As Faith Formation is a lifelong process, St. Cecilia's offers programs for the education and spirituality of people at all ages.

Use this interactive table of contents, or scroll down to browse the list.

Faith Formation

Faith Formation classes for public-school students are held in our Parish classrooms, and are staffed by our Faith Formation Coordinator and Administrator, as well as volunteer teachers.

  • Pre-School (ages 4 -5): Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
  • Grades 1 -6: Mondays at 6:15 p.m.
  • Grades 7 -8: Sundays from 10:30 a.m. -12 noon.

Please contact our Faith Formation Office at 716-338-1051, x33 or x35.

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Catholic Schools

St. Cecilia's parishioners are invited to send their children to one of the Catholic schools in Rochester's northeast area which include:

Pre-K through 6

  • Christ the King, 716-467-8730
  • St. Ambrose, 716-288-0580
  • St. Andrew, 716-467-920
  • St. Margaret Mary, 716-266-0413

Grades 7 - 8

  • Bishop Hogan Middle School, 716-544-0560

Please call these schools directly for more information.

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Youth Group

All youth in grades 7 - 12 are welcome to join our regular gatherings of junior- and senior-high students in our Youth Room, located in the Parish Center. Our purpose in meeting is to enjoy spiritual, social and service activities during both regular meetings and special events.

You do not have to "officially join;" simply come when you can and feel free to bring a friend.

For details, contact Youth Ministries Coordinator at 716-467-4120, x39.

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Family Life Programs

Opportunities for families to socialize and celebrate various feasts and holidays occur throughout the year.

Families are invited to join the planning groups for these events, as well as to attend them. Watch the weekly bulletin and our bulletin boards for details.

For details, contact our Parish Life Coordinator at 716-338-2349, x34.

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Adult Faith Formation

Scriptures Sandwiched In is a periodic, 16-session Bible Study course that meets once a week beginning each September. For a list of scheduled topics, click here.

Our annual on-site Lenten Parish Retreat provides the opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. These annual retreats, which usually run for two or three consecutive evenings, examine contemporary issues of faith within the Church.

There are also retreats for men and youth each year, some of which are held at the Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua (about an hour's drive south). Please watch the bulletin for specific times.

For details, please watch our weekly parish bulletin.

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Sacramental Programs

Baptism

Baptism is the Sacrament of initiation that welcomes a person into the life of the Church.

Infant Baptisms are celebrated twice each month on pre-arranged Sundays at 12:30 p.m. Baptisms can also be scheduled during one of our weekend liturgies. Preparation for infant Baptism requires parents to meet with our Parish Life Coordinator and to attend one class to better understand their role in the faith of the child.

Older children and adults prepare for Baptism by participating in our RCIA program, as described below.

For details, contact our Parish Life Coordinator at 716-338-2349, x34.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The RCIA is a process through which adults join the Roman Catholic Church. The process invites those who:

  • Have never been Baptized;
  • Have been Baptized in another church; or
  • Have been Baptized in the Roman Catholic Church but have never received the Sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation or Confirmation.

The RCIA uses group meetings to provide an opportunity to pray, reflect, discuss and study ways in which the Catholic Church can help us live our lives as practicing Christians. Topics for study and discussion include Scripture, Catholic practice and tradition, Sacramental life, Church as Community and personal and communal prayer.

The process leads to the reception of Baptism (if needed), Eucharist and Confirmation during the Easter Vigil.

For details, contact our Faith Formation Office at 716-338-1051, x33.

Matrimony

Couples planning a wedding should contact a priest as soon as possible to assure the availability of the Church for the date. Diocesean guidelines require at least six (6) month's notice before a wedding can be celebrated.

Couples who are aware of any extenuating circumstances or have questions about their eligibility to marry in the Church should call for an appointment with one of the priests.

Weddings are celebrated only on Saturdays, either at 10 a.m., 12 noon or 2 p.m. Guidelines for Liturgical celebration are available at the rectory.

An appointment should be made with the Parish Music Director to plan the music and to check availability on the desired date.

For details, contact Father McKenna at 716-467-4286, x27.

First Eucharist and First Penance

These two Sacraments are offered on a readiness basis (i.e., when parents feel the child is ready). To be eligible, the child must:

  • Be baptized in the Catholic Church.
  • Be a current member of the Parish.
  • Have successfully completed one year of formal Religious Education immediately prior to the Sacramental year.
  • Be currently enrolled in a formal Religious Education program.
  • Participate in a separate preparation program for each Sacrament. A child may prepare for and receive both Sacraments in the same year, or they may chose to do either Sacrament first.

For details, contact our Faith Formation Office at 716-338-1051, x33.

Confirmation

The basic requirements are the same as those shown for First Eucharist and First Penance.

For details, contact our Faith Formation Office at 716-338-1051, x33.

Anointing of the Sick

General anointing takes place at special Masses each year in May and October. Private anointing is also available.

For details, contact Father McKenna at 716-467-4286, x27.

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Groups Serving Our Liturgical Needs

There are several ways in which you can become part of our Liturgical Programs.

Our Liturgy Committee works in cooperation with our Parish Council to coordinate the following services.

  • Lectors are volunteers from the parish who serve as readers at our weekend Liturgies.
  • Eucharistic Ministers are parishioners who volunteer to assist the priest at Mass by distributing Holy Communion. They also take the Eucharist to the sick and homebound. A basic training program is provided for both of these positions, as well as an annual commissioning to show our encouragement and gratitude for these services.
  • Greeters and Ushers are volunteers who welcome parishioners and visitors to Mass. They also take up the collection during the weekend Liturgies.
  • Altar Servers can be any child in grade 4 or higher, or adult, to assist the priest during Mass.

For details on these liturgical opportunities, please contact our Religious Education Administrator at 716-338-1051, x35.

  • St. Cecilia's Choir is a dedicated group of men and women who provide music for our Liturgical celebrations. They rehearse each Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. during the school year. The choir sings most Sundays from September through June at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. They also provide music for special feasts during the Liturgical year. They practice and sing under the direction of our organist and Music Director. Please call our Music Director for more information.
  • Our Children's Choir invites children from age 8 - 14 to participate in a seasonal choir during special celebrations. Watch the bulletin for announcements.

For details, contact our Music Director at 716-723-1459.

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