The Catholic Sun Digital Update for
August 8 – August 21
Preview edition
A milestone year
Bishop Lucia celebrates five years as Shepherd of Diocese of Syracuse
By Tami S. Scott, associate editor
Over the last five years, two distinct memories stand out for Bishop Douglas J. Lucia.
The first is the ordination ceremony, especially when he was lying prostrate on the floor giving himself over to God, he said. “On that day, I was totally at peace, totally calm. And to this day, it just reminds me [that] this is nothing about me. It’s all about Him.”
The second memory that Bishop shared had to do with attentiveness. The lesson came in the form of a statue, which he now has placed in the center of a round table inside his office. He called it the “anonymous Jesus.” It’s a small replica of “When I Was Hungry & Thirsty” by Timothy P. Schmalz, which according to the sculptor’s website, is a visual representation of charity, inspired by the Gospel of Matthew 25:40: “And the King will answer, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brethren of mine, you did for me.’
“I went to preside at a Confirmation liturgy in Holland Patent at St. Leo’s … we processed in the church … and I never noticed this large statue of this same image in front of the altar. I never noticed it!” he exclaimed. “I get to the presider’s chair and I’m looking over. ‘Oh my gosh, how could I miss it?’ That was sort of an awakening and conversion for me.”
As bishop, that moment made him evermore mindful to be aware of his surroundings, he said, and to pay particular attention to people, recognizing that he sometimes might unintentionally overlook someone.
Men in Black ‘bring it home’
Annual softball game supports vocational joy, camaraderie among players
By Tami S. Scott
Being a priest isn’t all about sacrifice. Nor is it about living a life separate from those you love. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. And the annual Men in Black softball game proves just how joyful priesthood can be should you hear that call from God.
Notre Dame/Utica: Again among the ‘best’
Above: ND Elementary principal Mary Rossi with the awards (photo courtesy of 2024 Best of Mohawk Valley Community’s Choice Awards)
By Dc. Tom Cuskey, editor
Good organizations typically strive to be the best at what they do. Being voted the best among the best by your community, though, is an accolade that few may ever
The building is empty, but the foundation remains
ABOVE: A mural in the main school hallway celebrated the flags of the nations represented by the CAP student body.
By Eileen Jevis, staff writer
After 108 years educating thousands of students on the city’s north side and providing a strong foundation of faith, Pompei School, known as Cathedral School at Pompei (CAP), closed its doors in June
‘The presence of people lifts my soul’
Hundreds witness Father Pawel Zmija’s first Mass in Poland
By Eileen Jevis, staff writer
Throughout his years in the seminary, serving as deacon and now a priest, there is one factor that Father Pawel Zmija can count on — the support of his family, fellow priests and diocesan community.
IRONMAN with a tender heart
ABOVE: Fr. O’Connor runs the Ironman with the famed Lake Placid Ski Jump tower in the background.
B’ville pastor takes on Lake Placid … again!
By Dc. Tom Cuskey, editor
This story’s headline adheres to the template of the Lake Placid version of the
American Olympic medalists in Paris known for leaning on faith
By OSV News
(OSV News) — Among American Olympians achieving a spot on the podium in Paris are Catholics who have expressed their dependence on faith over the years as they’ve pursued excellence in their athletic pursuits.
Five years: ‘this journey involves conversion of heart’
EDITOR’S NOTE: We are breaking format slightly by bringing you Bishop Lucia’s column for the Aug. 15 print edition instead of last week’s column. This is more timely, written with the celebration of his 5th Anniversary as Bishop of Syracuse today, August 8, in mind.
Today, August 8, I celebrate the 5th anniversary of my Ordination and Installation as the 11th Bishop of Syracuse. In all honesty, I do not know where time has gone and much of it
Welcome to SunSpeak…
Each Digital Update from the Catholic Sun features…
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A timely column from Bishop Douglas J. Lucia.
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Ordinary Time” with Lucia Silechia, (the “Lucia” theme is purely concidental).
From time to time we will feature other columns of note. Let us know if you like the service we are providing; email us at [email protected].
‘Champions of Ordinary Time’
By Lucia A. Silecchia
In recent days, the eyes of sports lovers have been turned toward Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
I have to admit that the Olympics excited me much more when I was younger. When they used to be scheduled every four years, the games seemed rare and special. But, once the summer and winter games were separated and there is an Olympics every two years, it feels more common. There is always an Olympics in the recent past or near future.
Events in our Diocese week of 8/8 – 8/21
Here is a listing of a few events of interest happening in our Diocese.
Visit here for a complete list.
Syracuse Frassati Fellowship: Young Adult Day at the Zoo
Golden Son Flower Summer Hours
Theology Uncorked
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