A TIME TO CELEBRATE

16 diocesan priests, marking jubilees, talk about their lives and their callings

The Albany Diocese celebrates 16 milestone priest anniversary's this year. Of the group, Father George W. Brucher (left), celebrates his 70th anniversary, Father James J. Kane, celebrates his 55th anniversary, and Father Brian Kelly celebrates his 10th anniversary.

70th

Father George W. Brucker was born in Schenectady and attended St. John the Evangelist, St. Columbus and St. Joseph’s Academy. He attended seminary at St. Andrew’s in Rochester and the North American College in Rome. He was named associate pastor of St. Joseph’s in Scotia (1956-65) and then of St. Patrick’s in Catskill (1965-68). From 1968-71, he was part of the faculty at Mater Christi Seminary. From 1971-74, he was pastor of St. Patrick’s in Troy and then associate pastor of St. Michael’s in South Glens Falls (1974-77). From 1977-2006, he was pastor of St. Paul the Apostle in Schenectady. After his retirement in 2006, he assisted at St. Henry’s in Averill Park until 2018.

In spite of the passing years, I remember Cardinal (Luigi) Traglia clasping my hand in his and saying, “Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven,” and so too with the other sacraments. It is with overwhelming gratitude to God that over 70 years, the Lord, especially the Holy Spirit, has enabled me to minister in his name.

In the words of Mary, “My soul magnifies the Lord for He has done great things through me (through my littleness) and holy is his name.”

For anyone considering a priestly vocation, it is important to know, it is not what you alone can do but what the Holy Spirit will do through you.

With a debt of gratitude and love, I thank my parents, brother and sisters, priest friends, religious sisters and the many, many parishioners who strengthened me on my journey, especially Our Blessed Mother, Mary.

65th

Father James M. Mackey, a native of Troy, attended P.S. 18 and Catholic Central High School in Troy. He then attended Mater Christi Seminary (1954-56), St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester (1956-58), and the North American College and Gregorian University in Rome (1958-62). Father Mackey served as associate pastor of St. Mary’s in Hudson Falls (1962-66), St. Patrick’s in Albany (1966-70) and St. Anne’s in Waterford (1970-74). He also served in various roles for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith (1966-2000), the Diocesan Development Program (Bishop’s Appeal) from 1966-84, the National Catholic Stewardship Council and North American College in Rome (1979-85). Father Mackey served as chaplain of St. Colman’s Home in Watervliet (1974-83), and was pastor of his home parish, St. Michael’s in Troy (1983-2002). He also served as pastor of St. Mary’s in Glens Falls from 2002-07, and was a sacramental minister of St. Jude’s in Wynantskill. 

Father Mackey, who is an only child and had a four-year scholarship to Holy Cross after high school, remembers being asked by Father Janis who tapped him on the shoulder one day at Catholic Central and said, “How come you are taking Latin 4 instead of English 4?” I opted for Latin 4 in high school because I wanted to get out of taking English 4. And he said, “Do you ever think about going to the seminary?” And I said, “No.” He said to think about it. A couple of weeks later, he asked me again and I said, “I will give it a try” and that was it. I have no regrets, I’ve had a good run. 

60th

Father John D. Kirwin was born in Saratoga Springs and attended the Vincentian Institute, St. Anselm College (1958) and Our Lady of Angels at Niagara University.

His assignments included: the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (1966-70), where he was vice rector and principal of The Cathedral Academy; the Vincentian Institute, where he was a theology instructor of the Girls School (1967-70); RPI Chapel + Cultural Center, where he was chaplain (1970-71); Catholic Central High School in Troy, where he was part of the theology faculty (1971-74); The Priory of St. Benedict in Chestertown, which he was a co-founder (1974-77); St. Vincent de Paul in Cobleskill and St. Catherine’s in Middleburgh, where he was administrator (1977-78); Washington County Religious Education director (1978-79); The Church of St. Peter in Saratoga Springs, where he was administrator (1980-84); St. Helen’s in Niskayuna, where he was parochial vicar (1984); Holy Infancy in Chestertown, where he was pastor (1984-92); St. Vincent de Paul in Cobleskill, where he was co-pastor (1992-94); University at Albany, where he was chaplain (1994); and St. John’s/St. Ann’s in Albany, where he was pastor from 1994-2006.

I have come full circle, beginning and ending my presbyteral service in the South End of the City of Albany.

To date, I have enjoyed 18 years of active retirement, out of my home in Saratoga Springs, where I have served The Church of St. Peter, been an outreach preacher for UNBOUND, and for the past six years, as sacramental minister at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul in Albany.

When I was ordained to presbyteral service 60 years ago, I had the following inscribed on the underside of my chalice: “not to be served, but to serve.” In baptism we were all anointed to be a priestly, prophetic and royal people.

It’s service that we must be about, not “Latin and lace.”

55th

Father James J. Kane, was born in Buffalo and attended St. Thomas Aquinas (1959), Bishop Timon High School (1963) and Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Glenmont. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Ogdensburg on May 29, 1971, and was director of the Liturgy Office (1974-76) before being transferred to the Diocese of Albany in June 1976. Father Kane was deacon of St. Jude’s in Wynantskill and parochial vicar of St. Agnes in Lake Placid (1971), and parochial vicar of St. Patrick’s in Port Henry (1971-72). From 1972-76, Father Kane was parochial vicar of St. Bernard’s in Saranac Lake, where he was co-founder of the Saranac Lake Ecumenical Council. Father Kane was then parochial vicar of Sacred Heart in Albany (1976), St. Helen’s in Niskayuna (1976-82) and St. Vincent de Paul in Albany (1982-89). From 1989-90, he was administrator of St. Mary’s in Gloversville, before becoming pastor of St. Agnes-St. Patrick in Cohoes (1990-95), and then pastor of St. Helen’s in Niskayuna (1995-2007). He was parish administrator of St. Peter’s in Stillwater (2007-10) and of Assumption/St. Paul’s in Mechanicville (2009-10) before becoming pastor of St. Patrick’s in Ravena (2010-15). Since 2015, Father Kane has been sacramental minister of St. Clare’s in Colonie.

Since 1982, Father Kane has been the diocesan director of the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and was a member of the diocesan Liturgical Commission on Prayer and Worship from 1978-97. He has also been an instructor in the Albany Diocese’s Formation for Ministry Program: Liturgy/Ecumenism/Interfaith, and a representative for the Diocese of Albany on CUM (1982), CREO (1998), and he is an honorary Canon at All Saints Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany.

Father Kane has been a participant in: the Ecumenical Institute in Chicago (Parish Ministers, 1967); the Ecumenical Theology Course with Rev. George Tavard at St. Michael’s College in Vermont (1974); two goodwill missions to Israel and Rome with the Jewish community (1983, ’85); the fifth BCEIS Ecumenical Leadership Institute in St. John’s in Collegeville, Minn. (1987); the Tantur Ecumenical Institute Sabbatical Program in Israel (1995); and in the St. Bernard’s Institute Course on Islam with Iman Dr. Mokhtar Magraoui (2002). He was also a member of the Inter-Seminary Movement and of the Catholic National Association of Diocesan Ecumenical Officers (CNADEO).

He has been the recipient of numerous awards including: the Capital Area Council of Churches “Carlyle Adams Ecumenical Award” (1993);  the OEC and FL (Diocese of Albany) “Bishop Edwin B. Broderick Award” (2009); the Ed Bloch “Voices that Challenge Award” from the Interfaith Alliance of NYS (2009); the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany’s “Peace and Justice Commission Achievement Award” (2016); the Interfaith Alliance of Upstate New York “Joan Dunham Interfaith Award” (2021); and the Jewish-Roman Catholic Dialogue Committee’s Program honoring him for 40 years of service (2023).

I continue to cherish the four “P’s” of priesthood: Preach, Preside, Pastor and Pray.

Father Thomas J. Krupa, a native of Amsterdam, attended St. Stanislaus and St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam, and seminary at Mater Christi in Albany and St. Bernard’s in Rochester. Father Krupa served as associate pastor of St. Gabriel’s in Rotterdam (1971-79) and of St. Adalbert’s in Schenectady (1979-83). He was pastor of St. Casimir’s in Albany (1983-92) and served as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Castleton for nearly three decades. 

Every day has been a unique experience with many opportunities to serve my people. I have seen great faith among the parishioners in all my assignments as well as a commitment to true family values which has been an inspiration to me. Celebrating the Eucharist as well as the other sacraments has been a privilege. The time has passed so quickly that I am amazed at all that has happened. I would not trade this for any other life. The happiness and joy that my priesthood has brought me is priceless. I ask God’s blessings especially on my family and on all those others who have assisted and supported me during this incredible journey. 

50th

Father Thomas F. Berardi’s home town parish is Immaculate Conception in Kingston, N.Y. He attended Ulster Community College (1966), Murray State University in Murray, Ky., where he graduated with a bachelor’s in secondary education in 1969. He was a business teacher at Kingston High School before entering religious life with the Dominican Order of St. Stephen’s Priory (Dover, Mass.) from 1969-1971. From 1971-72, he was at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., and was at St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester (1972-76). He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Albany by Bishop Edwin Broderick at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Schenectady on Jan. 24, 1976. 

He has been an associate pastor of Immaculate Conception in Glenville (1976-78), associate pastor of St. Peter’s in Saratoga Springs, as well as campus minister of Skidmore College (1978-80), was appointed diocesan Director of Campus Ministry (1979-87), and was priest-in-residence for two months at St. Catherine of Siena in Albany (1980).

From 1981-88, he was chaplain/campus ministry at The College of St. Rose in Albany. In 1984, he attended the Institute of International Law and Human Rights at the University of Strasbourg in France and was an adjunct instructor at St. Rose and Maria College (1982-94).

In the summer of 1987, he was a visiting priest of St. Francis Xavier in Valdez, Alaska, then associate pastor of Christ the King in Guilderland (1989-93), pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Cobleskill and St. Mary’s in Sharon Springs (1993-2005), adjunct instructor/campus ministry of SUNY Cobleskill (2000-05), and interim diocesan director of campus ministry (2004-07).

From 2005-07, he was pastor of St. Michael’s in Troy and worked in campus ministry at Hudson Valley Community College, and from 2007-16, he was pastor of Sacred Heart in Lake George. He was also sacramental minister of Blessed Sacrament in Bolton Landing and pastor in the summer of Our Lady of the Assumption in Cleverdale. 

Father Berardi has served on the Diocesan Tribunal as advocate (1975-78) and judge (court of second instance, 1978-2013). Since 2019, he has been the chairperson of the Priests’ Retirement Board. He retired in August 2016, and is currently an assisting priest at Christ the King in Guilderland.

Some memorable moments for Father Berardi include: My parents, sister, nieces, nephew, grandfather, godmother and cousins, who were able to be present at my ordination. … The child who asked his mother after attending Mass: “Does Father Tom have to memorize the recipe or can he read it out of the book?” … Each of my dogs, Rosie, Chugach and Wrangler, brought “pastoral” joy and comfort to the young and old. … Experiencing a SIDS death only several weeks after ordination. … Becoming a friend and colleague with some who share the journey with me. … The privilege of celebrating the Sacrament of Anointing with my 106-year-old mother.

As a priest, I have been privileged to celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and come to know so many wonderful people who have allowed me to share the journey with them. I have likewise been able to call forth and empower others, with their gifts, abilities and ministries. 

I have been happy and fulfilled as a priest and recommend to those considering a priesthood vocation, to discern that they are “called” by God. If so, then you have no choice but to seek priesthood. In doing so, you will be fulfilled and happy.

Plans for observing his jubilee: My ordination was Jan. 24. I celebrated a parish Mass at Christ the King Church in Guilderland (where I assist). It was the weekend of the 16-inch snowstorm. We had lots of cake left over from the reception after Mass!

I also celebrated a parish/jubilee Mass at my home parish (Immaculate Conception in Kingston). The parish and pastor, Father Mirek, hosted the jubilee Mass and a reception in April (with no snowstorm).

My family and friends hosted a party with prior parish staff members, former college students, a senior “breakfast club” from Christ the King parish and priests, family and personal friends in May with no snow! (Please note that on my ordination day in 1976 there was a blizzard).

I plan to continue the celebration by traveling to visit some friends, former parishioners and colleagues.  

Father Michael Callaghan, CM, was born June 11, 1948, to Michael and Martha (Mc Grath) Callaghan in Plumstead, London, England. His education includes: Incarnation of Our Lord School in Philadelphia (1953-62); Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia (1962-1966); College Department, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia (1966-71); bachelor’s in philosophy, St. Charles Seminary (May 1971); theology department, St. Charles Seminary (1971-75); M. Div., Theology (1975); ordained to the priesthood by J. Cardinal Krol in Philadelphia on May 15, 1976; Vincentian Novitiate (August 1979); Simple Vows taken at Niagara University (June 1980);  masters in English from Niagara (May 1981); Final Vows, St. Joseph’s Seminary in Princeton, N.J. (September, 1983); Ph. D. awarded (“The English Mystics and Thomas Merton’s Sense of Absence, New York University, January 1998).

His assignments include: Sacred Heart Parish in Manoa, Pa., (1976-77); O. L. Fatima Parish in Bensalem (June-Dec. 1977:); Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster, Pa., (January 1978); English teacher at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Princeton, N.J., (Sept. 1980); Faculty at St. John’s University (Sept. 1985-2014); Associate Director of the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, Philadelphia, Pa., (Jan. 2015-present); chaplain of Camilla Hall, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sisters infirmary in Malvern, Pa. (September 2021-June 2024); and chaplain of the Daughters of Charity in Menands (June 2024-present).

I graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School on my birthday (June 11, 1966) and that Monday I registered for the draft. I was accepted at La Salle College, but decided on St. Charles Seminary. Later, enthralled by St. Vincent de Paul, I entered the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) as a priest/novice, basically a seminarian all over again … no surprise! I did kindergarten twice (Sister Marita Michael, IHM).

I found out that priesthood requires adulthood. Basically, we pray; God laughs. I even tried the Monks (Benedictines) for a while — apostolic heart — was too restless. St. Vincent welcomed me back, with a slap on the wrist.

Thank you all for loving me for being me — immature, goofy — a decent baseball catcher (go Braves), Scouts and St. John’s University, the love of my life … that is, next to Jesus, Mary Immaculate, and St. Vincent de Paul. Thanks to Monsignor Bernie Herron for being a great role model at CD. Thanks to Father Dan Gallagher for making me “shape up” as an altar boy. Thanks to Father Bernard Benischeck for NOT sending me to summer school in 1965.

I am deeply grateful to many CMs during my transition from diocesan priest to the Vincentians:  Bob Maloney, CM, and Carey Leonard, CM, put me back in love with the priesthood; I needed the CM community more than they needed me. Bob Maloney and Carey Leonard were able to show me God’s love  and the true meaning of “confrere/“brother;” not always fun but loving kindness can be bittersweet.

Monsignor Dan Murray at St. Charles Seminary challenged me into a love of Scripture, especially Johannine Scriptures, even though my grades weren’t deserving of God’s love. Father/Monsignor Francis Carbine picked up where Father Pirolli left off regarding English literature … all the way to a Ph.D at NYU! And Monsignor Francis X. Meehan who saved my vocation more than once.

Believe it or not, the cardinal against whom I rebelled, is now a dear heavenly friend. Every day that I celebrate the Eucharist, I thank God for Cardinal Krol … yes, that’s what I said, no typo. EVERY DAY I THANK GOD FOR CARDINAL KROL!!! He’s probably still a Cleveland Guardians fan and a Browns fan… but, in my book, holier than I ever realized! I loved visiting where you grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. John Joseph is a person I truly love … a peculiar gift from a fabulous God!

After being loved by IHMs, I received an unexpected gift: the Daughters of Charity. Another challenge to love/be loved in return. Thanks St. Louise de Marillac for these really holy, blessed “chickadees.”

My parents put their happiness aside, came to the USA, gave me all they could, sacrificing more than I’ll know. The best gift from Mom and Dad: a great sister, Marian, MD. In 2025, I love ministering to my teachers/moms/IHM sisters. Please pray that I can help others have a wonderful life meeting Jesus, Mary and St. Vincent de Paul. Thank you … bless you … love you.

Father James Hess, O.Carm., was born in Syracuse and attended the University of Maryland, St. Albert’s Junior Seminary, and the Washington Theological Union. Father Hess was an associate of Mt. Carmel in Middletown, N.Y., (1976-92), pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas in Brooklyn (1992-97), campus minister/teacher of Pope John Paul II High School in Boca Raton, Fla., (1997-2004), director of Spiritual Formation at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa., (2004-17), and is currently chaplain of St. Teresa’s Motherhouse/Bard College/Marist University in Germantown.

I can’t remember not wanting to be a priest. I began seminary in my first year of high school and I have never turned back. Being a Carmelite priest has been a rewarding spiritual journey in a tradition that is old and still speaks to seekers today. I have enjoyed all my assignments and am grateful for all the amazing brothers and sisters that I have shared faith with, but campus ministry will always be the path I feel most called to.

Father Peter D. Russo, a Ravena native, has served as associate pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Paul’s parishes in Schenectady, St. Mary’s in Little Falls and St. Bernard’s in Cohoes. He was chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, Pyramid Life Center in Paradox and Catholic Central High School in Troy, where he also taught and coached. He has served as administrator of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Hancock, Holy Cross in Schenectady, St. Anthony’s in Herkimer and St. Bridget’s in Copake Falls, where he became pastor until 2003. He then was pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish in Scotia until his retirement. During that time, Father Russo was also pastor of Our Lady of Grace in Ballston Lake and he celebrated Mass regularly at St. Mary’s in Galway and filled in at St. Clement’s in Saratoga Springs and St. Theresa’s in Gansevoort.

Believe it or not, I felt called to the priesthood while in grade school. I credit the Sisters of Mercy and the priests of St. Patrick’s in Ravena, as well as my parents, Peter and Helen Russo. Their faith in action nurtured the call.

It is not easy to pick out one memorable moment, being part of so many families, walking with them in faith in good times and bad — some for all 50 years. As a priest of the Diocese of Albany, it has been my privilege to minister alongside many, many dedicated women and men, both vowed and laity, who have given themselves in service to Christ and His Church. To anyone who might feel called to priesthood and religious life, I would say the Church of the 21st century needs individuals willing to give their lives in service to help others come to know Jesus Christ. 

40th

Father O. Robert DeMartinis was born in Amsterdam and attended Mary’s Institute, Bishop Scully and St. John Fisher. He went to seminary at Holy Apostles in Cromwell, Conn. His assignments have included: associate of St. Luke’s in Schenectady (1990-92) and of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Queensbury (1992-94); and pastor of Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Frankfort (1994-97), Immaculate Conception in Schenectady (2000-10), St. Stanislaus in Amsterdam (2010-current), St. Stephen’s in Hagaman (2012-20) and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel  (2020-current). He was also chaplain of Glens Falls Hospital (1997-2000).

After 40 years: A heart of gratitude.

This year marks 40 years since I was ordained to the priesthood and I find myself filled not with a sense of accomplishment, but with deep and abiding gratitude.

When I first answered the call, I could not have imagined the journey ahead — the lives I would encounter, the sorrow I would share, and the quiet, grace-filled moments that would shape my ministry. Over these four decades, I have been continually humbled by the trust people place in a priest: to stand with them in times of joy and in moments of profound loss, to listen, to guide and sometimes simply to be present.

I am grateful to the communities I have served, whose faith and resilience have taught me far more than I could ever teach them. Their generosity, patience and love have been a constant source of strength. I am equally thankful for my brother and sister clergy, mentors and friends who have walked alongside me, offering wisdom and encouragement.

Most of all, I give thanks to God for the enduring call and the grace to continue answering it. There have been many challenges, certainly, but also countless blessings — often found in the ordinary: a shared prayer, a kind word, a moment of peace.

As I reflect on these 40 years, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and hope. The journey is not mine alone, and whatever good has been done is a testament to the communities and the faith we share.

Plans for observing his jubilee: A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated at St. Stanislaus Church on May 16 with a reception at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Hall.

Father Martin J. Fisher was born in Fort Edward and attended Adirondack Community College, Pikeville University in Pikeville, Ky., and seminary at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J. He was ordained on May 31, 1986.

His assignments include: associate pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Church (1986-90); Vice-Chancellor/Bishop’s Priest Secretary (1990-95); pastor of St. Mary’s in Glens Falls (1995-2000); pastor of St. Ambrose in Latham (2000-01); pastor of Corpus Christi in Round Lake (2001-08); pastor of St. Joseph’s in Greenwich and Notre Dame/Visitation in Schuylerville from 2008-19; and sacramental minister of Holy Cross in Salem (2013-19).

Upon his retirement, he served the parish community of Sacred Heart in Stamford (2020-22). Since March 2022, he has been sacramental minister of Corpus Christi in Round Lake, as well as All Saints on the Hudson Parish in Mechanicville/Stillwater.

As joyful and fulfilling as my priesthood has been, it has also been a bit mysterious.  Each time I wondered whether I was going in the right direction, God showed me in many ways that I was where I was supposed to be. Those I have met along the way have blessed my life by shaping how I live, how I love and how I laugh. I’ve learned that priesthood is best lived out in humility, compassion and being present.

My most memorable moment was the summer of 1992 when I traveled to a remote mountainous area in Papua, New Guinea, to minister with my cousin, Father Joe Bisson, SVD. Father Joe shared the Gospel message of God’s love for 54 years to a people that the world had forgotten. Father Joe died last August but his legacy of commitment and compassion remains with me.

I would recommend priesthood to those who are called. Jesus said, “I have come to serve and not to be served.” Priesthood is a calling of humble service which brings great joy and fulfillment, knowing that each day you bring Christ’s presence to others. 

Plans for observing his jubilee: On Sunday, May 31, he celebrated an Anniversary Mass at St. Joseph’s in Fort Edward.  

25th

Father Piotr (Peter) Tkocz, a native of Poland, was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 2001, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Since being ordained, he has been assigned to the following parishes: St. Gabriel’s in Rotterdam, St. Ambrose in Latham, St. Michael’s in Cohoes, Our Lady of the Annunciation in Queensbury and Sacred Heart in Lake George, Immaculate Conception in Hoosick Falls, St. Patrick’s in Cambridge, and Holy Cross in Salem. 

On the occasion of Father Peter’s anniversary, he would like to extend his gratitude to all the people he met during these 25 years, as well as those who were his inspiration in preparation for this life milestone. Thank you ALL!

10th

Father Brian Kelly was born in Latham and attended La Salle Institute (1999), Hudson Valley Community College (2004, AAS in business management), Siena College (2008, B.S. accounting), and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary (M.Div.).

Father Kelly was associate pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church and School and Our Lady of the Americas Shrine Church, both in Albany (June 2016-May 2017) and Vicar for Vocations (March 2024-June 2026). He is currently pastor of St. Ambrose Church in Latham (June 2017-present).

It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since laying down on the Cathedral floor saying “yes” to the Lord to be ordained. The Lord has taken me on a wild ride I never would have even begun to imagine, filled with tremendous joy, laughter and memories with so many people who I commonly refer to now as family. Looking back, I cannot see myself wanting to do anything else in life and look forward each day to where God is going to lead me next. The priesthood, for me, it’s really giving all that you have only to get so much more in return. I never would have imagined my life being so filled with love, happiness, blessings and fun that all started with listening to an unanticipated tug in my heart to “come follow Him.”  

The most memorable experience for me still has to be my first baptism on my birthday at Albany Medical Center at 2 a.m. as a transitional deacon doing the Clinical Pastoral Education Program. It taught me everything about fear, anxiety and worry. You always take a backseat to just simply being Christ’s presence for a family in need.

I would recommend the priesthood to others because this life of service, if you do it right, will always lead you to places, experiences, memories and love that surpasses anything you’d expect or the life that society claims to offer.  

Plans for observing his jubilee: A 10th anniversary party at the parish on June 28 and a Mass and dinner with Bishop Mark and my classmates: Father Francis Vivacqua, Father Steve Matthews and Father Pat Rice.

Father Steve Matthews was born in Mineola on Long Island and attended St. Theresa of Avila in South Ozone Park, Corpus Christi in Mineola, Mineola High School, St. John University, and the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington and Pope St. John XXIII in Weston, Mass.

His assignments after ordination include: associate pastor of St. Pius X (July 2016-July 2017), pastor of Sacred Heart in Cairo, Our Lady of Knock Shrine in East Durham and St. John the Baptist in Greenville (Aug. 2017-July 2021), and he is currently pastor of St. Joseph’s in Stottville and Stuyvesant Falls, St. James in Chatham and St. John the Baptist in Valatie.

After 30-plus years in the business world (first on Long Island and then in California), my discernment led me to exploring the priesthood, which pointed me in the direction of the Albany Diocese. Under the guidance of the then-vocations director, Father Jim Walsh, I was assigned to The Church of St. Peter in Saratoga Springs in the fall of 2012, whose pastor, Father Dominic Ingemie, became my mentor and I met a number of wonderful people whom I prayed with and became friends with.

In the summer of 2013, Bishop Hubbard accepted me as a candidate for the Diocese and sent me to the Seminary of Pope Saint John XXIII, where I studied and prayed for three years. I was ordained a deacon by Bishop Scharfenberger in May 2015 and ordained a priest in June 2016.

During my time in the seminary my question was: What does God want of me and where does God want me to be? Wherever that was and wherever that is now, I have found it is where God wants me to be — no matter the reason or person/people.

After my diaconate ordination, I was assigned to Our Lady of Victory Parish in Troy, under another mentor of mine, Father Randy Patterson. In my brief time there, I met a number of wonderful, faithful people whom I still stay connected with and pray for.

During my time in the seminary, the vocations director was Father Anthony Ligato. A number of the experiences in the seminary — both pastoral and academic — always amazed me at how the Holy Spirit was involved, guiding, leading and present!

Father Walsh became my first (and only) pastor in my first assignment. He not only helped me decide to come to the Albany Diocese, but he helped me in my priesthood and to become a pastor.

Thirteen months after my assignment as an associate pastor, I was named pastor of two parishes and a shrine in Greene County. Not being from upstate New York, my response was: Where is Greene County? However, trusting in the Holy Spirit, I went and learned quite a bit and then, in a short four years later, I was transferred to Columbia County to another network.

My second pastorate and current network of parishes, known as the CCNCC — Catholic Community of Northern Columbia County, has three parishes that also includes a Spanish-speaking community. I have now been there just under five years, and we have seen a number of changes — some good and some challenges. I look forward to continuing to pray and worship together, including learning how to pray Mass in Spanish much better. I look forward to what God has in store for me over the coming years and for the new direction our new shepherd is bringing to our Diocese. Let us pray for him and each other while giving thanks to God for all the gifts God has given us!

Ten years certainly have gone by fast, which I guess most priests say about their first 10 years of priesthood. I’m not sure I can name my MOST memorable moment but here are three: First was being present for a number of intense confessions from penitents who hadn’t been to confession or church in well over 40 years. (I prayed during those confessions to God as to why God sent them to me? And what was I to say — a priest with less than a year’s priestly experience.) Second, less than two years as a priest, in my first year as a pastor, there was a tragedy where three children and their grandparents died in a house fire. The community and the extended family were in shock — again — why did God have me there and what was I to say? Lastly, when Bishop Mark was named as the next Bishop of Albany. I was excited as I had him for two classes in the seminary in Boston. In his few months here he has reinvigorated my priesthood, and I hope I have helped pass that excitement on to the people of God whom I am called to serve.

While I cannot say that I have loved every moment of my priesthood, I can say that I believe that every place, including the Tri-Parish Network I am the pastor of now, that that is where God wants me to be — at the present time.

Why would I recommend this vocation to others? As a second-career priest I have come to understand that if God is calling someone to a priestly vocation and the person is open to it, he will be happier in the priesthood than he can imagine and happier than he is in the business world. My recommendation is to pray and be open and ready for the Holy Spirit to lead you!

Plans for observing his jubilee: My three Albany ordination classmates (Brian Kelly, Patrick Rice and Francis Vivacqua) will celebrate with Bishop Mark at Mass and dinner. I also plan to have some low-key celebrations in my three parishes during the month of July.

Father Patrick Rice is one of eight children, of which two are adopted from China. His parents were very devoted Catholics on many fronts. His oldest sister, Mary Jane, is a numerate with Opus Dei. He spent 27 years in the business world before realizing he was missing a sense of calm in his life. He started to attend Mass daily and pray the Rosary after and began to realize — that was where the calm existed! He attended Mass on a Saturday at the House of Discernment and saw the Divine Mercy portrait and the words below struck him: “Jesus, I trust in You.” That became his new mantra! Things began to change within him!

Father Rice is currently serving as a parochial vicar under Father Jay Atherton in the Hudson Valley Vicariate West.

As I contemplate this past decade and the decisions that brought me to this place as an ordained priest, I find myself remaining deeply humbled by the privilege to celebrate Mass and the proclamation to “Do this in memory of me” meaning so much more as I retain the faculties needed to serve.

Every time the entrance procession begins and I proceed toward the altar, I am humbled by the reality that I am able to participate in the “Last Supper” in memory of Him.

I have experienced the full spectrum of feelings of initial inadequacies over these 10 years as I have navigated this journey of being naive to finally and fully comprehending the magnitude of the depths of the mysteries of our Christian faith.

As each Mass commences and I take that first step forward, I focus on that deep breath that connects me to the celebration that I am being called to take part in: Reverencing the Altar and absorbing that moment of awe — there is nothing else like it for me!

Plans for observing his jubilee: As for an individual celebration of this milestone — we are working on a gathering of all of the now-ordained priests in our Seminary Class of 2012!

Father Francis R. Vivacqua, a native of Frankfort and Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, is a graduate of SUNY Oneonta, George Mason University and Theological College and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Father Vivacqua had the opportunity to serve a pastoral year at the parishes of Holy Spirit in Johnstown and Holy Spirit in Gloversville (2014-15).

After graduating from CUA in 2016, Father Vivacqua was appointed as the parochial vicar of St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa. Upon the retirement of Father Thomas Kelly, Father Vivacqua was appointed the 10th pastor of St. Mary’s Church and officially installed on Dec. 16, 2018, by His Excellency, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger. Father Vivacqua continues to be the pastor of St. Mary’s, a faithful congregation which continues to grow each year. In 2020, Father Vivacqua oversaw a large restoration project of St. Mary’s Church, one of the most beautiful churches in the Diocese. 

As I celebrate the 10th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood, I am filled with gratitude for God’s abundant blessings and the privilege of serving and ministering to His people. In the words of St. Paul: “I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry” (1 Timothy 1:12). Each day of my priesthood continues to be filled with the joy and excitement of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am deeply thankful for the faith, support and prayers of St. Mary’s community, and all those who continue to hold me in their prayers. As a humble servant, I look forward to continuing this journey of faith and ministry in the years to come.

Plans for observing his jubilee: There are no plans for a celebration other than celebrating the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass with St. Mary’s parishioners.