July 2, 2007

Newly ordained priest receives first assignment

Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo has announced the following assignments and appointments.

Father Patrick H. Elis has been reappointed to a fourth term of six years as pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish, Cassadaga, and St. John the Evangelist Parish, Sinclairville, pending the outcome of the Journey in Faith and Grace. Likewise, Father Joseph P. Janaczek has been reappointed to a third term of six years as pastor of St. Hedwig Parish, Dunkirk, pending the outcome of the Journey in Faith and Grace. As the Diocese of Buffalo proceeds through its parish-based strategic planning and spiritual revitalization process, Journey in Faith and Grace, all Catholics, parishes and schools will be, in some way, affected by the changes. These changes will allow the diocese to reimagine parish life throughout the eight-counties of Western New York in response to changing times and emerging needs. The reappointments of Father Elis and father Janaczek may be affected by decisions from the Journey in Faith and Grace.

The newly-ordained Father David D. Baker has received his first assignment as a priest. He was named parochial vicar at Queen of Heaven Parish, West Seneca, for a term of three years. Father Baker, a Clarence native, entered the seminary after working in the secular world for several years. He was ordained on May 19.

In the diocesan tribunal, Sister Jolene Jasinski, CSSF, has been reappointed as collegiate judge and defender of the bond for an additional term of five years. Father Joseph Klos has been reappointed as judge and defender of the bond for an additional term of five years. The tribunal is responsible for determining whether or not an annulment of marriage is possible under Church law.

Deacon Michael V. Comerford Jr. has been assigned to diaconal ministry at Our Lady of Victory Basilica, Lackawanna, for a term of three years. He formerly was a deacon at Queen of Heaven Parish, West Seneca, and was ordained a permanent deacon in 2004 by Bishop Edward M. Grosz, auxiliary bishop of Buffalo.

-30-