The Catholic Sun Digital Update for
June 27 – July 10
Preview edition
‘The deep breath of prayer’
Preparing for Jubilee 2025, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’
By Tami S. Scott, associate editor
In January, Pope Francis designated 2024 as a Year of Prayer, calling Catholics worldwide to intensify their prayer lives leading up to Jubilee 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” It is now seven months into the Year of Prayer — so we at the Sun decided to tackle the Pontiff’s request with an article that may help us all get on board with praying no matter where we are on our journey.
As pilgrims of the Christian faith, prayer is the air we breathe to sustain and strengthen our spiritual life and relationship with God. Without it, our foundation crumbles.
In a 2013 Apostolic Exhortation, Pope Francis wrote: “Without prolonged moments of adoration, of prayerful encounter with the Word, of sincere conversation with the Lord, our work easily becomes meaningless; we lose energy as a result of weariness and difficulties, and our fervor dies out. The Church urgently needs the deep breath of prayer …”
Smiles, sunshine, food and golf
Above: Bishop Douglas J. Lucia prays with the attendees before the golf tournament begins.
Outing raises funds for diocesan schools
Sun photos l Chuck Wainwright
By Tami S. Scott, associate editor
Seventy-six golfers forwent their chance to win $10,000 by missing a hole-in-one at the Kaluhyat Golf Course in Verona. They were playing in support of a fundraiser sponsored by the Diocese of Syracuse that benefits Catholic school scholarships.
The Catholic Sun recognized in national journalism awards competition
Above: Gene Fisch, author and parishioner of The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. His family’s story of survival in World War II Poland was captured by contributing writer Dan Hurley.
(Atlanta GA) The Catholic Sun, official news medium of the Diocese of Syracuse, won three honors in the annual Catholic Media Association awards program. The winners
Making ‘pilgrims of hope’ during Eucharistic Days
By Dc. Tom Cuskey, editor
ABOVE: Priests from the Utica area parishes concelebrated Mass with Bishop Lucia at Historic Old St. John’s.
“The heat is on!”
Bishop Douglas J. Lucia makes that proclamation in a video currently on YouTube’s Diocese of Syracuse Catholic TV channel. Yes, he’s talking about summer heat but more importantly, he is inviting all
Faith in action
By Tami S. Scott, associate editor
The Child Health and Wellness Partnership between the Catholic Schools Office and Catholic Charities continues to prove how the Holy Spirit inspires action.
Due to declining enrollment and financial difficulties, the Cathedral Academy at Pompei (CAP) closed in June at the end of the academic year. But in no way does that mean “out of sight out of mind.” During a recent meeting with Catholic Charities Health and Wellness coordinator Ebony Everson and Immaculate Conception School administrators, Everson asked if the IC
Birthright of Binghamton relocates to Endicott
Above: Volunteers Helen Paradis and Frank Drialo along with co-director Diane Yajko prepare flowers for the Mother’s Day carnation sale.
By Tami S. Scott, associate editor
After 48 years in Johnson City, Birthright of Binghamton has relocated to Endicott – just a short distance from its original space. The non-profit’s new headquarters can be found at 609 E. Main St. in Endicott.
“Square-foot wise, we figured it’s ever slightly smaller, but it seems bigger,” due to the
‘People are good’; Impact Report details a successful Hope Appeal campaign.
By Dc. Tom Cuskey, editor
“This is to show people the impact that together we made,” Beth Hoey said of the Hope Appeal Impact Report, available starting this weekend throughout the diocese. Hoey is executive director of the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse and of the diocesan HOPE Appeal campaign.
The report is an annual summary of the generosity and support the faithful give to sustain the mission of diocesan ministries.
‘Sharing in the ‘action’ of the Mass’
My calendar in May and June has slots for Masses that I celebrate at only this time of year. They’re given the name “Baccalaureate,” in honor of the graduating classes at Catholic educational institutions or from the local Catholic community. Naturally, they are held in proximity usually to a school, college or university’s Commencement Exercises.
I like the term “Commencement Exercises” instead of “Graduation” because it signifies that the close of one’s educational pursuits is not a finishing point as much as a sending forth to share with the world what one has learned. That is why celebrating Holy Mass with graduating seniors as well as their families and friends is so important to me. Because in this moment, they are being sent forth not only with a diploma but even more — through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ who promises to be with them all their days!
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].
The love of God in ordinary time
By Lucia A. Silecchia
Recently, I spent a couple days on an annual getaway to a popular family theme park. Yes, there were long lines, hot weather, overpriced snacks and crowded hotels. Yet, in the happy exhausting chaos, I caught a glimpse of the love of God.
The park was filled with parents of young children. It did not take long to see that in the imperfect ways parents showed their love for their children, they were leading them – and those around them – to understand more fully the perfect love of God.
I saw a mother slowly and repeatedly explaining to her anxious young son that the train ride they were about to enjoy was not a roller coaster. She reassured him that it would stay firmly on the ground and move slowly along the tracks without speeding up, flipping upside down or plunging down an unexpected hill. In her kind assurance were echoes of a heavenly Father who reassures his children, “Be not afraid.”
Events in our Diocese week of 6/27 – 7/10
Here is a listing of a few events of interest happening in our Diocese.
Visit here for a complete list.
Young Adult Hike with Bishop Lucia
2024 FFM Summer Course | OCIA – With Fr. Joseph Scardella
Novena to the Miraculous Medal and St. Jude Thaddeus
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