Big Changes Are Coming To Albany’s Diocese

Albany's Catholic Diocese has had a troubling few years. In March of 2023, they filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, and then, in October of 2025, they had to pay an $8 Million settlement in a Child Abuse Lawsuit started in 2020.

All this to say, the church needed a change, and on October 20th, 2025, that change was announced.

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Welcome Bishop O'Connell

At 6a.m. on the 20th, the Diocese of Albany announced that Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, who had been with the Diocese since 2014, would be stepping down. His replacement will be Bishop Mark W. O'Connell, who comes to us from the Archdiocese of Boston.

O'Connell will be the 11th Bishop of the Diocese after an 178-year history. His instillation mass will take place on December 5th at Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 1p.m.

Who is Mark O'Connell?

Born on June 25th, 1964 to American parents in Toronto, O'Connell began his career in the church after gaining a Bachelor's in English and philosophy from Boston College. From there, he joined the Saint John's seminary in Boston to study for the priesthood. He continued to stick with his faith through the years until he was appointed as Auxiliary Bishop of Boston by Pope Francis in 2016.

In September of 2025, O'Connell began a podcast named "Listening to Catholic Women". In this podcast, he talks with women in the Catholic church about their faith, experiences, and time in the church. He hopes this experience carries over into his new role in Albany, and wants to bring new awareness to the church's mission, attendance, and vocation.