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Father Francis J. DuBois, Father Randall P. Patterson and Father George Brennan

55th

Father Francis J. DuBois, born in Albany, served as associate pastor at St. Bernard’s Church in Cohoes from 1970-81. From 1981-86, he served as pastor at St. Patrick’s Church in Ravena, and from 1986-2012, Father DuBois served at St. Ambrose Church in Latham.

Each and every assignment was a unique, challenging and joyful experience. The greatest part of each of them was the wonderful people I had a chance to meet, work with and help. Each parish allowed me the opportunity to deepen my relationship with the Lord and to share what I received with the people I served. I was certainly blessed in those assignments and the blessings continue to be with me today as I serve the people of Our Lady of the Cape and Holy Trinity here on Cape Cod.

I think the greatest thing I could share with anyone aspiring to the priesthood would be this: My vocation has never been about me but always God. It has never been about me but always about others.”

Father DuBois currently does not have any plans to celebrate his jubilee.

Father Randall P. Patterson, born in Troy, began his ministry serving as associate pastor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and teaching at Bishop Scully High School in Amsterdam, from 1970-75. From 1975-77, Father Patterson served as chaplain at Albany Medical Center and St. Teresa of Avila in Albany. From 1977-80, he served as associate pastor at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Albany and, from 1980-90, he served as chair on the Priests Personnel Board. From 1990-96, he served as chancellor within the Diocese of Albany. Starting in 1996, Father Patterson began serving as pastor to Our Lady of Victory Parish in Troy. Since 1997, he has served on the Architecture and Building Commission. Father Patterson also has served on the Presbyteral Council. Father Patterson retired in 2021 and is currently priest-in-residence at St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs.

One of my most memorable moments in the priesthood was waiting to be ordained in the sanctuary of our Cathedral on May 30, 1970. I vividly recall how excited I was, joyful and apprehensive as well. These past years have flown by very quickly, it seems to me. I have appreciated and enjoyed the many assignments that I have been given. I believe they have been times of growth for me. The words of the late Father Kevin Sesoltz, a noted Benedictine sacramental theologian at The Catholic University of America, who directed our retreat in preparation for ordination, wisely told us that the people whom we serve will teach us how to be priests and they will ordain us again and again throughout our priestly lives. How true that is! As I look back over the years, I am deeply grateful for the encouragement, support, counsel and loving correction that people have given me as I ministered in my various assignments. The people with whom I have interacted have been the source of abiding joy and peace for me. If there was one dominant feeling that I have as I celebrate this anniversary, it would be gratitude. To anyone considering a vocation to priesthood, I would say quoting Pope St. John Paul II, “Don’t be afraid to cast your net into the deep.” God is never outdone in charity.”

Father Patterson currently has no plans to celebrate his jubilee.

50th

Father George Brennan, who was born in Hartford, Conn., attended La Salette Seminary, has a bachelor’s from Merrimack College, an STB degree (Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology) from St. Thomas University in Rome, a Master’s in Professional Studies from Loyola University of Chicago and a Doctor of Ministry from Andover-Newton Theological School. Father Brennan was ordained at La Salette Shrine in Ipswich, Mass., in 1975. Father Brennan worked in homeless ministry for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany from 2005-09, and was sacramental minister at St. Mary Parish in Troy and St. John/St. Anne Parish in Albany at the same time. Father Brennan was pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Copake Falls from 2009-18 and executive director of the Capital Area Council of Churches from 2009-11. He retired in 2019.

From an early age, I have believed that my purpose in life is to be a priest. As I began my journey to prepare for that, I assumed that I would one day be a religious order priest, serving as a missionary in a foreign country. I was wrong about that detail. As I look back on 50 years of priesthood, I continue to believe that God, and the people of God, have been calling me to the priesthood in ways beyond my imagining, first as a religious order priest and later as a diocesan priest. I am in awe at what the journey has been and I am very grateful. As for the future, I no longer have assumptions about the details.

Father Brennan does not have plans for a celebration.Father Joseph S. Cebula, Father L. Edward Deimeke and Father James I. Donlon, JCD

Father Joseph S. Cebula was born in Watervliet and attended grade school at Immaculate Conception in Watervliet, and high school at Keveny Academy in Cohoes. He attended college at Mater Christi Seminary in Albany and Mt. St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md., as well as seminary there. Father Cebula was ordained on May 31, 1975.

Father Cebula was associate pastor at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Albany (1975-80) and at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Albany (1981-85). He was pastor at Sacred Heart/St. Philip Neri Parishes in Stamford and Grand Gorge (1986-2000), at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Rotterdam (2000-10), and at St. Mary’s Church Crescent in Waterford (2011-21). Now as a “senior priest,” Father Cebula provides weekend Mass coverage in the parishes of our Diocese.

It has been a privilege to minister as a priest the past 50 years and to walk with so many people in our common journey of life and faith. I am thankful for the daily examples of people whose lives are filled with faith, hope and love for family, friends and others. I am thankful for the blessings and support and care that so many people have shown, directly and indirectly, in days of ease and days of challenge, these past years.

There have been many memorable moments these past years: being part of the lives of so many people in the parishes and communities I lived; the love and appreciation the people of our Diocese have for those who serve the Church; time in Rome and the Holy Land while on sabbatical; but maybe the most memorable moments have been (and continue to be) the Celebration of the Sacraments and Rites of the Church that remind us of the Eternal Love and Mercy of God and call for us to continue to do the same.

On the 50th anniversary of his ordination, May 31, Father Cebula presided at the 4 p.m. Vigil Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson.

Father L. Edward Deimeke, after a brief stint at St. Jude’s parish in Wynantskill, re-entered the Air Force, this time as a chaplain, serving for nearly 20 years at various bases in the U.S. and overseas. From 1990-94, he was stationed in the Office of the Air Force Chief of Chaplains. He also has been an administrative advocate of the Albany Diocese, the dean of Albany County, episcopal vicar of Hudson Valley, and sacramental minister at St. Patrick’s in Athens and St. Patrick’s in Catskill.

Father James I. Donlon, JCD, was born in Troy, and attended St. Peter’s Academy and Catholic Central High School, both in Troy. He attended Mater Christi Seminary in Albany (1967-69), St. Bonaventure University in Alleghany, N.Y., (1969-71), the Theological College at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., (1971-75), and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., (1979-82). He was ordained on May 31, 1975, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany by Bishop Edwin B. Broderick.

His assignments include: chaplain at Albany Memorial Hospital (1975), associate pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Oneonta (1975-79) and he studied canon law at Catholic University of America (1979-82). He has been a judge in the Diocesan Tribunal (1982-2019) and a judicial vicar of the Diocese of Albany (1993-2019).

Father Donlon, who retired in 2019, has offered weekend assistance at Sacred Heart Church in Lake George Village (1989-2004), and has been sacramental minister at  St. Vincent De Paul Church in Cobleskill (2012-20), St. Michael the Archangel in Troy (2023-present) and St. Jude the Apostle in Wynantskill (2023-present)

Father Donlon’s other ministries include: chaplain for the Brothers Community at The LaSalle School in Albany (1982-2010), for Kenwood Convent of the Sacred Heart (2001-10), and he currently is chaplain at St. Colman’s Convent in Watervliet (2017-present). He was an Episcopal Delegate for the Cause of the Canonization of Mother Mary Angeline McCrory, O. Carm, (1995-2008), offered part-time canonical assistance to the Diocese of Colorado Springs (1985-96), and was an Affiliated Member of the De La Salle Christian Brothers (2000).

Father Donlon plans on celebrating his jubilee privately with family and friends.

Father Richard N. Fragomeni, Father John P. Rosson  and Father Joseph Xavier Arockiasamy

Father Richard N. Fragomeni was born and raised in Schenectady, baptized on Aug. 7, 1949, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Schenectady. He received his First Communion on June 3, 1956, and Confirmation on May 15, 1960, both at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. He was later ordained there on Aug. 15, 1975, the Jubilee Year of Reconciliation, by Bishop Edwin B. Broderick.

He attended Hamilton Elementary School, McKinley Junior High School, and Mont Pleasant High School, all in Schenectady, and graduated in June 1967. He attended Mater Christi Seminary in Albany, and graduated in June 1969, with an AA degree in classical languages. He attended Siena College and graduated Magna Cum Laude in June 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in classical languages and philosophy. He attended the University of Leuven in Belgium, and graduated Cum Laude in June 1974 with an STB in Catholic theology and a master’s in religious studies, and he also attended the Catholic University of America, graduating in June 1975, with a master’s in liturgical studies. In May 1990, he graduated from Catholic University of America with a doctorate in sacramental theology, and in May 1994, he earned a Master of Music from Catholic University. 

He was chaplain at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany from August 1975-November 1975; and parochial vicar at Corpus Christi Parish in Round Lake from November 1975-June 1978 and at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Albany from June 1978-February 1979. Father Fragomeni was director of The Liturgy Center in the Diocese of Albany from February 1979-August 1984, and a doctoral student at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., from September 1984-June 1990. From 1990-present, he has been on special assignment as Professor of Liturgy and Preaching at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago (Pope Leo XIV’s seminary alma mater). Since October 2004, Father Fragomeni has been rector of The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii in Chicago, and since September 2012, he has been an Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies at DePaul University in Chicago. He was affiliated as a member of the Augustinian Order on April 24, 2020.

I was born in Schenectady and baptized in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Aug. 7, 1949. That wonderful church holds much of my story. It’s where I received my First Communion and Confirmation — and years later, on the Feast of the Assumption in 1975, it is where I was ordained a priest by Bishop Edwin B. Broderick. Same church. Same altar. The same quiet hush in the pews. Some of the same faces. I still carry the weight and grace of that day.

Looking back over 50 years of priesthood, what strikes me most is not how much I’ve done, but how much I’ve been given. The call to serve has taken me far — from Schenectady to Leuven, to Washington, to Chicago — but it’s also brought me deeper into the human condition: into suffering, beauty, mystery and longing. If you had told that young man in 1975 what he would face — he might have run. But God is kind. He unfolds it one day at a time.

I’ve stood at hospital beds, taught in seminaries, led worship in shrines, and sat in silence with people on the edge of things — on the edge of faith, of life, of death. I’ve learned that being a priest means showing up, even when you don’t have answers. Maybe especially when you don’t.

Theology taught me to think. But life has taught me to let go. Slowly, I’ve come to see that priesthood isn’t a role to perform — it’s a life to be poured out. And often, it’s poured out quietly, in hidden ways. A homily remembered years later. A hand held in a hospital room. A whispered prayer over someone who has lost everything.

I’ve wrestled, as most of us do. With fear. With the desire to control. With the longing to be immune to human frailty. But I’ve come to understand that there’s no real holiness apart from our humanity. The grace is in the weakness. The light shines through the cracks.

What have I learned? That presence matters more than performance. That listening is sometimes the most faithful thing you can do. That we are all — every one of us — longing for love, for meaning, for God. And that God meets us in our longing.

I’ve also come to believe that death is not something to be feared, but a part of the path. Without death, life would lose its shape. Its urgency. Its tenderness. So I’ve tried to companion others toward that final threshold — and now I begin, in some way, to prepare to companion myself, as I stand in the Departure Lounge of life.

Fifty years in, I feel more grateful than accomplished. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve failed in ways only God knows. But I’ve also seen miracles — quiet ones. I’ve seen love endure. I’ve seen grace appear when everything seemed lost. And I’ve seen that Christ is still at work in this world, quietly, through people who keep showing up.

So I say thank you. To my family, living and dead, my teachers, my students, my friends. To those who challenged me. To those who stayed. To the Church that shaped me. To the God who, even when I’ve wandered, has never let me go.

All I can do now is try to live these final years as a priest with the same wonder I had at the beginning. Maybe even more.

And when the time comes to let go, I hope I can say  — honestly, simply, quietly — “Yes, Lord. Yes. Mille ­grazie.”

Father Fragomeni has no public plans for celebrating his jubilee. A pilgrimage to Rome to meet the new pope, for his blessing, perhaps; one of his secretaries is a former student of Father Fragomeni and a fellow Augustinian.

Father John P. Rosson was parochial vicar at Holy Ghost Church in Omaha, Neb., from 1975-81, and a teacher at Daniel J. Gross High School, also in Omaha. He was parochial vicar at St. Mary’s in Little Falls in 1981; and teacher and chaplain at St. Patrick’s Central High School in Catskill from 1985-95. Father Rosson was college chaplain and instructor at Hartwick College in Oneonta and chaplain at the State University in Oneonta, both from 1985-2000. Father Rosson was pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Schenectady from 1995-2000 and pastor of St. Mary’s Our Lady of the Lake Church in Cooperstown from 2000-19.

I received only one assignment in my priesthood. I received that sole assignment on ordination day, June 14, 1975, in my home parish of Immaculate Conception in Irvington, N.Y. The assignment was to be a priest of Jesus Christ, the eternal high priest. In these 50 years of living priesthood, I never tasted an unhappy day. Of course, there were days of frustration in particular settings, but never a day of unhappiness or discontent or regret. I am grateful for my vocation as a religious order priest (Augustinian Recollect) and recently as a diocesan priest (Diocese of Albany). I have no regrets. I have no disappointments. The happiest days were in the classroom in Omaha, Catskill and Oneonta. The most fulfilling times as a priest are at the ambo, the altar, in the confessional and at the baptistry.

To observe his golden jubilee as priest, Father Rosson shall become a pilgrim and celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving on June 29 at St. Thomas More Church in Durham, N.H., with his ordination classmate, Father Andrew W. Cryans, pastor.

40th

Father Joseph Xavier Arockiasamy was born in Samayanallur, Madurai, South India. He attended Arul Anandar College, Annamalai University, South India, and De La Salle University in the Philippines. Father Arockiasamy attended seminary at Christ Hall Seminary (three years of philosophy) and St. Paul’s Seminary (four years of theology).

After coming to Albany, Father Arockiasamy, has served as an associate at St. Mary’s Church in Glens Falls (2000-Sept. 2005), administrator at St. Joseph’s Church in Fort Edward (Sept. 2005-Feb. 2006), pastor at Sacred Heart in Stamford (2006-10), and pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Granville (2011-March 2020). He currently is pastor for both parishes of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cobleskill and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Worcester (March 22, 2020-present). He was incardinated in 2007 and is enjoying the ministry of serving the people of the Diocese of Albany.

My priestly ordination is God’s greatest gift and joy. It allows me to continue His mission for His people, though I am imperfect. There is an immeasurable joy in serving the Lord and the people. When I stand at the altar, taking bread and wine into my hands, praying the words of consecration, the bread and wine, through the power of the Holy Spirit, become the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the most significant transformation moment that I have experienced in my life. I encourage our young people to discern the call of Christ. The Church today needs your response. It will be a great privilege to say yes to Him.

The most memorable event I experienced was encountering a wild elephant while returning home after offering eight weekend Masses at mission stations in my first parish the first year after my ordination. The enormous elephant stood directly in front of our car, and the moment I saw it, fear seized me. I began to perspire profusely. In that instant, I took out my rosary and started to pray fervently. I haven’t prayed that hard since. After a few minutes, the elephant moved to the nearby tea plants. I truly felt the saving hand of God during that encounter.  

Father Arockiasamy celebrated his 40th anniversary Mass, followed by a sumptuous banquet dinner, on April 22 with the parishioners of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and a few friends. There were more than 150 people to share in his joy in thanking the Lord for calling him to be His servant.

Father Anthony Michael Barratt, Father Paul Mijas and Father Guy Anthony Childs

Father Anthony Michael Barratt was born in West Wickham, England on July 28, 1959. He was educated at Good Shepherd Primary School and then at Langley Park School. He then obtained a bachelor’s (Hons) in geography from the University of Hull in England, graduating in 1980.

He studied for the priesthood at the Venerable English College in Rome, Italy, from 1980-86. He was ordained as a priest of the Archdiocese of Southwark in England in 1985 and in May 2011 was incardinated into the Diocese of Albany. He holds a License in Sacred Theology “summa cum laude” from the Gregorian University in Rome, and a doctorate from King’s College in London. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Higher Education (UK) and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He is a Knight Commander of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He is also a Magistral Chaplain of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, as well as having been awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit of that Order for his many years of service with the British Association of the Order in the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. In October 2024, he was appointed by Pope Francis as a member of the Papal Household and as a Chaplain to His Holiness (Monsignor).

After his ordination in 1985, he served in a number of roles and places as a priest of the Archdiocese of Southwark (England). First, as associate pastor of Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish in Addiscombe, England (1986-89), then as a chaplain and subsequently acting rector of St. George’s Cathedral (1989-96), London, England and finally as vice-rector and professor of theology at St. John’s Inter-diocesan Seminary in Guildford, England (1996-2004). He was director of liturgical formation for the inter-diocesan diaconate program from 1990-2004 and a judge of the Archdiocesan Second Instance Tribunal from 1998-2010. Additionally, he served as the Roman Catholic delegate for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales to the Church of England General Synod from 1998-2004.

He has been working in the Diocese of Albany since 2004 and, as noted, was incardinated into the Diocese in 2011. In 2004, he was appointed pastor of Annunciation Church in Ilion (and from 2008 also was pastor of Our Lady, Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort) and in 2006 he was appointed dean (Vicar Forane) of Herkimer County. He held these posts until November 2012 when he was appointed as pastor of St. Ambrose Parish and School in Latham. In October 2016, he was appointed as the Director of Prayer and Worship for the Diocese of Albany. In March 2017, he was assigned to be pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Hudson and Germantown. In July 2018, Bishop Scharfenberger appointed him as episcopal vicar for the Hudson Valley. As episcopal vicar, he is also the canonical pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Copake.

He is an adjunct professor of theology at St. Bernard’s Postgraduate School of Theology in Rochester/Albany and adjunct professor at Siena College. He also holds a number of diocesan positions in Albany including: the Diaconate Formation Board, Associate Judge for the Albany Diocesan Marriage Tribunal, the Diocesan Architecture and Buildings Commission, the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese, the College of Consultors for the Diocese, Diocesan Exorcist, and the Diocesan Censor Librorum. He has published a number of works on spirituality, sacramental theology, liturgy, Christian anthropology, mission and evangelization, and educational methods and techniques.

When I think of the gift of the ordained priesthood, I so often think of the lines from Psalm 116: “How can I repay the Lord for His goodness to me.” Certainly there have been some difficult times, but then, who does not experience these?! However, there have been countless blessings and joys. To be involved in key moments of people’s lives, to be a steward of the gifts of so many, to be an instrument of God’s love and grace and to enable others to encounter our Lord in the sacraments, prayer and outreach: these are all pearls beyond price.

Some key moments: serving as deacon at Mass with St. John Paul II the day after my diaconate ordination, and celebrating Mass with the Missionaries of Charity (with St. Teresa of Kolkata there!).

If God is calling you to serve Him and his people as a priest, then you will make a difference, in his name, by saying “yes” to that call. In fact, it is the only way that you will make a true difference and the only way that you will be fulfilled.

Father Barratt will celebrate his anniversary on July 27, the actual date of his ordination. The main celebration is at the 9 a.m. parish Mass at St. Mary’s in Hudson, followed by a brunch  — with the five-hour time difference from his native England, that means that the 40th celebration Mass will be at exactly the same time as his ordination 40 years ago! Bishop Edward B. Scharfen­berger, along with a number of priests, deacons and religious from the Diocese, parishioners from Holy Trinity Parish (Hudson-Germantown-Linlithgo), family and friends from England, as well as parishioners and friends from my former parishes in Albany (Ilion and Frankfort, and St. Ambrose in Latham) are expected to attend.

Father Paul Mijas was born in Miedzierza, Poland and attended elementary, high school and seminary in the country. He was associate pastor in the Diocese of Radom, Poland, from 1985-90, and in the Diocese of Rockville Centre from 1990-2017. From 2017-18, he was administrator of St. Joseph’s in Worcester, and from 2018-2021, he was associate pastor at the Cathe­dral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. From 2021-present, Father Mijas has been administrator of Sacred Heart in Margaretville and Sacred Heart in Stamford.

In the first few years as a priest, I heard a voice to become a missionary priest. So I made the decision to come to the U.S.A. in 1990. Throughout my years in the priesthood, I have been blessed with many profound experiences — celebrating sacraments and walking with people through their joys and sorrows. Yet among these many treasured moments, one stands out with extraordinary clarity: attending a papal audience with St. John Paul II in Rome, Italy. To be in the presence of a man so deeply rooted in prayer, wisdom and courage was humbling and unforgettable. His words, filled with hope and conviction, resonated in my heart and reaffirmed my commitment to serve God and his people with renewed faith and dedication. That moment in Rome remains a touchstone of inspiration for me in my vocation.

I would recommend a vocation to the priesthood because it is one of the most meaningful and spiritually fulfilling paths a person can follow. The priesthood is not just a role or a career — it is a profound calling to serve God and his people. In a world that is often distracted, divided and searching for purpose, the priest stands as a visible sign of God’s presence, offering hope, healing and truth.

Father Mijas has no plans to celebrate his jubilee.

25th

Father Guy Anthony Childs was born in Albany on Dec. 26, 1967 (He likes to kiddingly say that he has always been following Jesus). He is the eldest of six children, four boys and two girls. His parents are Patricia K. Childs, who passed away in 1981, and Guy N. Childs, who passed away in 1997.

He attended St. Pius X pre-school, then St. Catherine of Siena School (k-8). He attended Albany High School (1986), Hudson Valley Community College (AAS in Marketing, 1988), and The College of Saint Rose (bachelor’s in business administration, 1991).

Father Childs worked from an early age, first as a paperboy in his neighborhood — for both the then-Knickerbocker News then the Times Union — then part time at Burger King, then at Adair’s Liquor Store, and ultimately, for the New York State Health Department.    

In August 1993, he began formation for the priesthood, attending St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Md. He began pre-theology studies for two years, and then major seminary, completing his Master of Divinity and Baccalaureate of Sacred Theology in 2000. He was ordained as a deacon by the late Bishop Howard Hubbard in April 1999 at St. Mary’s Seminary and as a priest at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on June 10, 2000 by Bishop Hubbard. He was the only priest ordained in the Great Jubilee Year of 2000 — “Christ, Yesterday, Today, Always.”

His first assignment was as associate pastor of Our Lady of Victory in Troy, as well as chaplain at Catholic Central High School in Troy. He was transferred in June 2001 to Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany, while remaining chaplain at Catholic Central. In 2004, he was assigned as pastor to St. John the Baptist in Greenville. In 2005, he was assigned as associate pastor of St. Ambrose in Latham, and resumed duties as chaplain at Catholic Central High School. In 2008, he was appointed pastor of St. Michael the Archangel in South Glens Falls.

When first ordained, and in the first many years, I came to realize that priesthood is, “everything I hoped for, and nothing I expected …”

As I write this reflection, the Church just elected a new Supreme Pontiff — Pope Leo XIV, the FIRST American born pope! It is a stupendous moment in the life of the Church, and, especially in this special anniversary year, as I have been taking time to reflect on 25 years of ministry — with all of its ups and downs, too many to enumerate. I know how blessed I am and that this is certainly what God has called me to be and the ministry I am to perform. This is a tremendous Godsend for the entire Church, but, in a special way, for the Church in the United States. I hope that this portends a resurgence in the faithful coming to more robustly and intentionally living the faith — attending Mass weekly, taking part in the life of a parish community and, despite the uncertainty that is immediately before the Diocese, and, the communities I serve as pastor, be confident of God’s greater plan.    

If I were to recommend to someone considering a vocation — to priesthood, diaconate or religious life — I would firstly say to be open to the grace of the Holy Spirit. That is something that never ceases to surprise and thrill me, in both big and small ways. As a parish priest, I have the privilege and joy to interact with so many different people, in all walks of life, in all stages of their journey of faith, and to accompany them on the way to God’s eternal love and glory. WOW!

Another quote I often say is that “God writes straight with crooked lines …” and this has unquestionably been evident over a quarter-century of priesthood. The events of the life of the Church during this time have proven to be, well, unique and interesting, if not challenging and even difficult, and can truly test one’s faith and outlook. Another thing I would suggest to someone discerning a vocation is to have a sense of humor. I have discovered that in ministry, there is both sorrow, but also joy. I believe that Jesus loathes a dour believer. I try to use humor — jokes, etc., to help convey that our faith is a fun faith, a faith that calls us to, as the late Pope Francis taught, “the joy of the Gospel.” Our world and culture is awash in gloom and doom; I believe we must do our best to overcome this. Finally, I would say that a person needs to have a strong and deep-rooted prayer life. Take time every day to be with God, whether by attending Mass, Scripture reading, social justice, basking in the simplicity and grandeur of nature, performing works of charity, etc. It is essential that prayer be a critical aspect of anyone who calls themselves a Christian.

I am the priest I am today because of many people who influenced me: my mother and father, who instilled in my siblings and me a strong Catholic faith — we went to confession every Saturday, we went to Mass every Sunday and grew in faith by frequenting the Auriesville Shrine amid the sickness and death of my mother and a close family friend. We attended Catholic grade school, and we had wonderful examples of kind, holy and loving priests and sisters. The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary taught at St. Catherine of Siena, and later, the Sisters of Mercy. Their example unquestionably influenced my vocation. Likewise, our parish priests — such as Monsignor Lawrence Kelly, Father John Keefe, Father Ken Doyle, among others, left a meaningful impact on me, seeing their joy, their dedication and their love of the Lord. In addition, my five siblings: Austin, Mary, Peter, Sean and Kathleen, their families and my extended family of cousins, aunts and uncles both in the Capital District as well as the greater Boston area, where my mother was from, also helped to form and shape me in lasting and unforgettable ways. Likewise, many, many awesome, incredible and wonderful friends who have walked this path with me all my life.

I came to discern my vocation through the original “Called By Name” vocation awareness program, back in the early 1990s. The Diocese recently offered a new one in 2024, like the one that ultimately brought me to priesthood. I pray for vocations daily at Mass, and I hope that God will send more workers to the vineyard. Being a priest for 25 years has been a tremendous privilege, a time of amazing growth and insight, and has allowed me to know countless good and faith-filled people. As the Jesuit motto states, “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” — to the greater glory of God. I strive to echo that in my heart every day.

Father Childs will have a special Mass and reception on Sunday, June 29 — the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul — at the 11 a.m. Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Church in South Glens Falls.

Father Brian W. Lehnert, Father Anastacio “Jun” Segura and Father F. Richard Lesser

Father Brian W. Lehnert was ordained April 29, 2000 in Palm Beach, Fla. In April 2021, he did a sabbatical in Auriesville at The Shrine of Our Lady of The North American Martyrs. He asked if he could be loaned to minister in the Albany Diocese with the possibility of being incardinated into the Albany Diocese. Currently, Father Lehnert is assigned as administrator at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in West Winfield and Richfield Springs.

When I was ordained a priest I would say that God called me to do good and now I would say God called me to the priesthood because this is how He is working out my salvation. I have grown in love with my priesthood more and more as it is through the priesthood that I have come to know His merciful love for me. I am thankful to the people of God for encouraging me to share Christ’s priesthood with them.

Father Lehnert has no plans to celebrate his jubilee.

Father Anastacio “Jun” Segura was born in Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines and attended the Maryhill School of Theology and the CICM Seminary.

From 2002-07, Father Segura was administrator at Parroquia Nuestra Sra. de los Remedios in Cabral, Dominican Republic. From 2008-15, Father Segura was in residence at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Schenectady and was sacramental minister to the Hispanic Apostolate. Since 2015, he has been pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Northville and St. Joseph’s Church in Broadalbin.

For all that has been, THANKS! For all that will be, YES! Be a priest and a living witness of Christ.

Father Segura will celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass on Oct. 12 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Broadalbin.

10th

Father F. Richard Lesser was born in Bradford, Pa., and graduated from Cornell (1977) and St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry. He attended seminary at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Mass.

Father Lesser was parochial vicar at St. Mary’s in Ballston Spa from 2015-16. He was pastor at Corpus Christi in Round Lake (2016-20), St. Thomas the Apostle in Delmar (2020-25) and St. Lucy/St. Bernadette in Altamont (2022-25). Father Lesser is currently pastor at St. Matthew’s in Voorheesville (2020-present) and Christ the King in Westmere (2022-present).

I have been blessed with a first vocation to married life and now a vocation to the priesthood. I am grateful to God for both!

Father Lesser will celebrate his jubilee by serving the parish like any other day. Each day is a gift.

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