The Diocese of Syracuse, New York, announced on Aug. 9 that Bishop Douglas J. Lucia has taken on the additional job of parish priest at three churches in Baldwinsville, New York.
The diocese announced a number of changes to pastoral assignments that went into effect on Aug. 1, including Lucia serving as pastor at St. Augustine Church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, and St. Mary of the Assumption Church. The three churches are part of the same parish and share various initiatives and resources.
“Certainly, a crucial component in our parishes is the priest. Without the priest, there is no Mass; and without the Mass there is no Eucharist, no food for the journey,” Lucia wrote in a recent letter to the churches’ parishioners.
After announcing that the previous pastor, Father Joe O’Connor, received seminary work as a new assignment, Lucia wrote to parishioners: “I know you have been wondering what is next for the Baldwinsville parishes.”
“I am able to share the news that I will be your new pastor,” Lucia said. “Although I was called to be the bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse six years ago, it has always been with the hope of continuing to be a parish priest and I guess God has taken me at my word.”
