Priests mark their 40th

These priests of the Albany Diocese are marking 40 years since their ordinations:

* "The last 40 years have been a time of transition in the Church," said Rev. Joseph Cotugno, a native of Albany. "The Church today is so different from the Church of my youth. I was ordained just as this time of change began. There have been so many highs and lows, pitfalls and mountains, all characterized by change."

He has served at Immaculate Conception, Haines Falls; St. Michael's, Amsterdam; and St. Peter's, Troy. He then became a chaplain at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam and at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, while at St. Peter's parish. He later was chaplain at The University at Albany.

He was appointed pastor of St. Michael's, Amsterdam; Immaculate Conception, Schenectady; and St. John the Evangelist, Rensselaer. He is currently acting director for diaconate formation for the Diocese.

Father Cotugno will celebrate his jubilee at St. James Church in Albany on May 23 with a 2 p.m. Mass. A reception will follow.

* Reflecting on his time in the priesthood, Rev. William Gaffigan, a native of Hudson, said: "I stand at the altar and at the pulpit, believing that, somehow and someway, God's action is going to bring forth and increase the faith of His people and understanding of Our Lord as personal savior. I am so happy that God called me to be a priest. I'm thankful that He called me and continually gives me the grace to answer that call of bringing God to the people and the people to God."

He has served at Our Lady of Fatima, Schenectady; St. Thomas, Delmar; St. John the Evangelist, Schenectady; and Ss. Peter and Paul, Canajoharie, where he has been pastor since 1981.

Father Gaffigan will note his jubilee at the 11 a.m. Mass on May 23 at Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Canajoharie.

* Rev. Leo Potvin, a native of Albany, has served at St. Alphonsus, Glens Falls; St. Mary's, Troy; St. Mary's, Gloversville; St. Marie's, Cohoes; St. John the Baptist, Newport; and St. Joseph, Dolgeville, where he is currently pastor.

Asked for a comment on his priesthood, Father Potvin quoted from the invitation to his ordination in 1964: "One kneels in the consciousness of one's nothingness and rises a priest forever."

He will mark his anniversary with two Masses of Thanksgiving: May 16, 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph's, Dolgeville, followed by a coffee hour; and May 23, 8:30 a.m., at St. John's in Newport, followed by a breakfast.

(5/13/04) [[In-content Ad]]