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Nine men will be ordained to the diaconate – eight as permanent deacons and one as a transitional deacon – on June 5, 2010, at a 10:30 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Rochester.

They are Mark Bovenzi, Patrick DiLaura, Peter Dohr, Joseph Erway, Raymond Garbach, Paul Sartori, Lon Smith and Thomas Uschold. Click here for the Catholic Courier story providing details about the eight men.

In addition, Scott Caton of Spencerport will be ordained to the one-year transitional diaconate in anticipation of his ordination as a priest in 2011.

A permanent deacon – most often a married man – is ordained for service within the church, according to Deacon David Palma, director of deacon personnel for the diocese.

A deacon’s ministry ranges from Service of the Word (proclaiming the Gospel message, teaching, conducting retreats and counseling), Service of the Altar (assisting at Mass, witnessing marriages, baptizing and presiding at wakes and funerals) to Service of Charity (building up human dignity as ministers of charity and justice).

Candidates for the permanent diaconate must participate in four years of formation at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry. Many deacons complete a master’s degree in pastoral studies.

The Diocese of Rochester has more than 100 active deacons.

You are invited to honor the dignity and humanity of the pre-born by attending a Mass for all those lost to miscarriage and abortion. The Funeral Mass, presided by Father Joseph Catanise and concelebrated byFather Anthony Mugavero, will be offered at St.Leo the Great Catholic Church, 167 Lake Avenue, Hilton NY 14468 on June 5th at 10:00 A.M. A baby lost to miscarriage will be laid to rest after Mass. A funeral reception will follow at St Leo’s Parish Center. Please call (585)392-2710 with any questions.

Former Protestant minister, married and father of 6 children, to be ordained Catholic priest in 2011

The Vatican recently approved Scott Caton’s road to priesthood

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – For Scott Caton, a former Protestant minister, becoming Catholic 12 years ago was a joyous occasion, the fulfillment of a long desire to experience the beauty and power of the Holy Eucharist. Yet the same strong call to serve God and God’s people that earlier drew him to be a minister sparked in him a desire to be a Catholic priest.

Next Spring, Caton’s long journey of preparation and study will come to fruition. The 49-year-old Caton, who is married and the father of six children, is scheduled to be ordained a priest by Bishop of Rochester Matthew H. Clark. As a further step along the way, he will be ordained a transitional deacon June 5, 2010, at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Caton’s request for ordination as a Catholic priest was reviewed and approved by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and then by Pope Benedict XVI. This permission reflects a still-rare, but allowable, exception to the discipline of celibacy required by the Church of its priests in the Latin Rite.

“We are most excited and pleased at the prospect of having Scott as a priest of our diocese,” Bishop Clark says. “Scott is a man of strong faith and keen intellect, with a wonderful personality. He’s a good man and will be a good priest.”

“I have always felt this tug, this inner true desire to continue with my vocation, in conjunction with my academic work,” Caton says. “I felt from at least a teenager called to ministerial work of some kind. The inward drive to become Catholic was related to my study of Scripture, theology, and the Church’s rich history, but also the beauty and the power of the Eucharist, and my need and desire for it. And as time went on, I increasingly felt the need to be a part of giving not only myself, but also the Eucharist, to people in the way that only a priest can do.”

In the Roman Catholic Church, only a priest can celebrate the Mass and consecrate the Eucharist.

Caton, a Spencerport native, is married to Bonnie Caton; the couple has been married almost 28 years. Their children – five daughters and a son – range in age from 26 to 7.

“My wife and children have been incredibly supportive and I could not do this without their love and prayer,” Caton says.

Caton is Professor of History at Roberts Wesleyan College, as well as Professor of History and Culture at Northeastern Seminary, an ecumenical seminary located on the Roberts Wesleyan campus. He is a founding faculty member of the seminary.

Caton holds a doctorate from the University of Rochester, a master’s degree from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and a bachelor’s degree from Roberts Wesleyan. He is a 1978 graduate of Spencerport High School. Besides Church history and historical theology, Caton’s areas of expertise include American history and British history and literature.

Caton’s preparation for ordination in the Church began several years ago and under the guidance of Bishop Clark and other diocesan officials once he expressed his desire to be ordained to the Bishop. Under Vatican guidelines, Protestant ministers who enter the Church as Catholics and wish to be ordained must first study in such areas as moral and sacramental theology, the Church’s canon law and related areas.

Caton has been serving at St. Joseph’s in Penfield (Rev. James Schwartz, pastor) prior to his ordination as a transitional deacon. As a deacon, he will serve at Blessed Sacrament Church in Rochester (Rev. Robert Kennedy, pastor) until his planned ordination to the priesthood next year.

“I want my ministry to be characterized by reconciliation,” Caton says. “I want to be a priest who serves with focus and dedication to reconcile women and men with God, to help bring people to their Creator, to closeness to God and closer to each other. And in some way, because of my background and my perspective, perhaps too I can help break down any walls of misunderstanding between Protestants and Catholics.”

The Diocese of Rochester is investigating a complaint alleging improper conduct with minors dating back to the 1970s against Rev. Paul Schnacky, a retired priest who resides in Hornell, New York. Results of that investigation were presented to the Diocesan Review Board, which advises Bishop Clark on these matters. They have determined that the investigation has confirmed the complaint. Fr. Schnacky was serving as an associate pastor at St. Philip Neri (now closed) in Rochester, NY at the time.

Fr. Schnacky’s faculties are withdrawn and he cannot exercise public ministry.

As is our policy – to protect both the complainant and the accused – we will not offer further comment until the investigation is completed.

The Diocese of Rochester encourages victims of abuse to report to civil authorities. To report a case of possible sexual abuse and to receive help and guidance from the Diocese, victims are encouraged to contact the Victims’ Assistance Coordinator appointed by Bishop Clark: Barbara Pedeville, by phone at 585-328-3228, ext. 1215 (toll-free, 800-388-7177, ext. 1215); by e-mail to ; or U.S. mail to 1150 Buffalo Road, Rochester, N.Y. 14624.

“Creating a Safe Environment” Resources

Charities director on mission to help orphans in Kenya

By Nicole Ricker
Diocese of Rochester Communications Intern

Joseph Dimino is leaving his position as executive director of Livingston County Catholic Charities to assist in the operation of an orphanage in Kenya. Dimino’s last day at Catholic Charities was April 30, and he is scheduled to leave for St. Michael’s Rescue Centre in Murang’a, on May 11.

“His leadership in Livingston County and his many contributions to the diocesan Catholic Charities office are greatly appreciated. He faced many challenges with the economy the way it is, but had the passion and drive to meet those challenges,” said Jack Balinsky, Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities.

Dimino first learned about the orphanage after his 2006 trip to Honduras to visit a child he sponsored through ChildFund. He made a video of his trip, which received an overwhelmingly positive response from his friends. “We had more sponsors than there were kids,” said Dimino.

After informing ChildFund of the number of interested sponsors, he learned that Africa was where they had the greatest need for assistance. Currently, there are over 50 million orphaned children in Africa. Of these, about 15 million lost their parents from AIDS. Other main causes include war, famine, and other diseases like malaria and cholera.

ChildFund International began in 1938, and now provides assistance to more than 15 million children in 31 countries across the globe. Their efforts are funded by one-on-one sponsorship of orphaned children. To learn more about the organization visit childfund.org.

Livingston County Catholic Charities is one of 13 regional agencies that make up Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester.

The diocesan-wide operation currently serves 12 counties and more than 250,000 people each year, regardless of religious affiliation. This year, Catholic Charities is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its commitment to serving those in need, advocating for social justice, and working with parishes toward reducing poverty in America. To learn more about Catholic Charities or the Diocese of Rochester please visit https://www.dor.org. content

Stewardship Day 2010

The Diocese of Rochester Stewardship Day 2010, a gathering that draws people from all 12 counties of the diocese, will be held April 24, 2010, at Church of the Assumption in Fairport, from 8 am. to noon.

Keynote speaker and workshop leader will be Charles Zech, Ph.D., director of the Center for the Study of Church Management at Villanova University and the author of more than 75 books. Bishop Matthew Clark also will address the gathering.

Cost is $10 per person (includes continental breakfast). Registration (required) can be done online at www.stbernards.edu. For a brochure, click here.

Need more info? Email .

2008 Stewardship Day is April 26

Stewardship Day 2008 will be held from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 26, 2008, at the Burgundy Basin Conference Center, Pittsford. The event aims to help parishes and individuals through the diocesan-wide program, “The Joy of Stewardship,” which promotes the biblical principles of sharing one’s time, talent and treasure.

Joining Bishop Matthew Clark will be keynote speaker Rev. Daniel J. Mahan. executive director of the Marian College Center for Catholic Stewardship, Indianapolis. Mahan, a frequent national speaker on Stewardship, also will conduct two practical workshops.

Cost is $10 per person and includes a continental breakfast. Registration is required and can be done online at www.stbernards.edu.

For more event details, click here or call 585-328-3228, ext. 1297 (toll-free, 1-800-388-7177, ext. 1297.)

St. Joseph and St. Lawrence schools to become parish-operated this fall

St. Joseph School in Penfield and St. Lawrence School in Greece will become parish-run schools this fall under plans approved by Bishop Matthew Clark, in consultation with the pastors of both parishes. The schools have been operated by the Monroe County Catholic Schools system since the formation of the system in the early 1990s. Both schools made announcements to parents at briefings this week (Tuesday evening at St. Joseph’s, Wednesday evening at St. Lawrence).

While the plan gives each parish direct control and responsibility over the daily operation of the schools and their finances, MCCS officials will continue to provide curriculum and staffing guidance and other support, such as information technology.

Overall staffing will not be affected.

From the earliest days of Catholic Schools in the 19th Century until the formation of the MCCS system in the 1990s, all schools in the Diocese were parish-run – and all outside Monroe County remain so. Nearby examples include St. Mary’s in Canandaigua and St. Agnes, Avon.

“Parents will find the transition seamless for them and will see no difference in the quality of their children’s education they have come to expect,” said Anne Willkens-Leach, superintendent of Catholic Schools. “This will be a true partnership for all.”

Said Rev. James Schwartz, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church: “We are excited to have the opportunity to directly operate and support this very important ministry to our youth. St. Joe’s was a parish-run school for the majority of its history, and we believe it will continue to flourish in this return to the parish,”

“St. Lawrence School is our pride and joy and we believe the parish-school partnership will be a tremendous benefit to the long-term future of the school,” said Rev. Frank Falletta, pastor of St. Lawrence Church.

Reversion was one of several major recommendations of the Monroe County Schools Task Force appointed by Bishop Clark in 2007. Members encouraged the Diocese to explore the idea, believing that over time parish-operated schools would be more economically efficient and create stronger links between parishes and on-site schools. St. Joseph’s and St. Lawrence are pilots.

Studies also are underway to determine the feasibility of reverting to parish-operated schools at two other sites as early as the 2011-12 academic year at St. Louis in Pittsford and St. Rita’s in Webster. No final decisions have been made. The four schools were chosen because of the vitality of the schools and the parishes.

St. Joseph’s, 39 Gebhardt Road, www.sjspenfield.org , has more than 400 pupils in pre-K through 6th grade and is led by Sister Christina M. Luczynski, principal. Parents interested in learning more about the school can call 586-6968 or email .

St. Lawrence School, 1000 North Greece Road, www.stlawrenceschool.org, has approximately 230 students in pre-K through 6th Grade and is led by Principal Susan Sak. Parents interested in learning more about the school can call 225-3870 or email

Christmas creches on display at Sacred Heart Cathedral through Jan. 6

A collection of creches from throughout the world and from the personal collections of Bishop Clark, several area priests and nuns are on display at Sacred Heart Cathedral through the Epiphany, Jan. 6. All are welcome to this free and public exhibit in the Cathedral narthex.

The creches were hand-crafted in such places as Vietnam, Kenya, Chile, Bolivia and Italy, as well as in various regions of the USA.

Catholic Ministries Appeal nearly $600,000 ahead of last year at this time

Thank you for your support!

Approx. 17,000 donors have pledged
more than $2.43 million: about 44 percent of the goal

• Support your parish! Give Online safely and securely.
• For more information about the CMA: Click here

Men and women of law enforcement to be honored at Cathedral “Blue Mass” Nov. 1

Most Rev. Matthew H. Clark, bishop of Rochester, cordially invites you to attend the annual “Blue Mass” honoring members of law enforcement in the Greater Rochester-Monroe County area, to be held on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

The Mass will begin at 11:15 a.m. A reception will follow. All are welcome.

Representatives from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout our community will attend the Mass.

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

Bishop Clark will celebrate a special Mass for more than 800 Catholic School students from throughout the Finger Lakes Region on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, in Geneva, NY. As many as 32 area priests also will be in attendance.

The Mass will begin at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, 48 Pulteney St., Geneva.

Students from the following schools will be attending:
St. Francis-St. Stephen’s School, Geneva
St. Joseph’s School, Auburn
St. Mary’s School, Canandaigua
St. Michael’s School, Newark
St. Michael’s School, Penn Yan
St. Peter and Paul School, Auburn
DeSales High School, Geneva.

In addition to giving thanks for those priests serving the Finger Lakes children, students also will be praying for future vocations to the priesthood in the Diocese of Rochester.

Bishop Clark to preside at Red Mass for legal community Oct. 2    

Bishop Matthew H. Clark will celebrate the annual Red Mass, invoking the help and inspiration of the Holy Spirit on judges, prosecutors, civil attorneys, canon lawyers and local government officials, on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009.

The Mass will begin at 12:15 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park, between Dewey and Lake avenues. A reception will follow.

The first documented Red Mass was held at Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, in 1225 A.D. and became a widely celebrated tradition throughout Europe thereafter. Cardinal Patrick Hayes of New York brought the tradition to the United States in 1928 and, since 1953, such a Mass has been celebrated at St. Matthew Cathedral, Washington D.C., often with the President of the United States and a majority of Supreme Court justices in attendance.

Sacred Heart Cathedral hosted the Mass in Rochester last year, as well. All are welcome. 

Help support your parish in the Catholic Ministries Appeal

‘Keeping the Spirit Alive’ theme of 2009-10 CMA

WATCH THE CMA VIDEO

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Asking Catholics to share their blessings to ensure the Church’s ministries remain vibrant in challenging economic times and amid growing need, Bishop of Rochester Matthew Clark today officially launched the 2009-2010 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA).

“The ministries and services the CMA funds affect every facet of Catholic life and every Catholic in our Diocese in some way. I ask every Catholic family to participate if they can, knowing they are helping their parish, their friends and their neighbors. Every gift, large or small, helps us to keep the spirit of service alive.”

The CMA, which runs until May 31, 2010, 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 $5.49 million. Materials are being mailed this week to more than 115,000 households. Every pledge received is used to help fund ministries such as:

• Reaching out to the poor, the homeless, the hungry
• Assisting Catholic Charities and Catholic Education
• Welcoming new Catholics through special education programs (RCIA)
• Providing faith formation programs for youth
• Encouraging religious vocations
• Honoring marriage and preparing engaged couples
• Spreading the Gospel through communications media
• Teaming with other dioceses in the USA, supporting the Vatican
• Providing parishes with needed services and resources they would be hard-pressed to obtain on their own
• Giving support to families, elderly and the sick

“I have felt blessed to celebrate my 30th anniversary as Bishop of Rochester this year. And year after year, I have watched in awe as Catholics open their hearts and give, even in difficult times.” the Bishop said. “I think people just know that when times are tough, the Church is all the more a refuge, a place offering healing, hope and help.”