Bishop Clark, other religious leaders to hold
prayer vigil for comprehensive immigration reform — Bishop Matthew Clark and other
Rochester area religious leaders will lead ” An Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Comprehensive
Immigration Reform.” . Nearly every major faith group will be represented. The rally is
aimed at sparking “A Day of a Thousand Conversations: Twenty-four hours to
engage your neighbors, colleagues, families” on the issues of immigration reform.
The rally will be held on Wednesday, May 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Washington
Square Park in downtown Rochester (corner of Clinton and Court). Both St. Mary’s Church
and First Universalist Church, adjacent to the park, will be used during the rally.
This issue is especially pertinent locally because we have a very large number of migrant
worker here. For more information, contact Sr. Janet Korn or Ruth Putnam, 328-3210.
The rally calls on people to call their senators and educate the public on five

immigration principles:

— To make family a priority in immigration law

— To insist the worker programs contain protection for U.S. and migrant workers
— To allow for an earned legalization program for the undocumented in the country

— To restore due process protections

— To respond to the economic, political, and social root causes of migration.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
The following essay appeared in the Rochster Democrat and Chronicle on Monday, May 21, 2007.
Treat all people as God’s family in new U.S. immigration policy
By Bishop Matthew Clark and Imam Muhammad Shafiq
Guest Essayists

On what basis should the U.S. Congress decide immigration policy, now that the White
House and key senators have agreed on a bipartisan proposal?
From one perspective, there are opinions fed by our fears and hostility in the aftermath of
violent acts. From another perspective, the economic impact is hotly debated. From a third
perspective, the traditions cherished by our various faiths proclaim that all of us are sisters
and brothers in God’s family.
As leaders of local faith communities, we urge revision of federal immigration law based on
these principles:
The human dignity and rights of immigrants should be respected regardless of their legal
status. It is shameful to detain undocumented immigrants in deficient facilities or among
convicted criminals, especially unaccompanied minor children who often have no access to
family or counsel.
All U.S. citizens come from immigrant roots, including African Americans descended from
people transported against their will as slaves, and Native Americans whose ancestors
presumably came from elsewhere.
Nations have the right to secure their borders and control immigration; however, when
they are able to protect and feed their residents, they have a greater obligation to
welcome immigrants.
When people are deprived of their human right to find opportunities in their homeland (as
has unfortunately happened in Mexico), they are driven to risk their lives in seeking survival
for themselves and their families.
We oppose punitive, burdensome measures such as the criminalization of persons whose
presence is undocumented, particularly in the case of asylum-seekers who are unable to
secure valid documents from their governments.
We encourage members of our faith communities to urge Congress to pass legislation that
includes the following:
Justice for those trying to immigrate legally.
A viable path to earned citizenship for the 11 million to 12 million undocumented people in
the country;
A temporary-worker program that protects the rights of workers, and includes a path to
citizenship for those who choose it.
A family-based immigration reform to reduce waiting times for family reunification.

Restoration of due process protection.
Policies that address the root causes of migration.
We speak out of awareness of the lessons taught by God’s messengers: of Abraham, who
was called to a land unknown to him; of the deliverance of Israel out of the land of slavery;
of Ruth and Esther, who surmounted difficult boundaries; of Jesus and Muhammad, who had
to flee for their lives; of Gandhi and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose nonviolent
strategies embraced even their oppressors and whose deaths intensified their message
around the world.
Their lessons repeat the theme that the whole earth belongs to God. As managers and
stewards of its resources, we are challenged to give account of how we are mindful of the
poor, the widow, the orphan and the foreigner in our midst.

Clark is bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester; Shafiq is imam/executive director, Islamic Center of
Rochester. This essay also was signed by Rabbi Alan J. Katz, Temple Sinai; Bishop Jack McKelvey, Episcopal
Diocese of Rochester; the Rev. Richard Myers, chair, Greater Rochester Community of Churches; Sister Gaye
Moorhead, president, Sisters of Mercy of Rochester; Sister Janice Morgan, president, Sisters of St. Joseph of
Rochester; and the Rev. Alan Newton, executive minister, American Baptist Churches of the Rochester Genesee
Region.

PROVIDENCE HOUSING, ROCHESTER CONSTRUCTION FIRM TO TRAVEL TO TIOGA COUNTY TO REBUILD FLOODED HOMES –
Donations of money, gift cards are sought to help defray costs
Staff from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester’s Providence Housing Development Corp. and LeCesse
Construction Co. will travel to Owego, Nichols and Apalachin to rebuild homes damaged in flooding last
summer. Although the flooding occurred many months ago, many residents still have been unable to move back
home, and are living with relatives or, in some cases, in emergency housing trailers.
Providence Housing, headquartered in Rochester, and West Henrietta-based LeCesse are donating expert staff
time for approximately one week to rebuild homes — targeting up to a dozen for repair at no cost to the
homeowners.
The volunteers will begin work on March 26 and continue for a week. Each day, a team of workers will head out
to one of the homes in the area for repair. Work will range from installing and repairing sheetrock and drywall,
masonry repair, trim work and insulating, among other needed tasks.
“We are going to work on homes that have varying levels of reconstruction needs,” said Monica McCullough,
executive director of Providence Housing. “As a housing development team, Providence and LeCesse are not
only able to provide workers, but can provide workers skilled in construction and construction management. We
anticipate about 10 Providence staffers will be working each day of the week, and approximately 10 staffers
from LeCesse will be working each day, as well.”
Providence is hoping to raise cash donations or obtain donated gift cards from building supply stores such as
Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as sponsorships, to help defray costs. Those wishing to help out with
donations should contact Providence Housing at 585-328-3210.
Contacts
— Monica McCullough, Executive Director of PHDC, 585-328-3210
— William O’Hanlon, Division Manager, LeCesse, 585-334-4490
— Angela Klopf, Director of Tioga Outreach, Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga, 607-565-7580
Media inquiries also can be directed to the Office of Communications, Diocese of Rochester, 585-328-3210.
About Providence Housing

Since 1994, Providence has secured greater than $75 million in project development funding from public and
private sources and has created more than 530 units of affordable housing. This housing has been developed in
collaboration with Catholic Charities agencies and other Catholic institutions throughout the Diocese of
Rochester.
Providence’s mission throughout the 12-county Diocese of Rochester is to strengthen families and communities
by creating and providing access to quality affordable housing enriched by the availability of supportive services.
About LECESSE Construction Corp.
LeCesse, which has partnered with Providence on several projects. is a large regional construction management
firm based in West Henrietta, NY. The firm concentrates its business in Upstate New York, New England, the
Mid-Atlantic and Mid-Western states.
LeCesse has constructed or renovated multiple public and private buildings specializing in senior housing and
healthcare facilities, large multi-family housing campuses, higher education campuses and cultural centers.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester participated in the 2005 audits of
dioceses/eparchies in the United States conducted by the Gavin Group, an independent firm
located in Boston. Auditors found the Diocese in full compliance with the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
The Diocese of Rochester also was found to be compliant in two previous audits, in 2003 and
2004.
“The findings of the Gavin Group are a welcome confirmation of our efforts to make the
Church a place where all people, especially children, teen-agers and vulnerable adults, are

safe,” said Bishop Matthew H. Clark. “Our efforts continue: We have provided safe-
environment training to more than 15,000 employees and volunteers throughout the 12-

county Diocese. We have a Review Board of well-trained professionals in pertinent fields.
Our outreach to victims is on-going.”
Bishop Clark added, “Even as we constantly strive to improve our diocesan programs, we
also seek to raise the consciousness of our larger community to the pervasive societal issue
of sexual abuse — an intolerable problem that our nation must work to eradicate through
education, firm enforcement of laws and constant diligence.”

Deacon John Loncle will be ordained a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester Saturday,
June 4, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Bishop Matthew H. Clark will preside at the ordination ceremony,
which will also include many other priests of the Diocese of Rochester. The ceremony begins at 10:30
a.m., and is open to the public.

Background Information on John Loncle:

• Native of Rochester
• Attended St. John of Rochester Church (Perinton)
• Graduate of Fairport High School
• B.S. in Political Science, Wittenberg University (Ohio), 1986
• Master’s Degree in Russian and East European Studies, George Washington University, 1993
• Master’s Degree in Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1995
• Former administrative assistant and project manager for LeChase Construction
• Completed seminary training at the Theological College at Catholic University of America
• Ordained Transitional Deacon May 22, 2004
• Pastoral Training at St. Mary’s (Canandaigua), St, Helen’s (Gates) and Strong Memorial
Hospital
Editor’s Note:
In respect for the nature of this event and those attending, news outlets are requested to shoot
from the balcony of the Cathedral or from the center aisle, behind the baptismal font. Please
do not use the side aisles or advance further down the center aisle during the ordination
ceremony. In addition, we request that reporters and camera operators wear attire that is
appropriate for this very special event. We will be glad to accommodate those news outlets
requesting interviews following the ordination. Media will be asked to gather in a common
area and will be assisted by the diocesan communications department.
As always, we appreciate your cooperation and will be as accommodating as possible to
your needs.

NEWS ADVISORY
WHAT: Ordination to the priesthood of Deacon John Loncle
WHEN: Saturday, June 4, 2005
10:30 AM
WHERE: Sacred Heart Cathedral
296 Flower City Park

Roman Catholic Diocese Mourns Death of Rev. Robert Egan
Priest of nearly 51 years served several parishes
Rev. Robert M. Egan, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester since 1954, died
Tuesday, May 17, at the age of 83. Father Egan, who retired from active ministry in 1997, had
been residing in Auburn, NY.
A native of Auburn, Father Egan was born June 2, 1922. He was baptized at Holy Family
Church in Auburn, and was later confirmed at his home parish of St. Alphonsus, also in Auburn.
In 1954, following the completion of his studies at St. Bernard’s Seminary, Father Egan was
ordained a priest. Just weeks after his ordination, he was named Assistant Pastor at Blessed
Sacrament Church, Rochester. Four years later he moved east, to Waterloo, to serve as Assistant
Pastor of St. Mary Church. In 1959 he was back in Rochester to serve as Assistant Pastor at
Immaculate Conception Church, where he stayed until being appointed to serve in a similar
capacity at St. Jerome Church, East Rochester, in 1962. Father Egan’s final assignment as
Assistant Pastor came in 1967, when he was appointed to serve the parishioners of St. John’s, in
Clyde.
In 1972, Father Egan was named Pastor of St. Bernard’s in Scipio Center, and of the missions in
Genoa and Fleming. Nine years later, he was named Pastor of St. Anthony’s, in Groton, where
he served for 16 years, until his retirement in 1997.
Fr. Egan will lie in state Sunday, May 22, from 2:30 – 4:30 pm at St. Alphonsus Church, Auburn,
NY. Evening Prayer will be on Sunday evening at 7:00 pm at St. Alphonsus.
Father will lie in state on Monday at St. Alphonsus Church from 10:00 – 11:30 am and his
funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 am, with Bishop Matthew Clark presiding.

-REVISED-
Roman Catholic Diocese Mourns Death of Rev. James Slattery

Was founding pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish
Rev. James F. Slattery, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester for nearly 64 years,
died Wednesday, May 11, at the age of 89. Father Slattery had been residing at the Sisters of St.
Joseph Motherhouse, in Pittsford.
Born December 3, 1915 in Rochester, Father Slattery completed his theological studies at St.
Bernard’s Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood June 7, 1941 and two weeks later was
named Assistant Pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester. After serving nine years at Our Lady
of Lourdes, Father Slattery was assigned as Assistant Pastor of St. Ignatius, Hornell. In 1953, he
moved to Corning as he was assigned as Assistant Pastor of St. Vincent DePaul Church.
In June 1960, Father Slattery was named the founding pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace parish,
in Brighton. He served in that role for 26 years, until his retirement in 1986.
Father will lie in state from 4-6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 13 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church,
601 Edgewood Ave, Brighton. Evening prayer will follow at 7:00 p.m.
On Saturday, May 14, Father will lie in state from 9-10 a.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated
at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace, with Bishop Matthew H. Clark presiding.

Juan G. Lozada Roca Named Coordinator of Spanish Apostolate –

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester today announced
the appointment of Juan G. Lozada Roca as Diocesan Coordinator of the Spanish
Apostolate/Instituto, effective Monday, April 18. He will coordinate the programs and
services offered through the Office of the Spanish Apostolate and El Instituto de Pastoral
Hispano (Hispanic Pastoral School) of St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry.
His outreach to the Hispanic community will include:
• Working with staff and lay leaders to articulate a diocesan vision of Hispanic
Ministry and establishing long range goals and strategies related to that vision
• Collaborating with diocesan and parish leadership to increase and improve
resources and services in response to the needs of the Hispanic community
• Coordinating and evaluating the program of formation at St. Bernard’s, and
working with community leaders in developing educational training that is
comprehensive, pastoral and multicultural for all baptized, Spanish-speaking
Catholics in the diocese
• Promoting dialogue, networking and collaboration with and among parish,
diocesan, regional and national Hispanic leadership, including ecumenical and
secular social agencies and organizations working with Hispanic groups.
Lozada Roca comes to Rochester from Puerto Rico where, in 1998, Bishop Fremiot Torres
Oliver, bishop of the Diocese of Ponce, Puerto Rico, professed him as a missionary brother
in the Congregation of St. John the Evangelist, in Penuelas, Puerto Rico. From 1998 to the
present, he led marriage and other parish retreats, and was invited to speak to a number of
different Catholic groups, including some associated with charismatic renewal and the
Legion of Mary.
Since 1994, he has been a member of the ministerial staff of Ministro Cristo Rey

With the passage of the Child Victims Act, the Diocese will conclude our settlement process involving Justice Robert J. Lunn, who has been serving as an independent neutral to resolve claims against the Diocese involving allegations of sexual abuse of minors. The Diocese now wants to assess where we are as we prepare to respond […]

Statement Regarding Reverend Carsten Martensen The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester has received notice from the USA Northeast Province of the Jesuits that they have received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against Reverend Carsten Martensen, S.J. The allegation dates to the 1970s. Father Martensen has been serving in campus ministry at Ithaca […]

All Catholics in the 12-county Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester are encouraged to participate in a special Lenten Day of Penance and Mercy on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, to experience the healing power of Confession, formally called the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Priests will be available at every parish. Details can be found at http://oec.dor.org/sacraments/penance-and-reconciliation/day-of-penance/ The […]

Two priests have been removed from public ministry by Bishop Salvatore R. Matano. The actions follow an independent investigation and a subsequent review and recommendation by the diocesan Review Board, which includes lay professionals in law, child protection, law enforcement and psychology who advise the Bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of […]