Latest News

Catholic Diocese of Rochester Permanent Diaconate

The deacon is a man of faith, who is called from the community that already recognizes his dedication to service. He makes a lifetime commitment to serving the People of God by proclaiming the Word, assisting and presiding at liturgies, and ministering in the areas of charity and social justice. A deacon gives witness to his availability to the community by addressing present and emerging needs of the Church.

The Diocese is inviting interested men of strong and active faith, who can demonstrate a record of service in the communities in which they live, work and worship, who may wish to explore a possible call to ordained ministry as a permanent deacon, to first speak with their pastor for an initial conversation. They may also contact Deacon Edward Giblin, Director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, at edward.giblin@dor.org, for additional information.

A potential candidate must be at least 35 years of age and no older than 62 years of age at the time of ordination after a five (5) year period of formation. He must be in good health, emotionally mature, have stable relationships and must have the wholehearted support of his wife (if married) and family to  enter the phase of inquiry. Because the parish is the primary experience of Church for most inquirers, the parish community is asked as well to invite from among its members men who exhibit strong faith and a spirit of service and encourage them  to consider a possible vocation to the permanent diaconate.

Fall Retreat Weekends for Women 

Notre Dame Retreat House, Canandaigua NY 

Come and explore how to find God in the midst of life’s graces and challenges. We all experience transitions throughout our lives. Especially within this past year and a half. How we cope with the unexpected; how we discern ‘what next’ and how we draw strength and wisdom from others will be the focus of the talks and prayer experiences throughout the retreat weekend.  Give yourself the gift of retreat this year. To learn more, visit our website at www.notredameretreat.org or call us at 585-394-5700.

Holy Cross/Our Mother of Sorrows WOMEN

October 1-3, 2021

Notre Dame Retreat House, 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY

If you would like to attend the Women’s Weekend Retreat please contact Nancy at 585-394-5700

Space is limited, so please call ASAP.

Remember in Your Prayers all those affected by the Coronavirus throughout the World.

Compassionate and Loving Father, In the face of confusion and concern impart to us the calm of Your presence. In You allow us to  find hope and healing.

Be with those who lead and give them Your spirit of wisdom. Be with those who have fallen ill and give them Your comforting heart.

Wrap Your arms around our world, and hold us in Your love. Allow us at this time of trial to then serve as instruments of that love to all we meet. We ask this in Your name.

Amen.