Diocese Launches Revitalized Property Committee to Support Parish Buildings and Mission
The Episcopal Diocese of Western New York has launched a newly revitalized Diocesan Property Committee, which held its first meeting on December 2, 2025. This committee has been formed to help the diocese and its congregations faithfully steward the many sacred buildings entrusted to our care—spaces that hold our history, shape our present ministry, and offer tremendous potential for future mission.
The committee is chaired by The Rev. Luke Fodor, President of the Standing Committee and Rector of St. Luke’s, Jamestown. He is joined by a diverse and deeply experienced team:
- Larry Mazuchowski (“Boiler Boy” of Church of the Advent, Kenmore; former Standing Committee member)
- Bob Mattson, Treasurer and Chair of Trustees; parish leadership at Trinity, Hamburg, and St. Paul’s, Mayville/Chapel of the Good Shepherd, Chautauqua
- Lindsay Yoder, architect and parishioner at St. Paul’s, Stafford
- Chris Jordan, building inspector and parishioner at St. Andrew’s, Burt
- Sharon Drennen, Diocesan Council member and parishioner at St. Luke’s, Jamestown
- Bruce Davidson, parishioner at Calvary and member of the Standing Committee
- Paul Johnson, Property Manager at St. Luke’s, Jamestown, and Property Consultant for the Diocese
- Maria Manocchio, diocesan staff liaison
Together, this group embodies the geographic breadth, practical expertise, and pastoral sensitivity needed for this important diocesan ministry.
Why This Committee Matters
Across the diocese, our churches, parish halls, rectories, and community spaces stand as visible signs of God’s presence in our neighborhoods. Many of these buildings have faithfully served their communities for generations. Others are poised for new life, renewed purpose, or creative reimagining.
The Property Committee’s newly approved charter outlines a wide-ranging mandate, including:
- Developing a strategic property plan for the entire diocese
- Assisting congregations with safety assessments, maintenance planning, and long-term stewardship practices
- Maintaining a vetted directory of contractors, inspectors, preservation specialists, and real estate professionals
- Advising diocesan leadership on major property decisions, such as sales, leases, repurposing, or redevelopment
- Supporting congregations—especially those with historic or architecturally significant buildings—in identifying grant opportunities and navigating preservation work
The committee will focus its first year on building a comprehensive diocesan property inventory, piloting safety checklists, gathering parish stories, developing a Recommended Vendor Directory, and beginning long-range strategic planning.
A Collaborative and Pastoral Approach
The committee’s culture is grounded in transparency, collaboration, and respect for local identity. Its goal is not to override local decisions, but to resource, accompany, and empower congregations as they care for their buildings with wisdom and hope. Aging infrastructure is not simply a challenge—it is also an invitation to imagine new possibilities for ministry, partnership, and community impact.
As this work unfolds, the diocese will receive regular updates and new tools to support parish leaders, wardens, treasurers, property stewards, and clergy. Templates, checklists, and communication resources will be released in the coming months to strengthen local stewardship.
The Diocese of Western New York gives thanks for the committee’s willingness to serve and for the Spirit’s guidance as we engage this essential work. May our care for our buildings strengthen our proclamation of the Gospel, deepen our commitment to one another, and support vibrant ministry in every corner of our diocese.