About Saint Louis Gonzaga [Maronite] · Utica, New York
Saint Louis Gonzaga Maronite Church is a Maronite Catholic parish serving Utica, New York, and the wider Mohawk Valley. Founded in 1910 by Lebanese immigrants from Mount Lebanon, it is the first Maronite Catholic church in New York State west of Albany, and the first Maronite church between the Hudson River and the Great Lakes. The parish belongs to the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn (Maronite Catholic), while sitting geographically within the Roman Diocese of Syracuse. The parish celebrates the Maronite Divine Liturgy in a mixture of English, Arabic, and Syriac, and serves the spiritual, sacramental, and cultural needs of central New York's Maronite faithful.
- Established
- 1910
- Patron
- Saint Aloysius (Louis) Gonzaga
- Rector
- Father Boutros "Maher" El Hachem (Administrator, appointed October 2019)
- Diocese
- Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn (Maronite Catholic); geographically within the Roman Diocese of Syracuse
Why belong here
Saint Louis Gonzaga offers a rare combination of deep Maronite heritage and a welcoming, English-accessible liturgical experience. The Saturday evening Liturgy is primarily in English, the Sunday morning Liturgy blends English, Arabic, and Syriac with translations provided, and all are welcome. The parish supports faithful of every age — through Maronite Christian Formation classes (grades 1–12), a Maronite Youth Organization (ages 12–18), Adult Bible Study, the Mercy Group, and a thriving Sacred Music program — and gathers the community around beloved traditions like the Saint Sharbel and Saint Joseph devotions, Eucharistic Adoration, and signature events such as the Taste of Lebanon and Festival of Baskets.
Mass times at Saint Louis Gonzaga [Maronite]
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
- By appointment
Adoration times
- Thursday 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM (Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament)
Parish History
The Maronite Catholic community of Utica traces its roots to the 1880s, when Lebanese immigrants from Mount Lebanon began settling the Mohawk Valley. Visiting Maronite priests from Lebanon celebrated the liturgy for them, including at St. John's Church in Utica where records note Maronite presence as early as 1885. Father Louis Lotaif arrived in 1907 and ministered to the community from the basement grotto of St. John's until the first Maronite Church in Utica was dedicated on December 18, 1910 at Albany and Elizabeth Streets. The present church at Conkling Avenue and Rutger Street was built 1935–1936 and dedicated November 29, 1936. Successive pastors expanded and renovated the parish, including Father John Andary (pastor 1968–1986), Father Joseph Thomas (elevator, mural, 1986–1991), Father Bassam Saade (administrator from 1993), Chorbishop John D. Faris (2009–2019), and the current administrator, Father Boutros 'Maher' El Hachem (since October 2019).
- Founded 1910 — first Maronite church in New York State west of Albany
- Present church built 1935–1936, dedicated November 29, 1936
- Maronites documented in Utica as early as 1885
- 75th anniversary of parish and 50th anniversary of church celebrated jointly in 1985
- Listed as a Jubilee Church by GCatholic
Clergy & Staff
Father Boutros 'Maher' El Hachem has served as Administrator of Saint Louis Gonzaga Church since October 2019. Born December 16, 1980 in Ain El Hawr, Mount of Lebanon, he is a son of Rameh and Aida El Hachem, with siblings Samer and Samar. He was educated at Sagesse High School and the Lebanese University, earned a baccalaureate in theology and philosophy from Antonine University (Baabda, 2005), and a Master's in Pastoral Management from Saint Joseph University of Beirut (2011). He is assisted by two permanent deacons, Deacon Paul A. Salamy and Deacon Peter M. Hobaica, who serve the liturgical, pastoral, and sacramental life of the parish.
- Father Boutros 'Maher' El Hachem — Pastor / Administrator (315-732-6019)
- Deacon Paul A. Salamy (315-723-0109) — Pastoral Committee Coordinator
- Deacon Peter M. Hobaica (315-797-5464)
- Nicholas Abounader — Music Director (315-335-2239, [email protected])
- James Salamy — Liturgy Committee Chair (315-723-3776)
Liturgy & Worship Schedule
The Maronite Divine Liturgy is the heart of parish life. The Saturday evening Liturgy is celebrated primarily in English, while the Sunday morning Liturgy weaves together English, Arabic, and Syriac, with translation aids available for visitors. Weekday Maronite Liturgy is offered Tuesday through Friday at 9:00 AM. On Holy Days of Obligation the parish gathers at 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM. Eucharistic Adoration is offered every Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, and two beloved devotions punctuate the month — the Saint Sharbel devotion on the 22nd of each month and the Saint Joseph devotion on the fourth Saturday at 3:40 PM.
- Saturday 4:00 PM Liturgy (primarily English)
- Sunday 10:00 AM Liturgy (English / Arabic / Syriac)
- Tuesday–Friday 9:00 AM Daily Liturgy
- Holy Days 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM
- Confessions Saturday 3:15–3:45 PM and by appointment
- Adoration Thursdays 9:30–10:30 AM
- Saint Sharbel devotion: 22nd of each month
- Saint Joseph devotion: 4th Saturday at 3:40 PM
Sacred Music
The Sacred Music program is described by the parish as one of its most important pastoral programs: the Maronite Liturgy is intimately tied to its hymn tradition, and the chant sung at Liturgy forms the basis of the worshipping experience. The Choir of Saint Louis Gonzaga Church is regularly looking for new members to build its ranks and enhance the divine worship of the parish. Music Director Nicholas Abounader leads both the English and Arabic choirs that serve the Liturgy.
- Music Director: Nicholas Abounader (315-335-2239)
- English Choir
- Arabic Choir
- Choir recruitment ongoing
Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee coordinates all facets of liturgical celebration at the parish. Its responsibilities include assessing the liturgical needs of the parish (music, participation, ministers, décor); short- and long-term liturgical planning in conformity with the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, particular law of the Maronite Church, and parish custom; forming and educating committee members and parishioners in liturgy; and periodically updating position descriptions for all liturgical ministers.
- Chair: James Salamy (315-723-3776, [email protected])
- Members include Director of Liturgy, Pastoral Team, Sacristan, Lector Coordinator, Acolytes Leader, English and Arabic Choir Directors
- Meets monthly as arranged
Sacramental Life
From the Divine Liturgy to baptisms, funerals, morning and evening prayer, and devotionals, the sacramental life of Saint Louis Gonzaga is a vibrant center of Maronite worship. The parish offers Baptism and Chrismation (administered together as the Mysteries of Initiation in the Eastern tradition, using Sacred Chrism consecrated by the Patriarch or Bishop during Passion Week), the Mystery of Crowning (Marriage), the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, and Christian burial.
- Baptism and Chrismation — request via baptismal form
- Crowning (Marriage) — Saturdays at 1:00 PM; 6-month preparation including Pre-Cana and three meetings with the priest
- Reconciliation — Saturday 3:15–3:45 PM and by appointment
- Anointing of the Sick / hospital & shut-in visits arranged through the Parish House
- Funerals and Christian burial
Marriage Preparation
Couples preparing for the Mystery of Crowning are asked to contact the rectory at least six months before their planned date. The pastor walks couples through required diocesan paperwork for the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, schedules three marriage preparation sessions, and directs them to a Pre-Cana program. Required documents include recently issued baptismal certificates with raised seal (issued within 6 months), a Pre-Cana certificate, an official New York State marriage license obtained within 60 days of the wedding, and any prior-marriage documentation. Sacred music is required at the wedding; the parish music director coordinates prelude, communion, and postlude music. Weddings cannot be celebrated during Lent, Holy Week, Easter, or Christmas, and ordinarily take place on Saturdays at 1:00 PM.
- 6-month preparation timeline
- Three meetings with the priest
- Pre-Cana Conference required
- Sacrament of Reconciliation expected before the wedding
- Ordinarily celebrated Saturdays at 1:00 PM
Baptism and Chrismation
In the Maronite tradition, Baptism is the first Mystery of Initiation: through immersion or pouring of water in the name of the Trinity, the baptized are made children of God, members of the Body of Christ, and cleansed of sin — receiving the 'robe of glory' lost by Adam and Eve. Chrismation follows, anointing the newly baptized with Sacred Chrism (Myron) perfumed with aromatic spices and consecrated by the Patriarch or Bishop during Passion Week at the end of Great Lent. As in Old Testament times when prophets, kings, and priests were anointed, so the newly baptized are set apart to offer worship to the Lord God.
- Baptismal request form available on the parish website
- Chrismation with Sacred Chrism (Myron)
- Anointing sets the faithful apart for sacred purpose and strengthens against sin
Faith Formation
The parish's Maronite Christian Formation program gathers children and adults for ongoing catechesis. Children in grades 1–6 meet weekly on Sunday morning at 9:00 AM, while grades 7–12 meet bimonthly on Sunday morning at 9:00 AM, with dates published in the bulletin and on the parish website. Adult formation includes an Adult Bible Study (Sunday mornings before Liturgy), the Mercy Group (Wednesday mornings after Liturgy, with faith-based films, catechetical programming, or discussion of current events), Sacramental Preparation for couples preparing for marriage or baptism, and Ongoing Formation with occasional parish-hosted speakers.
- Grades 1–6 — weekly Sunday 9:00 AM
- Grades 7–12 — bimonthly Sunday 9:00 AM
- Adult Bible Study — Sunday mornings before Liturgy
- Mercy Group — Wednesday mornings after Liturgy
- Sacramental Preparation for marriage and baptism
- Ongoing Formation — visiting speakers announced via website, social media, and bulletin
Organizations & Community Life
Saint Louis Gonzaga has a number of vibrant parish organizations that form the beating heart of the parish, from liturgical ministries such as the choir and acolytes to the Maronite Young Adults and Maronite Youth Organization, and to event committees for the Taste of Lebanon and Festival of Baskets. The Pastoral Committee coordinates the parish's pastoral and family life, and includes the Family Life Committee, Liturgy Committee, Faith Formation Committee, and Communications Committee.
- Maronite Youth Organization (MYO) — ages 12–18, monthly meetings, Advisor Lisa Barkett (315-723-0556); opportunity to attend a national youth conference each year
- Maronite Young Adults
- Choir and Acolytes (Liturgical ministries)
- Taste of Lebanon event committee
- Festival of Baskets event committee
- Pastoral Committee (Coordinator: Deacon Paul Salamy, 315-732-5241)
Contact & Visit
Saint Louis Gonzaga Maronite Church is located at 520 Rutger Street, Utica, NY 13501. Parish House office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The parish can be reached by phone at (315) 732-6019 or by fax at (315) 732-6018. Email inquiries may be sent to [email protected]. The parish welcomes new and visiting families; registration can be completed by calling the Parish House.
- Address: 520 Rutger Street, Utica, NY 13501
- Telephone: (315) 732-6019
- Fax: (315) 732-6018
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Parish registration by phone
Frequently Asked Questions
The parish website answers several questions commonly asked by newcomers to an Eastern Catholic parish.
- The parish is led by the Maronite Bishop of the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn, not the Bishop of Syracuse, though the two dioceses have a fraternal working relationship.
- Visitors who only speak English can follow the Liturgy easily — the Saturday evening Liturgy is primarily in English; the Sunday morning Liturgy mixes English, Arabic, and Syriac, with translation aids provided.
- All are welcome at the Liturgy.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Louis Lotaif1907 – May 1929
Founding pastor; celebrated first Maronite Liturgy at St. John's Church grotto; oversaw construction of first church (1910).
- Father Ignatius SayeghJune 1929 – January 1930
- Father Peter AshkarFebruary 1930 – August 1931
- Father Peter SfeirDecember 1931 – April 1933
- Father Francis LahoudApril 1933 –
Acting pastor; construction manager for the present 1936 church; later appointed pastor by Bishop Duffy.
- Father John Andary1964 – 1986 (pastor 1968–1986)
Assistant pastor from 1964; appointed pastor 1968 by Bishop Zayek; retired 1986; oversaw rectory addition, painting, side entrance, parking lot, heating system.
- Father Joseph Thomas1986 – December 1991
Came from Fayetteville, NC; installed elevator and painted sanctuary mural.
- Father Peter Karamuntil August 1992
Interim pastor.
- Father Louis BazAugust 1992 – August 1993
- Father Bassam Saadefrom August 1993
Administrator.
- Chorbishop John D. Faris, J.C.O.D.June 1, 2009 – 2019
Appointed by Bishop Gregory J. Mansour; former Chancellor/Vicar General of the Eparchy and Deputy Secretary General of CNEWA; canon lawyer and lecturer at The Catholic University of America.
- Father Boutros "Maher" El HachemOctober 2019 – present
Born Dec 16, 1980 in Ain El Hawr, Mount of Lebanon; educated at Sagesse High School, Lebanese University, Antonine University (Baabda), and Saint Joseph University (Beirut).