Statement of the Diocese of Buffalo Regarding the Allegations and Arrest of Rev. Jeffrey Nowak

In the spirit of transparency and full cooperation with law enforcement authorities, the Diocese of Buffalo wishes to provide the following background concerning the status of Jeffrey Nowak as a suspended priest of the Diocese and further details relating to his removal from active ministry:

In 2019, the Diocese was advised of numerous complaints about Rev. Nowak.  None of the complaints included any allegation of inappropriate sexual contact, possession of child pornography or sexual abuse of a minor.  However, given clear evidence of inappropriate conduct of Jeffrey Nowak with adults, then-Bishop Richard Malone removed him indefinitely from active ministry in 2019.  The Diocese further required Rev. Nowak to engage in professional counseling which he repeatedly failed to do. In 2020, then-Apostolic Administrator Bishop Edward Scharfenberger reviewed Rev. Nowak’s circumstances and decided to remove him from the Office of Pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians through a process required by canon law, despite the fact that he was on indefinite leave.

For a brief period, Rev. Nowak resided at the Bishop Head residence for retired priests, however, Rev. Nowak was not a “retired” priest but a priest whose faculties to function as a priest had been indefinitely suspended. Rev. Nowak subsequently moved to his parents’ home in Lackawanna.

Following Bishop Michael Fisher’s appointment to the Diocese of Buffalo in January 2021, Bishop Fisher personally met with Rev. Nowak, having reviewed details of his removal from active ministry, and informed Rev. Nowak that he would not consider reappointing him to a parish, nor allow him to function as a priest within the Diocese.  Bishop Fisher further made clear that he would advise against any other bishop or diocese accepting Rev. Nowak as a priest in their diocese, should he pursue that route.  Bishop Fisher encouraged Rev. Nowak to personally seek voluntary removal from the clerical state by the Vatican, a process known as “laicization.”  As there was no allegation of child sexual abuse or other criminal allegation, the Diocese had no grounds to petition the Vatican to remove Rev. Nowak from the clerical state against his will.

As required by canon law, the Diocese must provide some level of financial sustenance to priests of the Diocese, even if they have been removed from active ministry, though not formally removed from the clerical state.  As such, Rev. Nowak was provided a modest monthly stipend, considerably less than what an active priest receives, and also less than what a retired priest receives.

In light of the abhorrent criminal conduct recently alleged by federal investigators, the Diocese is no longer providing any financial support to Rev. Nowak, who remains incarcerated pending his trial.  Moreover, Bishop Fisher has now instructed the Diocese’s Judicial Vicar to gather the necessary documentation based on these latest allegations to petition the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to dismiss Jeffrey Nowak from the clerical state.

Diocese of Buffalo Achieves Third Consecutive Clean Audit of Child Protection and Compliance Programs

The Diocese of Buffalo has achieved a clean audit for the third consecutive year, demonstrating full compliance with its Policies and Procedures for the Protection of Children, Young People, and Vulnerable Adults; its Priest Supervision Program; its Code of Conduct for personnel; and with respect to all 29 Commitments outlined in the Stipulated Final Order (SFO), a condition of the Diocese’s 2022 settlement with the New York State Attorney General. The full audit, covering the period from December 3, 2024 to December 2, 2025, can be accessed HERE.

Following a thorough, independent, and transparent review, the Auditor (representing the firm, Kinsale Management Consulting), determined that the Diocese remains in full compliance with each of the SFO’s 29 Commitments. The audit further confirmed that the Diocese has established and maintained effective internal controls, supported by appropriate oversight, management, and personnel, to ensure ongoing compliance across all aspects of its child protection and accountability programs.

The Auditor’s review examined the Diocese’s procedures from the receipt of an allegation of abuse through reporting to civil authorities, investigation and review of complaints by the Independent Review Board, priest assignments and transfers, and administration of the Diocese’s Priest Supervision Program.

In a letter accompanying the audit report, Bishop Michael W. Fisher noted that the Auditor found the Diocese had fully cooperated throughout the process and imposed no limitations on the independent review.

“The Diocese provided all of the information, pertinent documents, and access to all personnel necessary to conduct the audit,” Bishop Fisher said. “The Auditor and Independent Audit Team were able to independently examine every aspect of our compliance efforts and again confirmed that the Diocese is meeting each of the commitments required under the Stipulated Final Order.”

The audit included interviews with diocesan personnel responsible for implementing and overseeing child protection policies and procedures, as well as the Chairperson of the Independent Review Board. The Auditor’s findings recognized the continued diligence and professionalism of those entrusted with safeguarding children and vulnerable adults throughout the Diocese.

Among those whose work contributed to the successful audit were members of the Independent Review Board and its Chairman, the Safe Environment Coordinator, the Victim Assistance Coordinator, the Child Protection Policy Coordinator, the Diocese’s Vicar for Clergy, and the Monitor of the Priest Supervision Program.

“The results of this audit reflect the unwavering commitment of many dedicated individuals who work every day to ensure the safety of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, while promoting accountability, transparency, and trust throughout our Diocese,” Bishop Fisher said.

The Diocese of Buffalo remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of protection, oversight, and accountability and will continue to strengthen its efforts to ensure a safe environment for all those it serves.

Bishop Fisher Revokes Decree to Merge St. Benedict Parish in Eggertsville

(Buffalo, NY) — Following a detailed review and further discussions with parish leaders, Bishop Michael W. Fisher has decided to revoke his decree requiring the merger of St. Benedict Parish in Eggertsville, with St. Leo the Great Parish in Amherst, NY. The result of the revocation is that St. Benedict will remain an independent parish as part of Family of Parishes #16.  A key consideration in Bishop Fisher’s decision is the fact that St. Benedict continues to operate a pre-K to 8th grade elementary school (established in 1921) which operates at near-capacity.  

Bishop Fisher’s decision to revoke the merger is being communicated to the Dicastery for the Clergy of the Holy See. Currently, this merger decree from December 2024 is being studied by the Dicastery, following the decision of certain parishioners to exercise their right to pursue recourse. This revocation will bring that recourse to an end.

As part of the Road to Renewal process which aims to bring together unsustainable parishes with more financially viable parishes that have greater resources, as well as consistently higher levels of attendance, the Diocese will continue to closely monitor each parish included in Family of Parishes #16 to determine if further consolidation of parishes is necessary. 

“As we continue to work through the detailed process of mergers and closures of parishes on the road to creating a more responsive and sustainable Catholic family throughout Western New York, there is naturally an opportunity to consider additional information that may lead to a reconsideration of announced decisions,” said Fr. Bryan Zielenieski, Vicar for the Renewal. “A number of parishes have pursued recourse with the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Clergy and a few have prevailed in having the bishop’s decree reversed.  In this instance, Bishop Fisher determined that there was sufficient reason to reverse his own decree to ensure the stability of the elementary school, among other factors.  We will continue to follow this process of dialogue and discernment as we work to define a new and more hopeful future for Catholic faith and ministry across our region.”

Notice of Opportunity to Present Nontestimonial Statements to Bankruptcy Court

Please take notice that on December 29, 2025, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”) in The Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y. (the “Diocese”) entered an order [Docket No. 4471] (the “Nontestimonial Statement Order”)  granting the request of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Committee”)  for  the presentation  of  nontestimonial statements (the  “Statements”) in the above captioned bankruptcy case (the “Bankruptcy Case”).

Please take further notice that the hearings for the Statements (the “Statement Sessions”) shall be held at the Robert H. Jackson U.S. Courthouse, 2 Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York on the following initial dates:

  • January 27, 2026 starting at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern)
  • January 28, 2026 starting at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern)
  • February 25, 2026 starting at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern)
  • February 26, 2026 starting at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern)

Please take further notice, that the Committee, in consultation with the Diocese, may seek to add additional Statement Session dates, if necessary, and subject to the Court’s availability.

Please take further notice that the Statement Sessions will be subject to the following conditions:

  • Statements shall be made in person at the Robert H. Jackson U.S. Courthouse, 2 Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York. Persons who are unable to appear in person may request accommodations, including having counsel or another person read a written statement on their behalf, and the Bankruptcy Court will consider whether to grant any other accommodation.
  • Statements should not exceed twenty (20) minutes;
  • No parties in interest shall be expected or allowed to comment or respond to the Statements;
  • No statements or Statements of any party at the Statement Sessions will be considered as evidence in any matter or proceeding, including in the Bankruptcy Case, and no such statements or Statements will carry any evidentiary weight become part of the official record in the Bankruptcy
  • The Statement Sessions will not be transcribed by a court reporter. The audio of the Statement Sessions will be recorded but any such recording shall be sealed and not available to the public or any party in any form except upon an order from the Court following a hearing upon notice to any affected persons or their counsel, counsel for the Diocese, and counsel for the Committee. To the extent the audio recording of a Statement or Statement Session is later released or transcribed pursuant to an order of this Court, such transcript or recording shall be sealed pending further Court
  • Persons who have Sexual Abuse Proofs of Claim in the Bankruptcy Case may elect to be identified only by their proof of claim number;
  • Consistent with Judicial Conference policy, no party or member of the public may photograph, video record, audio record, broadcast, televise, or otherwise transmit the Statement Sessions. Any media report concerning the statements made during the Statement Sessions shall not be considered evidence in any matter or proceeding in the Bankruptcy

Please take further notice, any person impacted by the Bankruptcy Case who  would  like  the  opportunity  to  make  a  statement  (a “Speaker”)  should  contact, or, if represented by counsel, should have their counsel contact the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors DioceseBuffaloCommittee@pszjlaw.com or 212-319-5527 by January 15, 2026, and include the Speaker’s, or the Speaker’s counsel’s contact information and the Speaker’s interest in the Bankruptcy Case. Please note it may not be possible to accommodate every request at the scheduled Statement Sessions.

Please take further notice, the Committee shall select the Speakers for each Statement Session, and, at least two business days in advance of the Statement Sessions, counsel for the Committee shall email Chambers with the number of Speakers, in order of expected appearance, and the estimated time allocated to each Statement.

Dated: New York, New York January 7, 2026

PACHULSKI STANG ZIEHL & JONES LLP
Counsel for the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors

For You Too Once Were Aliens

“When an alien resides with you in your land, do not mistreat such a one. You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself; for you too were once aliens in the land of Egypt.” (Leviticus 19:33-34)

For a downloadable PDF version, click here.

In September, a striking mural depicting immigrants of the past and present was dedicated at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. Among the multitude of those immigrants now gracing the narthex walls of our venerable metropolitan cathedral – nameless men and women who came to this land often “tired…poor…[and] yearning to be free” – stands a young Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini.

Mother Cabrini, a woman consecrated to the Lord, was an indefatigable advocate, protector, and educator of newly arrived immigrants to New York. A native of Italy, she overcame anti-Italian prejudice in her adopted country of America and established, with God’s grace, numerous charitable institutions and schools to serve those finding their way in a new land.

Mother Cabrini reminds us of the Church’s longstanding care and concern for immigrants, as the mural itself, stunning in its scope, illustrates an indisputable fact: New York was and is a land of immigrants whose contributions have enriched and transformed, indeed built, our society.

Contemplating this magnificent mural at a moment when our nation considers again the plight of the immigrant, we recall that Christian charity, as lived so powerfully by Mother Cabrini, demands we welcome the stranger and treat every individual with respect and dignity.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church makes this clear.

“The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.”

“Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants’ duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.” (n. 2241)

Pope Leo XIV, like his predecessors, has already taught this truth and shown particular solicitude towards migrant refugees—those who leave their homes not simply to seek a better life abroad, but who are forced to take flight because of violence and oppression in their own nations. In his first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi Te, proclaimed on October 4, 2025, the Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, he wrote:

“The Church, like a mother, accompanies those who are walking. Where the world sees threats, she sees children; where walls are built, she builds bridges. She knows that her proclamation of the Gospel is credible only when it is translated into gestures of closeness and welcome. And she knows that in every rejected migrant, it is Christ himself who knocks at the door of the community.” (Section 75)

In recent years, many such refugee migrants have come to New York. Some have arrived from war-torn countries like Ukraine and Afghanistan; others from Central or South America have fled poverty, authoritarian governments, and drug cartels that made life in their country of origin dangerous for themselves and their families. Some have been granted refugee or temporary protected status, while others have no legal status. Most of these migrants – the majority, our neighbors – are good people who arrived on our shores seeking a better life.

Sadly, as in any group, some have exploited the system and committed serious crimes and other misdeeds. Those immigrants or refugees who commit crimes should face the appropriate criminal and civil penalties, including deportation. At the same time, general enforcement of the immigration laws must be carried out in a humane manner that does not target the hard-working and law-abiding; that does not permit the wanton and unnecessary separation of families; and that does not rely on campaigns of fear that cripple whole communities.

As such, we do not support the sweeping revocation of the temporary protected status that was granted to many migrants who arrived in this country to escape the horrors occurring in their own, and who have justifiably relied upon the legal protections our government offered to them. Such persons should not be subject to the arbitrary cancellation of their legal status and threatened with a sudden return to the troubled and dangerous nations from which they fled. At the same time, while we support the right to peacefully protest and witness opposition to political policies, we can never condone violence against immigration and law enforcement agents.

Before the complex questions of immigration, we maintain, without question, that our government has a duty to secure our borders and ensure that those who wish to enter the United States do so lawfully. In union with our brother Bishops across the United States, we have consistently urged our civil leaders to craft immigration laws that respect our borders and create an orderly process for those who wish to enter our nation, while offering a measure of forgiveness towards those who arrived here without legal status but who have proven their contributions and loyalty to our country over a period of time.

These are all good points to ponder. However, most important to recall is the law of Christ set down in the Great Commandments: To love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves. All other imperatives are subject to this law of charity, and it is concerned neither with legal status nor country of origin. As individuals and as a society, we are bound to follow this supreme command and to make all our actions consistent with it, to the best of our abilities, even in difficult circumstances.

Returning to the example of Mother Cabrini, the Bishops of the United States have called on Catholics in all walks of life to stand in solidarity with immigrants and refugees by signing The Cabrini Pledge, an Invitation to be Keepers of Hope. We encourage New York Catholics to sign the pledge. By doing so, you will follow in the footsteps of our beloved Mother Cabrini in acknowledging our duty to welcome, to protect, to promote, and to integrate immigrants in accordance with the guidance proclaimed by Sacred Scripture and the Magisterium of the Church.

Sign the pledge today by clicking here.

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini is the patron saint of all migrants. We seek her intercession for the concerns we have mentioned. By joining us in signing the Pledge, you commit your prayers and energy for the welcome, protection, promotion, and integration of migrants.

Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York

Most Reverend Edward B. Scharfenberger, Apostolic Administrator of Albany

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn

Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of Buffalo

Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley, Bishop of Ogdensburg

Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Rochester

Most Reverend John O. Barres, Bishop of Rockville Centre

Most Reverend Douglas J. Lucia, Bishop of Syracuse

And the Most Reverend Auxiliary and Emeritus Bishops of New York State

 

Bishop Fisher Details Meeting with Pope Leo XIV and Discussions with Dicasteries of the Holy See

Bishop Michael W. Fisher has returned from a week-long visit to the Vatican, where he met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and several Dicasteries (administrative offices) of the Holy See to detail the progress of bringing together diocesan parishes, known as the “Road to Renewal,” as well as emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, among other topics.

“We were deeply touched by the Holy Father’s warm and heartfelt welcome and by the keen interest of His Holiness in our progress to define a new and more hopeful chapter for the Diocese of Buffalo and Catholic faith and ministry across Western New York,” said Bishop Fisher. “In my personal time with Pope Leo, I detailed the long and difficult process entailed with Chapter 11 over the past five years and our determined efforts to finally complete our reorganization in the coming months. The Holy Father expressed his support for the work underway and still ahead in order for the Diocese to emerge from Chapter 11, as well as for our efforts to bring about a true spirit of renewal. He further relayed his empathy and understanding for how difficult the experience of closing and merging parishes can be for many. The Holy Father encouraged us to continue in this important effort and assured me that the Catholic faithful of the Diocese will be remembered in his personal prayers.  I assured His Holiness that we, too, would keep him constantly in prayer. It was a special delight to present the gift of a personalized Buffalo Bills jersey to our first American pontiff, and he expressed his gratitude for this symbol of hometown pride.”

Also during his personal discussion with the Holy Father, Bishop Fisher presented the Holy Father with a book on the life of Fr. Nelson Baker, founder of Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna, NY who was declared “venerable” by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011.

In addition to meeting with the Dicastery for the Clergy to detail the context and process for organizing parishes into the “families of parishes” model, Bishop Fisher—along with three senior leaders of the Diocese (Rev. Peter Santandreu, Vice Chancellor/Adjutant Judicial Vicar; Rev. Bryan Zielenieski, Vicar for the Renewal; and Mr. Rick Suchan, Chief Operating Officer of the Diocese)—engaged in dicsussions about the work of evangelization across Western New York with the Dicastery for Evangelization, and the need to engage all communities of the Diocese to make clear their role and responsibility for spreading the Gospel and ministering to those in need.  

The delegation also met with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors to detail the Diocese’s extensive protocols and procedures to ensure the protection of young people and other vulnerable people. Members of the Commission encouraged the Diocese to maintain audit compliance with its Safe Environment policies and protocols, in line with the Commission’s own guidelines, as well as promote continuing education and training among diocesan clergy, employees and volunteers.  Special emphasis was given to outreach and care for victims of abuse. 

Finally, Bishop Fisher and diocesan leaders visited each of the four major basilicas of Rome—also called “Papal Basilicas”—which are considered the most important churches in the Catholic world.  Each is steeped in history, spiritual significance, and architectural beauty, and all are central destinations for pilgrims who journey to the “Eternal City.”  During specific Masses celebrated by Bishop Fisher, the intentions of victim-survivors were offered, as well as the intentions of educators and directors of religious education, the intentions of those discerning a religious vocation, and also the intentions of the Catholic faithful of the Diocese in general. 

Bishop Fisher suspends Rev. Patrick T. O’Keefe

Bishop Michael W. Fisher has removed the Reverend Patrick T. O’Keefe from active ministry and suspended his priestly faculties due to allegations of sexual harassment of adults, as well as inappropriate workplace and ministerial conduct.

Fr. O’Keefe, ordained in 1996, has most recently served as Parochial Vicar of Ascension Parish (Batavia); St. Brigid Parish (Bergen); Resurrection Parish (Batavia); and Our Lady of Mercy Parish (LeRoy).

Reverend Scottston Brentwood, O. de M. serves as pastor of the Family of Parishes No. 12, and Reverend Eugene Costa, O. de M. and Reverend Matthew Zirnheld serve as the Family’s other parochial vicars.

A canonical judicial review will be conducted to examine all allegations against Fr. O’Keefe.

The Diocese of Buffalo has developed rigorous protocols for dealing with any allegation of in appropriate conduct—sexual or otherwise— for bishops, members of the clergy, deacons, employees and volunteers. All members of the clergy, pastoral ministers, employees, and volunteers of the Diocese agree to adhere to the Code of Conduct detailed HERE.

Details for reporting abuse and misconduct can be found at the diocesan website linked HERE.

Diocese of Buffalo Fulfills Chapter 11 Reorganization Plan Filing

The Diocese of Buffalo has today filed its Chapter 11 reorganization plan with the Federal Bankruptcy Court, as it committed to doing when reaching a settlement with the Creditors Committee last April. The plan aims primarily to provide for financial restitution to survivor-victims of past sexual abuse by members of the clergy and other employees and volunteers of the Diocese and affiliated Catholic entities. It also outlines the financial restructuring of the Diocese, enabling it to continue the essential Catholic ministries carried out across Western New York.

“Since becoming Bishop nearly five years ago, I have continued to assert that we have no higher priority than to work toward the healing of those who have been harmed spiritually, mentally and physically by the crime of sexual abuse, and to provide some semblance of justice and closure,” said Bishop Michael W. Fisher. “This plan represents our best effort to deliver on that priority, as we also work to define a new, more hopeful era of Catholic faith and impact across our region.”

This reorganization plan provides for the financial restructuring of the Diocese and the settlement of all, or substantially all, claims against the Diocese, including the settlement of all abuse claims against the Diocese and participating parties, as allowed for under New York’s Child Victims’ Act.

The plan stipulates that funding for a settlement trust and the Abuse Claims Settlement Fund will be provided from—among other potential sources of recovery—a monetary contribution by the Diocese and other Participating Parties in the amount of $150,000,000. Participating Parties include all parishes of the Diocese, as well as affiliate Catholic organizations. The Plan also provides for other potential sources of funding for the Abuse Claims Settlement Fund. As indicated in the reorganization plan, this includes contributions by several of the largest diocesan insurers—CNA, Wausau, and AIG—which have committed a combined additional contribution of $123.9 million to the Settlement Fund. Diocesan attorneys continue their negotiations with other insurers with the aim of increasing the total amount of insurer contributions provided for under prevailing coverages.

The Diocese filed for Chapter 11 reorganization on February 28, 2020, during which time Bishop Edward Scharfenberger served as Apostolic Administrator. The primary purpose for doing so, as stated at the time and reiterated by Bishop Fisher following his appointment in January 2021, was to ensure financial restitution for the largest number of victim-survivors, while enabling the Diocese to continue to carry-out its spiritual and social services ministries throughout Western New York. The Diocese’s full Reorganization Plan can be accessed HERE.

The Diocese of Buffalo will continue to communicate developments as it continues through the process to emerge from Chapter 11.

Catechetical Sunday 2025

Dear Friends in Christ, 

There is no more essential requirement of our Christian discipleship than to make known the Gospel of Jesus Christ in both our words and deeds. This obligation to share the Good News that we have received in our baptism was given to the Disciples, according to Mark’s Gospel, by none other than Christ Himself as a final instruction before ascending into Heaven. 

The Church has rightly designated this third Sunday of September to emphasize the invaluable role that our catechists, in particular, play in our parish families as they nurture and guide our young people, and also adults, in a deeper understanding and appreciation for our Catholic faith.  We are deeply grateful to them for sharing so generously their time and commitment, and we pledge to them our support and prayers that God will bless them abundantly as they carry out this essential ministry. 

The theme of this year’s celebration is inspired by the Letter of 1 Peter 3:15  — “Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you…”  In these days especially, when there is so much acrimony, division and violence in our communities and across our land, we as Christians must not hesitate in asserting the basis for our hope, as we work even more fiercely to bring about understanding, acceptance, forgiveness and peace.  

Let us together recommit to spreading Christ’s Gospel of hope and to demonstrating in our words and countless acts of kindness and charity that we are who we say we are: true followers of Jesus who have come to know His boundless gift of love, forgiveness and, indeed, hope.  The faith we have received is a gift that we can never keep to ourselves, but is one we must share constantly, and in the same full measure that it has been given to us.  

May the Lord, who is the Giver of Peace and source of all hope, bring to fulfillment the good work he has begun in us and through us! 

Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher
Bishop of Buffalo

A Message from Bishop Fisher on the Opening of the New School Year

Dear Friends, Brothers & Sisters in our Lord,

I wish to share with you some thoughts as we come together once again as a family to embrace, guide, and support our young people at the start of a new school year. Indeed, the education of our youth, and in the context of a faith community, remains among the most essential ministries of the Church, and the responsibility that each of us also accepts in our baptismal commitment to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to nurture the faith of others.

We cannot help but be mindful of the unconscionable tragedy that the parish community of the Annunciation in Minneapolis experienced last week. It is beyond comprehension how anyone, however disturbed, could commit such an act of pure evil toward innocent children gathered in prayer and in celebration of the Holy Eucharist. We must hold them and their families, who have been left terrified and heartbroken, constantly in our hearts as we plead with our God in his infinite grace and mercy to comfort them and bring healing, as only He can. The causes of such persistent violence in our nation’s schools must be honestly considered by all who have the capacity and bear ultimate responsibility to enact meaningful remedies. A nation that professes to be the freest among nations cannot be content when so many of its citizens are denied the freedom from fear in conducting the routine aspects of everyday life, which include sending children off to school, lest they become victims of gun violence. We must not—we cannot—accept this reality of American life a moment longer.

From the earliest days of our Christian faith, the role of teacher has been regarded as among the most revered charisms of the Church. St. Paul, in defining the hierarchy of roles in his first letter to the Corinthians wrote: “And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.”

It’s for this reason that we must honor and provide every support to those educators among us who give so much of themselves—sharing generously their talents, devoting so much energy and time—to nourish the minds of our young people, to cultivate their emerging talents and abilities, and guide them as they mature and discern their life’s direction. In fulfilling their vocations daily in the classroom, in evenings at home preparing for the next day’s classes (often after putting their own children to bed), participating in so many meetings and extra-curricular activities, our teachers and school administrators demonstrate the selfless devotion and service to others that is the hallmark of true Christian discipleship. Our beloved late Pope Francis stated it beautifully in his address to a delegation from the Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education (G.R.A.C.E.): “As educators, you are called to nurture the desire for truth, goodness and beauty that lies in the heart of each individual, so that all may learn how to love life and be open to the fullness of life.”

 

Let us do all that we can to ease their days and to lessen the burdens of our teachers. As parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents and caretakers—and, yes as parish families—we must do our part, never relinquishing or transferring to teachers those responsibilities that are ours to fulfill in caring for, mentoring and guiding our children. The future we hope for is determined by our commitment to the daily wellbeing of the young souls entrusted to us and by the countless small acts, words and gestures that convey to them our unconditional love and constant concern.

In these early days and in all those to come in this new school year, please know of my fervent prayers for you, our educators, school administrators, support staff, volunteers and parents, and most especially for our children. I wish and pray for a year that brings to fulfillment all of the potential we see in them, and one that allows us to revel in the joy of their personal and collective accomplishments as they continue on their journey as young girls and boys, and eventually as women and men of faith, conviction and purpose.

Together, let us give thanks to Jesus our Lord who, as a loving Teacher, guides our path and enlightens our minds and hearts to his ultimate truth. I look forward to visiting often with you in the classroom and in the shared celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Sincerely in Christ,
The Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher
Bishop of Buffalo