ST. MARY'S 2005

Moderator of the Year
Rev. James T. Bartnik"

Rev. James T. Bartnik, son of the late Marion and Cecelia (Adas) Bartnik, was born on August 8, 1947, in Buffalo, New York.  He graduated from St. Stanislaus B. and M. Parochial School on June 25, 1961, and from Bishop Turner High School on June 27, 1965.  Rev. Bartnik received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Theology on May 13, 1971 from Wadhams Hall Seminary College in Ogdensburg, New York.  He continued his studies at St. Bernard's Seminary, Rochester, New York, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 1974.  He served as a deacon at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester under Auxiliary Bishop, the Most Reverend John McCafferty, D.D.   Rev. Bartnik was ordained on May 10, 1975, at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Syracuse, New York by the Most Reverend David F. Cunningham, Bishop of Syracuse.  He celebrated his first Mass at St. Stanislaus B. and M. Church, buffalo, New York, on May 18, 1975.

Rev. Bartnik's first assignment as parochial vicar was at Holy Trinity Parish, Utica, New York.  Upon his return to Buffalo in May, 1976, Rev. Bartnik was assigned to St. John Kanty Parish under Monsignor William Wozniak.  He served as moderator of the Holy Name Society and Scouts.  Parish responsibilities also included providing for the spiritual and temporal needs of staff and students at the parochial school, as well as the finances pertaining to the operation of the school.   Rev. Bartnik's next assignment was at St. Casimir's Parish under Monsignor Edward Kazmierczak for a period of over three years.  In 1981, Rev. Bartnik was appointed associate pastor at St. John Gualbert Parish, Cheektowaga, New York, under Reverend Joseph E. Kuczek.  He served as moderator of the Holy Name Society, Ladies' Guild, Liturgy Committee, and served as Chaplain to Rescue Hose Company No. 1.  He continued to work with the youth of the parish with primary responsibilities at the parochial school.  On March 26, 1988, Rev. Bartnik was appointed parochial vicar at St. Casimir's Parish, initially under Monsignor Edward Kamierczak, and presently under Monsignor Matthew Kopacz.  Rev. Bartnik continues his priestly ministry as moderator of the Holy Name Society, and is involved in the CCD Program, the Ministers of the Eucharist and the Lectors.  He was involved in with the parish school during its tenure.  From 1990 to 1996, Rev. Bartnik served as Regional Coordinator and Moderator for Visions 2000.