October 9, 2007

Bishop Kmiec Names Canonical Administrators

The start of the school year brings some new leaders to a few elementary schools. Bishop Edward U. Kmiec has named three priests canonical administrators of area elementary schools in the Diocese of Buffalo. Two of the chief duties of a canonical administrator are to ensure the Catholicity of the school and to create an environment where the Catholic school can thrive.

Father Barry J. Allaire has been given the additional responsibility of canonical administrator of Southern Tier Catholic School in Olean. He will continue his duties as pastor of St. Helen Parish, Hinsdale, and principal of Archbishop Walsh High School, Olean.

Ordained in 1972, Father Allaire joined the faculty of Archbishop Walsh in 1983 and was named the school’s principal in 2006. Likewise, he was named administrator of St. Helen’s Parish in 1983 and pastor in 2006. Father Allaire’s appointment as canonical administrator is for a term of three years.

Msgr. Vincent J. Becker, a priest for 45 years, has been given the additional responsibility as canonical administrator of Immaculate Conception School of Allegany County and as episcopal vicar of the Allegany vicariate for a term of three years. He will continue as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Wellsville, a position he has held since 2005. As episcopal vicar for this three-year assignment, Msgr. Becker is Bishop Kmiec’s representative to the parishes in Allegany County.

Msgr. Kevin T. O’Neill, who has retired from active priestly duties, has been named canonical administrator at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic School in Cheektowaga for a term of three years. Over the years, he has served in many parishes throughout the diocese including assignments as pastor at Sacred Heart, Angelica; Sacred Heart, Friendship; SS. Peter and Paul, Arcade; and Immaculate Conception, East Aurora. Msgr. O’Neill was ordained in 1961.

Deacon Gregory L. Feary has been appointed director of the formation program for the permanent diaconate for a term of three years. In 2004, the Batavia native was named part-time associate director of the program and held the position until he was named director. Deacon Feary, who was ordained in 2002, has also worked in diaconal ministry at Our Lady of Pompeii, Lancaster; Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Depew; Queen of Martyrs, Cheektowaga; and St. Elizabeth Adult Care Facility, Lancaster.

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