dorimg
CLOSE
dorimg

Search Results for 'history'

History

The presence and activity of God has always been at work among the people who have lived in the territory that is now called upstate western New York. The Spirit of God was at work among the Seneca, the Cayuga, and other native American peoples from the beginning of their time in this land. Jesus, […]

CMA tops $6 million for first time in Appeal’s history

The Diocese of Rochester announced today that commitments to the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) exceeded $6 million for the first time in the 35-year history of the campaign. Nearly 28,000 Roman Catholic households committed $6.035 million to this year’s CMA. The average household gift also surpassed $200 for the first time. “We are blessed in […]

Synod 2021-2024

Synod 2021-2024 Diocese of Rochester Interim Stage “The objective of these new reflections is to identify the paths we can follow and the tools we might adopt in our different contexts and circumstances in order to enhance the unique contribution of each baptized person and each Church in the one mission of proclaiming the Risen […]

Holy Family School in Elmira will not reopen in September 2023

Holy Family School in Elmira will not reopen this September, subsequent to a decision reached after lengthy and careful evaluation of declining enrollment and rising costs. School families, faculty, and staff were notified of this decision on Friday, June 9, 2023, by Father Scott M. Kubinski, pastor of the Parish of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Elmira. Father Kubinski stated that the parish, working with families, staff, and parishioners, had considered various proposals that would have allowed the school to remain open, but the enrollment numbers remained far short of the goal that would have made continued operation of the school feasible. As of June 5, 2023, there were only 57 students registered for the 2023-2024 school year, a number that would put a substantial financial burden on the parish.
The request to close the school was made to The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Rochester, by Father Kubinski, and Bishop Matano consulted with the Diocesan School Board, the Presbyteral Council, and the Diocesan Stewardship (Finance) Council. Having received the unanimous support of all three consultative groups, Bishop Matano granted the necessary permission to close Holy Family School at the conclusion of this academic year.
Bishop Matano, in his letter to Father Kubinski, expressed his profound gratitude for the long and beautiful tradition of Holy Family School, which has educated so very many of God’s children in the Catholic faith. At the same time, the parish’s religious education program must continue to introduce our children to Our Lord and His Church, providing quality religious, substantial educational and enhanced sacramental instructions.
Father Kubinski noted the long history of Catholic education in Elmira and expressed his sincere gratitude for the generations of families, faculty, and staff who have supported and served at Holy Family School. He further stated that the parish and school staff will work to help school families, so they continue their Catholic school education at nearby St. Mary Our Mother Catholic School in Horseheads, Chemung County.
James Tauzel, Superintendent of Catholic Schools states, “We express our deepest gratitude to the families and staff of Holy Family, who for the past 125 years have committed to living our faith through the ministry of our Catholic school. We pray that the memories and legacy of Holy Family will continue on in all who have been a part of our school community for so many years.”

NEWS RELEASE
June 9, 2023 Office of Communications 585.328.3210
Holy Family School in Elmira will not reopen in September 2023
Debtor in possession

4th Grade Teacher

Do you love Novel Studies and New York State History? Do you want to be a part of a teaching team that is collaborative and supports one another? If so, St. Ambrose Academy in Irondequoit is looking for you! Our team is looking for someone who is energetic and interested in providing learning experiences that […]

St. Joseph’s Penfield Parish Secretary

A parish secretary offers clerical support to pastors and deacons in a parish’s administrative offices. The job description of a parish secretary requires a strong attention to detail, the capability to communicate well with parishioners, and an ability to stay organized. Position Description The parish secretary handles a wide range of office tasks, from filing […]

Diocese Files Proposed Restructuring Support Agreement with U.S. Bankruptcy Court

11/3/22
NEWS RELEASE
Issued Nov. 3, 2022
Contact: Deacon Ed Giblin 585.328.3228, x 1237

Diocese Files Proposed Restructuring Support Agreement with U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Seeks Formation of a Trust to Compensate
Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Rochester, NY – The Diocese of Rochester has filed a motion seeking approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of New York of a Restructuring Support Agreement (“RSA”).
The RSA represents a comprehensive settlement with the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the case, which, if approved by the Bankruptcy Court, will pave the way for the Diocese to emerge from Chapter 11. Among other things, the plan is expected to (a) establish a trust for the benefit of survivors of sexual abuse, (b) provide for participation by the Diocese, its parishes and related Catholic entities in the amount of $55 million to compensate survivors of sexual abuse, and (c) provide for potential additional recoveries for the benefit of survivors from insurance issued to the Diocese, its parishes and other related Catholic entities.
If the RSA is approved by the Bankruptcy Court, the Diocese will then present to the Court with the full support of the Committee a plan of reorganization that tracks its terms. Following approval by the Bankruptcy Court of the general terms of the RSA, creditors and other parties in interest will be asked to vote on the plan and the Diocese will then seek final approval from the Court.
“We believe that this Restructuring Support Agreement represents the fairest approach for the survivors and most viable path forward for the Diocese and its related Catholic entities to continue our shared mission of healing and reconciliation,” Bishop Salvatore R. Matano said. “Once again, while I know my words may seem hollow, simply repeating a rehearsed apology, I renew with sincerity my deep apology to the survivors of sexual abuse. The history of sexual abuse of children in our Church has caused tremendous pain, hardship, alienation, and understandable anger. It has seriously impacted survivors, their families, our priests and others in diocesan ministries who had no part in these egregious acts. This chapter in the life of our Church has also impacted everyone who has felt their own faith shaken by those who violated a sacred trust to protect the vulnerable and live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
“We believe that this Restructuring Support Agreement represents the fairest approach for the survivors and most viable path forward for the Diocese and its related Catholic entities to continue our shared mission of healing and reconciliation.”
~Bishop Matano
Letter to the Faithful
11/3/22
-more-
More than 450 sexual abuse claims have been filed in this case. The claims relate to instances of abuse that occurred many years ago and even decades before the Chapter 11 case was filed.
For over 20 years, the Diocese has closely followed the Safe Environment protocols established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in its Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People to ensure the safety of our children and to protect them from harm, including the establishment of an independent review board in 1993. Independent auditors have repeatedly found the Diocese to be in compliance with each annual review. The Diocese is not aware of any incidents of sexual abuse of a minor since 2006.
The Bankruptcy Court will consider the Diocese’s filing and proposed Restructuring Support Agreement. If the Court agrees with the approach to addressing these claims, creditors and other parties of interest will be asked to vote on the plan and the Diocese will ask the Court to approve it.
It is the Diocese’s hope that it can complete the steps necessary and ultimately emerge from Chapter 11 sometime mid-summer to early fall 2023, as this will mark the fourth year of Bankruptcy which has been so painful for all parties concerned, especially the survivors.
A detailed FAQ on today’s announcement can be accessed at www.dor.org, along with Bishop Matano’s letter to the faithful and other key resources.
-end-

Toward a Pro-Life Future in the Empire State (A statement by the Catholic Bishops of New York State)

Humanity’s salvation history was forever changed when a poor, devout Jewish girl from Galilee affirmatively said yes to life and set in motion the birth, ministry, sacrificial death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Mary’s fiat (“Thy will be done.”) was a gift of love to humanity, given freely in spite of […]

Victor pre-K joins Rochester Diocese’s Catholic-school family

St. Patrick Preschool, founded 25 years ago as a ministry of St. Patrick Parish in Victor, is now part of the Diocese of Rochester’s Catholic schools. “We’re growing and excited to welcome St. Patrick’s Preschool into our Rochester Catholic School family,” James Tauzel, superintendent of Rochester Catholic schools, said in a March 16 press release. “St. Patrick’s Preschool is […]

Bios

Leisa Anslinger Leisa Anslinger has a long history in parish ministry, which has helped form Leisa as an effective adviser to others in pastoral ministry. Leisa speaks nationally on several key topics. She is a known expert on lifelong catechesis and stewardship. These two dimensions of parish life intertwine in Leisa’s work, one informing the […]

Letter to the Faithful September 2021

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ:
On September 12th of this year it will be two years since the Diocese filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in order to address in the best and fairest manner possible the now approximately 475 claims (this is the number of claims, not the number of persons accused) brought against the Diocese by the survivors of childhood sexual abuse by clergy, religious and laity.
Over these past two years, all parties concerned have been seriously affected, certainly the survivors, our priests and others in diocesan ministries who have had no part in these egregious acts, but who daily continue to serve the faithful, and truly, my sisters and brothers, all of you rightly scandalized and your faith shaken by those who violated a sacred trust and betrayed their promise to serve faithfully Our Lord and His Church. Naturally everyone wants a resolution, especially the survivors. Bringing this process to a conclusion has been a long and arduous task further exacerbated by the Coronavirus pandemic. Nonetheless, seven mediation sessions were conducted with the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors appointed by the Office of the United States Trustee, which comprises several representative survivors, together with the insurers, and the Diocese. Sadly, these sessions held virtually did not result in a settlement agreement.
To move the process along, at a hearing conducted by telephone on July 9th last, United States Bankruptcy Judge Paul Warren ordered the parties concerned to return to in-person mediation with the United States Bankruptcy Judge Gregg Zive in Reno, Nevada, where Judge Zive resides. However, because of recent surges of the Coronavirus, especially in localities such as Reno, Nevada, the mediation will continue as scheduled from August 31st to September 2nd, but alternate arrangements have been made to conduct the mediation. I ask for your prayers that these days will be productive and clear a path toward a final resolution, with compassion and justice for the survivors, while also ensuring that the sacramental, spiritual, catechetical, pastoral and charitable ministries of the Diocese continue for the welfare of all our diocesan family.
I am so very sorry and I again apologize to the survivors of childhood sexual abuse for the pain, anxiety, heartache and even loss of faith that they, as well as their families, have suffered over these years. While renewing my apology especially to our survivors, I pray that we reach a conclusion that provides for them and their families some hope, renewed faith and restores their belief that Jesus never abandons us, as He is ever faithful to His promise, “And behold, I am with you always even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20).
This month I reach seventy-five years of age. In accordance with canon 401, § 1 of the Code of Canon Law, I will submit my resignation from the office of Bishop of Rochester to His Holiness, Pope Francis. It then is entirely the decision of Pope Francis regarding his acceptance of this resignation and when it will become effective. Several other Diocesan Bishops in the United States are continuing past seventy-five years of age until the Holy Father appoints their successors. We all await and accept in obedience the will of our Holy Father. I would hope to be able to see the Diocese through to the completion of the bankruptcy process, thereby relieving my successor of this painful situation. His will be the task of rebuilding and, I pray, a new time will dawn and this very sad episode of our diocesan history is passed, but always praying daily for all who suffered through this period and taking every precaution that the grievous sins of the past are not repeated.
In the end, I place my trust in the Lord and in His Vicar on Earth, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, repeating the words of our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, “Thy will be done.” (Luke 1:38).
Asking your prayers and begging the intercession of God’s Mother and our Mother, and our diocesan patron, Saint John Fisher, I remain
Devotedly yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano
Bishop of Rochester

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
1150 Buffalo Road
Rochester, New York 14624
(585) 328-3210

Debtor in Possession

Jack Balinsky Announces Upcoming Retirement

Catholic Charities Director Jack Balinsky announces upcoming retirement
March 19, 2021
Solemnity of Saint Joseph
‘Tireless in his service to the mission of Catholic Charities’
Jack Balinsky, longtime director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, has announced his retirement, effective September 1st, 2021.
Mr. Balinsky said he made the decision to retire upon the occasion of his 75th birthday, which he celebrates this month; September 1st also marks the 50th anniversary of his work with Catholic Charities beginning in Syracuse and for nearly 30 years in the Diocese of Rochester. “I am looking forward to this next phase of my life firm in the knowledge that the work of Catholic Charities is in good hands with so many dedicated people devoted to our mission. It has been an honor to serve. I express my deepest thanks to Bishop Emeritus Clark and Bishop Matano, the many outstanding priests of the Diocese, women religious who have volunteered with us and the more than 200 persons who serve as lay leaders on our boards. I stand in awe and admiration of all for their outstanding good work and especially for their creativity and flexibility in enabling us to provide service during the COVID pandemic.”
A search for a successor will be initiated.
The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Rochester, said, “Mr. Balinsky has been an extraordinary leader who has been tireless in his service to the mission of Catholic Charities. He has greatly expanded the services of the organization over his many years of devotion to the cause of helping those in need. He truly has lived the Gospel in his work. He will be greatly missed. May God bless this next phase of his life.”
Mr. Balinsky, a native of Syracuse, has been diocesan director of Catholic Charities since 1992. He is credited with vastly expanding the services and presence of Catholic Charities in the 12-county Diocese, from three subsidiary agencies to 10. Before joining the Diocese of Rochester, Mr. Balinsky served in a variety of roles in the Diocese of Syracuse Catholic Charities from 1971-1984, including as Syracuse Area Director. From 1984-1990, he was executive secretary of the State Council of Catholic Charities Directors in Albany, and from 1990-1992 served as executive director of the DuLac Community Development Corp., also in Albany.
Mr. Balinsky is a 1967 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he achieved distinction as class valedictorian. In addition, he holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Princeton University.
Mr. Jack Balinsky
Debtor in Possession
He also has made a life’s work of chronicling the long service of Catholic Charities, researching, and writing multiple volumes of the history of Catholic Charities in Rochester and New York State. These works can be accessed at www.balinsky.org.
In September 2010, he was given a Centennial Medal by Catholic Charities USA, one of only 100 to be awarded nationally during the organization’s 100th Anniversary celebration that year. In 2011, he was awarded the prestigious J. Alan Davitt Award for Exemplary Service by the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the Catholic Bishops of New York in matters of public policy. In addition, the New York State Legislature honored Balinsky on the occasion of the awarding of the J. Alan Davitt Award with a special Legislative Resolution, calling him a “true asset to society” with a “distinguished record meriting the respect and recognition of the Legislature.” Bishop Clark said of Mr. Balinsky then, “You truly have made this your life’s work and mission, and this has meant life-changing help for those who need it most. You exemplify the word ‘service’ and you honor the name ‘Christian.’” In September 2012, he was presented by the Catholic Charities Board of Trustees with the highest award of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, the Bishop Clark Award.
Mr. Balinsky directs a diocesan Catholic Charities family of agencies and affiliates that serve more than 250,000 people annually, regardless of religious affiliation, in such areas as home-purchase assistance; senior services; emergency services for food, clothing and housing; help for the homeless; assistance to developmentally disabled people; help for people with mental illness; migrant-family assistance; and help with addiction, among others. For more information about Catholic Charities, visit https://www.dor.org/about/office-ministry-directory/catholic-charities/
Debtor in Possession

St. Joseph School in Auburn to close in June 2020

After years of declining enrollment and accompanying financial difficulties, St. Joseph School in Auburn will close its doors at the end of the school year in June 2020. The request to close the school was jointly made “with sadness and regret” by the pastors and parochial vicars of the Auburn parishes in a letter to […]

Statement of the Catholic Conference on Reproductive Health Act

Following is a statement of the New York State Catholic Conference on the passage and signing of the Reproductive Health Act: “Today, New York State has added a sad chapter to this already solemn date of January 22, the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. With the legislature’s passage, and Governor Cuomo’s signing of the Reproductive […]

Asian Ministry

Bernard Grizard Diocesan Director Department of Pastoral Services Our Mission We, the Asian Catholic Community of the Diocese of Rochester, are a community of communities united by our Catholic faith, Asian culture and traditional values. In the spirit of “Harmony in Faith,” we are called to: Embrace all God’s people as brothers and sisters in […]

Ecumenical and Interfaith Ministry

Bernard Grizard Diocesan Director 585-328-3210 ext. 1328   Recent: Catholic-Lutheran Joint Prayer Service, October 29, 2017. See:  Video: Catholics, Lutherans join in prayer  Get to know Rochester Refugees through ‘See Their Stories‘, a wonderful collection of 3-4 minute sharings by refugees from different parts of the world.  A great resource for parish interfaith discussions. Willing to be a […]

Catholic Charities

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development funds grassroots groups fighting poverty and defending human dignity. Watch our video to get to know the CCHD-funded groups in the Diocese of Rochester. CRS Rice Bowl Lent 2022 2022 CRS Rice Bowl Bulletin Global Fellows Lent Speaker Flyer Discussion Questions for Lenten Homilies Global Fellows Reflections 2022 CRS […]

Ecumenical and Religious Affairs

We have so much to celebrate!     Events / Programs Recent: Catholic-Lutheran Joint Prayer Service, October 29, 2017. See:  Video: Catholics, Lutherans join in prayer  Get to know Rochester Refugees through ‘See Their Stories‘, a wonderful collection of 3-4 minute sharings by refugees from different parts of the world.  A great resource for parish interfaith discussions. Willing to […]

Religious Life

Religious life has continually developed throughout history. Every religious order has its own charism, or special gift, which defines its mission and spirituality. A great number of religious orders exist throughout the world today, in a variety of forms: hermits, monks, cloistered nuns, mendicants, active apostolic religious, missionaries, and others. See the contacts below for […]



The Diocese of Rochester serves 12 New York State counties with 7 Deaneries and a Catholic population of approximately 300,000.
Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Steuben, Ontario, Seneca, Cayuga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Chemung, Tioga, Yates
Copyright © 2024, Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
1150 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624