Mike Latona

6 days ago | catholiccourier.com | Mike Latona |Jim Mosley

As a dual citizen of the United States and Peru, Pope Leo XIV’s ascension to the papacy May 8 has swelled the pride of Catholics in both countries. “There is a palpable excitement within the Catholic community,” said Peruvian native Jorge Salgado, who serves as diocesan regional coordinator for Hispanic and migrant ministries in Monroe and Livingston counties.

1 week ago | catholiccourier.com | Mike Latona |Jim Mosley

Father Eugene R. Weis, a priest of the Rochester Diocese for nearly 63 years, died May 7, 2025, at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in Pittsford after a short illness. He was 89 year old. Father Weis grew up in Rochester’s Blessed Sacrament Parish. He attended the parish school, St. Andrew’s Seminary and St. Bernard’s Seminary. He was ordained June 2, 1962, at Sacred Heart Cathedral by Bishop James E. Kearney, to whom he had been a private altar server for four years.

1 week ago | catholiccourier.com | Mike Latona |Jim Mosley

During his nearly four decades of priesthood, Father James Jaeger has served in many parts of the Rochester Diocese — and of the world — as a parish priest as well as military and hospital chaplain. “I have accompanied diverse people in diverse situations. I’ve enjoyed learning from all those people,” he said. “It’s certainly broadened my ministry and growth.”That ministry will unfold at a more relaxed pace after Father Jaeger enters senior-priest status in late June.

1 week ago | catholiccourier.com | Mike Latona |Jim Mosley

Deacons are best known among Catholics for assisting the priest at Sunday Mass. Yet permanent deacons also perform a range of less visible — but no less vital — ministries. Examples include:Deacon Paul Clement, who spent nearly four decades in prison chaplaincy. Deacon John Tomandl, a longtime prison and hospital chaplain. Deacon Brian McNulty, who was a teacher and chaplain for a combined 44 years at Rochester Psychiatric Center.

1 week ago | catholiccourier.com | Mike Latona |Jim Mosley

Since his diaconal ordination last spring, Deacon George Bastedo has gotten the flavor of the priesthood through such roles as preaching, catechizing and officiating over some sacraments. So far, he said, the taste is quite pleasant. “It’s edifying to have people come up after a homily and tell me, ‘You know, you said something that really touched me,’” he said.