“A good teacher is like a candle, consuming itself so as to light the way for others.”
Author unknown

As I reflect on the gift of Catholic education during this celebration of Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 30-Feb. 5th), I am immediately brought back to my own memories of Catholic school.  Beginning at the age of five I entered into what has become the most significant influence in my life outside of my family. Now, 34 years since my first day of kindergarten I am mindful of the reality that I have never left the setting of a Catholic school whether as a student, a teacher or an administrator. And I consider this one of the most important accomplishments of my life.

The Diocese of Syracuse has always been blessed by the presence of dedicated religious, laity and priests who contribute to bringing to life the healing presence of Jesus and who reflect God’s great love for us.

Recognizing with gratitude their unique gifts and diverse focus of ministry, the diocese has established within its structure offices and commissions, each responding to one of these groups, for instance, Family Life Education, Community Services, Formation for Ministry, Liturgy and RCIA, and many others.  Each office or commission has someone appointed by the Bishop to facilitate that particular area.

Within the community of faith, there are men and women who have chosen to live their baptismal vocation by professing vows and living a life dedicated to prayer and service. Men and women, living this consecrated life, have served in the Diocese since the time when we were part of the Albany Diocese.  The first religious community, The Franciscan Order of Friars Minor Conventuals, arrived in Syracuse in 1859. Since that time, men and women of many religious orders have come in response to the needs of our people, whenever and however these needs became known. They have served with dedication and commitment through their presence and many ministries. Each religious congregation of women or men has contributed to the growth of the Diocese and has affected the lives of countless people through the manner in which they live the Gospel message of Christ’s healing presence and reflect God’s unconditional love to all they serve in their many and varied ministries.     

Message from the Director of Seminarian Formation

by Father Thomas
Servatius

Sometimes I get a funny look when I tell people that I work in the Vocation Office in the Diocese. With the funny look comes the response, “But I thought Father Joe O’Connor did that.” And it is true, Father O’Connor indeed works in vocations, but on the promotions’ side of the equation. He’s the one out there encouraging those who are discerning a possible call to the priesthood or religious life.

For me, however, I am more in the background, doing some of the other work. You see, when Father O’Connor has someone ready to apply to the seminary, he passes that prospect on to me, and I take the prospect from there, walking the applicant through the application process and, should we accept the applicant, walk with the seminarian on his hopeful journey to priesthood.