STATEMENT OF BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO ON THE APPOINTMENT OF
MSGR. EDWARD SCHARFENBERGER AS TENTH BISHOP OF ALBANY, N.Y.

February 11, 2014 – This morning, the Holy Father appointed the Reverend Monsignor Edward Scharfenberger as the Tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Albany, New York.

Monsignor Scharfenberger was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Brooklyn by Bishop James Hickey (who would go on to become Cardinal Archbishop of Washington, D.C.) on July 2, 1973, at St. Peter’s Basilica. He has served in a number of pastoral and administrative positions. Most recently he served as Episcopal Vicar for Queens.  In addition, he recently served as pastor of Saint Matthias Church in the Ridgewood section of Queens and also as Vicar for Strategic Planning.

“First and foremost, Monsignor Scharfenberger is a good priest,” said the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn. “He is primarily concerned about people and is untiring in finding new ways to proclaim the message of redemption which is at the heart of the Gospel.”

Bishop DiMarzio continued, “Monsignor Scharfenberger has been a close collaborator and friend.  He has vast pastoral and administrative experience. I offer my prayers for Monsignor Scharfenberger as he undertakes his Episcopal ministry. I also extend my congratulations to his mother and father, Elaine and Edward, who are both blessed to see this joyful day, for raising such a fine Christian gentleman, for giving the Diocese of Brooklyn a great priest and for giving the Church a holy bishop.”