Fr. Zachary Miller receives KoC Clergy of the Year Award for New York State
By Eileen Jevis
Staff writer
The award honors a Knights of Columbus chaplain who embodies priestly zeal and exemplary service as a teacher of the faith, an apostle of Christian family life, a dedicated parish priest, a promoter of Catholic fraternity, and a role model within their parish community.
Father Zach was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse on June 6, 2015, and currently serves as pastor of Christ the King and Pope John XXIII parishes in Liverpool, an on-call chaplain to Crouse and Upstate hospitals, chaplain to the Central New York Police Association, and provides pastoral care to the greater community.
When accepting the award, Fr. Zach explained that a priest must see each person as a beloved son or daughter of God and help them discover God’s will in both the ordinary and the difficult moments of life. “Like a father in the home, a priest must be present, willing to make difficult decisions when necessary, that are rooted in truth, guided by prayer, and open to God’s wisdom. He must know when to correct, when to encourage, and when to simply listen with patience,” he said.
Fr. Zach said the Knights of Columbus play an important role through their solidarity in helping form seminarians, priests, and bishops. “The Church has long recognized the Knights as a powerful force for good — laymen working in union with the clergy and in communion with the bishops. That solidarity is needed more than ever,” Fr. Zach said. “As bishops and priests face difficult decisions, whether related to parish mergers, the closing of church buildings, or new pastoral directions, they are called to act with the steadiness of a father — rooted in truth, attentive to God’s guidance, and committed to the good of the entire family of faith.”
Rick Beiswenger serves as chairperson of the pastoral council at Pope John XXIII Church and as treasurer of the Knights of Columbus, Liverpool Council. He submitted the nomination of Fr. Zach.
“Fr. Zach is a priest whose life and ministry reflect the heart of the Catholic Church and the mission of the Knights of Columbus. Whether comforting a grieving family, guiding someone through a medical emergency, or offering counsel to those carrying heavy burdens, he brings peace, clarity, and hope,” Beiswenger said.
Beiswenger added that Fr. Zach’s ministry extends into places many priests rarely reach — military bases, police departments, hospital rooms, and community institutions, making him a visible sign of Christ’s presence across our region. “In every way, Fr. Zachary Miller is a role model, embodying the virtues, patriotism, and fraternity that define our Order, and we are proud to call him our brother Knight, our pastor, and our friend.”
