Category Archives: News

Fairport parish taking message of Jesus and Mary to the big screen

Church of the Assumption in Fairport, in a unique outreach, has rented two full-sized theaters at Regal Cinema at Eastview November 21 to show the new, epic film “Mary of Nazareth.” The two showings, at 2 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., have been made possible through the generous gift of a parishioner.
“This is an opportunity for us to get outside our walls and into the “marketplace,'” said Father Ed Palumbos, pastor of Assumption. “We want to provide this event to inspire people and also help prepare them for the Advent/Christmas season that begins Dec. 1. Some might ask, “What is a Catholic Church doing in a movie theater? We think it is important to use every communication tool we can to spread the Good News, inspire and bring comfort to people.”
Palumbos and his staff and volunteers have become well-known in their still-unique use of technology to minister to people. The church was among the first to broadcast Masses, weddings, funerals and other worship events on the Internet, makes use of social media and text messaging to communicate, and uses large screen TVs inside the church campus buildings. Recently, the  parish began placing QR codes on area diner placemats as a means of inviting people to take part in worship.
Tickets to the film are $5 and can be purchased at Church of the Assumption, 20 East Ave., Fairport, or by calling 585-388-0040
Because of the film’s realism,  it is not recommended for youth below middle-school age.
All proceeds will benefit the parish’s Mercy Fund to help families in need.
ABOUT THE FILM 
MARY OF NAZARETH is an epic new motion picture on the life of Mary, mother of Christ, from her childhood through the Resurrection of Jesus.
This full-length feature film about the life of Our Lady, shot in English in High Definition, was filmed in Europe in very authentic locales with outstanding cinematography, a strong cast, and a majestic music score . Actress Alissa Jung gives a beautiful, compelling and inspired portrayal of Mary.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI had the opportunity to screen this film in the Apostolic Palace, and was touched by the portrayal of Mary so movingly revealed on film.
The film vividly captures the essence of Mary’s profound faith and trust in God amidst the great mysteries that she lived with as the Mother of the Messiah, her compassionate humanity and concern for others, and the deep love that she and Jesus shared for one another. This movie underscores her special role in God’s plan for our redemption, her unique relationship with Christ, and the tremendous suffering that she endured in union with his passion and death, as well as her serene joy at his Resurrection.
Directed by acclaimed European film director Giacomo Campiotti (BAKHITA, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, ST. GIUSEPPE MOSCATI) and written by Francesco Arlanch (RESTLESS HEART, PIUS XII, POPE JOHN PAUL II), in addition to the luminous performance by Jung, the film provides inspiring portrayals of all the main roles, including Andreas Pietschmann as Jesus, Luca Marinelli as Joseph, Paz Vega as Mary Magdalene and Antonia Liskova as Herodias. The original music score was written  by Guy Farley.
Originally a 200-minute film, it has been edited down to 153 minutes for the theatrical release.

“God Took My Hand”

Catholic Deacon shares stories from his mission to serve God, children in poverty

‘God Took My Hand’ shows readers what is possible when a person follows God’s lead; proceeds benefit children in developing nations
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y.  — In the new book “God Took My Hand,” author Kevin R. Carges offers readers a glimpse into the story of how he was called by God to serve as a deacon in the Catholic church for the Diocese of Rochester, including founding an organization that has built schools and sanitation facilities for the poor in developing countries and raised more than $100,000 in three years.
Carges, 52, is a founder of Eight 4 World Hope, a nonprofit created by Carges and a group of former classmates at his alma mater, St. John Fisher College.
Proceeds from sale of the book will benefit the charity, which has raised thousands to help ease poverty and create better living conditions for children in developing countries. More information about the work of Eight 4 World Hope can be found at www.eight4worldhope.org.
In the book, available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble (see below), Carges opens up about his relationship with God and the people who have come into his life over the years in “God Took My Hand.” He reveals how God spoke to him through  “people deemed unwanted by our world.” He also explores how God led him to his ministry where he serves disadvantaged people in developing countries.
Ultimately, Carges uses the book to show readers the amazing things that can happen when people simply place their trust in God.
Carges, an Elmira native, lives in Farmington and is owner of Canandaigua Quick Print. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Fisher and a master’s degree in pastoral studies from St. Bernard’s School of Ministry and Theology in Rochester, N.Y. In his role as a deacon, Carges is assigned to Our Lady of Peace Parish in Geneva.
An excerpt from “God Took My Hand”:
“She continued to talk and went on to say ‘God has brought you here to hear our stories, to see our need, to know we are here, to answer our prayers. Our government doesn’t come, nobody from the big city come, nobody listen or care about us except God—and now you and your group. You come from United States to my home—and you listen. God brought you here. Thank you.’”
Carges hopes his book shows people that everyone can make a difference by utilizing their gifts from God. “In a materialistic society, life that is the most precious gift,” he says. “It points out how truly blessed we are to live in America and how many of us don’t even know how blessed we are.”
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Seminarian ordained transitional deacon

Seminarian Peter VanLieshout ordained transitional deacon

October 3, 2013 – Diocese of Rochester seminarian Peter Van Lieshout was ordained a transitional deacon at the North American College in Rome, Italy, today. Deacon Van Lieshout is scheduled to be ordained a priest of the Diocese of Rochester in June 2014.

He was ordained by Cardinal James Harvey, archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls in Rome, and was among 41 students ordained transitional deacons at the seminary.

Van Lieshout is a native of Livonia, Livingston County, and a parishioner of St. Matthew Church. He is a graduate of the Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio.

He completed a Pastoral Year at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Geneva.

“In the mystery of God’s Providence, certain men are called to become unique human instruments in the continued salvation of souls as priests of Jesus Christ.  For the longest time, I loved and respected the priestly vocation, just so long as God wasn’t asking me to be one!  At a certain point, however, my thinking began to change:  “There is a great need today for good priests.  Am I really so sure Christ isn’t asking me to step up and serve his Church in a more radical way?” — My life has never been the same since.”

~ Peter VanLieshout

Meet Our Seminarians

North American College news release

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Red Mass to be held Oct. 18, 2013

Bishop Emeritus Matthew H. Clark will celebrate the Red Mass,  invoking the help of the Holy Spirit on judges, prosecutors, civil attorneys, canon lawyers and local governmental officials and all those in the legal community, on Friday, October 18, 2013, at 12:15 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park, Rochester. Bishop Clark cordially invites all to attend.
The first documented Red Mass was held at Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, in 1225 AD and became a widely celebrated tradition throughout Europe thereafter.  Cardinal Patrick Hayes of New York brought the tradition to the United States in 1928 and, since 1953, such a Mass has been celebrated at St. Matthew Cathedral, Washington DC, often with the President of the United States and a majority of Supreme Court justices in attendance.

Blue Mass Oct. 27

Blue Mass to pray for law enforcement personnel Oct. 27

The annual Blue Mass honoring law enforcement personnel in our community will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2013, at 11:15 a.m., at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Most Rev. Matthew H. Clark, Bishop Emeritus, will preside.
Representatives from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout our community will attend. All are welcome.
Sacred Heart Cathedral is located at 296 Flower City Park, between Dewey and Lake avenues, in the city of Rochester.

Deacon John McDermott to head Providence Housing

June 27, 2013 — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester today announced the appointment of former WS Packaging-Label World General Manager John R. McDermott, Jr. as executive director of Providence Housing Development Corporation. McDermott begins his new duties July 1.
A Roman Catholic deacon, McDermott, of Fairport, brings to his new role more than 20 years of executive leadership and management experience with both WS Packaging-Label World and Eastman Kodak Company. He succeeds Monica McCullough, who led Providence Housing for six years.
“I first became aware of John’s remarkable abilities when he created a formal partnership with the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina,” said Jack Balinsky, director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester. “ I’m certain he will apply his considerable talents and skills to help continue the strong momentum of Providence Housing Development Corporation as it seeks new and innovative ways of providing affordable housing for the poor and disabled of the diocese.”
About his new position, McDermott said, “ My career has been a progression of increasingly responsible roles, all in the private sector. I am pleased to be able to now redirect my leadership and management abilities to a position of human service for those who need it most.”
Providence Housing Development Corporation is an affiliate of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester and is operated by Catholic Charities of the diocese. The organization’s mission is to strengthen families and communities by creating and providing access to quality affordable housing enriched by the availability of supportive services.