Father Dennis Buranosky shares with Father McGovern a unique place in the life of Assumption parish. Both pastors served Assumption at the beginning of a century that was sure to bring tremendous change. One was charged with the birth of a parish, the other with its rebirth. We know the result of Father McGovern's life's work. Father Dennis is charged with shepherding Assumption into another century, maintaining the historic excellence of the church building and the parish, keeping alive the diversity of ministries for which the parish is known, and encouraging the good people of Assumption to provide a spirit-filled start to the second hundred years of parish life. History will record the fruits of his labor.

Father Dennis came to Assumption from St. Columbkille, a small parish in Imperial, Pennsylvania. He often jokes that he would rather be "flying a Piper Cub than a 747," but has risen to the challenges before him. For the first time in recent history, Assumption has only one Parochial Vicar. The pastoral staff, which includes two priests and a pastoral associate, is very busy ministering to the needs of 3,000 Assumption families. "There's never a dull moment," according to Father Dennis. In an attempt to balance the spiritual and corporal demands of a busy parish, his philosophy is to "stay within one's limits and joyfully celebrate the Good News of the Gospel."

The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) became fully operational under Father Dennis. The PPC, along with the pastoral staff, developed a Strategic Plan for the parish that will address its spiritual and corporal needs for the next three years. Taize Sung Prayer was introduced during 2002.

Assumption's demographics have changed considerably since the post-Vatican II days. While there were more than 1,000 students enrolled in Assumption School in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the enrollment is presently holding steady at approximately 200 students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Conversely, the CCD program has grown to include more than 400 students. Though the number of registered parishioners remains at 3,000 families (7,000 individuals), operating expenses have increased tremendously and, due to the age of the physical plant, upkeep and repairs are costly.

In early 2002, the parish entered into a $1.5 million Capital Campaign to fund renovations in anticipation of its centennial. Father Dennis led a committee of volunteers in developing the campaign strategy. Although uncomfortable in the role of fundraiser-in-chief, he nevertheless made home visits, spoke at donor gatherings, and encouraged parishioners to participate in the five-year campaign. As throughout history, the people of Assumption answered the call, generously contributing to the campaign and funding the much needed renovations.

Renovations included repainting the interior of the church building, refinishing the pews and oak floors, cleaning and repairing the stained glass windows, clerestory windows, and rose window, refinishing the Stations of the Cross, cleaning the interior marble floors and walls, and cleaning the exterior of the building. A new carillon was purchased. The school received a new boiler, and window replacement is scheduled. The Casavant organ will be updated. McGovern Hall will receive updates, including a new floor in the kitchen.

In addition to the Capital Campaign, Father Dennis and the Centennial Celebration Committee planned an ambitious schedule of special events to mark the 100th Anniversary. Each month for one year, at or near the 13th of the month, parishioners were invited to participate in community building activities. The events were a resounding success and did much to revitalize the spirit of the parish around the pride and anticipation of the centennial celebration.

Father Dennis, a deeply spiritual man, describes himself as hardworking, down-to-earth, and gregarious. It is his wish to be remembered simply as a Catholic priest in difficult times who sincerely loves being a priest in a wonderful parish. Father Dennis views his role in the history of Assumption parish as the pastor who will bridge the glory of the past with the vision of the future by offering encouragement, affirming the gifts of all persons, and calling believers to use their talents for the good of Assumption parish.