As this school year comes to a close, all of our schools are showcasing the great work, inventive creativity and high energy that always characterize our Catholic schools.

Despite a strong media campaign by New York bishops, the New York State Legislature ended its 2014 session in June without passing an education tax credit bill intended to help fund public school districts and parents sending their children to private schools.

Phase three of the chapel mausoleum complex at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheektowaga was completed on June 21, when Bishop Richard J. Malone presided over the Mass and dedication of the St. Anthony Chapel Mausoleum.

What, specifically, is Corpus Christi? In a new "Consider This," Bishop Richard J. Malone explains the tradition behind the solemnity of the body and blood of Christ, and what it means for Catholics.

The Diocese of Buffalo will join other Catholic dioceses across the United States from June 21 until July 4 for the third annual Fortnight for Freedom. The event calls attention to religious freedom and conscience protection.

This weekend we celebrate men who love, care for and guide us. In a new "Consider This," Bishop Richard J. Malone talks about what his father meant to him, and the legacy he left behind.

A full house at St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown Buffalo celebrated a beautiful day in both weather and spirit, as the diocese welcomed two new priests from A to Z.

If you follow the diocese on social media, you may have noticed Bishop Richard J. Malone attending a number of confirmation Masses throughout the area. In a new "Consider This," the bishop talks about why it has become one of his favorite seasons of the year.

One of the missions Catholics are called to is to feed the hungry. "One of the best ways we can do that here in Western New York is Catholic Charities," Bishop Richard J. Malone says in a new episode of "Consider This."

Carrying signs and chanting "Governor Cuomo, keep your word," 300 students, parents and educators gathered at Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo on May 28 to make Gov. Andrew Cuomo hold a promise he made to Catholic schools.

It is important that our voices are heard not only on this public square, but we must, we must be heard all the way to the halls of the State capitol in Albany: the time for approval of the Education Investment Tax Credit is NOW - it's that simple.

As we prepare for Memorial Day weekend, Bishop Richard J. Malone recalls how his family celebrated the day and offers a prayer in a encore episode of Daybreak's online series, "Consider This."

One of my philosophy professors often reminded the class that in reading philosophy - or anything, really - there is no text apart from the context. What is the larger context when it comes to the painful subject of fewer Catholic schools?

Bishop Richard Malone shares memories of his mother and reminds us of the many wonderful things mothers do for their children on "Consider This."

The month of May brings the promise of warmer weather, spring flowers and sunshine to Western New Yorkers, but did you know it is also a month devoted to Mary? Bishop Richard J. Malone explains why in a new episode of his YouTube series, "Consider This."

As the Catholic world prepares for a historic Divine Mercy Sunday with the duo canonizations of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II, Bishop Richard J. Malone remembers their mark in history, and how they continue to inspire us today, in a new "Consider This."

Bishop Richard J. Malone was in familiar territory Friday as he appeared on CatholicTV's "This is the Day" to discuss his concern about the growing problem of online pornography.

Bishop Richard J. Malone closed Holy Week with a Mass emphasizing the true meaning of Easter, echoing his recent newspaper column, on Sunday at St. Joseph Cathedral.

In a special Easter episode of "Consider This," Bishop Richard J. Malone recalls his visit to the chapel dedicated to the late Archbishop Oscar Romero, and how it relates to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Although it is not a Holy Day of Obligation, the annual Chrism Mass during Holy Week is one of the most important dates of the Catholic year, as priests joined Bishop Richard J. Malone at St. Joseph Cathedral Tuesday night to renew themselves.

Isn't it a curious and concerning thing that so many of our Christian feasts have been overlaid - better, co-opted - by all sorts of customs that, though nice, have little to do with the essence of those feasts? Christmas comes first to mind, which for too many folks seems more a consumer-driven winter wonderland festival than the celebration of our Savior's birthday. And don't let me get me started on what popular American culture has done to the vigil of the Solemnity of all Saints ... better known, sadly, as Halloween.

Bishop Richard J. Malone announced that Catholic Charities of Buffalo has raised $8,886,816.65 as of April 15 for Appeal 2014. This marks 82.3 percent of the final goal of $10.8 million.

What is the truth of Holy Week? In a new "Consider This," Bishop Richard J. Malone talks about how all the suffering and pain we feel in life gains a new perspective as Catholics observe the days before the celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

Whether it's during Lent or any other time of year, it's easy to let the stresses of every day life tie you up. In a new "Consider This," Bishop Richard J. Malone recommends looking to Mary, the Undoer of Knots, during these trying times. Find out why.

Have you given up sweets, television or beer for Lent? In a new "Consider This," Bishop Richard J. Malone explains that these sacrifices should have spiritual meaning behind them. He also touches upon Pope Francis' thoughts about Lent.

Deacon Don Weigel led a faithful army to the state capitol on Public Policy Day to advocate for those in need. They spoke to state senators and assembly representatives, imploring them to pass legislation that would offer fair benefits to workers, restore dignity to inmates and decrease abortions.

January's announcement that 10 Catholic elementary schools in Erie County would close has caused a great deal of consternation, and in some quarters, anger. I certainly understand the response, and I am sorry that it has disrupted the lives of some of our school families.

As we enter the third week of Lent, Bishop Richard J. Malone encourages Catholics to make plans for confession in a new installment of "Consider This."

The Catholic Relief Services staffer was describing her young son's unique way of answering a classmate's question about where his mother worked. He told his friend, intending to communicate that she is on staff at CRS's San Salvador office, "She works in God's house."

Between polar vortexes in mid January, Bishop Malone picked up a five-year-old black Labrador retriever from a rescue shelter in Salamanca.

14th century English mystic Julian of Norwich says we must fall and realize we have fallen. Bishop Richard Malone notes why and suggests more spiritual reading during this Lenten season.

Bishop Richard J. Malone visited Sacred Heart Parish in Bowmansville to dedicate a Marian statue in February. As Mass began, women and children in a variety of ethnic costumes, representing the church's history, sparkled the aisles with bright colors. Father Joseph Klos, pastor, Knights of Columbus members, and uniformed Scouts stood ready for the procession.

PORTLAND - Some 627 days after Pope Benedict named him 14th Bishop of Buffalo, and 10 years and four days after Pope John Paul II appointed him 11th Bishop of Portland, Bishop Richard J. Malone's tenure as bishop and Apostolic Administrator of Portland came to an end on Feb. 14, when Bishop Robert P. Deeley was installed as 12th Bishop of Portland.

As the diocese goes through another round of Catholic school closings, Bishop Richard J. Malone maintains it could have been prevented if New York state leaders pass legislation to provide tax credits for school expenses and donations.

If anyone is looking for me on Feb. 14, I will be in Portland, Maine - and not on a vacation! That day, the memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius (and, though not in the official liturgical calendar, St. Valentine's Day!) is the long-awaited date for the Mass of Installation of the 12th bishop of the Diocese of Portland. Bishop Robert P. Deeley, my successor, was a seminary classmate when we began our studies for the priesthood in Cardinal O'Connell Seminary in Boston in September of 1964. We offer him our prayers for a blessed and fruitful tenure as Maine's new chief shepherd.

Today will be a painful day for some, but a new beginning for others, as the Diocese of Buffalo announced the closing of 10 area Catholic elementary schools, restructuring the remaining buildings into community-based schools.

A $10.8 million goal, "Heart at Work" theme and a Harley-Davidson are at the center of this year's Catholic Charities Appeal, which was announced at a news conference in their Kenmore-Tonawanda office Friday morning.

Bishop Richard J. Malone delivered the Invocation at the opening of the 2014 Legislative session for the New York State Senate on Jan. 8, 2014. Bishop Malone was invited to Albany to by Senator Mark Grisanti of Buffalo.

The fact that Time magazine chose Pope Francis from among some other very, very compelling possibilities as Person of the Year reveals the worldwide acclaim the man is achieving and the acceptance and the fascination.

PORTLAND---Pope Francis has appointed the Most Rev. Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston, as the 12th Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.