From:
Diocese of Buffalo
Office of the Bishop 

May 4, 2005

Rev. James T. Bartnik
St. Casimir Church
160 Cable Street
Buffalo, NY 14206

Dear Father Bartnik,

After consultation with the Diocesan officials, it is my pleasure to appoint you as Administrator of Saint Mary Parish, East Eden.  This appointment is effective May 15, 2005.

As Administrator, you will exercise pastoral care in the community entrusted to you under the authority of the diocesan Bishop, in who ministry of Christ you have been called to share.  It will be your special responsibility to ensure that the Word of God is proclaimed in its entirety and that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the center of parish life.  Work to ensure that the Christian faithful are nourished through a devout celebration of the sacraments and especially with frequent approach to the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Penance.  I ask that you make a special effort to pray for and work to encourage vocations to the Priesthood and Religious life.

Please continue to advance the active involvement of the lay people in your parish and work witht he priests and lay leaders of the other parishes in the Vicariate of Western Erie.

Know of my sincere gratitude for your priestly ministry at Saint Casimir Parish.  I am confident that the faith which you nourished among so many people there will continue to grow for many years to come.

Please know that we are united each day in prayer for the people under your pastoral care.  May the Lord continue to strengthen you with the rich graces of His Holy Spirit.

Sincerely,

Most Rev. Edward U. Kmiec
Bishop of Buffalo.

cc:  Most Rev. Edward M. Grosz, Rev. Msgr. Matthew S. Kopacz, Rev. Lawrence E. Burns, Rev. John E. Kelly