Author Archives: bparker

New Schools Superintendent

Anthony S. Cook III is appointed
Catholic Schools Superintendent 

Anthony S. Cook III has been named Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Rochester, effective July 1, 2013. He will succeed Superintendent Anne Willkens Leach, who is retiring.

Cook, a Rochester native, is currently the Principal of Seton Catholic School in Brighton, a position he has held since January 2012. He will remain in that position until his appointment as Superintendent becomes effective.

“I am honored to be selected as Superintendent and I am excited to have the opportunity to lead our diocesan schools, which have such a proud tradition of faith combined with academic excellence. Catholic schools are a privileged place where the sacraments are celebrated, scriptures studied, and the name of Jesus spoken,” Cook says. “I look forward to working with all stakeholders of our local Catholic school community – including students, parents, pastors, principals, teachers, and staff. I deeply value the responsibility I have in shaping students spiritually, academically, and personally while contributing to the success of Catholic Education. It is a vocation to which I am wholeheartedly devoted.”

Cook holds an M.A. in Educational Administration from the University of Notre Dame’s Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program, which is part of the Alliance for Catholic Education. The program at Notre Dame networks hundreds of current and future school administrators nationally. After completing his degree at Notre Dame, Cook was selected as an Adjunct Professor for the summer of 2011.

In addition, Cook has earned a M.S. in Education and Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the State University of New York College at Geneseo.

He is scheduled to complete his Doctoral degree in Education at the University of Rochester in 2016.

Before his appointment as Seton Catholic School’s Principal, Cook was the Dean of Students at Aquinas Institute’s Junior High School and also taught American History. Additionally, he has served as Head Coach of Aquinas’ boys and girls varsity track and field teams, leading the school to several championships and honors.

Cook is certified by New York State as a School Building Leader and teacher, and will hold certification as a School District Leader upon start of the 2013-2014 school year.

For more information about our schools, click here

Fr. Rosica, Vatican spokesman, to speak here April 13

Pope Francis and Father Thomas Rosica, C.S.B.
Father Thomas Rosica, C.S.B.
Assistant Spokesperson for the Vatican
to speak at
Peace of Christ Parish’s St. Ambrose Church
25 Empire Boulevard at Culver Road
Saturday, April 13th at 2:00 P.M.

Father Thomas Rosica, C.S.B., native son of Peace of Christ Parish’s St.
Ambrose Church, will speak at St. Ambrose Church in Rochester on
Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. on his recent experience as Assistant
Spokesperson for the Vatican with particular responsibility for the English
and French language media during the transitional time from the retirement
of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI through the Inaugural Mass of Pope Francis.
During this time, he stayed at the Jesuit Generalate just down the block from
the Vatican—a fortunate coincidence since it was a Jesuit who was elected
to be pope. In the course of that month, he did some 160 interviews with the
major television networks, newspapers, and radio services of the world in
English, French, Italian, German and Spanish.

Fr. Rosica is currently the head of Canada’s Salt and Light Television
Network which serves Canada’s Catholic population much as EWTN serve’s
that in the United States. Though not on our American cable services it can
be watched on line at:

Bp. Cunningham’s Easter Message

Easter Message 2013

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Gospels provide us with beautiful accounts of the Resurrection. Easter Sunday’s account tells us about Mary Magdalene’s visit to Jesus’ tomb and her anguish at finding it empty. We are told that Mary Magdalene “came to the tomb, early in the morning while it was still dark” (Jn 20:1).  She is “seeking the Lord.” What a fitting description for us and all committed disciples of the Lord during this Year of Faith. We seek the Lord because He has first found us and moved us to seek Him. We seek the Lord because we hunger and thirst for goodness, truth and beauty. We seek the Lord in order to rediscover the treasure of our faith. We seek the Lord to know Him more personally.

The good news of Easter assures us if we seek the Lord with a simple and sincere mind we too will find Him. He is alive!  He comes to meet us in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, the Sacred Scriptures, the teachings of the Church and in our brothers and sisters. When we find Him we cannot keep the good news to ourselves. We proclaim this good news with enthusiasm and joy.

We are told that the beloved disciple John, on entering the empty tomb, “saw and believed” (Jn 20:8). He saw more than the empty tomb. He understood that death and suffering were not victorious.  During the Year of Faith, we are invited to see with the eyes of faith. Sometimes this will mean seeing beneath the surface, seeing what is hidden yet nonetheless an opportunity to encounter God’s presence. Sometimes this will mean seeing the face of Christ in others. Sometimes it will mean seeing God’s plan in unexpected events or in troubling situations. Sometimes it will mean seeing God in the good, beautiful and joyful moments of life.   The eyes of faith are attentive and alert. They “see,” meaning they “believe” in the Lord who is alive and present in their midst. Yes, “Christ my hope is arisen” (Easter Sequence). He is alive. He is with us.

Easter is the feast of feasts. It picks us up and fortifies our hope. God lives and we live in Him. The Lord is risen, alleluia! He is our hope. He is our joy. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. May profound gratitude for our faith and a new found hope and joy fill your hearts and minds this Easter Sunday and throughout the Easter Season.

Devotedly yours in Christ,

Most Rev. Robert J. Cunningham

Apostolic Administrator of Rochester

Charities’ Balinsky honored

Jack Balinsky to receive Bishop Mugavero Award from NYS Council of Catholic Charities Directors

Jack Balinsky, director of Diocese of Rochester Catholic Charities, will receive the Bishop Mugavero Award from the New York State Catholic Conference Council of Catholic Charities Directors. The award recognizes an individual who, in the spirit of the late Bishop Francis Mugavero, has made a significant and sustained contribution to the work of charity and social
justice on a statewide level.
The award will be presented at the Annual Convening of the Council of Catholic Charities Directors that will be held in Albany, New York, on Tuesday, March 19, 2013.
In a letter announcing the award, the Council said Balinsky has provided outstanding leadership to Diocese of Rochester Catholic Charities and the NYS Council of Catholic Charities Directors for more than two decades.
“You were initially involved with Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Syracuse about 40 years ago.  You served on the staff of the NYS Catholic Conference from 1984 to 1990,” the letter said.  “You have written a history of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Rochester and a six-volume history of the New York State Catholic Conference.  In 2010 you were recognized by Catholic Charities USA with the Centennial Medal and in 2011 you were recognized by the NYS Catholic Conference with the J. Alan Davitt Award for Exemplary Service.” The Council of Catholic Charities Directors said it also wished to recognize Balinsky for his “life-long commitment to charity and social justice.”
Balinsky, a native of Syracuse, has been diocesan director since 1992. At the direction of Bishop Matthew H. Clark, he vastly expanded  the services and presence of Catholic Charities in the 12-county diocese, from three subsidiary agencies to ten. Balinsky directs a diocesan Catholic Charities family of agencies and affiliates that provides assistance services to more than 250,000 people annually, regardless of religious affiliation, in such areas as home-purchase assistance; senior services,; emergency services for food, clothing and housing; help for the homeless; assistance to developmentally disabled people; help for people with mental illness; migrant-family assistance; and help with addiction, among others.
Before joining the Diocese of Rochester, Balinsky served in a variety of roles in Diocese of Syracuse Catholic Charities from 1971-1984 , including as area director. From 1984-1990, he was executive secretary of the State Council of Catholic Charities Directors in Albany, and from 1990-1992 served as executive director of the DuLac Community Development Corp, also in Albany. He is a 1969 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he achieved the honor of class valedictorian, and also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Princeton University.
He also has made a life’s work of chronicling the long service of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Rochester and New York State, researching and writing eight volumes of history. To read the Catholic Charities histories produced by Jack Balinsky, visit http://www.jackbalinsky.org.

Masses for Pope Francis locally

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Bp. Cunningham’s statement on Pope Francis

Most Rev. Robert Cunningham, Apostolic Administrator, on the election of Pope Francis:

Wednesday, 13 March 2013

“It is with joy, happiness and gratitude to our gracious God, that we welcome Cardinal Bergoglio, Pope Francis, as our Holy Father. In his first papal appearance, he asked the people gathered in St. Peter’s Square and throughout the world to join him in prayer for the Bishop Emeritus of Rome, Benedict XVI. Using the Our Father, and Hail Mary he united us in a gesture of filial devotion.

Pope Francis asked for the favor of our prayers. I trust the clergy, religious, and laity of the Diocese of Rochester will honor his request as we join him ‘in the journey of friendship, of love, of trust and of faith.’

To him we pledge not only our prayer, but also our affection and loyalty.”

Wedding Jubilee Mass

Bishop Matthew Clark will preside at a Wedding Jubilee Mass to honor couples who have been married 25 years or more on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at 2:00 PM at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester.

A reception will follow the Mass to honor the attendees.

Please send your name and address to Sylvia Mancuso at  or call 800-388-7177 x1295, or 585-328-3228 x1295.

Bishop Emeritus Clark honored

Fordham presents President’s Medal to Bishop Clark

Left to right: Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham University, with Bishop of Rochester Emeritus Matthew H. Clark and Bishop of Albany Howard J. Hubbard after presenting them with the Fordham President’s Medal at the University’s Rose Hill campus on Wednesday, March 6. 

Most Rev. Matthew H. Clark, Bishop Emeritus of Rochester, received the prestigious President’s Medal from Fordham University at a special ceremony in New York the evening of March 6, 2013. Bishop of Albany Howard J. Hubbard also received the President’s Medal that night in a ceremony honoring their collective service of nearly 70 years as bishops and more than 100 years as priests.

The medals are “a sign of our immense esteem and gratitude for your graceful and abiding witness through decades that have wrought enormous challenges within and outside the Church,” wrote the Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J., president of Fordham, in a letter to both bishops. “You are both courageous leaders who have definitively embraced a preferential option for the marginalized and the poor, faithfully shepherding in a manner that renders you models of episcopal ministry.”

In addition, the Bishops of New York State honored Bishop Clark with the John Cardinal O’Connor Award for Extraordinary Service, in recognition of his decades of commitment to the public policy agenda of the New York State Catholic Conference, his pastoral service of more than 50 years as a priest and 34 years as a bishop. The award was  presented at the conclusion of the annual “Catholics at the Capitol Mass” in Albany on March 20, 2013.

Photo by Chris Taggart/Fordham

Bp. Cunningham statement on Pope’s resignation

Statement of Bp. Cunningham regarding Pope’s resignation

Feb. 11, 2013

“I join with those around the world in being surprised by Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement of his resignation.  His decision is clearly one of great courage and one of deep love for the Church.  He has publicly recognized that he no longer has the strength to carry out the duties of his papacy which is a further sign of his great humility.

Pope Benedict XVI will be remembered as a great theologian, a consummate teacher and a warm, caring spiritual leader.  The Universal Church is grateful for his eight years as its Holy Father.  May God grant him the peace he so richly deserves.

We will keep the College of Cardinals in our prayers as they choose a successor who will continue to strengthen the Church while meeting the challenges of today.”

“Our Legacy, Our Future, Our Hope” Campaign launched

“Our Legacy, Our Future, Our Hope” Campaign launched

“Our Legacy, Our Future, Our Hope’

 campaign seeks $14 million to support the Priesthood

ROCHESTER, New York, Jan. 30, 2013 – The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester today launched the public phase of a major fundraising initiative called Our Legacy, Our Future, Our Hope, a $14 million capital campaign aimed at supporting the Priesthood now and in the future.

More than 110,000 Catholic households in the 12-county Diocese will be asked to contribute to the campaign, which seeks:

  •  $7 million to ensure the Diocese has sufficient funds to properly educate an ever-increasing number of men seeking ordination to the priesthood. From but one or two candidates a few years ago, the Diocese now has 25 seminarians and pre-seminarians, with even more expected. At a cost of $40,000 per seminarian per year over six years of required preparation at seminaries, an increase in the seminarian education fund is greatly needed. The Diocese, like many others, shoulders this cost, believing that financial impediments should not stand in the way of a man’s call to serve God as a priest.
  • $7 million to ensure the Diocese’s senior priests, after serving faithfully for decades, will have an adequate stipend to support them in their retirement. Due to shifting market and demographic trends, the Priests Pension Trust is underfunded. Funds are needed to meet current and projected needs.

Before he retired in September 2012, Bishop Emeritus Matthew H. Clark began the leadership-giving phase of the campaign. Over the course of many months, Bishop Clark traveled throughout the Diocese, meeting privately with donors.

As a result of his efforts, more than 300 families and individuals have contributed $10.7 million towards the $14 million goal.

Now, the public phase of the campaign offers an opportunity for all Catholics to take part in this important cause and help raise the additional funds needed.

Besides responding to pledge materials mailed to their households, families can give securely online at www.dor.org. All donors, regardless of the amount pledged, will have up to three years to fulfill their pledge.

“I ask that all Catholics in our Diocese read this information upon receiving it. I ask that they pray on it. And I ask that, as best as they can, they give generously to these two important causes,” said Most Rev. Robert Cunningham, Bishop of Syracuse, who was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese until Bishop Clark’s successor is named by the Vatican at a later date.

Bishop Cunningham added, “I know the good and gracious people of God share my pride at our priests, who serve them at every stage of their lives, in good times and the sad times. I know they would wish for their aging priests a secure retirement, priests I might add who continue to help out as much as they can well into their 70s, 80s and even 90s. And I know all Catholics, as well, have prayed hard for more priests to come our way. Those prayers are being answered with this infusion of new seminarians. We must support these men as much as we can.”

Evening Prayer for Life Jan. 22

“Evening Prayer for Life” Jan. 22 at Sacred Heart Cathedral

An “Evening Prayer for Life” will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park.

Rev. Kevin McKenna, pastor of the Cathedral, will preside.

The Cathedral Community welcomes all to come and pray in reparation for sins committed against God’s gift of life and that all people will reverence and support human life at every stage.