About St. Mary, Holy Family Catholic Community · Dansville, New York
Holy Family Catholic Community is a merged parish serving multiple locations including Dansville, Wayland, Perkinsville, and Cohocton in New York. It is led by Pastor Father John Gathenya, who joined the community in 2021 after serving other parishes in the Diocese of Rochester. The parish emphasizes faith formation for children, family involvement, and living out the Great Commandment through love of God and neighbor. It is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester and operates under the patronage of Sacred Heart, St. Joseph, St. Pius V, and St. Mary.
- Established
- 2021
- Patron
- Sacred Heart | St. Joseph | St. Pius V | St. Mary
- Rector
- Father John Gathenya
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
Why belong here
The parish offers a strong emphasis on faith formation for children, with programs designed to support parents as the primary educators of faith. It encourages active participation in parish life, including Sunday Mass, prayer, and charitable works. The community values shared experiences, age-appropriate learning, and a supportive environment rooted in Catholic values.
About Our Parish
Holy Family Catholic Community is a merged parish serving multiple locations including Dansville, Wayland, Perkinsville, and Cohocton in New York. It is led by Pastor Father John Gathenya, who joined the community in 2021 after serving other parishes in the Diocese of Rochester. The parish emphasizes faith formation for children, family involvement, and living out the Great Commandment through love of God and neighbor. It is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester and operates under the patronage of Sacred Heart, St. Joseph, St. Pius V, and St. Mary.
Pastoral Team
Father John Gathenya is the current pastor. He was ordained in Kenya in 1986 and became a U.S. citizen in 2012. He previously served parishes including Our Lady of the Lakes (Penn Yan), Our Lady of the Snow (Weedsport, Cato, Port Byron), and Holy Family, Auburn. He succeeded Fr. Stephen Karani, who served for 18 years and left a legacy of Christian dignity and leadership.
Faith Formation
Faith formation is the top priority for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The program is designed to supplement faith formation at home and emphasizes Gospel values, deepening relationships with Jesus, compassion, and active participation in parish life. Parents are encouraged to take an active role, including attending Mass weekly and Confession monthly, praying daily with children, and continuing their own faith formation.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Stephen Karani18 years
Left legacy of Christian dignity and leadership; predecessor to Father John Gathenya.