Vacco, James

Name:

Fr. James Vacco
Fr. James Vacco, O.F.M.

Academic School:

School of Arts and Sciences

Academic Department:

Clare College, Department of Theology

Titles/Responsibilities:

Adjuct Faculty Member

Contact Information:

Office phone: (716) 375-2658
E-mail: jvacco@sbu.edu 

Courses Taught:


Academic Degrees:

  • Master of Divinity, Washington Theological Union, May 1982
  • Clinical Pastoral Education, Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, N.Y. 
  • B.A. in sociology, St. Bonaventure University, 1976

Professional Background:

Assignments & Positions 

  • St. Bonaventure Parish, Allegany, N.Y., Pastor, June 2011 to present
  • St. Bonaventure University, adjunct faculty, Clare College and theology, 1999-present
  • St. John's Parish, Olean, N.Y., Administrator, August 2008 to June 2009
  • Mercy Hospital, Buffalo, N.Y., chaplain (part-time), May 1996-January 2009
  • Newman Center, Fredonia, N.Y., director, July 1, 1995-Aug. 1, 1999
  • Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hewitt, N.J., pastor, Feb. 6, 1992-July 1, 1995
  • St. Bonaventure Parish, Allegany, N.Y., parochial vicar, June 24, 1985-Feb. 2, 1992
  • Bishop Timon High School, Buffalo, N.Y., guidance counselor & religion teacher, August 1982-June 1985
  • St. Barnabas Parish, Depew, N.Y., weekend associate & adult education, August 1982-June 1985
  • St. Stephen’s Parish, Croghan, N.Y., deacon internship, August 1981-August 1982
  • Immaculate Conception High School, Lodi, N.J., religion instructor, September 1976-June 1977

Community Involvement & Ecclesiastical Appointments 

  • Buffalo Diocesan Council of Priests, Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, June  2009- present;  elected representative for Religious Clergy
  • Buffalo Diocesan Council of Priests, Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, September 1999-June 2006; member, chair of the Ministry Committee
  • Strategic Planning Commission Sub-Committee, Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo; chairperson, Spiritual Revitalization Committee, November 2005-June 2008
  • Mateo 25, Inc. (mission cooperative), Lima, Peru, 1991 to present, Board of Directors (board secretary)
  • Cattaraugus County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Olean, N.Y., 1999-2008; board of directors; board secretary, 2003 & 2004
  • AIDS & Sexuality Committee, Fredonia State College, Fredonia, N.Y., September 1995-August 1999
  • Chautauqua County Community Prevention Coalition, Chautauqua County Council on Alcoholism, Mayville, N.Y., February 1998-1999
  • Task Force on Violence and Alcohol Abuse, Village of Fredonia, N.Y., chairperson and facilitator, October 1997-November 1997
  • Buffalo Diocesan Liturgical Commission, Buffalo, N.Y., Pastoral Liturgy Committee, 1986-1992; commission president, 1991
  • Family Life Committee, West Milford School District, West Milford, N.J., March 1992-June 1995
  • Impact Committee of Allegany Central School, Allegany, N.Y., chairperson of the Referral & Intervention Committee, September 1988-January 1992
  • Greater Olean Association of Churches, Olean, N.Y., coordinator of interdenominational services, 1989-1990; member, 1988-1992
  • Lewis County Ministerial Association, Lowville, N.Y., secretary/treasurer, September 1981-August 1982
  • Lewis County Well-Child Clinic, Lowville, N.Y., Advisory Board member, September 1981-August 1982 

Other Activities 

  • Office of the Permanent Diaconate, Diocese of Buffalo, Franciscan Spirituality faculty, beginning September 2006
  • Office of Church Ministry, Diocese of Buffalo, Buffalo, N.Y., instructor for Certificate in Ministry program
  • Office of Worship, Diocese of Buffalo, Buffalo, N.Y., instructor for the training of Eucharistic Ministers, 1987-1992, 1995-present
  • Engage Encounter, Diocese of Buffalo, retreat team member, 1986-1992