ROME — With a big smile across his face, 30-year-old seminarian James Muscatella processed into a packed St. Peter’s Basilica Sept. 28 as he embarked on his next step toward becoming a priest. A seminarian of the Diocese of Rochester, he was among 18 men ordained to the transitional diaconate that day. The newly ordained […]

The Reverend Robert Gaudio, pastor of St. Christopher Church in North Chili, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into a recently received complaint of sexual misconduct with a minor, which is alleged to have occurred in the 1970s. Fr. Gaudio vehemently denies the allegation, indicating “I never did this.” […]

Anthony Cook, superintendent of schools for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, recently announced the appointment of two new principals at schools in Rochester and Corning, NY. Jacqueline Acosta-Senecal began serving as principal at St. John Neumann School in Rochester on Jan. 1. Acosta-Senecal came to the Diocese from the Wayne Central School District where […]

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester announced today that commitments to the diocesan annual appeal have exceeded $5 million for the seventh straight year. Nearly 28,000 Roman Catholic households have committed $5.15 million to this year’s Catholic Ministries Appeal.

Bishop launches 2012/13 Catholic Ministries Appeal Making a Difference Every Day Visit the CMA WEBSITE to WATCH THE VIDEO Sept. 12, 2012 – Bishop of Rochester Matthew H. Clark launched the 2012/13 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) today with the theme, Making a Difference Every Day. This year’s Catholic Ministries Appeal – also known as the CMA – follows the most […]

CAMPAIGN UPDATE Catholic Ministries Appeal tops $4 million Contributions to this year’s Catholic Ministries Appeal have topped the $4 million mark. The goal of this year’s campaign, which runs through May 31, 2009, is $5.39 million. As of today, more than 28,000 Roman Catholic households have contributed $4,057,000 to the appeal. Contributions to the Appeal […]

Anne Willkens Leach appointed Schools Superintendent A longtime educator and schools administrator has been named new Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester. Anne Willkens Leach will begin in her new position in mid-August. Willkens Leach, who lives in Penfield, currently is principal at Nazareth Hall Middle School (grades 6-8), as […]

First time exceeding $5M; fourth straight year of growth The Diocese of Rochester announced today that more than 37,000 Roman Catholic households pledged more than $5 million to the 2007/2008 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) – an all-time record since the campaign began 27 years ago. Approximately $5.1 million had been collected at the campaign’s official […]

The Muslim Catholic Alliance celebrated the fifth anniversary of Rochester’s Muslim Catholic Agreement of Understanding and Cooperation at a special gathering Wednesday, April 9. A dinner banquet featuring two national speakers was held at the Turkish Society of Rochester. The Agreement of Mutual Understanding and Cooperation is believed to be the first agreement of its kind in […]

Catholic Ministries Appeal tops $3.2 million ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Nearly 25,000 Roman Catholic households have contributed more than $3.2 million to the 2007/2008 Catholic Ministries Appeal – about 60 percent of the $5.3 million goal, the Diocese of Rochester announced today. This figure is more than $250,000 over last year’s campaign total – which itself […]

Lisa M. Passero appointed chief financial officer

Rochester, New York (April 24) – Lisa M. Passero has been appointed chief financial officer
for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, diocesan officials announced today. She will
begin work in May 2007.
Passero, who lives in Rochester, has served in a variety of lead financial-management
positions throughout her career, most recently as chief financial officer of a New Jersey-based
national legal services company. Previously, she served as chief financial officer for People’s
Pottery.
Earlier in her career, Passero served as Eastman Kodak Company’s director of finance and
business development for its Global Customer Service and Support division and, prior to that
role, as director and assistant controller of Kodak’s Corporate Financial Reporting unit.
Passero also served as director of finance for Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. and as a senior
manager at Price Waterhouse, both in New York City.
Passero holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ithaca College. She became a Certified
Public Accountant in New York in 1984, and is a member of the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants.
“Lisa has a wealth of experience in key financial management roles at some of America’s top
companies,” said Most Rev. Matthew H. Clark, bishop of Rochester. “I am delighted that she
will focus her considerable expertise and experience on ensuring the continued financial
strength of our diocese.”

Local Catholic Ministries Appeal at more than 90
percent of goal
With three months to go,$4.8 million has been raised toward $5.3 million goal
Roman Catholics in the 12-county Diocese of Rochester have donated more than $4.8 million
toward Bishop Matthew Clark’s $5.3 million Catholic Ministries Appeal goal for 2006-07. The
Appeal is running about $400,000 ahead of last year at this point in time. More than 37,000
gifts have been received.
The Catholic Ministries Appeal, formerly known as the Thanks Giving Appeal, supports
Catholic parishes, schools and many ministries throughout the Diocese, including Catholic
Charities, priest formation and youth, young adult and family-oriented programs. The
campaign ends May 30.
To donate, go online to www.dor.org or call 585-328-3210, ext. 1297.
Media inquiries can be directed to David Kelly, CMA coordinator, or Doug
Mandelaro, at 585-328-3210.

Diocese of Rochester in formal partnership of hope,
healing with Archdiocese of New Orleans

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Roman Catholic
Diocese of Rochester today announced a
partnership agreement with the Archdiocese of
New Orleans to assist in long-term recovery
efforts in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and
Rita. While individual parishes across the
country have formed alliances to offer long-term
help beyond financial assistance, this agreement
marks the first such relationship by a diocese as a
whole with the Archdiocese.
Details of the support offered by this agreement
will be worked out in the coming weeks, but
likely will include:
• Parish-to-parish partnerships matched up with the assistance of the Catholic
Charities USA national database.
• Diocese-to-diocese support in the form of volunteers and material support
• Other partnerships between schools (e.g. Newman Community groups on college
campuses), religious groups and involvement by area Roman Catholic deacons.
“This partnership is a long-term commitment and a pledge to help the rebuilding process
and to assist by whatever means we can to assuage the suffering,” Bishop of Rochester
Matthew H. Clark said.
This partnership comes in addition to the more than $500,000 in cash donations that
Diocese of Rochester parishes have already raised for hurricane relief on behalf of
Catholic Charities USA. As well, local Catholic Charities agencies throughout the
Diocese, as well as individual parishes, are actively supporting the various needs of a
number of evacuees who have come to this area.

“We wish to express our
Christian solidarity with
those affected by the
Hurricane and offer not
only our daily prayers
and donations, but
hands-on involvement in
the rebuilding process.”
~ Bishop of Rochester
Matthew Clark

“In announcing this agreement,” Bishop Clark added, “we wish to express our Christian
solidarity with those affected by the Hurricane and offer not only our daily prayers and
donations, but also our hands-on involvement in the rebuilding process. The partnership
is intended to focus our response as a Diocese, aligns our efforts with those already
underway by Catholic Charities and provides a concrete means for our parishes to
participate with direct assistance.
This agreement was prompted by not only the overwhelming devastation wrought by the
hurricanes but the outpouring of desire by individuals and parishes within our diocese to
respond in ways beyond giving money. This agreement goes to the heart of our
understanding of Christian fellowship and community. St. Paul tells us that we are part
of one body of Christ: “If one member suffers, we all suffer together with it.” (1
Corinthians 12:26)
The Archdiocese of New Orleans, which has been deeply affected by this tragedy, has:
• 480,000 Catholics in a general population of 1.4 million people, and includes the
City of New Orleans and 7 other neighboring civil parishes. Together, they have
suffered:
o Approx. 800 deaths
o The loss of over 300,000 homes
o The loss of approx. 250,000 jobs
• The Archdiocese itself has:
o 142 parishes, of which only 70 will be able to hold Eucharistic celebrations
this coming weekend of October 1. Of the remainder, perhaps 60 are
seriously damaged or destroyed.
o 220 diocesan and 195 religious priests, 800 religious sisters and 186
deacons

• The Archdiocese of New Orleans is trying to address the following needs:
o Basic human needs of its staff, parishioners and the general public
o Cash flow to keep operations going, especially as collections suffer through
the disruption
o Damage to churches, schools and other buildings

(The 12-county Diocese of Rochester has approximately 350,000 Catholics and more
than 150 faith communities.)
“Through these efforts over several years, the people of both dioceses expect to gain a
richer understanding of their own faith, new friendships and a larger sense of God’s work
in the world,” Bishop Clark said.

The Diocese of Rochester appreciates Bishop Emeritus Clark’s cooperation in undergoing approximately three hours of questioning in his deposition of March 2020. While any individual would have difficulty providing accurate memory of events that occurred over a period of more than 33 years, Bishop Clark was further hindered by his struggle with early Alzheimer’s Disease. In a January 13, 2020 letter filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in early February, prior to the deposition, Bishop Clark’s physician had forewarned of potential issues by stating that Bishop Clark’s “memory impairment limits his ability to assimilate and recall information presented in lengthy and complex questions and his ability to recall past events. His language impairment limits his ability to form clear, cogent and reliable responses to such questions.” As a result of these limitations, the deposition is in many instances imprecise and inaccurate and thus calls into question whether it is a credible addition to the bankruptcy case record.

We continue to pray for the victims of sexual abuse, that they might find the hope and healing they deserve. We pray for Bishop Clark and for all those who suffer from this debilitating and tragic disease, and for the dedicated health professionals and caregivers working to assuage the difficult challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease.

HELP FOR VICTIMS: If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, you should contact the appropriate civil authorities. To receive help and guidance from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, please contact Deborah A. Housel, Victim Assistance Coordinator, (585) 328-3210, ext. 1555, or toll-free 1-800-388-7177, ext. 1555 or e-mail

Drive-Thru Food & Supply Drive
For our Migrant Families
Saturday, June 13, 2020 –

9:00 am-12:00 pm: Church of St. John of Rochester 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, NY
Evaporated Carnation Milk, Dried Pinto Beans, Long-grain White Rice, Maseca (Corn Flour for Tortillas), All-purpose Wheat Flour, Mazola Oil, All-purpose Flour, Canned Tuna, Cookies & Crackers, Potatoes Nestle Chocolate Abuelita, Decaf & Reg. Coffee – Instant, Ground Sugar, Pasta for Soup (Fideos para Sopa)
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester Pastoral Center 1150 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY
Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion, Deodorant, Body Wash, Bath Soap, Razors, Shaving Cream, Toothpaste
Detergent, Bleach, Fabric Softener
Volunteers will be wearing a mask, gloves and practicing social distancing. Remember to wear a mask. Kindly stay in your vehicle, but please place your items where a volunteer can easily collect it; for instance, in the trunk of your vehicle. Please address it to Diocese of Rochester Migrant Ministry, (note FOOD & SUPPLY DRIVE in memo), Attn: Bernard Grizard, Pastoral Services, 1150 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624.
Carmen Rollinson (Email: / Phone: 585-328-3228 ext. 1318) or Fr. Jesús Flores (Phone: 585-303-6711)

Suzanne M. Stack has been named Life Issues Coordinator for Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, effective June 24, 2014. She succeeds Jann Armantrout, who retired in May, and will report to Jack Balinsky, diocesan director of Catholic Charities.

Maribeth Mancini,  director of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester’s Department of Evangelization and Catechesis, has been honored with the prestigious F. Sadlier Dinger Award. The award was presented May 20, 2014, during the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership in St. Louis, Mo.

Vote to re-authorize funding for children’s health

insurance,

community leaders urge Congress
Bishop Clark sends letter to Kuhl, Reynolds

ROCHESTER, New York – Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester officials, a
pediatric expert at Golisano Children’s Hospital and other community leaders
today urged Congress to re-authorize funding for the State Children’s Health
Insurance Program, or SCHIP.
The call to “put children first” came at a news conference today at the Diocese
of Rochester offices on Buffalo Road, Gates, attended by Catholic officials, Dr.
Laura Shone of Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong, Rev. Richard Myers,
president of the Greater Rochester Community of Churches, Wade Norwood of
Finger Lakes Health Systems and Marsha Dumka, executive director of
Rochester Childfirst Network.
In addition, Bishop of Rochester Matthew Clark sent a letter to Republican
Congressmen Thomas Reynolds and Randy Kuhl asking them to join the
bipartisan effort to restore the funding by overriding President Bush’s veto.
“It is important that children have access to basic health coverage,” the bishop
said in his letter. “There are millions of children nationally and thousands in
your Congressional District without health insurance.”

“I view health care as a basic right of every individual, intrinsic in the dignity
of the human person; and support state and federal efforts to expand
opportunities for coverage for the most vulnerable members of our
communities… I am confident that you are considering this issue carefully, and
am hopeful that you will find a way to support legislation that will significantly
improve access to quality health care for all families.”
SCHIP is a life preserver for families suffering job loss or other changes and
needing health insurance. “People generally turn to SCHIP after having private
insurance when they lose access due to job changes, divorce or moving,” said
Dr. Shone, assistant professor of Pediatrics at Golisano Children’s Hospital.
“Changes like this can be hard on children and families – but loss of health
insurance is one hardship we can prevent.”
SCHIP offers health insurance for children whose parents earn too much to
qualify for Medicaid, but cannot afford coverage for their children. Some
families qualify for free coverage, and others pay a monthly premium based on
how much they earn. More than 400,000 children are enrolled in New York
State.
Marvin Mich, director of Social Policy for the Catholic Family Center, added,
“The president’s proposal does not provide nearly enough funding to continue
coverage for those already enrolled and would lead to children losing coverage.
These are children at risk and there is no greater investment we can make in our
country’s future.” END OF RELEASE

SPECIAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR WOMEN SEPT. 26
Women of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester are invited to participate in a special day of
prayer
sponsored by the Diocesan Women’s Commission.
The event, “In My Own Voice: Reflections on Prayer and Personality,”will be held Saturday, Sept.
29, 2007,
from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nazareth College’s Shults Center.
Using the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator, the day will offer women the opportunity to
grow in
self-awareness and become more conscious of the way they most comfortably
communicate with others and with God. Cost, including lunch, is $25.00.
Registration can be done online at www.stbernards.edu. Mail in
registration forms are available by calling (585) 442-9816.