About Latin Mass Community at St. Thomas the Apostle Church (St. Kateri Parish) · Rochester, New York
The Latin Mass Community at St. Thomas the Apostle Church (St. Kateri Parish) in Irondequoit, Rochester, NY, offers both the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms of the Roman Rite. It is a rapidly growing community rooted in Catholic tradition, featuring classical music, Marian devotion, and a robust faith formation program. The parish provides Sunday Masses in English (9:00 AM) and Latin (11:15 AM), along with Eucharistic Adoration, after-Mass social hours, and various ministries including Latin Schola, Men & Women’s Groups, and summer Bible camps. It is part of the Diocese of Rochester and serves as a spiritual home for those seeking traditional worship.
- Established
- 1988
- Patron
- St. Kateri Tekakwitha
- Rector
- Fr. Lance Gonyo
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
Why belong here
Join a community that values traditional Catholic worship, classical music, and Marian devotion. Experience one of the largest faith formation programs in the Diocese of Rochester, participate in Eucharistic Adoration, enjoy after-Mass social hours, and engage with vibrant ministries like Latin Schola, Men & Women’s Groups, and summer Bible camps. You’ll find a welcoming, spiritually rich environment rooted in history and tradition.
Mass times at Latin Mass Community at St. Thomas the Apostle Church (St. Kateri Parish)
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- After both Sunday Masses
- Every 1st Sunday of the Month (Fr. Bonsignore)
Adoration times
- Monday through Friday, 9am to 10pm
History
The Latin Mass Community at St. Thomas the Apostle Church began offering the Extraordinary Form of the Mass in 1988, following Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter. Initially celebrated at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, it moved to St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Irondequoit in the 1990s, where it now holds Sunday Masses at 11:15 AM. The parish is part of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish and has grown significantly under the pastoral supervision of Fr. Lance Gonyo and Fr. Dennis Bonsignore. Bishop Salvatore R. Matano of Rochester supported the move to Sunday mornings to accommodate the community’s needs.
Ministries
The parish offers a wide range of ministries including Latin Schola & Choir, Men & Women’s Groups, Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, Faith Formation, Knights of Columbus, and Volunteers/Lectors & Church Envelopes. These ministries foster community, spiritual growth, and service.
- Latin Schola & Choir
- Men & Women’s Group
- Eucharistic Adoration Chapel
- Faith Formation
- Knights of Columbus
- Volunteers/Lectors & Church Envelopes
Mass & Sacraments
Sunday Masses are offered in English (9:00 AM) and Latin (11:15 AM). Confessions are available after both Masses every Sunday, and on the first Sunday of each month with Fr. Bonsignore. Baptism, Penance, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick are available through the parish.
- Sunday Mass (English 9:00 AM)
- Sunday Mass (Latin 11:15 AM)
- Confession after both Masses
- Baptism
- Penance (Reconciliation)
- Eucharist
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Anointing of the Sick
Community Events
The parish hosts a variety of community events including Story-time on the Lawn (every Friday at 7pm), Community Garage Sale (July 17-18), Summer Bible camps, Children’s reading hours, and Pilgrimages. These events foster fellowship and spiritual growth.
- Story-time on the Lawn (every Friday at 7pm)
- Community Garage Sale (July 17-18)
- Summer Bible camps
- Children’s reading hours
- Pilgrimages
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Paul English, CSB1990s
Pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle Church when the Latin Mass was first established there.
- Fr. Lance Gonyo
Current pastor of St. Kateri Parish; supported the growth of the Latin Mass Community.