Walking with couples and ‘filling the gaps’ in accompaniment
Updated diocesan marriage preparation framework is rolled out to parishes By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer Bishop Douglas J. Lucia’s third pastoral letter, “In You All Find Their Home,” published on Ash Wednesday of this year, introduced the updated “Framework for...
Bishop Lucia announces assignments for newly ordained deacons
Deacon Ronald M. Barnes has been assigned to St. Stephen’s Church, Phoenix, NY, and Holy Trinity, Fulton, NY. Deacon Kurt R. Behrenfeld has been assigned to St. Mary’s and St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Cortland, NY; St. Margaret’s Church, Homer, NY; St....
Pope Leo to new priests: Keep Church door open, don’t be an obstacle
By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News (OSV News) — Priests are called each day to leave the doors of the Church open to a “suffering humanity” in need and not “be an obstacle to those who wish to enter,” Pope Leo XIV told 10 deacons just...
Recital at St. Thomas More Chapel honors Fr. Gerry Waterman
Beloved priest completes his ministry at Syracuse University By Eileen Jevis Staff writer On Palm Sunday, Syracuse University sponsored a recital at the campus’s St. Thomas More Chapel for the dedication of the new Greg Harrold pipe organ. University organist Anne...
Basilica unveils new Easter mural
By Tami S. Scott Editor If you attended Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Palm Sunday or soon thereafter, you may have noticed something slightly different in the sanctuary: the parish unveiled its new, beautifully repainted upper Easter murals...
Working for ‘God’s kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven’
100th World Mission Sunday to be celebrated later this year on October 18 By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer Retired priest Father Peter Major, MHM, now resides in Skaneateles, where he was born and raised. Many decades of his life in between were spent in faraway...
Gospel message brings freedom, hope, pope says at final Mass in Equatorial Guinea
By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News (OSV News) — On his last day in Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV reminded Catholics in the country to seek strength, justice and hope from the Gospel and the sacraments. “If you are oppressed by injustice, he is justice; if...
Good Friday Witness Walk in Endicott: 30 years strong
By Connie McKinney Contributing writer Joyce and Chris Carlsen never miss the Witness Walk held on the streets of Endicott every Good Friday. “People will remember the significance of the Easter season,” Chris Carlsen said. “It’s a testament to our history of being a...
‘I’m ready to go’
Deacon Cornelius Deep prepares for ordination to the priesthood By Eileen Jevis Staff Writer One month before his ordination to the priesthood, Deacon Cornelius Deep sat down with The Catholic Sun to talk about his expectations, what he’s looking forward to, and how...
Peace on Earth
Less than a month after I was born in 1963, Pope John XXIII issued the encyclical, Pacem In Terris — Peace on Earth. Its focus was contained not only in its title, but also in the accompanying subtitle, “On Establishing Universal Peace in Truth, Justice, Charity, and...
Catholic Charities Diocese of Syracuse to host national community service storytelling initiative May 1
Above: The People of Hope Museum is an immersive, interactive experience. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Syracuse is joining Catholic Charities agencies across the United States to host “People of Hope: Faith-Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” a...
Experiments in Catholicism: Converts Lighting the Way
By Emily E Long At the Easter Vigil on April 4, 2026, a record number of people in the Diocese of Syracuse were received into the Catholic Church. How amazing is that? Even better — this number isn’t an anomaly limited to Syracuse. All around the world, people are...
Broome County schools mark third year competing in OM World Finals competition
By Julie Kumpon Lamuraglia Principal, St. John the Evangelist Elementary School The Catholic Schools of Broome County have been active participants in Odyssey of the Mind for many years, with this year’s teams representing Seton Catholic Central, St. James School, and...
Pope Leo praises ceasefire as ‘genuine hope,’ presses for dialogue, peace
By Josephine Peterson Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Leo XIV welcomed the newly announced ceasefire in the Middle East as “a sign of genuine hope” after what he described as “hours of extreme tension,” while urging a return to negotiations and...
It’s ticket time!
The Knights of Columbus Easter Raffle is underway in Camden The Twelve Eggs of Easter Raffle is underway once again, and the annual fundraiser is sponsored by The Knights of Columbus local council #16943. For just $5, every ticket provides 12 chances to win. Prize...
In memoriam: Father Gregory G. McPhee, Maryknoll missioner to Bolivia
Father Gregory G. McPhee died on February 24, 2026. Father McPhee was 55 years old and a Maryknoll priest for five years. Gregory Gerard McPhee was born on May 4, 1970, in Tallahassee, Fla., the eldest of four children of Gerard and Carol McPhee. His family moved to...
‘Trust in His strength’
Ignite Conference once again empowers men of the Syracuse Diocese By Deacon Tom Cuskey Contributing writer “Why are you here?” Steve Nepil posed that question to the men gathered for Ignite 2026. The youth minister at Holy Cross Church in Dewitt gave an informal,...
DPC speakers focus on parish renewal, synodality
By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer The latest meeting of the Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) took place on the morning of March 7 in Yeazel Hall at Holy Cross Church in DeWitt. During this session, Father Christopher Seibt, vice chancellor for the diocese, presented to...
The Holy Oils: Marking Ministers of our God
Editor’s note: The following is the homily that Bishop Lucia gave during the Chrism Mass on March 31 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse. “You yourselves shall be named priests of the Lord, ministers of our God shall you be called” (Is. 61:6a)....
