Adult Formation

The parish communities of Transfiguration and St. Catherine offer a shared menu of opportunities for adults to grow in faith, no matter where you are on your journey.

Getting started in faith or looking to brush up on the basics?   

 

  • Order 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 OCIA 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!  We had a wonderful session in the Spring of 2025, and will likely have a 2027-2028 offering.  If you are interested in Alpha - please contact Anne Gallagher.


  • Adult Fellowship Nights: The details are still being finalized, but there are plans for two sessions, four weeks long, held on Wednesday evenings, 6-8 pm at St. Catherine's Community Center.  The Fall Series will be in October (7, 14, 21 and 28) and the Spring Series will be during Lent (February 24, March 3, 10 and 17).  Each evening will include dinner and conversation in small table groups.  Contact Anne Gallagher for more information.

Interested in exploring your faith at home on your own time?   

 


  • 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. https://franciscanathome.com/diocese-rochester  


 Looking for a place to have faith conversations or to learn more about faith topics of interest to you?   

  • Women in the Spirit:  Women in the Spirit has suspended activity.  Please look at our website and bulletin for formation programs and fellowship activities that many of the women in our parish enjoy, such as Women's Bible Study, the Christmas Basket Program, and Adult Formation Nights.


  • 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: Our new session has formed, and registration is now closed. Sessions are held on Tuesday lunch time or Thursday evenings, you choose which one fits in your schedule.  This 22 week program starts on September 22/24 and concludes on March 16/18.   Join a community of women to dive more deeply into Scripture with prayerful study and lively discussion. The 2026-2027 Session is from Walking with Purpose, and is titled 'Keeping in Balance'  Do you feel pulled in many directions? Do you find it hard to balance the demands placed on your time? Is it difficult to manage all the details thrown your way? God wants to support and help us so that we can be our best in every season of our lives.  Come along on a journey throughout Scripture as we discover the relevance of Old and New Testament wisdom to our daily challenges. In this study, we’ll explore Biblical ideas for managing life’s pace and pressure while living with calm and steadiness. Your lifestyle of health and holiness awaits. Questions? Email Mary Jo Brandt at mjbrandt6@gmail.com or Kathy Kyhos at kkyhos@frontiernet.net.  While there is no fee for this program, there is a $45 book to purchase from Walking with a Purpose - click HERE for the link.
  • JustFaith:  Our new session has formed, and registration is now closed. Just Faith is a study and discussion program that dives deep into the social justice issues facing our world today.  We are pleased to offer 'Sacred Water: Oceans and Ecosystems' this Fall, starting September 24 and running through November 12.  Sessions will be on Thursday evenings, 6:30 -8:30 pm in the Transfiguration Parish Life Center Double Room, facilitated by Gerry Gacioch.  There is a $35 fee for this program, which may be paid on-line, or by sending a check to the Church of the Transfiguration with Just Faith in the memo line. 


  • Speakers Series: Learn more about our rich faith tradition by spending several weeks reflecting on a theological topic.  We typically have series in the Advent and Lent seasons.  As the season approaches - we typically add an Advent/Christmas or Lent/Easter page to the website with all the special programming, including our speaker series.


  • 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. 


  • 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, psnotebaert@gmail.com ) 


  • 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. 


 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 2026-2027 is being formed right now!  Contact Bob Muhlnickel at rlmuhlnickel@gmail.com  ASAP if you wish to join in, meetings will start in September 2026.


Parish Retreat Opportunities: We periodically offer special days of retreat for prayer and reflection.   


  • Men's Retreat    In a world that highlights the bad news, and at times even celebrates it, how do we, as men of God, sustain our call to be people of hope and good news for ourselves and others?  This retreat is for the men of St. Catherine of Siena and the Church of the Transfiguration. It will be hosted at the Notre Dame Retreat House on the shores of beautiful Canandaigua Lake (5151 Foster Road, Canandaigua, NY), starting at Friday October 16 at 5 pm and concluding Sunday October 18 at Noon. Deacon Mike Piehler is the retreat leader.  Please fill out and submit the registration form HERE by October 13. The cost of the retreat is dependent on the room selection made.  Room assignments will be made on October 14, and you will be notified if your first choice cannot be accommodated.  Cash or check payment is due at the retreat, when room assignments are completed, as it might not be possible to accommodate everyone's request. If you have any questions or special accommodation needs, please contact Ken Zablotny at kzablotny@gmail.com.

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What to expect on this retreat:

  • Friday Social Hour
  • Five retreat talks on the theme
  • Small group discussion and faith sharing
  • Communal and individual prayer time
  • Reconciliation, daily Mass, and Eucharistic adoration available


  • Directed Silent Retreat  Are you in need of some quiet time with God? Join other parishioners for an individually directed silent retreat Friday evening Sept. 18 through noon, Sunday Sept. 20 at Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua.   Beautiful surroundings, delicious meals, and individual spiritual direction offer the gift of time for reflection and renewal. We are limited to ten retreatants for this retreat.  Register by August 18 by leaving a check for $100 made out to Church of the Transfiguration with Bob Muhlnickel or Anne Gallagher at the Church of the Transfiguration office. The remainder of the registration fee is $320, due one week before the retreat.  Contact Bob Muhlnickel at rlmuhlnickel@gmail.com or Anne Gallagher at Anne.Gallagher@dor.org for information or questions. 


  • 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/