Father Edward Brienz retires from the priesthood after 31 years
September 20, 2026
Congratulations to Father Ed Brienz, who retired from active ministry earlier this year on July 1.
Tag: Retirement
Father William Kraynak retires from the priesthood after 45 years
September 20, 2026
Congratulations to Father William Kraynack, who retired from active ministry earlier this year on July 1.
Monsignor Michael Cariglio retires from the priesthood after 55 years
October 1, 2025
Monsignor Cariglio was ordained on December 18, 1970, in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, by Bishop James Hickey, who was rector of the North American College there.
Father David Merzweiler retires from the priesthood after 48 years.
October 1, 2025
Father Merzweiler was ordained on June 18, 1977, at St. Columba Cathedral by Bishop James Malone.
Father Stephen Wassie retires from the priesthood after 45 years
October 1, 2025
Father Wassie was ordained to the priesthood on December 1, 1979, by Bishop Malone at St. Columba Cathedral.
The Good News: August 2024
August 1, 2024
Five diocesan employees celebrate their retirements, plus more good news this month!
Father Philip Rogers retires after 44 years of working in diocesan parishes
August 1, 2024
“I have only the best memories,” he said.
Father Raymond Thomas retires after 52 years as a diocesan priest
August 1, 2024
“There were more pluses than minuses,” he said.
Retirement: Father Carl Kish
September 1, 2023
Father Kish, who served as pastor of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Cortland since 1988, retired as a diocesan priest in July. The parish celebrated with a Mass on June 17 with Bishop David Bonnar.
Retirement: Father Joseph Zamary
September 1, 2023
After two unsuccessful attempts to complete seminary studies to be a priest, Father Joseph Zamary found unexpected encouragement from a future canonized saint—Padre Pio.
