Buffalo nun who worked with ex-convicts found murdered

Published: 2006-04-18

BUFFALO, N.Y. (CNS) -- Sister Karen Klimczak, a Sister of St. Joseph who was murdered April 14 at the Buffalo home where she ministered to ex-convicts, "gave her life in service to her God, her church and the community she loved," said Bishop Edward U. Kmiec of Buffalo. Police have charged Craig M. Lynch with the murder. Lynch, who was released from Wyoming Correctional Facility in January, lived at Bissonette House, a residence for former prison inmates founded and directed by Sister Karen. Police said Lynch, 36, attacked Sister Karen, 62, as she interrupted a burglary. Lynch reportedly led police to the nun's body, which was not recovered until the evening of April 17. Sister Karen began Hope House prison ministry in 1985 to provide a home for men recently released from prison. In 1989 she moved the ministry to the former rectory of St. Bartholomew Church. She also was the pastoral associate at SS. Columba and Brigid Church in Buffalo.

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