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

Bishop Clark to receive national award Bishop of Rochester Matthew H. Clark will receive the  Lumen Gentium Award from the national Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development during the group’s 38th Annual Conference in Chicago this week. The award will be presented to Bishop Clark at a special awards banquet tomorrow night (12 April). The Lumen Gentium Award is […]

Bishop Clark named Exemplary Bishop of 2010 by national ministry association The award will be presented at a special CCMA Bishops’ Breakfast on Nov. 16 in Baltimore, and attended by many of the nation’s Catholic leaders during the fall meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The 2010 Exemplary Bishop Award is given […]

Six men to be ordained as permanent deacons at Sacred Heart Cathedral Mass will be celebrated May 30, 2009 Most Rev. Matthew Clark, Bishop of Rochester, will ordain six men to the permanent diaconate on Saturday, May 30, 2008, at a 10:30 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park, Rochester. The permanent deacons are: Thomas Behe […]

UPDATE: Bishop Clark now is recovering at home after a week at St. Ann’s Community, Rochester, in rehabilitative therapy. He will return to work as soon as his doctor allows. No date for his return to the office has been set as yet. He continues to do very well and wants everyone to know how […]

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 […]

Related materials: Letter to Parents/Guardians of Catholic school children Q & A Map of Monroe County schools (PDF) Bishop Clark’s November 2007 letter on issues facing Catholic schools   Critical issues addressed by Schools Task Force A spiraling deficit of more than $1 million for our Monroe County school system, which, unchecked, would rise to more […]

Celebration of Catholic Church’s commitment to the City — 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.