Impressions of Bishop

* Pamela Zilka, St. Patrick's Church, Johnstown: "His warmth and caring, and the way he reaches out. He's so sincere."

* Elaine O'Connor, St. Patrick's Church, Johnstown: "His warmth and sincerity. He is also very approachable. I'm in awe when I'm involved in a service that he is attending."

* Ken Speanburg, St. Edward the Confessor parish, Clifton Park: "I've met the Bishop several times because my wife worked in the Chancery. I'm impressed with his down-to-earth attitude. He's also good with names; he can remember people. He's also very gracious. I also think he's easy to talk to, at least for me because we both love sports so we talk about that."

* Fran Gargiulo, St. Mary's parish, Amsterdam: "I work with people who are disabled and my son has special needs. The Bishop has a special place in his heart for people with special needs. We recently had a Confirmation where 14 people with special needs were confirmed. The Bishop took the time to speak to each of them and then stayed after to have his picture taken with each of them. He radiates love."

* Sister Stella Dillon, RSM: "I worked with the Bishop for two summers before he became bishop. I learned a lot from him. He is strong in a gentle way."

* Sister Rita Duggan, CSJ, Sacred Heart and St. William's in Troy: "I'm impressed with his willingness to hear the other side of the story. He lets people have a voice. When they were looking at closing St. William's, he came out and listened to the people. They told him why we shouldn't close, and we're still open. He is people-oriented."

* Sister Katherine Arseneau, CSJ, principal, Catholic Central High School in Troy: "He is a wonderful listener who supports with great compassion."

* Joan M. Lipscomb, St. Patrick's Church, Ravena: "I'm impressed by his sense of serenity. When I'm in his presence, I feel at peace. I remember him from my Confirmation and from my graduation from the Academy of the Holy Names. He remembers his talks without notes, and the talks he gives are wonderful. I remember when he was made bishop because I had to spend the day with my grandmother because my mother was going [to the installation]. I remember being with my grandmother and being vaguely aware of what was happening."

* Jozsef Toth, St. Matthew's parish, Voorheesville: "He's a wonderful person. He confirmed my daughters and my son years ago, and we just really like him."

* Alice Mensching, St. Matthew's parish, Voorheesville: "He's a genuine person. He's a heartfelt and warm bishop. He's a wonderful leader for the Albany Diocese."

* Robert Helenek, St. Clement's Church, Saratoga Springs: "He's a great person. He can give a sermon without looking at his notes. He's got a great memory."

* Elizabeth Callahan, Our Lady of the Assumption parish, Latham: "I'm impressed by his commitment to youth. He does a lot for us."

(04-11-02) [[In-content Ad]]