Getting started in faith or looking to brush up on the
basics?
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: If you have never been baptized, been baptized Christian in another denomination, or been baptized Roman Catholic but never received First Eucharist or Confirmation, you are a candidate for the RCIA program. AND, if you are already a fully initiated Catholic but would like the chance to explore our Catholic beliefs more deeply alongside those who are preparing to be initiated, you are welcome to participate too! Sessions begin in the fall, and candidates are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Contact Deacon Eric Bessette for more info.
Alpha: Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith. Each session includes dinner, a video talk exploring a different faith question, and conversation in small groups. If you are looking to ask the big questions in a non-judgmental and supportive community, Alpha is for you! Coming Spring of 2025! Registration info coming soon!
Interested in exploring your faith at home on your own
time?
Podcasts: Spend some time listening to faith conversations relevant to your real life with reflections from our parish staff filled with humor, insight, and honesty.
Franciscan at Home: Our parishes are offering FREE unlimited access to this library of online enrichment workshops. Follow the link below to create your account; then you can begin learning using one of the suggested tracks or explore on your own.
Looking for a place to have faith conversations or learn more about faith topics of interest to you?
Franciscan Spirituality Group: gathers monthly on the second Sunday to discuss the writings and daily meditations of Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr OFM. Contact John and Pam Notebaert for more information (585-259-1175, [email protected])
Interested in starting a faith-sharing small group? We are hoping to grow small groups in our parishes! If you have an idea for a small group or would like to be involved in building this ministry, contact Anne Gallagher.
Young Adult Ministry: We’ve recently started a faith-sharing group for young adults in their 20s and 30s. We come together for fellowship, food, and fun. Contact Anne Gallagher for more info.
Speakers Series: Learn more about our rich faith tradition by spending several weeks reflecting on a theological topic. Coming this Advent: Sister Barbara Moore, topic TBA.
Women in the Spirit: gathers monthly, usually on the first Wednesday, to learn more about sharing our faith. We listen to experts share their insights, we explore our sense of spirituality amongst us, and we work in community with each other. All women and their guests are welcomed.
Men in the Spirit: gathers monthly, usually on the third Monday, for fellowship, light supper, presentation, reflection, and evening prayer – time to feed our spiritual life and renew friendships. All men are welcome!
Women’s Bible Study: typically offered in the fall and in the spring. Join a community of women to dive more deeply into Scripture with prayerful study and lively discussion.
THIS WINTER: We most likely will participate in another Walking with Purpose study, most likely, "Rooted in Radiance", a Book of Colossians study. Email Mary Jo Brandt at [email protected] with any questions.
JustFaith: A study and discussion program that dives deep into the social justice issues facing our world today. This year we are offering three sessions. Contact Joy Morris at [email protected] for more info.
Fall: Migration: Faith and Immigration Justice
Winter: Civil Dialogue: Want to Talk? Communication Skills for Divided Times - is an eight-session small group program in the Just Faith series that guides you in deepening your relationships while staying true to your values. This program draws upon the wisdom of experts in nonviolent communication, civil dialogue, and grassroots organizing.this program will be held at Transfiguration, on Tuesdays from 10 am-to Noon starting on March 4 and running each week through April 22. Material cost is $35, a registration form can be obtained HERE, and registrations are due by February 24.
Spring: Preventing Gun Violence: From Rhetoric to Real Solutions
Ready to go deeper with God and take your faith to the
next level?
Spiritual Exercises: The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola consist of guided prayer experiences intended to help retreatants grow closer to Christ and develop the spiritual freedom needed to serve God. We've offered the Spiritual Exercises annually to parishioners for nearly 20 years. Those making the retreat commit to daily prayer, regular meetings with a spiritual director, and group sessions for teaching and sharing. The Spiritual Exercises have deepened the prayer lives and been a source of healing for many at Transfiguration and St. Catherine's.Our cohort for 2024-25 is now full, and we are taking inquiries for the 2025-26 group. Contact Bob Muhlnickel at [email protected].
Parish Retreat Opportunities: We periodically offer special days of retreat for prayer and reflection.
Retreats at Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua: We are blessed to have a beautiful resource for spiritual renewal in our diocese! Notre Dame offers a wide menu of weekend and day retreats throughout the year. Explore their offerings here: https://notredameretreat.org/