Albany's Catholic Diocese has had a troubling few years. In March of 2023, they filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, and then, in October of 2025, they had to pay an $8 Million settlement in a Child Abuse Lawsuit started in 2020.

All this to say, the church needed a change, and on October 20th, 2025, that change was announced.

Get our free mobile app

Welcome Bishop O'Connell

At 6a.m. on the 20th, the Diocese of Albany announced that Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, who had been with the Diocese since 2014, would be stepping down. His replacement will be Bishop Mark W. O'Connell , who comes to us from the Archdiocese of Boston.

O'Connell will be the 11th Bishop of the Diocese after an 178-year history. His instillation mass will take place on December 5th at Albany's Cathedral of the Imm

See Full Page