Office of Communications

BISHOP CLARK, ROCHESTER MAYOR DUFFY TO HOLD JOINT NEWS CONFERENCE

Celebration of Catholic Church's commitment to the City

ROCHESTER, New York (Monday, May 21, 2007) -- Bishop of Rochester Matthew Clark, joined by Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy, will hold a news conference Monday at 10:00 a.m. at an historic and diverse gathering of more than 150 Catholic city priests, deacons, and lay ministers involved in Catholic city ministry.

Those attending the gathering for Urban Ministry Day will hear from a number of people about the needs of the city, as well as nationally known speakers who will address the challenges and rewards of ministering in an urban setting.

The news conference, which will begin promptly at 10 a.m., is at Holy Redeemer/St. Francis Xavier Church, 300 Bay Street, between Teresa and Third streets. The news conference is in the church sanctuary.

Bishop Clark will discuss the present state of and future of Catholic ministry in Rochester in light of the gathering, which is aimed at discussing the challenges and opportunities particular to the City of Rochester, and forming new strategies and new commitments to Catholic ministry to the poor, infirm, homeless and others, as well as attending to Catholics' spiritual needs. Mayor Duffy also will make remarks.

Both leaders will answer reporters' questions following the news conference.