Catholic News

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Syracuse, New York. / Credit: Mahmoud Masad/Shutterstock

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Aug 11, 2025 / 16:02 pm (CNA).

The Diocese of Syracuse, New York, announced on Aug. 9 that Bishop Douglas J. Lucia has taken on the additional job of parish priest at three churches in Baldwinsville, New York. 

The diocese announced a number of changes to pastoral assignments that went into effect on Aug. 1, including Lucia serving as pastor at St. Augustine Church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, and St. Mary of the Assumption Church. The three churches are part of the same parish and share various initiatives and resources.

"Certainly, a crucial component in our parishes is the priest. Without the priest, there is no Mass; and without the Mass there is no Eucharist, no food for the journey," Lucia wrote in a recent letter to the churches' parishioners.

After announcing that the previous pastor, Father Joe O'Connor, received seminary work as a new assignment, Lucia wrote to parishioners: "I know you have been wondering what is next for the Baldwinsville parishes."

"I am able to share the news that I will be your new pastor," Lucia said. "Although I was called to be the bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse six years ago, it has always been with the hope of continuing to be a parish priest and I guess God has taken me at my word."

While Lucia is taking over as priest at the parishes, Father Benjamin Schrantz will remain the parochial vicar of the churches, and retired priest Father Thomas Ryan will continue to offer sacramental assistance.

The diocese did not specify exactly why Lucia will be taking the place as pastor but shared that "the needs of the Baldwinsville area must be fully developed while considering both pastoral and financial resources."

With help from parish deacons, parish trustees, and the presidents of the pastoral councils, Lucia planned and announced a new Mass schedule. "I am committed to providing the best pastoral care for the Baldwinsville area within the means we possess."

The schedule that will take effect at the end of August "will allow that no more than two priests will be needed for the celebration of Sunday Mass … each weekend." Lucia added: "I am also aware that I must take into account the age, health, spiritual, and emotional well-being of our priests."

"An important step in the pastoral planning for the diocese must allow for balanced lifestyles for clergy and parish staffs as well as the ability to serve Christ's faithful both in our urban and rural settings," Lucia wrote.

While it is not common for a bishop to take the role of parish priest to multiple churches, Lucia is not new to taking on various roles. Since he was ordained a priest in 1989, Lucia has simultaneously served in pastoral and administrative roles across northern New York and Canada.

In 2006, the bishop was both chancellor and episcopal vicar for the Diocese of Ogdensburg, New York. He also previously served as pastor to multiple churches at once in the New York area while still continuing his other diocesan responsibilities.

Lucia will continue to serve the nearly 200,000 Catholics who reside in the seven counties of the diocese as bishop while also working as a pastor.

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