Bishop Richard J. Malone has appointed Father Joseph Porpiglia as the new pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Buffalo, effective Nov. 6, the assignment is for a term of six years. Ordained in 1986, Father Porpiglia has served as parochial vicar of St. Amelia Parish in Tonawanda, St. James Parish in Jamestown, St. Teresa Parish in Buffalo, and Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Orchard Park.  His first pastorate was at Holy Cross Parish, Salamanca. In 2007, he was appointed pastor of St. Benedict, Eggertsville. In 2013, he was named pastor of St. Mary Parish, Cattaraugus, and St. Joseph Parish, Gowanda. Father Porpiglia has also served as a Navy chaplain since 2001.

Father Peter Hai Nguyen, who was recently incardinated into the Diocese of Buffalo, has been appointed pastor of Coronation Parish in Buffalo, effective Oct. 9 for a term of six years.  Father Nguyen had been serving as administrator of Coronation since 2014.

Deacon Gregory Feary has been appointed temporary pastoral administrator of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Cheektowaga, effective Oct. 14.  He replaces Father Swiatek who had been serving as administrator, and who will continue to serve as sacramental minister.

Father Michael Uebler's term as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in Tonawanda has been extended for a fourth term of six years to Sept. 19, 2025.

Father James Bastian has been appointed to a second term as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Ransomville to Sept. 19, 2025.

Bishop Richard J. Malone announced Michael E. Attea as the new director of Catholic Cemeteries for the Diocese of Buffalo. Attea has served Catholic Cemeteries for over 12 years as a family service counselor and development manager.

As director, Attea will oversee the operation of seven locations of diocesan cemeteries across Western New York. His primary function is to assure they are fiscally self-sustaining and operated in accordance with civil and church laws and guidelines. The director is the chief executive, fiscal and operating officer with responsibility for the management and direction of all operations, programs, activities and affairs of the cemeteries.

"It's been a gratifying 12 years at Catholic Cemeteries. There's such satisfaction and fulfillment in helping people and families in their time of need," Attea said.

Before joining the Catholic Cemeteries team, Attea served as store manager with FWS for 17 years and as a sales consultant for Keyser Cadillac. Attea replaces Carmen Colao, who retired from the diocese after 40 years, 30 of which were as director of Catholic Cemeteries. Attea stepped into his new position on Sept. 27.