The annual Blue Mass honoring law enforcement personnel in our community will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2012, at 11:15 a.m., at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Most Rev. Matthew H. Clark, Bishop Emeritus of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, will preside.

Representatives from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout our community will attend. A reception will follow. All are welcome.

Sacred Heart Cathedral is located at 296 Flower City Park, between Dewey and Lake avenues, in the city of Rochester.

David Tedesche ordained transitional deacon

ROME, 4 October 2012 – On Thursday, 4 October 2012, 33 seminarians of the Pontifical North American College were ordained to the transitional diaconate during a celebration of the Eucharist at St. Peter’s Basilica.  David M. Tedesche of the Diocese of Rochester was among those ordained.

His Excellency, The Most Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark and a 1967 alumnus of the Pontifical North American College, celebrated the Mass and was the ordaining prelate.

David Tedesche 

In his homily, Archbishop Myers referred to St. Francis of Assisi who was also ordained to the diaconate. Addressing the newly ordained, and all those gathered for the event, His Excellency remarked, “we need only remember St. Francis of Assisi whose feast day is today. His life helped the Word to come alive in people’s hearts and minds and lives. One of his admonitions to his Friars is timeless and appropriate for each of us today: ‘Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.’”

During the ordination, the new deacons promised to live a life of prayer, celibacy and obedience to their diocesan bishop.  The new deacons will have an additional year of theological studies and spiritual formation before being ordained to the priesthood.

As part of the ordination rite, the Archbishop placed the Book of the Gospels in the hands of each candidate being ordained and said, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become.  Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”

Archbishop Myers concluded his homily by addressing the new deacons, saying, “we depend on the handing on of a living faith, a living tradition joined to Jesus in His loving sacrifice… for He has chosen us, He has chosen you, my brothers, to be His friends and to bear fruit that will remain.”

The Pontifical North American College serves as the American seminary in Rome.  Founded in 1859 by Blessed Pius IX, the college has formed over 5000 priests near the heart of the Church for service in dioceses around the United States, Canada, and Australia.  The College strengthens the bonds between Rome and local Churches worldwide, and it allows its students to study the Church’s rich religious and cultural heritage at close range.

Deacon Tedesche is scheduled to be ordained a priest of the Diocese of Rochester in June 2013. David is originally from St. Mary’s Parish in Ontario, New York. He earned his undergraduate degree in English and a M.A. in philosophy from SUNY Albany. Says David, “My journey to the priesthood thus far has been an incredible adventure in which I have discovered ever more deeply and fully the goodness and greatness of God. I can’t wait to be a priest and to bring the hope and goodness and love of God to others back home in the Diocese of Rochester.”

Information from Rome courtesy of the Pontifical North American College

Most. Rev. Robert J. Cunningham, Bishop of Syracuse, is appointed Apostolic Administrator

Holy See accepts Bishop Clark’s resignation

ROCHESTER, New York, Sept. 21, 2012 – Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop of Rochester Matthew H. Clark. Bishop of Syracuse Robert J. Cunningham has been appointed as Apostolic Administrator of the Rochester Diocese until a new bishop is named at a later date.

The appointment is effective Friday, Sept. 21, 2012. Bishop Cunningham will oversee all aspects of the 12-county Diocese of Rochester, as well as continuing to lead the Diocese of Syracuse. Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Hart, who served as vicar general and moderator of the Pastoral Center under Bishop Clark, will be Bishop Cunningham’s delegate in the daily governance of the Diocese of Rochester.

Bishop Clark submitted his resignation on his 75th birthday on July 15, 2012, as is required of all diocesan bishops by church law. As the 8th Bishop of Rochester, Bishop Clark served from June 1979 until today, second only in length of tenure to Rochester’s first bishop, Most Rev. Bernard J. McQuaid.

Bishop Cunningham, a native of Buffalo who was ordained a priest in 1969, served as the 13th Bishop of Ogdensburg from 2004 until his appointment as the 10th Bishop of Syracuse in April 2009.

“I am greatly honored, and humbled, to serve as Apostolic Administrator of this diocese,” said Bishop Cunningham. “I ask for the prayers of all that I might serve you well, as long as need be. I will be traveling weekly between the Dioceses of Syracuse and Rochester, and hope to make acquaintance with many new friends.

“Above all, I want to help wherever I can, to be the solid bridge that spans the time between Bishop Clark and whomever the 9th Bishop of Rochester may be. I do not know when that will happen, but I do know I am at this Diocese’s service as long as it takes.

Bishop Clark said, “I assure the good and faithful people in our 12 counties that the governance of this Diocese is in excellent hands. Now that provision has been made for the pastoral care of our diocese, I am peaceful; and I look forward with lively curiosity to a new phase of my life and ministry after more than 33 years as Bishop of Rochester. I humbly thank God for having lived during this incredible time and for the opportunity to shepherd a beautiful, faithful and inspired people. Words cannot express my gratitude to the people of this Diocese, whom I love very much.”

The Apostolic Nuncio, the Pope’s representative and ambassador in the United States, and the Holy See’s Congregation for Bishops are responsible for identifying possible candidates to be the new Bishop of Rochester. They present their thoughts directly to the Holy Father, who makes the final determination and appointment. The process can take several months.

More than 300,000 Roman Catholics reside in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, which was established in March 1868. The counties contained within the Diocese are: Monroe, Livingston, Wayne, Ontario, Seneca, Cayuga, Yates, Tompkins, Schuyler, Tioga, Chemung and Steuben.

About Bishop Cunningham

Bishop Robert J. Cunningham, son the late Cecil and Grace Cunningham, was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He received his early education at St. John the Baptist Parish Elementary School and the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary, Buffalo. His college and seminary education continued at St. John Vianney Seminary, East Aurora, where he earned both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees. In 1978 he received a Licentiate Degree in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America.

Bishop Cunningham was ordained to the priesthood by Auxiliary Bishop Bernard J. McLaughlin on May 24, 1969 at St.

Joseph New Cathedral in Buffalo. His first assignment was associate pastor at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Kenmore. In 1972 he became the assistant pastor at his home parish of St. John the Baptist, Kenmore.

He was named secretary to Bishop Edward D. Head and assistant chancellor of the Diocese of Buffalo in 1974. Upon the completion of his Licentiate Degree in Canon Law, Bishop Cunningham was named a judge in the marriage tribunal and vice-chancellor of the diocese. He was named a Monsignor by John Paul II in 1984. In 1985 he was appointed chancellor for the diocese and the following year, vicar general. In January 2002, Bishop Henry J. Mansell named Bishop Cunningham pastor of St. Louis Church in downtown Buffalo. In December of 2003, the diocesan College of Consultors in Buffalo elected him diocesan administrator, a position he held until his installation as the Bishop of Ogdensburg. On March 9, 2004 His Holiness Pope John Paul II appointed Msgr. Robert J. Cunningham as the 13th Bishop of Ogdensburg. Bishop Cunningham was ordained and installed as the Bishop of Ogdensburg on May 18, 2004 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg. The Diocese has over 128,000 Catholics in the eight northernmost counties of New York State covering an area of 12,036 square miles.

On April 21, 2009 His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Cunningham as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse. He was installed as the Bishop of Syracuse on May 26, 2009 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse. The Diocese of Syracuse has over 285,000 Catholics in seven counties of Upstate New York. The Diocese of Syracuse was established November 26, 1886 and covers 5,749 square miles.

Bishop Cunningham has served on a number of boards including Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Buffalo and the Diocese of Ogdensburg, Baker Victory Services in Lackawanna, NY, the Cantalician Center in Buffalo, Board of Managers of St. Joseph’s Home in Ogdensburg and the Board of Trustees of the former Wadhams Hall Seminary College in Ogdensburg. The Bishop was also a charter member of the Kenmore Mercy Hospital Foundation Board. Currently, Bishop Cunningham serves on the board of trustees of Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, NY.

In the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Cunningham has served as Chairman of Region II (Province of New York). He currently serves as a representative from Region II to the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He also serves on the Committee for Priorities and Plans, as well as on the Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Sub-committee on Native American Catholics. Bishop Cunningham was presented with an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Niagara University, Niagara Falls in 1991 and St. John’s University, Staten Island in 2007 and Canisius College in 2009. The Kenmore Mercy Hospital Foundation Board honored him for his years of service with the Sister Mechtilde Award in 2004. In 2008, Bishop Cunningham received the Cure of Ars Award from Christ the King Seminary.

Bishop Cunningham has a brother and sister-in-law, Patrick J. and Sheila Cunningham, Williamsville, NY, and a sister and brother- in-law, Eileen and Dr. Ronald G. Korn, Clarence, NY. He has thirteen nieces and nephews and twenty-eight grandnieces and grandnephews.

10 WAYS CATHOLICS CAN LIVE THE YEAR OF FAITH

USCCB NEWS — To honor the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the twentieth anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI has announced a Year of Faith, starting October 11 and ending November 24, 2013. The goal is to strengthen the faith of Catholics and draw the world to faith by their example.

Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, chairman of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, offers “10 Ways Catholics Can Live the Year of Faith.” Rooted in guidelines from the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, some of these suggestions are already requirements for Catholics; others can be embraced by Catholics at all times and especially during the Year of Faith:

1. Participate in Mass. The Year of Faith is meant to promote the personal encounter with Jesus. This occurs most immediately in the Eucharist. Regular Mass attendance strengthens one’s faith through the Scriptures, the Creed, other prayers, sacred music, the homily, receiving Communion and being part of a faith community.

2. Go to Confession. Like going to Mass, Catholics find strength and grow deeper in their faith through participation in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Confession urges people to turn back to God, express sorrow for falling short and open their lives to the power of God’s healing grace. It forgives the injuries of the past and provides strength for the future.

3. Learn about the lives of the saints. The saints are timeless examples of how to live a Christian life, and they provide endless hope. Not only were they sinners who kept trying to grow closer to God, but they also exemplify ways a person can serve God: through teaching, missionary work, charity, prayer and simply striving to please God in the ordinary actions and decisions of daily life.

4. Read the Bible daily. Scripture offers first-hand access to the Word of God and tells the story of human salvation. Catholics can pray the Scriptures (through lectio divina or other methods) to become more attuned to the Word of God. Either way, the Bible is a must for growth in the Year of Faith.

5. Read the documents of Vatican II. The Second Vatican Council (1962-65) ushered in a great renewal of the Church. It impacted how Mass is celebrated, the role of the laity, how the Church understands itself and its relationship with other Christians and non-Christians. To continue this renewal, Catholics must understand what the Council taught and how it enriches the lives of believers.

6. Study the Catechism. Published exactly 30 years after the start of the Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church covers the beliefs, moral teachings, prayer and sacraments of the Catholic Church in one volume. It’s a resource for growing in understanding of the faith. Another helpful resource is the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCA).

7. Volunteer in the parish. The Year of Faith can’t only be about study and reflection. The solid grounding of the Scriptures, the Council and the Catechism must translate into action. The parish is a great place to start, and each person’s gifts help build up the community. People are welcome as ministers of hospitality, liturgical musicians, lectors, catechists and in other roles in parish life.

8. Help those in need. The Vatican urges Catholics to donate to charity and volunteer to help the poor during the Year of Faith. This means to personally encounter Christ in the poor, marginalized and vulnerable. Helping others brings Catholics face-to-face with Christ and creates an example for the rest of the world.

9. Invite a friend to Mass. The Year of Faith may be global in its scope, focusing on a renewal of faith and evangelization for the whole Church, but real change occurs at the local level. A personal invitation can make all the difference to someone who has drifted from the faith or feels alienated from the Church. Everyone knows people like this, so everyone can extend a loving welcome.

10. Incorporate the Beatitudes into daily life. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) provide a rich blueprint for Christian living. Their wisdom can help all to be more humble, patient, just, transparent, loving, forgiving and free. It’s precisely the example of lived faith needed to draw people to the Church in the year ahead.

More information on the Year of Faith is available online: www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/index.cfm. More resources: https://www.dor.org/index.cfm/evangelization-catechesis/year-of-faith/

Bishop launches 2012/13 Catholic Ministries Appeal

Making a Difference Every Day

Visit the CMA WEBSITE to WATCH THE VIDEO

Sept. 12, 2012 – Bishop of Rochester Matthew H. Clark launched the 2012/13 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) today with the theme, Making a Difference Every Day.

This year’s Catholic Ministries Appeal – also known as the CMA – follows the most successful campaign since the annual appeal was begun in the early 1980s.

A record $5.3 million was raised, the most ever collected in the history of the CMA. In addition, the past campaign marked the 5th consecutive year that more than $5 million was pledged, as well as the 8th straight year the average gift has climbed ($171).

Bishop Clark thanked Catholics for their spirit of generosity.

“More than 30 years ago,” he said, “I asked Catholics to support a diocesan-wide Annual Appeal that would help us provide crucial ministries and services throughout our 12-county Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester – ministries that affect nearly every Catholic family in some way. From the very beginning in the early 1980s, thousands of families have responded in good stewardship and great generosity. Because of these gifts, we have been able to sustain our ministries, as well as respond to new needs and emerging challenges. I am forever grateful for this spirit and enthusiasm.”

The CMA helps fund ministries for more than 314,000 Catholics and others in Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Cayuga, Livingston, Steuben, Tioga, Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Tompkins and Yates counties.

This year’s campaign goal is $5.8 million. Materials are being mailed to approximately 112,000 households. Donors can also give online by clicking here

WHAT THE CMA SUPPORTS

• Educating our children and teens in the Roman Catholic faith
• Serving people in need through the agencies of Catholic Charities
• Supporting Catholic Schools
• Ministering to young Catholics on college campuses and connecting young adults to their faith
• Visiting the sick in our hospitals
• Reaching out to children and adults of migrant farm families
• Supporting and celebrating the work of our priests and promoting the priesthood
• Supporting Pope Benedict XVI’s ministries to people worldwide and national ministries
• Providing our parishes with professional services vital to their daily operation
• Spreading the Gospel message through modern means of communication
• Promoting Catholic values on the sanctity of life from conception to death.
• Developing positive relationships with people of other faiths through inter-religious dialogue
• Preparing couples for the sacrament of marriage
• Properly preparing people who wish to become Roman Catholic

ROCHESTER, NY – Providence Housing Development Corporation invites seniors 55+ and seniors 62+ to submit applications for the affordable housing waitlist. Applicants must meet age, income and occupancy requirements.

Those interested in the 55+ senior communities should contact St. Salome Apartments, Irondequoit at 544-9151; Union Park, North Chili at 293-9150; or West Town Village, West Henrietta at 321-3420.

Those interested in the 62+ senior communities should contact Atwood Park, Gates at 585-247-0985 or Bloomfield Meadows, Bloomfield at 585-657-4680.

These senior communities offer many amenities and most offer both 1- and 2-bedrooms apartments. Small domestic pets are welcomed with approval and pet deposit.

Providence Housing Development Corporation serves as the property management company. An affiliate of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, Providence Housing is dedicated to the development and management of quality, affordable housing for seniors, low-income families and special needs populations within the Diocese of Rochester. Learn more about Providence’s mission at http://www.providencehousing.org. 

MASSES OF THANKSGIVING & RECEPTIONS WITH BISHOP CLARK

Bishop Matthew H. Clark invites the people of the Diocese of Rochester to join him in one of the following Masses of Thanksgiving this fall as he celebrates in 2012 his 50th anniversary of ordination as a priest, 33 years as Bishop of Rochester and his 75th birthday.

Saturday, Sept. 22, at  4 p.m., St. Alphonsus Church, Auburn

Saturday, Sept. 29, at  5 p.m., St. Mary Our Mother Church, Horseheads

Saturday, October 13, at 4 p.m., Sacred Heart Cathedral, Rochester

Each of the Masses will be followed by a public reception where you may personally greet Bishop Clark.

DeSales High School in Geneva to Close

GENEVA, New York – The Board of Trustees of DeSales High School has announced that the high school will not re-open for the coming 2012/13 academic year due to declining enrollment and an insufficiency of funds to continue operations. The decision to close the school was made at a special meeting of the board July 31.

“We are saddened by this decision but we must make it given all the circumstances,” said Peter Cheney, board chairman. “The decision to close DeSales was not made lightly, but through the hard work, objective analysis and heartfelt prayers of all of us on the board who dearly love this school. We wish to thank all those who have supported and sustained us these many years – the community as a whole, our generous donors, our families, our students and our staff. The memories we have of DeSales and its impact on our lives and the lives of many will live in our hearts and minds forever.”

Cheney added that the school tried many different means and public appeals to draw new students and additional resources, but efforts fell short of the minimum required to sustain the school now and into the future.

The DeSales property will revert to Our Lady of Peace Parish because of its role in the school’s founding.

DeSales originated in 1912 as an extension of St. Francis DeSales Elementary School, moving to its present site by 1930. Initially, DeSales was staffed by the priests of St. Francis DeSales and St. Stephen’s churches, along with the Sisters of St. Joseph. In more recent decades, a dedicated staff of professiona educators sought to continue the school’s tradition of excellence.

Over the last 100 years, more than 5,000 young men and women have graduated from DeSales, many of them distinguishing themselves professionally and in service to their families, communities, and nation, in large part thanks to their DeSales education.

Special exhibit at the Cathedral honors Bishop Clark

A special exhibit honoring Roman Catholic Bishop of Rochester Matthew Clark is on display through Sept. 16 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park, Rochester.

The free and public exhibit features numerous photographs from Bishop Clark’s youth and family life, his years as a priest and his service since 1979 as the 8th Bishop of Rochester, as well as historical letters, articles and documents related to his episcopacy.

Bishop Clark officially retired on his 75th birthday, July 15, 2012, but will continue to until a successor is chosen by Pope Benedict XVI, a process that can take several months.

Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Mother Church of the 12-county Diocese of Rochester, is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

For more information about events at the Cathedral, visit www.cathedralcommunity.org