May 29, 2013

During the past week Bishop LaValley was one of nine priests honored for special anniversaries during a Jubilee Mass and dinner at the Presbyteral Assembly in Alexandria Bay.

Two other priests are observing their 25th anniversary this year, Father Steven M. Murray, pastor of Holy Family Church in Watertown, and Father John M. Demo, pastor of the Catholic Community of St. Philip of Jesus (Willsboro) and St. Joseph (Essex).

Bishop Stanislaus J. Brzana ordained the three of them Sept. 24, 1988.

Two priests are observing 55 years of priestly ministry - Missionary of the Sacred Heart Father Pierre Aubin and Father Normand Cote.

Father Aubin has given many years of service to the diocese, currently serving as pastor of the Roman Catholic Community of Cape Vincent, Rosiere and Chaumont.

Father Cote, now retired and living in Plattsburgh, spent nearly 20 years of his priesthood as pastor in Coopersville.

The 50-year jubilarians are Msgr. C. John McAvoy, now retired in Saranac Lake after service as pastor in Malone, Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake, among other assignments; and Father Paul F. Ledermann who spent much of his priesthood in California.

Celebrating 40 years of the priesthood are Father J. Michael Gaffney, pastor of the Roman Catholic Community of Brownville and Dexter; and Msgr. John R. Murphy who, after 30 years of service in the diocesan offices, is pastor in Norwood, Norfolk and Raymondville.