New Bishop Visits Cooperstown,

Confirms 20 At St. Mary’s Church

The Most Rev. Edward B. Scharfenberger, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Albany, paid his first visit to Cooperstown this afternoon since his April 10 installation to confirm 20 young parishioners at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Church.

At top, Bishop Scharfenberger prepares to confirm a young person with sacred chrism (oil).  Father John P. Rosson, pastor, is at right, and Cantor Steve Markusen, Oneonta, in the background.

In smaller photo, the bishop deliveries his homily to the confirmation class, recounting how St. Augustine lived a riotous life as a young man.   Such living, he said, “leaves a hole in our hearts.”  When Augustine discovered that, he turned to the church.  (Jim Kevlin/allotsego.com)