About St. Leo the Great · Amherst, New York
St. Leo the Great Parish in Amherst, New York, is a vibrant Catholic community rooted in over 70 years of faith and service, established in 1953. It offers a full range of sacraments, ministries, and educational programs for all ages, with a strong emphasis on family, community, and spiritual growth. The parish is known for its historic church, active youth and adult programs, and its new parish center designed to serve as a hub for worship, education, and social events. It is a Station Church with a Holy Door of Mercy, reflecting its deep commitment to mercy and pastoral care.
- Established
- 1953
- Patron
- Leo the Great
- Rector
- Rev. David Bellittiere
- Diocese
- Diocese of Buffalo
Why belong here
Join a parish that nurtures faith through weekly Mass, sacraments, and vibrant ministries for all ages. Experience community through events like the annual parish picnic, faith formation programs, and the new parish center offering banquet space, a teaching kitchen, and recreation areas. The parish also supports outreach through initiatives like the Maui Collection and the Relish Your Dish nutrition program, fostering both spiritual and physical well-being.
Mass times at St. Leo the Great
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- After the 4:00 PM Mass on the first Saturday of the month
Adoration times
- 8:00 AM Daily Mass, Adoration, and private devotion
About St. Leo the Great
Established in 1953, St. Leo the Great Parish began with Masses held in fields and parking lots before moving into a school basement chapel. The first church was dedicated in December 1971, following construction that began in 1970. The parish has seen several pastors, including Rev. Clatus E. Snyder (first), Fr. Patrick J. Dineen (second), Msgr. William McDonnell (third), and Msgr. Robert E. Zapfel (fourth, appointed in 2002). Major milestones include the opening of the school in 1954, the 1970 fire that destroyed the bowling alleys (Leo Lanes), and the 2024 groundbreaking for a new parish center. The parish also hosted a Holy Door of Mercy during the Extraordinary Jubilee Year.
Ministries & Programs
The parish offers a wide range of ministries and programs for all ages, including Faith Formation (Religious Education), Stewardship, and the Relish Your Dish nutrition program. Community events like the annual parish picnic and the Maui Collection reflect the parish’s commitment to service and outreach. The new parish center, under construction in 2024, will include a banquet room, teaching kitchen, and recreation area for all age groups.
- Faith Formation (Religious Education)
- Stewardship
- Relish Your Dish (nutrition and cooking)
- Parish Picnic
- Maui Collection
- Parish Roof Campaign
Sacraments & Devotions
Sacraments are offered regularly, including Baptism (usually on Sundays at noon by appointment), Anointing of the Sick (administered at home or after the 4:00 PM Mass on the first Saturday of the month), and Confession. Daily Mass and Adoration are held at 8:00 AM, and weekend Masses are livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
- Baptism
- Anointing of the Sick
- Confession
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Clatus E. Snyder1953
First pastor
- Fr. Patrick J. Dineen1961
Second pastor
- Msgr. William McDonnell1978–2002
Third pastor; died suddenly in 2002
- Msgr. Robert E. Zapfel2002–present
Fourth pastor; appointed April 8, 2002