STORIES OF THE YEAR

I have a large desk calendar that is easy to keep track of the myriad of events that happen in the Diocese of Albany throughout the year.

I remember looking at the calendar in May and thinking, “Wow, this year is moving along fast.” As I write this, I just crossed off Dec. 15 with a magenta marker from my son’s vast collection of pens, pencils and markers.

And now I am thinking, “Wow this year really is almost over.” And as we have done in years past, it is time to look at our stories of the year. 

Nationally, the headlines were dominated by the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June. The Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization held that there was no constitutional right to abortion in the United States. This followed a flurry of states either further limiting or increasing access to abortion. The statement released by the Catholic bishops of New York State on June 24 is a must-read for what a pro-life future should look like in our state. Internationally, Russia’s war against Ukraine continues on with no end in sight, displacing millions. It is easy to become numb to the fact that thousands have died and it may only get worse as we enter the winter months.

For the purpose of this column, I wanted to take a look at the local events that we covered — and continue to cover — at The Evangelist and refresh everyone on what I thought were my stories of the year. There were so many to choose from as we were busier than ever in bringing the news to the faithful in the Diocese of ­Albany.

AN HISTORIC MEETING
I was in front of Corpus Christi Church in Round Lake on July 31 when abuse survivor Stephen Mittler walked out of the church with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger at his side. I still think about the courage that it took for Mittler — who had met his abuser Mark Haight, a former priest, at Corpus Christi in 1988 — to stand up and become the face of clergy abuse in the Diocese. Mittler had reached out to Bishop Scharfenberger, who has met with many victims of abuse privately, for this very public and historic meeting. Bishop readily accepted as he has long pledged to walk with survivors on their journey of hope and healing. The Diocese has also held several Hope and Healing Masses since then to assist anyone dealing with any forms of abuse.

CVA CASES AND THE FUTURE
The next story to discuss has to be the Diocese’s ongoing mediation with lawyers who represent victim-survivors of abuse who have filed claims under the Child Victims Act (CVA). We have tried to be as transparent as possible in presenting the stories in the paper and on social media. Staff writer Emily Benson and I have listened in on Zoom meetings between plaintiff-attorneys and representatives from the Diocese and they are difficult stories to write. But they are stories that we must write about and will continue to write about until whatever the final outcome is. At this point there are more questions — Will the Diocese file for bankruptcy? Will my parish close? — then answers. When we find out more, the readers of The Evangelist will be the first to know!

AN ENDING AND A BEGINNING
As much as it was sad to see Bishop Maginn High School close this year, the opening of Catholic Central School, the first regional pre-K through Grade 12 Catholic school in Latham, provided the necessary pick-me-up! The school, which is a merger of Catholic Central High School and St. Ambrose School, has been cause for excitement from its opening pep rally this summer. The doors flung open in the fall and it has been all systems go since then. In fact, in this paper we are running a story about the new strategic planning effort at the school. 

SYNODALITY!
People from all over the Diocese flocked to Synod Listening Sessions across the seven vicariates and beyond to share their visions  — guided by the Holy Spirit — of the future of the Church. This is part of Pope Francis’ Synod of Bishops on synodality in which the first session is scheduled for Oct. 4-29 at the Vatican. The beauty of synodality is to give a voice to people, worldwide, who may not be heard as every person has a role in the future of the Church. 

VIBRANT FUTURE
From the just finished Unleashing Love Women’s Retreat to the Step Up Men’s Conference in August to Real Talk Rosary and Sips with Sisters, there are some great events facilitated by the Diocese for Catholics of all ages. Make 2023 your year to attend one!

STOP THE PRESSES!
When it was announced May 4 that Catholic News Service would close their domestic offices by the end of the year, it sent shockwaves through diocesan newspapers across the country. CNS has been delivering professional and unbiased, quality journalism for over 100 years and the announcement was stunning, although the Rome Bureau will remain open. And just two weeks later, Catholic New York, the biweekly newspaper of the Archdiocese of New York which still was reaching 100,000 readers, announced it would publish its last issue on Nov. 17. It is true that the fastest way to reach people is through digital platforms such as Facebook or Twitter. But we believe there is still a place and a need for a physical newspaper in the Diocese of Albany. On a positive note, Our Sunday Visitor,  an Indiana-based Catholic publishing company, will take over in the absence of CNS. We look forward to a long partnership with the company!

THANKS!
Finally I can’t say thank you enough to my coworkers at The Evangelist as well as the faithful in the Diocese for making my job easier. If it wasn’t for you all, we would not have won 13 Catholic Press Association Awards this year.
Our staff writer, Emily, continues to bring heartwarming stories to print and designer Brenda Powell adds pop to the print product. Kathy Hughes (administrative assistant), John Salvione (advertising), Ann Egan (circulation) and Stephanie Zebrowski (business manager), I could not do this job without you!
And another big thank you and God bless to the faithful in the Diocese! No story is too small to report on and we look forward to a great 2023!