Greetings!  Welcome to the St. Mary’s website!  We are located in Canandaigua in the heart of the upstate New York Finger Lakes.  We are a vibrant community offering many services and enjoying rich worship, lively activities, and active school within picturesque City of Canandaigua.  We invite people to visit and warmly welcome those who desire to share in our community life.  There are many ministry areas available depending on one’s gifts and talents.  When you are at St. Mary’s, you are home!  

Firmly rooted in the Catholic doctrines and traditions St. Mary’s Church, through the power of the Holy Spirit, fulfills its mission by following the ways of Jesus Christ. We, the parishioners who are St. Mary’s Church, represent Jesus Christ to our community. Our mission is to follow the way of Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds, and to make Christ more fully present in all who live within our community.

HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF How you can help:

Donate to Catholic Releif Services (CRS)

CRS has mobilized an immediate major aid response to quake-ravaged Haiti and invites all concerned supporters to join us in the outreach. Click on the link above to donate to this reputable Catholic organization.

Pray:

Father Jean Jadotte, associate pastor of Miami's Notre Dame D'Haiti parish, sends these prayer intentions for Haiti.

-We are praying for hope despite this situation, that even as we face darkness, people may see a pinpoint of light.

-Praying for families.

-Pray for a greater conscience among everyone not just in Haiti but all over that we must do something [to help].

-Pray for a spirit of thanksgiving for international agencies for their good heart and good faith.

-Pray for relief workers to have a spirit of patience and perseverance.

-For those who at this time are in search of meaning in their lives and peace.

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU!

The Kalama Project has achieved its goals to raise funds for a

100 meter drilled well to provide water,

Tuition assistance for high School,

College construction of a community building for clinic and library.

This success is due to our sacrifice, prayer, solidarity and desire to make a difference.

Now we will have the privilege of watching the lives of the villagers of Kalama, Kenya improve and the blessing of knowing that our sharing empowered it to happen.

Catholic Ministries Appeal

If you have made a gift to this year's Catholic Ministries Appeal.  Thank you!  Our goal is a challenge, but together we can reach it.  I received my letter from Bishop Clark.  In it, he explained the many facets of his diocesan ministries and how he relies on us for help.  Like Jesus, the Bishop knows he cannot minister alone; he needs colleagues, and assistance from everyone who names themselves as one of his fold.  I have written my check to this year's ministry appeal and increased my gift.  I hope you will consider doing so as well.  Thanks and God bless you.

New Facility Usage Procedures:

To comply with diocesan procedures, St. Mary's has adopted new procedures for non-parish sponsored events held in parish facilities effective July 1, 2009. 
For detailed instructions, please click here: 

  Facility Usage Procedures

Thy Will Be Done By Me

As part of the Forming Faith Initiative, a website, thywillbedonebyme.com has been created to give you a better idea of the volunteer opportunities available at St Mary's and St Bridget's.

SPIRIT ALIVE!

Spirit Alive! What could the Bible have to say to you today, in your life, in your circumstances? Go to www.rochesterspiritalive.org and hear the stories to people in our diocese who have made the Bible part of their daily lives. Go to Alive in the Word: The Bible for Us today. Then use the reflection questions to help you decide how you can grow more in your knowledge and love of the Word of God. You’ll be glad you did!

Get Into the Acts! Join people all over the Diocese of Rochester in reading the same book:  the Acts of the Apostles.  Go to www.rochesterspiritalive.org for the schedule for Get into the Acts and start reading!

Week of January 31, 2010      (4th Sunday of Ordinary Time)

Read:     Acts 12: 25 – 13: 43

Reflect:  As Peter did earlier in Acts, Paul again connects the understanding of Jesus in the early church with its Jewish roots and history. Paul raises up key moments in the life of the Jewish people and connects them with Good News and God’s saving action. How has God’s saving action been present in my own history? Where on my path have I seen or experienced God at work in my life? How have those experiences changed my life as a disciple and how I share the Good News with others? Where am I being called to grow in my discipleship at this point in my journey?

Did anything else stand out for me in this section of Acts?

Act it Out! How do my reflections today inform how I will live out my discipleship in the world this week?

Could I…

…write out important parts of my faith journey in a letter to my children?

…visit a member of my community in the hospital?

…use a moment of transformation in my life to connect with someone going through a similar struggle at school?

How else could I act it out?

Prayer for Spirit Alive!

Holy Spirit, Loving Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ,
Touch our Hearts
Lead us, Guide us, Refresh us, Heal us, Forgive us,
Give us new life.
We make this prayer for ourselves and all the people of our Diocese.
Be with us in these months with your life, your love and your encouragement.
Holy Spirit, Touch us, Be with us Always.
We pray, through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.