Syracuse's bishop has taken on the additional role of parish priest for three churches. The bishop's decision comes as a response to the needs of the parishes. The specific reasons for the bishop's added responsibilities are not detailed in the article. The bishop will be responsible for the spiritual care of the congregations.
4 months ago
Bishop Douglas Lucia of the Diocese of Syracuse, New York, has taken on the additional role of parish priest for three churches in Baldwinsville, New York 1 2 3. This unusual assignment, announced on August 9, 2025, with changes effective August 1, sees Bishop Lucia serving St. Augustine Church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, and St. Mary of the Assumption Church 2 3. These three churches operate as a single parish, sharing initiatives and resources 2 3.
The Diocese of Syracuse indicated that the decision was driven by the need to fully develop the Baldwinsville area's pastoral and financial resources 2 3. Bishop Lucia emphasized the critical role of priests in parishes, stating that "without the Mass there is no Eucharist, no food for the journey" 2 3. The previous pastor, Father Joe O’Connor, was reassigned to seminary work 2 3.
Bishop Lucia expressed his long-standing desire to continue serving as a parish priest, noting that God had taken him at his word 2 3. He is committed to providing optimal pastoral care for the Baldwinsville area within available means 2 3. A new Mass schedule, effective late August, is designed to ensure that no more than two priests are needed for Sunday Mass each weekend, also considering the well-being of the clergy 2 3. This move is part of a broader pastoral planning effort to balance lifestyles for clergy and staff across urban and rural settings 2 3.
While uncommon for a bishop, Bishop Lucia has a history of simultaneously holding multiple pastoral and administrative roles 2 3. Since his ordination in 1989, he has served in various capacities across northern New York and Canada 2 3. Notably, in 2006, he was both chancellor and episcopal vicar for the Diocese of Ogdensburg, and he has previously served as pastor for multiple churches while maintaining diocesan responsibilities 2. Bishop Lucia will continue to oversee the nearly 200,000 Catholics in the seven counties of the Syracuse Diocese in his capacity as bishop 2 3. He will be supported in his new parish role by Father Benjamin Schrantz, who remains the parochial vicar, and retired priest Father Thomas Ryan, who will offer sacramental assistance 2 3.
What are a bishop's pastoral duties?
A bishop's pastoral duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities aimed at guiding, sanctifying, and governing the faithful within his diocese. These duties are rooted in the bishop's role as a successor to the Apostles and a visible principle of unity in his particular Church.
The bishop is the primary teacher of the faith in his diocese. This duty involves:
As the chief steward of the mysteries of God, the bishop is responsible for the sanctification of the faithful through the sacraments and liturgy. This includes:
The bishop exercises ordinary, proper, and immediate power in his diocese, which is necessary for the exercise of his pastoral function. This governing role includes:
In essence, a bishop's pastoral duties are a comprehensive expression of his role as a shepherd, leading his flock in faith, worship, and service, always striving for their salvation and the building up of the Body of Christ .