving,” said Father Christopher Seibt, pastor of the church, Divine Mercy Parish in Central Square and Sacred Heart Parish in Cicero. “And I just read recently that in that (final) apparition, Bernadette writes that Mary never appeared more beautiful.”
St. Bernadette’s has been a mission parish of Divine Mercy since 2015. Saturday vigil Masses and other events held there have been possible through the staffing and support of the Divine Mercy team. Fr. Seibt explained that the two parishes actually function as one, but the challenges of finances, clergy shortages and declining attendance have brought about this next step in the life of the parish.
Fr. Seibt recognizes the sadness that some will feel but also stresses the joy that St. Bernadette’s has fueled. “And we’re thanking God for the many years that this parish served its mission here in Constantia,” Father adds. “When religious orders come to their end, they call it ‘coming to completion.’ We use the same idea for parishes, when they come to their natural end, it completes the mission they had for that time.”
In his homily, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia, principal celebrant of the Mass,
reflected on two images he put forth in his homily. “The first image is that of the fields. We know at times that we have to rotate crops and we even have to leave some fields go barren or fallow, as they say, so that that they might bear more later.”
The second image Bishop reflected on is the image of St. Bernadette herself and the profound richness that marked her brief life of only 35 years. Like the people of St. Bernadette, they are called to continue their journey as their patron saint did. “This is the night where we’re calling to mind the last apparition at Lourdes. And she (Bernadette) doesn’t stay there. She hears God’s call now to move to the convent at Nevers (France).”
At the end of Mass, Fr Seibt thanked the people who have been members of the mission parish and served their community, especially those attending the final liturgy.

Tom Rinefierd has been a member
since 2005, moving to Central Square after 27 years on Tipperary Hill. He was directed to St. Bernadette by a friend, Deacon Don Mula, who assured him he would love it there. And he did.
“I came the next Sunday. Father Paul Mathis knew I was new. And he took me aside and he introduced me to people within the parish. And I told him, I said, ‘Father, this has to be the friendliest Catholic Church I’ve ever been in.’”
Tom and Charlotte Noonan joined the parish in 1977. St Bernadette was Charlotte’s faith home. “I became a Catholic here. My daughter was married in this church.” She said the parish has blessed her with “a lot of wonderful memories, so there’s a sadness. It’s been a community.” She adds that “we are looking forward to new things.” Husband Tom expressed similar feelings. “I have to say more bitter than sweet, only because I’ve really grown to love this. It’s been an absolute joy.”
Peg McCarthy joined the parish in
1961 but took a 30-year hiatus while she devoted herself to Unity Acres, a house of hospitality for chronically homeless men located further north in Orwell. She returned for the Mass and to be with her family who provided the music ministry for this Mass and many others. “Actually, Jim, my son first started playing here, right up there when he was 11 years old,” she shared. Jim, wife Dierdre and sons Cian and Shane will continue their ministry at Divine Mercy Parish in Central Square.
Lawrence Herbert became a member in 1959, when the church was established, and laughingly says he stayed “until they threw me out.” He was born in 1929 and shared his journey through different parishes growing up and living in Oswego County. As to the impact that changing home parishes has had on his faith, and also reacting to the closing of St. Bernadette?
He replies, still smiling, “See you on Sunday morning.”
They’re back! The Men in Black!
Sunday night softball is a vocations game.
The home team wore Holy Spirit red. The visitors … well, they are the Men in Black. On a recent July, they battled for bragging rights and treated the crowd to a little sports evangelization, all to raise awareness for priest vocations.




The annual summer event was held at St. Helena’s field in Sherrill, part of Spirit of Hope Parish in Madison County.
When the contest was over the home team scored more runs, but the priests and seminarians scored the most points with the crowd and showed the Diocese of Syracuse, once again, how blessed we are to have this fantastic team of holy servants to shepherd us through life. And perhaps there were one or two young men in the stands – or anywhere else -- who might see themselves running the bases for Jesus someday. Visit vocations-syracuse.org to learn more.

‘The Prophets’ attract a crowd at Our Lady Of Sorrows-Vestal
Adult Bible study connects the OT and NT
By Dc. Gary DiLallo Contributing writer & photographerOur Lady of Sorrows recently hosted twenty-nine adults for a bible study on “The Prophets.” Led by Diane Rigotti, a retired teacher, the 10-week course focused on all of the major prophets and four of the minor prophets.

Mrs. Rigotti said it was “overwhelming the first night with the large group of participants,” adding that “it has been one of the most surprising groups I’ve ever led. Every week is a new learning experience or expanding on what was already learned. It has just deepened my relationship with Jesus and finally opened the Old Testament and its connection to the New Testament.”
The course classes consisted of a brief introduction to the prophet followed by a 30-minute video and a 30–45-minute discussion at each table. To prep for
the next class, reading homework was assigned.
Attendee Kelly Woods from Our Lady of Good Counsel was “thrilled to be learning about the messages from the prophets as well as the important historical and biblical details, including the Bible timeline. The course book and corresponding video lessons were excellent. Mrs. Rigotti gave an excellent explanation and discussion of each prophet that makes up our Catholic faith. There is so much to learn about our faith from the Old Testament prophets.”

The course contained many interesting facts that few knew, including that Handel’s “Messiah,” which traces the life of Jesus Christ, is based on scriptures from the prophet Isaiah.
Rose Skojec from Our Lady of Sorrows said, “It’s not just studying the prophets at this course, but it’s the camaraderie of the people in the class.”
Seminarian John Buttner attended the last class and said, “It was really encouraging to see ongoing adult education.”
At the last class, Diane thanked everyone for attending, handing out Life
Binghamton catechetical leader retires
Savers candy. “It has to do with thanking each person for their participation in the class as they were very willing to manage their tables and engage and participate in the biblical discussions.
“I am happy to be the facilitator of the class; they are ‘life-saving’ in the fact that I didn’t have to run the whole class. They were my ‘safety net’ by actively participating!”
For those interested in studying the
Bible, check parishes in the area for classes and programs and adult bible study options.
Editor’s note: the diocesan Office of Adult and Ministerial Formation can assist in directing anyone interested in faith formation to a variety of classes and programs. Call 315-470-1491 or check out the summer newsletter here: https:// tinyurl.com/syrdioadultformation
Mass, string music mark graduation of IC School sixth graders

Several catechetical leaders and other friends gathered in June to celebrate the retirement of Madonna Hurchla, the longtime Director of Faith Formation at Saints John and Andrew Church in Binghamton. Madonna received the Bishop Frank J. Harrison Award in 2016 and served the parish in catechetical ministry, first as a catechist and later as director, for over 25 years. Pictured are (seated) Donna DiStefano and Msgr. Michael Meagher Standing are Barbara Hill, Hope Matthews, Maria Kirk, Madonna Hurchla, Andrea Schaffer, and Sally Herceg.
Fayetteville — The Immaculate Conception sixth grade class of Diane Cretaro graduated and attended a Mass celebrated by Father Tom Ryan with assistance from Msgr. Ronald Bill and Father Philip Hearn. The fifth grade students were the altar servers. Special awards were given to six students, and seven strings students played “Hallelujah” during the ceremony. The sixth graders also recited the Our Father in Spanish. There was a reception and the showing of the sixth grade video in Dwyer Hall after the ceremony.
DECREE on the Extinctive Union –Amalgamation of the Parish of Saint Bernadette, Constantia, New York with the Parish of Divine Mercy Central Square, New York and the Reduction of the Church of Saint Bernadette, Constantia, New York to Profane but Not Sordid Use

Whereas the parish of Saint Bernadette was established, and its current church constructed in Constantia in 1959;
Whereas various factors (i.e., changing demographics of the town and the parish, financial concerns, limited resources, etc.) necessitated the linkage of the parish of Saint Bernadette with its neighboring parish, Divine Mercy (est. 2013) in 2015 for the sake of proper pastoral care;
Whereas the shortage of people in the parish and clergy in the Diocese of Syracuse necessitated the placement of the pastoral care of the parishes of Saint Bernadette and Divine Mercy under the direction of one pastor (can. 526 §1);
Whereas the parishes of Saint Bernadette and Divine Mercy have been and continue to function as one parochial entity (i.e., shared clergy, finance and pastoral councils, faith formation and parish programs, bulletin, etc.) with two worship sites;
Whereas the current pastor to whom the parish is entrusted, Reverend Christopher Seibt, reviewed with the parish trustees, finance council, and pastoral council, the sacramental statistics, Mass attendance, vitality, limited financial resources, and maintenance concerns of the church building of the parish of Saint Bernadette
as well as the shortage of clergy in the Diocese of Syracuse;
Whereas the status of the parish and its church building (demographics, finances, maintenance, etc.) was presented at three town hall meetings with parishioners, which resulted in a consensus to petition me to canonically merge it with the parish of Divine Mercy and relegate the church of Saint Bernadette to profane but not sordid use for the purpose of alienating the property in order to ensure the existence and vitality of the parish;
Whereas Reverend Christopher Seibt petitioned me to relegate the church of Saint Bernadette to profane but not sordid use because: (1) there is a steady population decline in Constantia, (2) there is a significant decline in the number of people attending Mass and celebrating the sacraments at the parish, (3) the needs of the parish for worship are being adequately met at the church of Divine Mercy, which has functioned as the principal church of the parochial entity since 2015, (4) the church of Saint Bernadette is in need of substantial repairs and continual maintenance, and (5) the financial resources of the parish are limited and diminishing;
Whereas where grave causes suggest that a church no longer be used for divine worship, the diocesan bishop, after having heard the presbyteral council, can relegate it to profane but not sordid use, with the consent of those who legitimately claim rights for themselves in the church and provided that the good of souls suffers no detriment hereby (canon 1222 §2);
Whereas the grave cause of relegation to profane but not sordid use may exist not in one obvious grave cause but may arise from a combination of many just causes which combined together manifest a grave cause (see Congregation for Clergy, Procedural Guidelines for the Modification of Parishes, the Closure or Relegation of Churches to Profane but not Sordid Use, and the Alienation of the Same, April 30, 2013, Prot. No. 20131348);
Whereas, having examined the facts of the present case, it has been well established that grave reasons required by canon 1222 §2 are present, even if some of the reasons invoked may not by themselves constitute a grave cause, they do so when taken together;
Whereas after a careful examination, it was established that nobody could legiti-
mately claim rights for themselves in the church, understood primarily as patrimonial rights or rights associated with patrimonial rights (see Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, Final Decree of the College of Judges, 21 November 1988, Communicationes 20 [1988] 93);
Whereas, I convoked the Presbyteral Council on 6 June 2023 and presided over it according to the norm of law (cans. 127 §1, 166 §1, and 500 §1), placing the modification (extinctive unionamalgamation) of the parish of Saint Bernadette to the parish of Divine Mercy as well the relegation of the church of Saint Bernadette on the agenda ahead of time, ensuring that a summary of its status was provided to the members of the Council (can. 50), proposing the modification and relegation separately, seeking the informed and free counsel of the members concerning each individual proposed action (can. 515 §2), listening to arguments both for and against the proposed modification and relegation, and receiving unanimous support for the proposed modification and relegation;
Therefore, I the undersigned Bishop of Syracuse, after prayerful consideration, having weighed all the reasons and causes, have decided as follows:


DECREE
1. The parish of Saint Bernadette is hereby united via an extinctive union - amalgamation with the parish of Divine Mercy for the sake of proper pastoral care. The name of the parish will be, “Divine Mercy Parish and The Mission of Saint Bernadette.” The members and geographical territory of the parish of Saint Bernadette will become the members and geographical territory of the parish of Divine Mercy. All sacramental registers hitherto preserved at the parish of Divine Mercy are to remain there where they are to be faithfully preserved according to the norms of can. 535 §§ 1-5.
2. The church of Saint Bernadette, located at 1667 NY-49, Constantia, New York, of the parish of Divine Mercy and The Mission of Saint Bernadette is hereby reduced to profane but not sordid use according to the prescripts of canon 1222 §2 for the grave causes mentioned above.
3. The church of Divine Mercy located at 592 South Main Street, Central Square, New York, is hereby officially designated
as the sole church of the parish.
4. Negotiations that may lead to the sale of the property of Saint Bernadette can begin, following the proper procedures for alienation.
5. Prior to alienation, all sacred objects, relics, sacred furnishings, stained-glass windows, bells, confessionals, altars, etc. are to be removed for use in other sacred edifices or to be stored in ecclesiastical custody. In case the altars cannot be removed, they must be destroyed (see canons 1212 and 1238).
This merger and relegation will become effective on 16 July 2023, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
I further order this decree to be made public to all the faithful through its publication on this day, 8 July 2023. This publication on the diocesan website (www.syrdio.org), in the local diocesan newspaper (The Catholic Sun), on the parish website, and in the parish bulletin will be the legitimate notification. A notarized copy of the decree will be sent to the pastor.
This decree may be challenged by anyone who feels aggrieved by it within the peremptory time limit of ten useful days from the legitimate notification of the decree, that is, on 8 July 2023, by seeking its revocation or emendation directly from me (can. 1734 §2).
Given at the Chancery of the Diocese of Syracuse on this sixth day of July in the year of our Lord, two-thousand twenty-three, the Memorial of Saint Maria Goretti
Mrs. Danielle E. Cummings ChancellorAt Congress closing Mass, Black Catholics urged,
‘Don’t let the fire go out!’
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (OSV News) -- Sending forth the participants of the 13th National Black Catholic Congress at their July 23 closing Mass in the Washington metropolitan area, Bishop John H. Ricard offered them an admonition that he said he learned from his days as a youth camping in the woods -- “Don’t let the fire go out!” Bishop Ricard, the superior general of the Josephites, who formerly served as the bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida, was the homilist at the Mass, celebrated at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. He encouraged the congress participants to be enlivened by the flame of the Holy Spirit, and to bring that spirit of faith back to their homes, parishes, dioceses and to the African American communities in their cities and towns.”You’ve got to poke the flame and stir it up ... We can’t let the fire go out,” he said, also encouraging people to address problems like violence in their communities, the mass incarceration of people of color, and the challenge of reaching out to young adult Black Catholics raised in the faith, who no longer go to church.
Global synod faces challenge of getting pastoral care to divorced Catholics in parishes
MARIETTA, Ga. (OSV News) --

The forthcoming 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops -- which Pope Francis convenes in Rome Oct. 4 -- will examine ways to accompany divorced and remarried Catholics. Several Catholics involved in ministry to the divorced told OSV News the synod needs to grapple with how the church’s significant gaps in this area are affecting Catholic adults and their families. “The church is vastly
underserving divorced Catholics,” said Vince Frese, author and creator of the Recovering from Divorce program and www.divorcedcatholic.com. “We didn’t do a good job at all ministering to those Catholics when they went through a divorce,” he said. “It’s very much parish by parish -- and roughly less than 15% of parishes have any kind of ministry to divorced Catholics.” The working document asks how the Catholic Church can create space where “those who feel hurt by the Church and unwelcomed by the community feel recognized, received, free to ask questions and not judged.” It also asks the global synod’s participants to consider concrete steps to “welcome those who feel excluded from the Church because of their status or sexuality” including “remarried divorcees.” Rose Sweet, author of the “The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide,” said there is an opportunity for dioceses and parishes to work together to implement these ministries. “We need to have one skilled, trained and compassionate contact person in every diocese,” Sweet said, “so every parish could reach out to and make contact with that person regarding helping the divorced, the separated, and the remarried.”
Archbishop: Nuclear weapons ‘scary, difficult topic’ Catholics must face
SANTA FE, New Mexico (OSV News) -- The issue of nuclear weapons is a “scary, difficult topic” but one “we have to face,” especially as Catholics, Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester told OSV News. The archbishop joins Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle in leading a “Pilgrimage of Peace” to Japan July 31 to Aug. 12, during which they and officials from their respective dioceses will travel to Japan as part of an effort to abolish nuclear weapons, which devastated the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.
Now, Russia’s war on Ukraine -- which has seen Russian President Vladimir Putin threaten the use of nuclear weapons -- has revived the focus on the previously “stalled” issue of nuclear disarmament, said Archbishop Wester. With his archdiocese home to the place where the atomic bomb was developed and tested, the archbishop feels a particular responsibility to advocate for disarmament, he said. “Catholic
saying that addressing nuclear arms and energy successfully requires global cooperation. “It’s very positive, seeing what we can do when we work together for peace,” said Archbishop Wester. “And the very, very first step is nuclear disarmament.”
Step Up! Diocesan employee wins UW Challenge prize

Televised Mass air times youtube.com/syrdio
Syracuse area:


Sun., 6:30 a.m., Channel 9 (WSYR, Syracuse)
Sat., 8:30 p.m., Channel 98*
Binghamton area: Sun., 6 a.m., Channel 12 (WBNG, Binghamton)
Utica / Rome area: Sun., 6:00 a.m., Channel 2 (WKTV, Utica)
Thu., 6:30 p.m., Channel 99*
* Denotes Public Access station. Stations will attempt to air the Mass at the times listed, however, the Mass could be preempted without notice.
HOPE Appeal Ministry
Catholic Crossword
Ki
42 Scientist’s study space
43 Hospital worker (Abbr)


44 God rested on this day
46 “ — is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35)
47 “God made them male and — ” (Mark 10:6)
49 Steam baths
51 Small valleys
52 Guiding beliefs or character
DOWN
1 Ahchoo!
2 Type of radiation (Abbr)
3 Father of Amminadab (Ruth
4:19)
4 Dutch cheese
5 Group of Attendants
6 Brother of Gad (Gen 35:26)
7 Shelters
8 “I was brought — , and he helped me” (Psa 116:6)
9 Partner for either
10 It’s better than rubies (Prv 8:11)
11 “And he brought me into the — court of the Lord’s house”
— ” (Ecc 2:26) 21
soul shall dwell at — ” (Psa 25:13)
39 Be under the weather
40 Peter’s father (John 21:15)
(Eze 8:16)
13 These surround castles
16 Horse’s gait
19 “But to the sinner he giveth
32
Word of the Lord: Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Dn 7:9-10, 13-14; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Pt 1:16-19; Mt 17:1-9
What are we afraid of? A lot of children will tell you (and some of their grownup friends will agree) that they are afraid of the dark. The unknown and unseeable can be frightening. There are the usual things to be afraid of, too -bugs, snakes, doctors’ offices, a visit to the dentist. Others will tell you they’re afraid of change, of disruption, of illness, of not knowing what is to come. A lot of people will tell you -- my wife among them -- they are terrified of heights.
Then we encounter this Sunday’s Gospel and find the apostles literally cowering in fear from something they don’t understand. It is Jesus transfigured, changed before their eyes. But more than that, they’re recoiling from something else: light.
This Sunday’s scripture is about many things -- Christ’s divinity, God’s power, the apostles’ dread, the revelation of something mysterious and overwhelming, the Transfiguration of the Lord.
But it is also about something else: the insistent and persistent power of light -the light that is Christ.
We see that played out each year during the Easter Vigil, as a single flame spreads and illuminates an entire church.
We see it at every baptism, when the newly baptized is given a flickering candle and told, “Receive the light of Christ.”
And we see it in this Gospel, with a radiance of light that leaves the apostles stunned.
They hear the voice of God and fall to the ground in fear. But then they hear another voice, belonging to Jesus.
God told the apostles to listen to him. What are they listening for? What does Jesus say?
The first words he speaks in this passage are words that echo throughout the scriptures, part of his message to the world. They are words that allow us to be “transfigured,” to be changed.
“Rise and do not be afraid.”
Get up. Have courage. Rise. Here is hope. Here is salvation. Here is transcendent love.
It’s just that simple, and just that daunting. For people who are fearful of
what they don’t know, or who are facing something they just don’t understand, it’s a tall order. The apostles in this Gospel react, I suspect, like most of us -- confused, cringing, worried about what will come next. But this Sunday, these words from the letter of St. Peter, remind us:
“We possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
Jesus is “the morning star,” the “lamp in a dark place,” the beacon who shines forth from the mountaintop.
That’s just the beginning. What the apostles witnessed on that long-ago day on a distant mountaintop has relevance and meaning for us here and now. The mysterious power of the transfiguration foreshadows Christ’s own resurrection; it also gives a promise of other things to come -- the destiny every one of us can attain in paradise.
So how do we do that? How do we even begin?
These words say it all: “Rise and do not be afraid.”
This is a message for every one of us, in every circumstance. To a broken world overcome by fear -- anxious about everything from the stock market to war to political upheaval -- rise and do not be afraid.
To those living with anxiety or dread, feeling powerless or hopeless: rise and do not be afraid. Do not cower in fear. Look, instead, to the light.
If we’re honest, we’re all afraid of something. That’s human. But Christ’s message tells us we shouldn’t be afraid -- particularly not of light, or of God’s power at work in the world. This is how we are called to be like Christ and, just maybe, called to be transfigured into something more beautiful than we ever imagined.
We shouldn’t cower. Instead, rise. And do not be afraid!
Greg
is an
winning author and journalist, and creator of the blog, “The Deacon’s Bench.”
Divine Comedy
By Dan ReynoldsIf your parish is interested in inviting Deacon Dan to do his “DIVINE COMEDY” presentation, contact him at divinecomedydan@gmail.com.

“Divine Comedy” is full of clean jokes, saintly humorous examples and hysterical religious cartoons.
It is about how our faith life is enriched by daily humor. You will learn how God loves you yesterday, today and “ever-laughter.”
Scripture readings
Thursday, Aug. 3: 404: Ex 40:16-21, 34-38; Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a, 11; Mt 13:47-53
Friday, Aug. 4: 405: Lv 23:1, 4-11, 1516, 27, 34b-37; Ps 81:3-4, 5-6, 10-11ab, 15-18; Mt 13:54-58
Saturday, Aug. 5 406: Lv 25:1, 8-17; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 7-8; Mt 14:1-12
Sunday, Aug. 6: 614: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14;
Ps 97:1-2, 5-6; 2 Pt 1:16-19; Mt 17:1-9
Monday, Aug. 7: 407: Nm 11:4b-15; Ps 81:12-13, 14-15, 16-17; Mt 14:13-21
Tuesday, Aug. 8: 408: Nm 12:1-13; Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 6cd-7, 12-13; Mt 14:22-36
Wednesday, Aug. 9: 409: Nm 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35; Ps 106:6-7ab, 13-14, 21-22, 23; Mt 15: 21-28
Thursday, Aug. 10: 618: 2 Cor 9:6-10, 9-11, 16-20; Ps 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9; Jn
Necrology
Most. Rev. Daniel J. Curley: 3, 1932
Father Charles F. McCarthy: 4, 1967
Father Clarence O’Shea, O.F.M. Conv., 4, 1981
Father Michael A. Dietrich: 4, 1997
Father John E. Phelan: 4, 2004
Father Timothy F. Howard: 5, 1942
Father Thomas J. Kellet: 5, 1944
Most. Rev. Patrick A. Ludden: 6, 1912
Msgr. Patrick J. Donohue: 6, 1952
Father Theodore Wojcikowski: 6, 1960
Father Paul T. LeStrange: 6, 1989
Father Michael J. Mara: 7, 1899
Father James F. O’Shea: 7, 1917
Father Anthony Pepel: 7, 1997
Father Edward P. Kenific: 8, 1967
Father Gerald F. Brown: 8, 1980
Father Edward J. Sweeney: 8, 1988
12:24-26
Friday, Aug. 11: 411: Dt 4:32-40; Ps
77:12-13, 14-15, 16 and 21; Mt 16:24-28
Saturday, Aug. 12: 412: Dt 6:4-13; Ps
18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 47 and 51; Mt 17:14-20
Sunday, Aug. 13: 115: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a; Ps 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14; Rom 9:1-5; Mt 14:22-33
Monday, Aug. 14: 413: Dt 10:12-22; Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20; Mt 17:22-27
Tuesday, Aug. 15: (VIGIL) 621: 1 Chr 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2; Ps 132:6-7, 9-10, 13-14; 1 Cor 15:54b-57; Lk 11:27-28 (DAY) 622: RV 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB; Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16; 1 Cor 15:20-27; LK 1:39-56
Wednesday, Aug. 16: 415: Dt 34:1-12; Ps 66:1-3a, 5 and 8, 16-17; Mt 18:15-20
Deacon Warren “Pat” Page: 8, 2011
Msgr. Martin J. Watley: 10, 1975
Msgr. John R. Madden: 10, 2016
Father Dennis C. Flynn: 11, 1942
Deacon Charles Hammond: 11, 2006
Father Richard E. Dellos: 11, 2020
Father Francis J. May: 12, 1942
Msgr. John B. Daley: 12, 1985
Father Thomas J. Purvis: 13, 1949
Father Edward F. Doyle: 13, 1969
Deacon Raymond Goskowski: 13, 2015
Father David G. Looney: 14, 1988
Father Hyacinth Seremet: 14, 2004
Deacon George E. Maynard 14, 2021
Deacon Richard J. Dwyer 15, 2021
Father Edward J. Reimer 15, 2021
Father Charles A. Dee: 16, 1975
Two parishes win the Green Apple Award
By Kathryne Rakowski Contributing writer

Summer is the season to present the Green Apple Award. This year, St. Francis of Assisi in Binghamton and All Saints Church in Syracuse were the recipients of this award, which celebrates intentional steps taken to care for the Earth. Individuals, faith formation classes, youth groups and families are invited to submit a project for recognition, with the ultimate goal being to encourage action to care for God’s creation.
“Our goal for the long haul is to call attention to caring for our common home and help people find ways to change their behavior,” said Don Mills, Deputy Superintendent of Catholic Schools who coordinates this project with Theresa May, Associate Director of Child & Family Catechesis.
The St. Francis of Assisi group focused on the Laudato Si’ encyclical goals of environmental education, ecological spirituality and community involvement. Confirmation students spent time during the school year teaching younger grades about different aspects of the climate crisis. The classes included discussion of their ecological feelings and how God must feel about these issues. Younger grades then created artwork based on their lessons, which became a 6-foot vinyl banner unveiled at Ross Park Zoo in Binghamton on Earth Day. Confirmation student Nora Bush helped to lead this project.

“I think it’s important to work together to fix these environmental issues,” she shared. “As being a part of the next generation, we were handed a polluted and dying Earth that climate change has caused,” she said. “In the Laudato Sí’, Pope Francis explains that we all need to come together to fix our planet’s issues, not only Catholics but the entire world.”
Being able to teach others about care for creation, a core principle of Catholic social teaching, meant a lot to Bush and her classmates.
“The project we designed really helped me to connect my want to improve the environment with my connection to God and His creation.”
All Saints’ project focused on expanding and caring for a Native Plant Garden on the parish grounds that was created in 2018 by the Care for Creation Task Force. Families and children tended the garden during the summer of 2022 by planting, weeding and creating a more family-friendly area. The 2022 Vacation Bible School, “A Great Big Beautiful World,” centered on Laudato Si’ and gave children and volunteers opportunities to learn about native biodiversity, native ecology and how to practically care for plants.
During the school year, each elementary grade of the Faith Formation program played a role in maintaining the garden by planting seeds, laying hay for the winter, decorating rocks, creating a bird bath, and designing a mosaic for a wall for the garden. This team effort made a lasting impression on the whole community.

“Many children and catechists, including myself, were able to learn about native plants and the wildlife that depend on them as well as participate in planting, weeding and digging, a first for many children,” shared Director of Faith Formation Michael Songer. “It was so heartwarming to see children
plant a tree sapling and come back throughout the year to see if it had grown. It gives me great hope for the future, our children, our Church and of our planet, to see children and youth so dedicated to caring for all of creation,
plants, animals, the earth and each other!”
Awards will be presented to both parish communities over the summer.
Plain talk. Exceptional expertise.
Plain talk. Exceptional expertise.












With in-depth knowledge, experience, and a straightforward approach, the attorneys at Mackenzie Hughes are here to meet all your legal needs— in matters including business transactions, estate planning, and litigation. Learn more at mackenziehughes.com.
With in-depth knowledge, experience, and a straightforward approach, the attorneys at Mackenzie Hughes are here to meet all your legal needs— in matters including business transactions, estate planning, and litigation. Learn more at mackenziehughes.com.













