The Catholic Sun
Digital Update
for
Jan. 25 – Jan. 31
Preview edition
A story of transformation
Homeless and addicted to drugs, man finds new purpose
By Eileen Jevis
Staff writer
Kevin Batsford received a gift that he never thought possible — his children are again a part of his life. For years, Kevin was homeless, not knowing where his next meal would come from or whether he would survive another day. Due to bad decisions on his part, he explained, he became addicted to crack cocaine and alcohol. As the addiction progressed, he walked away from his family and ended up living on the streets. “I was sleeping under a bridge. I was one of those guys you see holding a cardboard sign on the off-ramps,” he said.
John Tumino, co-director of In My Father’s Kitchen, drove past Batsford at an intersection one day in 2013 and heard God telling him to give Batsford a message. Twenty minutes later, Tumino returned with lunch and introduced himself. “I want you to know that you’re not invisible,” said Tumino. “The Lord sees you and I see you. The Lord wanted me to feed you.” It was that interaction that changed the course of Kevin’s life.
Warm hearts brave cold at Mass and March for Life
By Dc. Tom Cuskey
Editor
Nine degrees with a windchill of minus 2, and a little snow in the air. Fortunately for the several hundred people who ventured to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, it was much warmer inside, thanks in part to the spirit of fellowship that permeated the air.
The annual Mass for Life was held Saturday morning, Jan. 20, attended by those who pray for the protection of life for all,
Bishop Ludden wins this ‘Holy War’ hoops battle
(Photos courtesy of HalHenty.com)
They call it “The Holy War.” The Jan. 19 battle was waged at Bishop Ludden’s home court and the Gaelic Knights took advantage as they defeated Christian Brothers Academy 68-55 in Onondaga High School League basketball.
Ludden sophomore guard Jahzar Greene led the Knights with 19 points. Freshman forward Liam Sheard added 18 and pulled down 11 rebounds while senior forward Tim Dunham scored 15.
Diocese awards ProVita scholarships to essay contest winners
Sun photos l Chuck Wainwright
By Charlie Young
Contributing writer
The recent Mass for Life at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was the setting for honoring the four winners of the annual ProVita scholarship competition. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse Catholic Schools Office and the Office of Family/Respect Life award sponsors the contest. The four area high school seniors earned awards totaling more than $3,000.
Bee all you can bee
Broome County beekeeper helps stock church pantry
By Dc. Gary & Priscilla DiLallo
Contributing writers & photographers
The Army slogan “Be All You Can Be” was used as a recruiting tool in 1980. Joe Cerwonka, an Army soldier who later served more than 34 years in the National Security Agency as an intelligence officer, has lived up to that slogan and then some. “Be” has become “bee,” as in beekeeper, candle-maker and stained-glass artist.
Welcome to Catholic Schools Week!
Spotlight on Notre Dame Utica
Catholic Schools Week may officially get underway nationally this Sunday but in the Diocese of Syracuse the virtue of patience sometimes gives way to early excitement. A Friday, Jan. 26, Mass at Blessed Sacrament School in Syracuse’s Eastwood neighborhood will mark the start of the celebration in schools across the seven-county diocese.
Eli is at it again
Cortland youth is raising funds for another Heifer International gift
By Dc. Tom Cuskey
Editor
Most grandparents hope that a little bit of the good deeds they model rubs off on their grandkids. Eli Niver’s elders can rest assured of that hope coming true … and hope is the title of this new chapter in Eli’s life.
The “SMS Hope” is an ark that Eli is raising
Events in our Diocese
week of 1/25 – 1/31
Here is a listing of a few events of interest happening in our Diocese.
Visit here for a complete list.
Battle of the Bishops
Women’s Retreat
Adoration, Praise & Worship
Grief Survivors a grief recovery support group
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