January 3, 2005

Orchard Park Parish Receives New Parochial Vicar

A father of four and grandfather of five has been named parochial vicar at Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Orchard Park, for a term of five years. This is just one of four recent appointments made by Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of Buffalo.

Ordained on Nov. 19, Father Richard Cilano, a Rochester native, is a widower who entered the seminary at the same time his youngest daughter entered college. He had begun studies in the seminary at an earlier age, but then felt the call toward marriage and family. When his wife passed away and his youngest child was on her own, he felt that God again was calling him to the seminary.

Father Cilano is a graduate of St. Andrew’s Seminary High School, Rochester, the State University of New York at Brockport and Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora. Prior to being ordained, Father Cilano was an English teacher for 32 years in the City School District of Rochester. His appointment at Nativity is his first assignment as a priest.

Two recently transitional deacons, Rev. Mr. F. Patrick Melfi and Rev. Mr. Todd M. Remick, have been assigned to parishes in the Diocese of Buffalo. Rev. Mr. Melfi will serve at SS. Peter and Paul, Hamburg, and Rev. Mr. Remick will serve at St. Benedict Parish, Eggerstville, while each is completing their studies at Christ the King Seminary.

Permanent Deacon William J. Hynes has been assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Benedict Parish, Eggerstville, and St. Luke Mission of Mercy, Buffalo, for a term of three years. Previously, Deacon Hynes had been serving at Holy Spirit Parish, Buffalo.

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or more information, call Kevin A. Keenan at (716) 847-8719.