Marking 60 years

Father Baniak served as an assistant at Sacred Heart, Arkville; St. Mary's, Schenectady; and St. John the Baptist, Schenectady, before becoming a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years.

When he returned to the Albany Diocese in 1965, he was named pastor of St. Paul's Church in Hancock, also serving as dean of Delaware County.

In 1976, he was named pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Troy. He retired in 1992.

Asked to reflect on his six decades as a priest, Rev. Walter Baniak said:

"Looking back over my 60 years of priesthood, the words of Jesus best summarize and describe their content and purpose as He addressed His apostles one time, saying: 'You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and have appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit shall remain. That whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give you.'

"I recall grammar-school days when, over several years, much backyard play centered about emulating the Mass in priestly, Roman-style chasubles made from window shades -- with full altar appointments, complete with Necco-wafer imitation hosts.

"My Mother's convincing Dad to have me attend Orchard Lake Preparatory Boarding School [a pre-seminary program in Michigan] now seems very providential. Every day since, all 60 years of them, keeps me convinced that the priesthood is God's choosing. A conviction remains that working for the Lord directly is the best response."

(Father Baniak has private plans for marking his jubilee.)

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