About Christ the King. Saint Kateri Parish. · Rochester, New York
Christ the King Church is one of four worship sites of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, the largest Roman Catholic parish in the Diocese of Rochester. Located at 445 Kings Highway South in the Irondequoit suburb of Rochester, NY, it hosts the parish's primary Saturday Vigil Mass, 11:00 AM Sunday Mass, and the daily noon Mass Monday through Friday. Founded in 1956-1957 by Bishop James E. Kearney to serve Irondequoit's growing suburban population, Christ the King was one of five Irondequoit parishes that merged in 2010 to form Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish. The church community is known for its long-standing intergenerational relationships, many of its founding members still active today.
- Established
- 1956
- Patron
- Christ the King
- Rector
- Rev. Lance M. Gonyo
- Diocese
- Diocese of Rochester
Why belong here
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish welcomes all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life into a Catholic community whose heartbeat is the Eucharist celebrated at four historic Irondequoit worship sites — including Christ the King, whose Sunday and daily Masses anchor the parish schedule. Members grow through parish-school education at Saint Kateri School (prekindergarten through grade 6), lifelong Faith Formation from 'Pray and Play' through adult OCIA, and ministries spanning music, health outreach (which loans canes, crutches, and walkers), youth, scouting, and service to neighbors in need. The parish's vision is for 'friends and neighbors joyfully sharing and living the Gospel.'
Mass times at Christ the King. Saint Kateri Parish.
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturdays 3:00 PM – 3:40 PM (Christ the King, prior to the 4:00 PM Vigil Mass)
- Fridays immediately after the 12:00 noon daily Mass
Adoration times
- Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM at St. Thomas the Apostle (parish-wide adoration)
Welcome & Parish Identity
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish describes itself as 'a large parish made up of many small groups, friendships and personal relationships.' Its vision is 'friends and neighbors joyfully sharing and living the Gospel and the transforming love of Jesus Christ through our parish family,' and its mission is to 'invite and welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life to embrace and celebrate our vocations — to be Christ to the world.' The parish office is staffed by Office Manager Corynn Shaw ([email protected], ext. 3101).
History of Christ the King
Christ the King was created in 1956 by Bishop James E. Kearney, who redrew the parish lines of four existing Irondequoit parishes to serve the suburb's booming postwar growth. The Diocese purchased 78 acres on Kings Highway (formerly North Goodman Street) in 1952; groundbreaking was March 18, 1956. The first Mass was celebrated on the Feast of Christ the King, October 28, 1956, in an unfinished portion of the building (today the school classrooms), with parishioners seated in folding chairs on the bare concrete slab. Formal dedication came on October 27, 1957.
Becoming Catholic (OCIA / RCIA)
Saint Kateri Parish welcomes those seeking baptism, Christians from other traditions desiring full communion, and baptized Catholics who were never confirmed or never received First Communion. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly RCIA) meets weekly with sessions typically running six to eight months. Contact Mark Keller at (585) 544-8889 x3129 or [email protected].
- Adults seeking baptism in the Catholic Church
- Baptized Christians from other traditions seeking full communion
- Baptized Catholics who were never confirmed or who have not received First Communion
- Sessions meet weekly; register at first session at no cost
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Year-round Faith Formation programming serves children, youth, families, young adults, and adults through small-group formation, family/intergenerational gatherings, and a variety of ministry opportunities. Children PreK 3 (potty-trained) through 7th grade gather at the Saint Kateri Parish Center September through June.
- Pray and Play — for parents/caregivers with infants to age 3, second Saturday of each month, 9–10 AM at Christ the King (door 2)
- Sacrament Preparation for Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation
- Contact: Anna Steele ([email protected])
Saint Kateri School
Saint Kateri School provides Catholic education for grades prekindergarten through grade 6, continuing the legacy of Catholic education in Irondequoit that dates back to the founding parishes. The school occupies portions of the original Christ the King campus.
Parish Ministries & Community Life
Saint Kateri Parish runs a robust ministry program. The parish Music Ministry has produced anniversary concerts and the 'By Request' liturgical-music series. A Health Ministry loans medical equipment such as canes, crutches, and walkers to anyone in need. Youth and family life are supported by scouting troops (Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts), small faith groups, and family gatherings.
- Music Ministry ('By Request' concerts; Irondequoit Chorale collaborations)
- Health Ministry (loans canes, crutches, walkers)
- Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops
- Rosary Society, Men's Club, festival committees
- Faith Formation small groups and family gatherings
Getting Involved & Contact
Newcomers are invited to register as parish members, request Mass Intentions ($10 suggested offering per intention), arrange memorial donations, or request sacramental records. The parish serves a Catholic population across Irondequoit in the Monroe Central Deanery of the Diocese of Rochester.
- Register to become a parish member
- Request Mass Intentions ($10 suggested offering)
- Drop off weekly offering at church
- Make a memorial donation in honor or memory of someone
- Request sacramental records (for sacramental purposes only)
- Parish Office: 585-544-8880 · [email protected]
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Msgr. Charles J. Mahoney1957–c.1962
First pastor; diocesan schools superintendent who founded four Catholic high schools including Bishop Kearney; died at age 55.
- Father William Schifferlic.1962–1976
Built the convent for the Sisters of St. Joseph who taught at the school.
- Father Thomas B. Mailloux, CSBBasilian era
Eastman School of Music graduate; installed new organ and stained-glass windows; known for home visits to parishioners.
- Father Norman Tanck, CSB2006 (50th anniversary)
Basilian pastor who spoke at the 50th anniversary celebrations.
- Rev. Lance M. Gonyo2019–present (with second six-year term granted 2025)
Current pastor of the merged Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish.