The same morning the announcement was made by the Holy See, staff members of the Buffalo Catholic Center, as well as the media, met Bishop Scharfenberger.  The bishop told his new staff and the press that he feels like the neighbor "down the block" coming to offer some help to a suffering family.

He made it clear that he received no marching orders from the Vatican and has no special agenda.  His number one priority is openness of conversation, particularly with those who are suffering the most.  "Never be afraid to come forward.  You will be treated with respect," he promised.   Another goal is to tap into the talent and resources of the laity.  Rather than be a "fix-it man," Bishop Scharfenberger wants to stimulate and enhance good lay leadership, which would be in place when a new bishop is appointed.

Following Pope Francis' desire for an open Church, Bishop Scharfenberger promised his staff a relaxed atmosphere where people can talk.  He sees his role as a spiritual father.  When one employee asked about accountability being addressed, the bishop declared, "I want it all out there.  No hidden corners."  With no formal briefing on the Diocese of Buffalo, as he did when he was named bishop of Albany, he expects information to come in from diocesan offices and institutions in the next few weeks.  "I'd rather come in with an open mind and listen to everybody," he said, adding he plans to use the resources of his Albany staff in Buffalo. "We're going to have the resources of two dioceses helping one another," he said. "I think we'll be alright."

The Brooklyn-born bishop is able to quickly tell stories of St. Augustine, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and St. Francis of Assisi who lived lives of secular desires before turning back to the Lord, and relates it to the abuse crisis in the Catholic Church.  Everyone reaches a moment when they say I can't go on like this.  "The Church is coming to a point like that.  We can't go on like this.  We have to stop being afraid, stop being defensive, stop the siege mentality - us and them.  To me this can be a great example to all of us about how faith heals," he said.  This is about people who broke their vows.  This is about institutional failure as well, failure to protect the innocent.  It's not new in the world.  It's always been here.  We've been in denial about it for a long period of time.  Now it's an opportunity to look it in the face and say, 'No more.'  But, we're not going to save ourselves.  We need a Savior.  That's why we're going to pray together.  We're going to stick together.  We're going to suffer together.  And we're going to rise together."