March 8, 2026

March 3, 2026

Dear Friends,

 

Reflecting upon, and examining our lives, we are now into our third week of Lent addressing where a change of heart is being invited of us.

 

Two Sundays ago, we encountered the devil tempting Jesus in the desert. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert. The Spirit of God remained with Jesus for these forty days.

The devil tempts Jesus, but the Lord will let anything come between him and his father.

 

Last Sunday we had the passage close to our hearts of the Transfiguration of Jesus. This “mountain top” vision was a powerful prayer experience for Peter, James, and John. These invited men coming to this moment have now seen Jesus for who He really is! It makes me recall what “mountain top” experiences have I seen? How has my vision been able to see the Lord for who he really is and bring it to the depths of my existence?

 

This Sunday, our first reading from the Old Testament has the Israelites in their desert complaining because they do not have water to drink. Grumbling to Moses they question, where is God in all this?

Moses calls out to God and God provides. He instructs Moses to go strike the rock and water will be provided. Indeed, it comes forth, God is ever present to the people. Their hearts will change for the time being.

And on this very weekend we meet the Samaritan woman at the well. There Jesus sits and waits for this individual. Jesus speaks to her with kindness and patience. She listens to him, asks questions, and responds to his invitation to drink the water he’ll provide that will never make her thirsty again. She was ready to move from material needs to spiritual (Change of Heart).

 

The third week of Lent is before us. How have you been doing with temptations, prayer on mountaintops and knowing God is present to you providing what is lasting, Have you been seeing changes in your heart for the good? Are you feeling and recognizing a deeper invitation to be closer to Jesus?

Moses struck a rock and water came forth. How is God striking our hearts this lent. What is coming forth from ourselves? Is there life giving water that satisfies our spiritual thirsts? Is there still any hardness of our hearts attached to material temptations that we really need to address and be honest about with God?

 

We still have weeks ahead of us before Holy Week. Let us pray together that we will make the most of this time for a blessed Easter.

 

I ask you in your prayer to also remember our sisters and brothers who will become one, holy, catholic, and apostolic among us at the Easter Vigil! They are a beautiful group of people. How blessed we are to have them share faith among us and for us to do the same for them.

 

To a “Change of Heart” and continued blessings,

Father Rob 

 

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Father Rob's Weekly Message

October 18, 2026

October 13, 2026
Dear Friends, This very weekend men from both Saint Catherine of Siena and Transfiguration parishes are on retreat. The retreat is taking place at Notre Dame Retreat House overlooking beautiful Canandaigua Lake. It is a perfect setting for spiritual reflection, prayer, relaxation, good food, and often being led by a wonderful speaker. Indeed these men will be led by a wonderful speaker, our very own Deacon Mike Piehler. How blessed we were last weekend to have Mike preach. He always has an inspiring message to share. He has a way to break open the word of the Lord and leave us with much to reflect upon. This past weekend was no different as he guided in deeper understanding about the story of the wedding feast and the man not dressed properly. Taking Mike’s opening and closing of his homily, “It counts”, left me with much to keep reflecting upon in my own life. That being said, our men on retreat are being led by Mike. His theme for these gentlemen is “Where Is The Good News?” I am confident our brothers will bring Mike’s words into their hearts and souls. Let’s keep Mike and everyone joining him in our prayers. God bless these days with the Holy Spirit enriching each one’s spiritual journey. This Sunday is World Mission Sunday. Thank you to all who will make a donation. As Jesus sent his disciples out into the world to proclaim the Kingdom of God, your donations help bring that same Good News throughout the world today! Our sisters and brothers who offer their lives as missionaries are successful because of the work of the Holy Spirit and your support. Again, thank you for your prayers, support, and goodness! Our Catholic Ministries Appeal is off to a good start. “All Things New, Embracing Our Mission In Christ” is a perfect theme this year. A few examples where our participation supports this theme follows: Our participation brings the Mission of Christ with new life in educating our youth and young adults in Catholic faith. It prepares and continues to enrich our Deacons and Pastoral leaders. It supports our seminarians who will hopefully one day be present to serve our parish communities. Thank you to those who have already responded to this year’s CMA. To those who haven’t made a pledge as of today, please prayerfully consider one and join myself and those who have done so. Together, I am sure our parishes can have another successful year! Blessings to all, Father Rob

October 11, 2026

October 6, 2026
Dear Friends, I hope that you are enjoying these early days of October. The beauty of autumn is unfolding before us with the changing colors of the trees, pumpkins, cornstalks, and so much adding to the beautiful landscape around us. How blessed are we living in this beautiful area to see God’s gift of creation before our very eyes! This year’s Catholic Ministry Appeal’s theme is ALL THINGS NEW, Embracing our Mission in Christ. It reminds us that through faith, generosity, and hope, God is continually renewing His Church and calling us forward together. By now, all registered parishioners should have received a letter asking you to prayerfully support the appeal. If you haven’t received a letter, please call the Parish Office and let us know. I, for one, as of this writing, did not receive my own. I am very grateful to all who have supported the CMA in the past years and helped us make our parish goals. Your prayerful considerations, your generosity, and your faithful witness always bless our parishes and diocese. May we be as blessed this year with both parishes succeeding in our goals. God bless everyone who has supported this important appeal in the past and all who will offer their support this year!  With faith and prayer, Father Rob

October 4 2026

September 29, 2026
Dear Friends, I was delighted that our faith communities came together last Saturday to welcome Bishop John Bonnici! It was a prayerful time to come together, meet one another and celebrate mass. The time with one another was delightful and filled with joy! I want to thank everyone who helped in preparing this special moment. First of all, thank you to Bishop Bonnici for sharing his presence with us. Thank you to Father Aaron Kelly for assisting all our liturgical ministers at mass. The music was inspirational and kudos to Pam McInerney, Sue Wallace, and all our vocalists and musicians for bringing their gifts to our liturgy. Much appreciation to our phenomenal Altar Servers, Lectors, and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist who gave of themselves to make everyone comfortable and welcome at Mass. I want to express my gratitude to all who served at Mass on Saturday. To Chuck Reinke, who coordinated our ushers and greeters. To Bob Goldbach and his band of volunteers who helped with parking and assisting everyone arriving for Mass. AND, to Julie Reinke, our star photographer, for capturing these sacred moments we had with one another. AND, to Charlene Merrill, for the fabulous reception she coordinated with so many others that provided a delightful gathering after Mass. AND, one more AND, being trinitarian, I want to acknowledge our Parish Staff, who assisted me in so many ways. Bless you! Everyone, thank you for being such wonderful stewards! Our Catholic Ministries Appeal is underway! Did you receive your letter about the appeal from Bishop Bonnici and me? This year, beginning with our new bishop, the theme is “ALL THINGS NEW, Embracing Our Mission in Christ.” I pray we will be supportive and successful in stewardship towards this years appeal. We experienced full support from so many of you last year and Saint Catherine of Siena and the Church of the Transfiguration made our goals. Thank you to those made this happen. I am confident we can succeed again with our prayer and stewardship. Like every diocese who has a similar campaign, your goodness keeps our diocese and parishes vibrant through serving people in need through Catholic Charities, providing diocesan-wide services to our parishes and institutions, educating youth in Catholic faith, supporting our Seminarians, Deacons,, and Pastoral Leaders, funding the ministries of Pope Leo and Bishop Bonnici, funding our Pastoral Center Operations & Support Services, and for the CMA Campaign. All donations are used only for the programs, services, and ministries I just mentioned. I hope and pray you will make a pledge with me for this year’s appeal. If you have any questions, please ask me, anyone on Parish Staff, and the Diocese of Rochester. Blessings to all, Father Rob