Welcome!
Frequently Asked Questions
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When is Mass held?
Our parish's schedule of Masses is available on our website or in our weekly bulletin. To view our Mass schedule, click here.
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Where is the church located?
We have three churches within our parish. For a listing of the locations for all three of the churchs, click here.
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Why should I register at a Parish?
A Catholic parish is the single most important part of our Catholic Church. This is where we continue the mission of Jesus Christ. This is where we publicly express our faith, joining together with others to give witness of our communion with God and with one another.
When you register with us you get plugged in to our regular parish communications and you give us a way to get in contact with you, to welcome you or support you or celebrate with you. By registering you are connecting to something bigger than yourself and investing in a Catholic community that cares about you.
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How do I become Catholic?
We're glad you asked! Whether you're looking to complete your sacraments or the Holy Spirit has brought you to the Church, welcome! We invite you to reach out to the parish office at 585-288-5000 or [email protected] and we will get you incontact with our pastor. From there we'll work with you, and support you, on your journey Home to the Church.
What to Expect at Mass
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How long is Mass?
Weekend Mass typically lasts about an hour. We recommend arriving early to Mass so you have plenty of time to settle in and pray before.
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What should I wear to Mass?
When you join us for the Holy Mass, it is important for us to remember that the divine liturgy is unlike any other activity in our lives because through it we encounter most directly our God and Savior Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. Consequently, we ask you to dress with the reverence suitable for such a profound encounter.
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What do I do during Mass?
There’s no need to be self-conscious about the postures and responses used during worship. Most visitors just follow the lead of the our parishioners.
Rather than getting caught up in all the physical movements of Mass, we ask that you prayerfully enter in to the Mass because the most important paricipation you could offer is your prayers.
For a more detailed description of the order of the Mass, click here.
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Where do my Children go?
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt.19:14)
We encourage children to attend Mass with their parents. At each of our worship sites we have accomidations if you need to take your children out of Mass at any point.
- St. John: We have a childrens room in the basement of the church where you are welcome to bring your children if needed. The easiest way to access this room is the set of labeled stairs in the back of the church.
- St. James: We have a narthex at the back of church in addition to a church Hall in the basement that you are welcome to use if you need to take your children out of Mass.
- St. Ambrose: We have rocking chairs, activity tables, and changing tables throughout the edge of the church. You are welcome to bring your children over to any of these areas during Mass. If you need to take your child out of Mass, we invite you to take advantage of our Narthex at the back of the church.
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Can I recieve Communion?
Below are the guidelines for the Reception of Holy Communion by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
For Catholics
As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all.
For our fellow Christians
We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ's prayer for us "that they may all be one" (Jn 17:21).
Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion. [...]
For those not receiving Holy Communion
All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.
For non-Christians
We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our Parish Office at 585-288-5000.
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Is there anything after Mass?
Our priests would love the chance to connect with you after Mass. Be sure to stop over and introduce yourself to Fr. Peter Mottola or Fr. Tim Brown.
We also have Coffee Hour after Mass on the following schedule for each site:
- St. Amrbose: Every Sunday after the 9:45 AM Mass, unless otherwise noted in the bulletin, in Dailey Hall.
- St. James: On the First Sunday of the Month after the 8:00 AM Mass, in the church hall.
- St. John: On the First and Third Sunday of the Month after the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Masses, in the church Hall.