Nov 22, 2025 | Local, Uncategorized
Before becoming a priest, Father John Brusa III was intent on becoming a meteorologist.
“Growing up, it was my childhood dream right up through high school,” he told The Catholic Sun in an interview leading up to his Ordination this past June. Then one day, while enrolled at SUNY Oswego, he was scrolling through social media and came across a quote by Fulton Sheen. “Something struck me about it,” he said. He researched the 20th-century bishop online and kept thinking how awesome it would be to save as many souls as Sheen did.
Nov 22, 2025 | Local
“I went from having everything to having nothing.” Jeanette Kilmartin had a good job, owned a home, drove nice cars, and went on wonderful vacations. But two motorcycle accidents left her desperately in need of pain medication. When her prescription meds ran out, she turned to buying drugs on the street. “When that became too expensive, somebody turned me on to heroin,” she said. “I never thought I would stick a needle in my arm.” But within months, Kilmartin was manipulating her family members to get money for drugs. “It was really bad,” she said. “It was shameful for me and embarrassing for my family, for my daughter.”
Nov 21, 2025 | Last week in the sun, Local
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 …
Nov 20, 2025 | Local
In the year 1850:
President Zachary Taylor dies suddenly, and Vice President Millard Fillmore is thrust into the highest office in the land.
California becomes the 31st state.
You could buy a house for $2,000, purchase a loaf of bread for about a nickel, and if you worked on the Erie Canal, you could earn $8.75 a week.
Nov 20, 2025 | Last week in the sun, Local
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.
Nov 19, 2025 | Last week in the sun, Local
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.
Nov 19, 2025 | Local
On the morning of Nov. 5, Samaritan Center staff and community members came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the expansion of the Center’s case management services, including a brand-new office and meeting space. The new office is located adjacent to the Center’s kitchen and dining space at 215 North State Street. In operation since 1981, the Samaritan Center in Syracuse is a nonprofit, inter-faith, community-based organization that helps feed the hungry 7 days per week, while also providing case management and outreach alongside many other services aimed at helping those in need.
Nov 18, 2025 | Local
On Nov. 5, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia joined Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud, and Fr. Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv., for the dedication of the new St. Thomas More Chapel and Catholic Center. Franciscan priests, donors, faculty, staff, and students were in attendance to celebrate the newly built chapel located on Walnut Place on the SU campus. In addition to the new church, the renovation includes a new library, which is the former small chapel, and a lounge for comfortable conversation. There are also a number of student meeting rooms for Bible study and a space for the Catholic Student Association.
Nov 18, 2025 | Local, Mike Langlois
Years ago, a genealogy search revealed a 17th-century family ancestor was a river pilot who guided merchant ships along the treacherous waters of the St. Lawrence near Beauport, Quebec.
My ancestor navigated perilous rapids, shifting shoals, and powerful tides to safely guide people — and cargo — into port. The Christian may encounter turbulent spiritual challenges — such as periods of doubt, feelings of fear, or
Nov 17, 2025 | Local
Above: Dr. LeMura Le Moyne’s Board of Trustees recently approved a two-year extension for President Linda LeMura, extending her contract through June 30, 2028. Her previous contract was set to run through June 2026. In December 2025, Dr. LeMura will become the longest...
Nov 17, 2025 | Local
Meet the St. Marianne Cope fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer They’ve been around for over 800 years, but you may never have heard of them. The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) is a secular Order within the Roman Catholic Church...
Nov 13, 2025 | Local
By Gary DiLallo, Contributing writer A typical Sunday morning at St. Anthony’s Church in Endicott finds Sally Herceg rushing around with a group of young people following her as she prepares for Children’s Liturgy. The director of Child and Family Catechesis for St....
Nov 13, 2025 | Local
A Statement of the Catholic Bishops of New York State “When an alien resides with you in your land, do not mistreat such a one. You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself; for you...
Nov 13, 2025 | Bishop Lucia, Local
Bishop Lucia addresses parishioners, joins Bishops of NYS in statement about immigration Dear Diocesan Family, On Tuesday, November 4, the Church called to mind St. Charles Borromeo, a true pastor of the Church. He was known for his deep humility, zealous service of...
Nov 13, 2025 | Local, Uncategorized
By Tami S. Scott Editor Before becoming a priest, Father John Brusa III was intent on becoming a meteorologist. “Growing up, it was my childhood dream right up through high school,” he told The Catholic Sun in an interview leading up to his Ordination this past June....
Nov 13, 2025 | Local
By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer During the weekend of Nov. 8 and 9, parishes throughout the Diocese of Syracuse honored approximately 700 youth altar servers who regularly contribute to the beauty of the Liturgy of the Mass. Recognized locally by their pastors in 66...
Nov 13, 2025 | Local, Uncategorized
From living in abandoned buildings or on the street, tenants of A Tiny Home for Good are grateful for a place to call home By Eileen Jevis, staff writer Surviving and thriving “I went from having everything to having nothing.” Jeanette Kilmartin had a good job,...
Nov 6, 2025 | Local
(Editor’s note: Bishop Lucia’s homily from the Women’s Conference can be read on page 3) By Tami S. Scott Editor For the first time in the history of the Syracuse Catholic Women’s Conference, a Rosary procession with hundreds of faithful walking side-by-side in prayer...
Nov 6, 2025 | Local
While you’re busy preparing for the holiday season, don’t forget to mark your calendar for a special, spiritual event! For the second year in a row, Lessons & Carols will be presented at Our Lady of Hope Church (formerly St. James) on Sunday, December 14 at 6:30...
Nov 6, 2025 | Local
Holy Family School in Norwich recently celebrated a new initiative to promote literacy in the Norwich community with the official ribbon-cutting and blessing of its new Free Little Library. The joyous event brought together the entire school community with Father Dan...
Nov 6, 2025 | Last week in the sun, Local
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...
Nov 6, 2025 | Local
By Father Jason Hage Director of the Office of Vocation Promotion, Diocese of Syracuse If you’ve seen the new diocesan seminarian poster, you may have noticed unfamiliar titles under the men’s names. Instead of “Theology I” or “Theology IV,” you’ll see stages like...
Nov 6, 2025 | Local
Deacon Thomas Joseph Hachey, of North Syracuse, passed away Oct. 15, 2025, at Crouse Hospital. He was born in East Hartford, Conn. on Oct. 26, 1937, one of eight children of Mary and Rudolph Hachey. He graduated from The Ward School of Electronics and went on to work...
Nov 6, 2025 | Local
Donald Patrick “Butch” Stapleton, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at the Syracuse Veterans Administration Medical Center. Don was born on July 21, 1935, in Syracuse, NY, to Timothy Stapleton and Winifred (Mulligan) Stapleton, and was...
Nov 6, 2025 | Local
Diocesan Festival Choir to offer annual concert Nov. 23 Back in 2018, the Cazenovia College/Community Choir of about 45 singers performed the St. Cecilia Mass by Charles Gounod under the direction of Peter Ciarelli. Soon after, some of the choir members acted on an...
Nov 5, 2025 | Local
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The ongoing presence of the risen Christ fills life with meaning and proves that the human yearning for eternity is not only justified but is within reach, Pope Leo XIV said. “Christ’s...
Oct 30, 2025 | Last week in the sun, Local
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 discernment,” said Fr. Jason Hage, who...
Oct 30, 2025 | Last week in the sun, Local
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...
Oct 30, 2025 | Local, Lucia A. Silecchia
By Lucia A. Silecchia For better or worse, my childhood days were lived before the age of the digital camera. So, the stories of my early life are preserved in shelves full of photo albums. As is likely the case for many, Halloween photographs are plentiful. While...
Oct 30, 2025 | Last week in the sun, Local
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...
