Allow me to offer you my prayers and deep gratitude to you and your staffs for your cooperation as we deal with the tragic effects of the Coronavirus Disease and its harsh implications upon our ability to serve the faithful, entailing many sacrifices on the part of all. During this past week you have had to make serious pastoral and administrative changes which in many instances have been painful, yet necessary. None of us could have anticipated the circumstances in which we now find ourselves. With faith and hope in Jesus, we will continue the Church’s mission, which is Jesus’ mission, which means union with our people in prayer and through the social media instruments available.

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OFFICE OF THE BISHOP 1150 Buffalo Road Rochester, New York 14624 (585) 328-3a210
Dear Brother Priests and Pastoral Administrators:
March 20, 2020 Friday of the Third Week of Lent
Allow me to offer you my prayers and deep gratitude to you and your staffs for your cooperation as we deal with the tragic effects of the Coronavirus Disease and its harsh implications upon our ability to serve the faithful, entailing many sacrifices on the part of all. During this past week you have had to make serious pastoral and administrative changes which in many instances have been painful, yet necessary. None of us could have anticipated the circumstances in which we now find ourselves. With faith and hope in Jesus, we will continue the Church’s mission, which is Jesus’ mission, which means union with our people in prayer and through the social media instruments available.
Our diocesan offices, while physically closed, will be available to the extent possible. Offices of the Pastoral Center may still be contacted by email and/or telephone using the auto attendant; while most employees are working remotely, emails and calls will be returned as soon as possible but communication should be limited to important or urgent matters due to our present limitations and restrictions. We are regularly monitoring this situation and updates will be provided.
Below please find some recent updates regarding the continuation of pastoral life:
In accord with the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments Decree, Protocol N. 153/20, dated March 19, 2020, by mandate of Pope Francis, for the year 2020 only, the following are to be observed in the Diocese of Rochester “considering the impediment to the community celebration of the liturgy in church;” all ceremonies are to occur without the faithful present:
1. Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord: The Third Form — the Simple Entrance is to be used. Mass begins with the Entrance Antiphon, the sign of the cross, penitential rite and Collect. The Mass proceeds in the usual manner. Blessed palms may be made available during the week, in a prudent manner that respects travel and gathering restrictions.
2. Easter is the heart of the entire liturgical year and is not simply one feast among others. The Easter Triduum is celebrated over the arc of three days which is preceded by Lent and crowned by Pentecost and, therefore, cannot be transferred to another time.
Debtor in Possession

On October 5, 2012, the Apostolic Penitentiary announced that from October 11, 2012 through November 24, 2013, all the faithful who, being truly repentant of their sins, may acquire a Plenary Indulgence by celebrating the Sacrament of Penance, receiving Holy Communion, praying for the Pope’s intentions and performing one of the following penances adapted, according to the […]

The Roman Missal, Third Edition, the ritual text containing prayers and instructions for the celebration of the Mass, has been approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.  First use of the new text of the new Roman Missal will be on the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011.   Learn more! https://www.dor.org/index.cfm/ministries/liturgy/

Rev. Robert McNamara, 1910-2009 Father Robert McNamara, the oldest priest in the Diocese of Rochester and a respected historian and writer, died in Rochester Friday, (May 22, 2009) at the Our Lady of Mercy Motherhouse infirmary. He was 98 years old and had served as a priest for 72 years. Father McNamara was best known […]