Seton Catholic students live out their faith by helping the homeless
Face-to-face interactions reflect humanity at its best By Connie McKinney Contributing writer Michael was shocked to see homeless people living on the street not far from his high school, Seton Catholic Central in Binghamton. “There’s so much in the world you just...
Deacon aspirant Jan DeAngelo reflects on tragedy, God’s presence in his life
By Jan DeAngelo On September 8, 2019, our lives changed as a family. Our son, Giordano, went out to mow his lawn and collapsed. The EMT workers tried to revive him for over 30 minutes. He died on the way to the emergency room. He was 27. The doctors told us he died...
Fostering fellowship and Christian charity
Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in Oswego takes care of those in need By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer Throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season, many organizations provide charitable support to individuals and families in need within our...
High school youth minister Nick Calaprico finds God in the silence
By Nick Calaprico If you’ve never found yourself alone in a foreign country—I highly recommend it. This past February, I traveled to Rome by myself. It wasn’t my original plan, but one that God apparently had planned for me. On my first evening, I explored the...
2026 holds 140 candles for the Diocese of Syracuse
Dear Diocesan Family, As we come to the final Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year and prepare for our national feast of Thanksgiving on Thursday, I am aware of an event that is not so well known that will occur this week as well. On Wednesday, November 26, the...
Seeking hospitality for the homeless
By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer Data indicates — and our own eyes register the truth if we step outside in local urban areas — that homelessness is on the rise. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) 2024 Annual Homelessness...
Beyond the holidays, the need continues
By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer The United States government has shut down several times in recent decades. But when another shutdown began on October 1, 2025, lasting 44 days and becoming the most significant shutdown in U.S. history, many Americans were...
It’s not your fault
The last two issues of The Catholic Sun have highlighted ministries that the Syracuse Diocese’s Office of Family/Respect Life offers to those in need of healing. The first story focused on couples …
Can you help?
The last couple of months have not been easy for many who rely on governmentv assistance to put food on the table. A temporary cutoff of benefits has sent many for increased help from a variety of sources.
On Nov. 13, Catholic Charities of Broome County (CCOB) announced its effort to provide for the upcoming holiday with the Thanks-4-Giving turkey drive. Tonya Brown, Catholic Charities of Broome County executive director, said this is the 20th year of the food drive.
Pope calls treatment of migrants in U.S. ‘extremely disrespectful’
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Insisting that the dignity of all people, including immigrants, must be respected, Pope Leo XIV asked U.S. Catholics and “people of goodwill” to read and listen to the U.S. bishops’ recent...
InterFaith Works announces new president, CEO
Syracuse — InterFaith Works chairperson, Linda Ervin, and the Board of Directors recently announced the selection of Chris Foley as the new president/CEO of InterFaith Works. Foley brings impressive experience to the job, having dedicated more than 20 years to advancing community well-being through international development and grassroots service. “At the heart of each role has been the same purpose that guides InterFaith Works: mobilizing resources, building partnerships, and ensuring that vulnerable populations have the support needed to thrive,” Foley said.
Dying with dignity
Respecting one’s life at the end of life By Eileen Jevis Staff writer When we are saying goodbye to a loved one, providing comfort and respecting their wishes in their final days is utmost in our minds. We are blessed to be with them, holding their hand, letting them...
Running toward the goal
Photo courtesy of Charles and Diane Hage. Fr. Jason Hage participates in the Great NYS Marathon to raise funds for vocations By Eileen Jevis Staff writer “Running a marathon requires endurance, perseverance, and discipline — qualities that also mark the journey to...
‘Jambo Wa Ndugu’
Pope John XXIII Parish in Liverpool holds its first African Mass By Tami S. Scott Editor “Jambo Wa Ndugu” in Swahili translates to “Hello, my brother/sister!” It was the opening hymn from the All Saints Parish Choir, who, adorned in matching vibrant green and red...
St. Anthony of Padua celebrates Hispanic Latino Heritage Month
By Tami S. Scott Editor St. Anthony of Padua in Syracuse serves about 250 families of Hispanic origin, including parishioners from nearby communities and as far away as the Southern Tier. On Oct. 19, the Southside parish held a special Mass and reception to observe...
Hope doesn’t mean having all the answers, but having trust, pope says
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Living in hope means accepting that one does not have answers to all questions and staying calm amid conflicts and tensions, Pope Leo XIV said. “We do not have the answers to all the questions...
Catholics must build a more humble church, seeking truth together, pope says
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The supreme rule in the Catholic Church is love, which compels all of the faithful to serve, not to judge, exclude or dominate others, Pope Leo XIV said. “No one should impose his or her own ideas;...
BLG teachers, students visit the National Centre for Padre Pio
Story and photos submitted by Peter Capponi In a spirit of faith, reverence, and pilgrimage, Mr. Capponi and Mr. VanTassel, along with five students from Bishop Ludden-Grimes Jr./Sr. High School, journeyed to the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, Pennsylvania,...
Ballots and blessings: Student council elections teach civic duty
Above: Students privately fill out their ballots and insert them into the voting machine. By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer On the afternoon of Oct. 14, a valuable civics lesson was in full swing at Most Holy Rosary School in Syracuse. In the sixth-grade student...
Pope: Catholic media should help readers understand, advocate, act
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — To call itself “Catholic,” a magazine must try to look at the world the way Christ does and give witness to his saving love and power, Pope Leo XIV said. The pope met the writers and staff of...
Catechetical Sunday 2025
Above: Andrea Slaven, director of the Office of Child and Family Catechesis, and Bob Walters, director of the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Discipleship. Sun photo | Archives Always be ready to share your hope By Andrea Slaven Director of Child and Family...
Seeking knowledge, comfort, and grace
Above: Father Charles Vavonese and Reverend Jana Biesanz Office of Adult and Ministerial Formation to hold fall workshop: “Ministering to the Dying” By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer It’s not something we like to think about or talk about often, but the reality is that...
NYS Historic Register adds St. Peter’s Church in Rome
By Tami S. Scott Editor On a beautiful, warm, and sunny Tuesday morning in August, Father Sean O’Brien, local officials, and a handful of parishioners gathered outside to celebrate the recognition of St. Peter’s Church on the New York State Historic Register. Present...
Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, celebrate 25 years of service in the Diocese of Syracuse
Above: Bishop Lucia and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, on June 29. By Sister Mary Anulichukwu Emebo A great celebration on June 29, officiated by Bishop Douglas J. Lucia, highlighted a significant milestone — 25 years of dedicated...
Letter to the People on Confirmation Plan Approval
August 27, 2025 Memorial of St. Monica, wife and mother Dear Diocesan Family, For over five years, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse has been pursuing means of making reparation for the pain and mistreatment experienced by the survivors of child and adult...
Click to connect, gather to grow
Above: Fr. James Buttner, Mark Ranieri, and students get ready to board the bus for the July 2024 Steubenville Conference. Photo received 2 thousand interactions on Facebook. Blending online evangelization with real-life encounters By: Eileen Jevis Staff writer There...
Frisbee, faith, fellowship, and fun
Above: A large group of middle school and high school youth gather for a frisbee tournament in Manlius on June 19. The youth group from Holy Cross in DeWitt took home the trophy. Submitted by Steve Nepil Youth from around the diocese enjoy frisbee tournaments this...
Escape to freedom
ABOVE: Members of the Myanmar community at St. Mary of Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament Parish in Utica salute the Rev. James Cesta as he celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination in 2024. The group sang songs in their native language. Photo Credit | Fran...
‘Together in Hope’
ABOVE: From left, Hope Appeal staff members Jim O’Neill, Emily Long, Executive Director Beth Hoey, and Elyse Simon. Sun photo 2024 Impact Report illustrates a successful Hope Appeal campaign By Elizabeth Landry, staff writer In recent years, the Diocese of Syracuse...
