February 1, 2026

Dear Friends, Well last Saturday, even with some sunshine, cold wind and snow these moments did not drive out the hearty Western New Yorkers to Mass. What drives folks out to Mass? Priorities??? The 4 PM Mass was so much lighter in attendance than usual. The 5:30 PM Mass which is not always heavy in attendance had 30 people coming together in worship. Note the photograph of these faithful 30 individuals. SO, I understand the drive of the loyal fans for the Buffalo Bills. I also understand that we hoped they be the winners of this high altitude game. They weren’t. I have said over and over again when you play these games, any game, there is a winner and, yes, a loser. No one wants to be the loser. But that is the reality. My friends who are more versed on football rules and such have made endless comments about the loss for the Bills. I wish they won but they didn’t. This past Sunday a parishioner wore a shirt that said continue to “BILLIEVE in the Bills.” I shared at the end of Mass, pointing out this shirt, let us, the faithful of Jesus, put as much energy and faith in continuing to believe in our Lord. There’s a place around the corner from our church, that I often refer to as the new mega church. It’s not a church but a sports arena. I refer to it as a new “church” because that’s where many folks now “worship.” Yep, the times are different. SO, I thank all of you who come to worship alongside me, our Parish Staff and fellow parishioners. We always refer to our faith as a mystery. It is for sure. I do believe, and yes, BILLIEVE, that miracles can happen. But please join me in believing in the miracles of being present to Jesus Christ, our brother. You may desire to always win. That’s understandable, but know when Jesus is your “quarterback” , you will be winning in the glory of your baptism! Blessings and Joys, Father Rob

Dear Friends, On the actual Feast of the Epiphany, January 6th, I had arrived around 5:45 AM to celebrate the 6:45 AM Mass at Transfiguration. While I was preparing for Mass I received a text from a dear friend who shared we have a new Bishop. I thought, is she serious? I knew she was awake, so I called her. Yes, she was right! We have a new Bishop as everyone knows at this time. The Most Reverend John S. Bonnici is our bishop-designate. For so long folks have been asking me when will we have a new bishop. Well, I can say our new bishop will be installed as the tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Rochester on March 19th, the Feast of Saint Joseph. Our new Bishop is succeeding Bishop Matano. Bishop Matano came to Rochester in November 2013 after Bishop Matthew H. Clark retired. We certainly thank Bishop Matano for his presence these 16 years for dedicated service to our diocese. Our prayers will continue to support him. Bishop Matano has shared he will continue to live in our beloved diocese. Our new Bishop is a native of New York City. His parents, were immigrants to the United States. His father, John, was from Malta. His mother, Gertrude, was from Romania. After World War II , his parents left and came to this part of the world. They met, got married, settling in Toronto, then they and his sister moved to New York City, where he was born. It is an exciting time and we can only imagine what is going through the mind, heart, soul, and prayer of our new Bishop. May we keep Bishop Bonnici in our prayer as we prepare to welcome him to our diocese and also keep in our prayer Bishop Matano, for his years of dedicated and prayerful leadership. I have known five Bishops in my lifetime. They are Bishop Kearney (who confirmed me), Bishop Sheen (who I was an altar boy with), Bishop Hogan, Bishop Clark ( who ordained me), and Bishop Matano. I look forward to the days ahead of getting to know Bishop Bonnici! Blessings to all, Father Rob