Syracuse celebrates 18 years of All Saints Church and SU basketball’s historic defense
Central New York marked two milestones this week: All Saints Church’s 18th anniversary and Syracuse University women’s basketball setting a defensive record at the JMA Wireless Dome. Both events highlight the spirit and pride that make CNY a special place to call home.
Two milestones stood out across Syracuse this week, each reflecting the community’s unique character and resilience. On the city’s East Side, All Saints Church celebrated its 18th anniversary, marking nearly two decades as a welcoming spiritual home for many. Meanwhile, just a few miles away, the Syracuse University women’s basketball team delivered a defensive performance for the record books at the JMA Wireless Dome, holding Cornell to just two points in the second quarter, a program best, according to the Daily Orange.
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These moments, rooted in the neighborhoods and institutions that define Central New York, show how CNY’s people come together, whether in faith, sports, or civic life, to create a place where everyone can belong and thrive.
By The Numbers
- 18 years: All Saints Church has served Syracuse since its founding in 2008, per Central Current.
- 2 points: Fewest allowed in a quarter by Syracuse women’s basketball, set against Cornell, per the Daily Orange.
- 200 parishioners: Attended All Saints’ Saturday Mass following news of Rev. Fred Daley’s retirement, per Central Current.
All Saints Church: 18 years of welcome and service
All Saints Church, located in Syracuse, marked its 18th anniversary last week. The parish was founded in 2008 when two university-area parishes combined under the leadership of Rev. Fred Daley, according to Central Current. Over the years, All Saints has become known for its open doors to the LGBTQ community, immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean, and those who have felt unwelcome elsewhere.
Just last week, parishioners gathered to celebrate the church’s anniversary, reflecting on nearly two decades of activism and inclusion. The church’s mission has always been to serve the poor and marginalized, a commitment that has drawn people from across the city’s East Side and beyond.
Rev. Fred Daley, who has led the parish since its founding, is one of the few openly gay priests in the United States. His leadership has shaped All Saints into a spiritual home for many who might not have found one elsewhere in Syracuse, Central Current reports.
During a recent Saturday Mass, about 200 parishioners came together, many expressing gratitude for Daley’s years of service and the church’s ongoing mission. The church’s work extends beyond Sunday services, partnering with organizations like the Brady Faith Center and the Spiritual Renewal Center to provide support and resources to those in need.
Transitions and new plans for Syracuse’s faith community
Looking ahead, All Saints is part of a larger pastoral plan announced by Bishop Douglas Lucia. The plan, known as the Costello Project, will merge the ministries of All Saints, St. Lucy’s Parish, and three other ministries on Syracuse’s South and Southeast sides, according to Central Current. The goal is to share ministerial resources and adapt to a shrinking number of priests by reducing the number of Masses and combining efforts across parishes.
Teams from All Saints and St. Lucy’s spent over a year developing the Costello Project, named for the late Bishop Thomas Costello. The plan includes collaboration with the Ignation Volunteer Corps and retired Jesuit priests from LeMoyne College, aiming to maintain strong ministry and outreach in the city.
While the transition means changes in leadership, Rev. John Manno, currently of Holy Family Church in Fairmount, will take over as pastor of both All Saints and St. Lucy’s starting January 2, parishioners remain committed to the church’s mission of inclusion and service. The church’s legacy of welcoming all, regardless of background, continues to shape its future.
SU women’s basketball sets defensive record at the Dome
On the sports front, Syracuse University women’s basketball delivered a performance that had fans buzzing across Central New York. In their home game against Cornell, the Orange held the Big Red to just two points in the second quarter, the fewest ever allowed in a single quarter in program history, according to the Daily Orange.
The defensive effort was led by a full-court zone press that stifled Cornell’s offense. Syracuse forced five steals in the second quarter alone and capitalized on missed shots to build a commanding lead by halftime. The Orange ultimately won 80-48, moving to 2-0 on the season.
Coach Felisha Legette-Jack’s focus on defense paid off, with players like Emely Rodriguez contributing a game-high three steals. The team’s aggressive approach set the tone early, and the crowd at the JMA Wireless Dome, just off I-81 and a short drive from Eastwood and Tipp Hill, witnessed a historic moment for the program.
Community pride and local connections
These events, one in faith, one in athletics, showcase the spirit that runs through Syracuse and its neighboring towns like DeWitt, Salina, and Geddes. Whether it’s gathering for Mass on Lancaster Avenue or cheering on the Orange at the Dome, Central New Yorkers find ways to come together and support one another.
For those looking for more ways to connect, CNY offers plenty of community events and things to do, from sports to civic gatherings. The city’s neighborhoods, from Strathmore to Westcott, each bring their own flavor to the mix, making Syracuse a place where tradition and new energy meet.
As the leaves reach their peak and SU football Saturdays fill the air with excitement, these stories remind us why so many are proud to call Central New York home.
Where to check for updates
For the latest on faith community happenings, visit the Syracuse Diocese website. For SU sports schedules and results, check the official Syracuse University athletics page. For more local stories, see our community events section.
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Sources
- Central Current, All Saints Church anniversary and leadership transition
- Daily Orange, Syracuse women’s basketball defensive record
