Three parishes begin unique partnership

The new model involves six Franciscan friars in collaboration with one Daughter of Charity and the Diocese. They will enable the members of the parishes to work together in new ways in evangelization, faith formation, parish social ministry and Catholic education.

The three parishes are St. Casimir's on Sheridan Avenue, and St. Patrick's and Our Lady of Angels, both on Central Avenue. The three are members of the Center City Cluster. That cluster also includes Sacred Heart/St. Joseph's, and apostolates for Black, Spanish and Vietnamese Catholics, which are not affected by the new arrangement.

While standing ministries and parish staffs will remain in place at the three parishes, two current pastors -- one a diocesan priest and the other a Franciscan -- will be replaced by four Franciscan priests, two Franciscan brothers and a Sister of Charity.

New model

In a pulpit letter read at the three parishes last weekend, the Bishop told Catholics that some adjustments will need to be made, including Mass schedules, as early as August. By Sept. 1, when the new model will be completely in place, there will be two weekend Masses in addition to the Spanish Mass at St. Patrick's, and one Mass each at Our Lady of Angels and St. Casimir's.

"I realize that this is significant change," the Bishop said in his letter. "My hope is that as you reflect on this situation, you will realize that although there is, indeed, great loss involved, there is also a great opportunity for us to be Church in a new way in this part of the city."

'New way'

While the Franciscan priests will celebrate sacraments at the three parishes, Sister Margaret, who has extensive experience in religious education and faith formation, will coordinate pastoral programs.

Sister Margaret served as a provincial counselor for her community for nine years; was director of the Center for Joy, a neighborhood center in Niagara Falls; and has worked in many parishes in the Diocese of Syracuse as well as in Holbrook, Mass.

Order's offer

The Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate Conception Province have a long history of commitment to the Albany Diocese, where they have served since 1871.

The six friars that will staff the new apostolate are Revs. Paul Lininger, Alvin Somerville, Joseph Angelini and Anthony Kali, and Brothers Gregory Spuhler and Jason Lody. They will reside together in a religious community in Albany.

Meeting challenges

"Today, facing the challenge of decreased vocations to the priesthood in both the Albany Diocese and our Franciscan Order," he added, "we continue to strive to follow the specific Franciscan model of fraternal life and ministry that was taught to us by our Brother Francis. For this reason, we are excited about the prospect of our new vision of service to the people of the community. It is our hope that we will all forge new partnerships as we build these new relationships."

Rev. Francis O'Connor, a priest of the Albany Diocese who had been pastor of St. Patrick's for 17 years, will do hospital ministry in Troy for the summer and become pastor of Nativity/St. Mary's parish in Stuyvesant Falls and Holy Family parish in Stottville, after a fall sabbatical.

Father Somerville, parish administrator of St. Casimir's and pastor of Our Lady of Angels for four years, will incorporate his experience of over 40 years in teaching, school administration and parish work into the new apostolate.

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