Father James Buttner ordained to priesthood
By Eileen Jevis
Staff writer
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse was filled with joy and celebration on June 3 as family members, friends, faithful participants and religious leaders witnessed the ordination of Father James Buttner. Bishop Douglas J. Lucia presided at the ordination liturgy, assisted by Bishop Emeritus Robert J. Cunningham and concelebrant priests.
Father Buttner with Bishop Lucia following the liturgy.
“Lift up your hearts. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.” This Eucharistic prayer, said at Catholic Masses throughout the world, was the sentiment shared by many on the special day. In his opening greeting, Bishop Lucia said. “Dear sisters and brothers, it is with great joy that we welcome you to this Cathedral Church of our Diocese as on this first Saturday of June, we celebrate the ordination to the priesthood of James Vincent Buttner. We especially welcome his family and friends — those near and those from afar who have come to join this local church in our jubilation.”
Throughout the ceremony, a profound sense of joy was evident on the faces of James’ parents, Bridget and Robert Buttner. “Tears of emotion just swept over me,” said Robert Buttner. “The impact of his commitment and that he is going to be in a position to serve the church — the emotion just welled up in me at that realization.” Robert Buttner said his recurring thought throughout the ceremony was James’ courage and willingness to serve others. “That he is stepping up to do that … I find that so impressive.”
In a recent interview with Rick Mossotti, director of Catholic Television for the Diocese, Father James said it was through his family that he encountered the love of God and the joy of faith. “My family really helped me fall in love with my faith and grow closer to the Lord. It’s been exciting for my parents to be on this journey with me and learn more about this process,” said Father James. “They are proud of each of their kids and what we have done. But certainly, they are excited to be part of this process in particular.”
After official acknowledgment of James’ completion of all degree requirements, Bishop Lucia stated, “Relying on the help of our Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose this our brother for the order of the priesthood.”
A compass to guide you
Father Buttner celebrated his first Mass at Holy Family Church in Fairmount on Sunday following his ordination.
During his homily, Bishop Lucia shared with the congregation that his co-workers and friends gifted him with a compass for his birthday. He was deeply moved, he said, when he opened the compass and read a verse from the Book of Proverbs. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
“So, James, let me give you a compass for the road you will walk as a priest of Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Lucia. “First and foremost be faithful to your spiritual life amid the complexities of daily parish life. As a simple cross-stitch reminds me and gets me in trouble when ignored, a day hemmed in prayer seldom unravels. As we begin the second year of the Eucharistic Revival in our parishes, do not forget your daily holy hour as a model for those you serve and seek to shepherd. Also remember the need for regular celebration of the Sacrament of Penance in the life of a priest.” The Bishop shared multiple points for James to adhere to — simplicity of life, a chaste life and love of celibacy that will foster his respect for the dignity of others.
The ordination held very special meaning for Mason Netzband, a junior at Holy Cross Academy in Oneida and a member of the newly formed Spirit of Hope Catholic Community in Oneida. Netzband and other members of the church’s youth group attended the ceremony with youth minister Mark Ranieri. “I felt very joyful when witnessing the ordination,” said Netzband, who is discerning a call to the priesthood. “The ceremony helped me have a better understanding of how the process of being ordained is executed. I saw the joy that Father Buttner had when he was ordained and sitting with his fellow priests.”
On Sunday, June 4, Father Buttner celebrated his first Mass at his home parish, Holy Family Church in Syracuse. At the conclusion of Mass, he expressed his gratitude to Father Richard Prior, Father John Manno, Father Jason Hage and the many other priests and deacons who have guided him along the way. He asked those present to pray for him as he begins his service to God at Spirit of Hope in Oneida.
Hearing God’s call
Father John Manno was one of the many priests in attendance at the Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving on Holy Trinity Sunday. He, too, was full of joy as he concelebrated the Mass with Father Buttner. “James is a young person who heard God speaking to him and in his heart, he responded,” said Father Manno. “In our world, there are so many voices, and we all have to navigate through those voices. James saying ‘yes’ to God’s call is a real witness to others that God is calling out to people and asking them to be involved in Church ministry in many ways.”
“The ordination of a young man to the priesthood in any diocese is a beacon of hope for a local Church that Jesus is making good on His promise, ‘I am with you always, until the end of age,’” added Father Hage, director of vocation promotion for the diocese. “The ordination rite is a light shining in the darkness that God is with us. He advises those discerning the call to holy life to trust their gut. “Be willing to take a chance. God made your heart for this,” he said. “If you say ‘yes,’ your life will become the greatest of adventures.”
