About St. Patrick. Good Shepherd Catholic Community. · Aurora, New York
Good Shepherd Catholic Community (GSCC) is a multi-site Roman Catholic parish in the Diocese of Rochester serving the rural Finger Lakes region of New York, principally Cayuga County. It unites four historic worship sites under one faith family: St. Patrick's in Aurora, St. Patrick's in Moravia, St. Michael's in Union Springs, and Our Lady of the Lake in King Ferry. The Aurora site — the one most commonly searched — is St. Patrick's Catholic Church, a 19th-century Italianate church on Main Street overlooking Cayuga Lake, dedicated in 1874 and still in continuous worship 150 years later. The community was officially constituted as a single parish in 2006, pooling the resources, traditions and pastoral life of the four communities to sustain vibrant Catholic life in this rural area. Today the parish is led by Rev. William A. Moorby (Pastor) with Fr. Joseph Maurici appointed as Parochial Administrator beginning June 30, 2025.
- Established
- 1874 (St. Patrick's, Aurora dedicated); 2006 (Good Shepherd Catholic Community established as a unified parish)
- Patron
- St. Patrick
- Rector
- Rev. William A. Moorby (Pastor); Fr. Joseph Maurici appointed Parochial Administrator beginning June 30, 2025, succeeding Fr. Moorby. Fr. Brendan Buckley assists on Sundays at Aurora.
- Diocese
- Diocese of Rochester
Why belong here
Good Shepherd Catholic Community is one parish with four welcoming worship sites spread across the Finger Lakes, so there is almost always a Mass nearby and a community ready to greet you. The parish combines deep local roots — Aurora's St. Patrick's alone dates to 1874 — with the practical strength of a unified Catholic family that shares clergy, faith formation, and outreach like the King Ferry Food Pantry. From faith formation for children and youth, to RCIA for adults exploring the Church, to a Doorway Ministry offering free confidential spiritual and practical guidance, GSCC offers real ways to grow in faith and serve neighbors. Whether you are a lifelong Catholic, returning after time away, or simply curious, you will find a place here.
Mass times at St. Patrick. Good Shepherd Catholic Community.
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- First Fridays, 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM at Our Lady of the Lake, King Ferry (before First Friday Mass & Benediction)
- First Saturday, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM at St. Michael's, Union Springs
- First Saturday, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM at St. Patrick's, Aurora
- Sundays, beginning at 8:00 AM at St. Patrick's, Moravia (before 8:30 AM Mass)
Adoration times
- Benediction follows the 9:00 AM First Friday Mass at Our Lady of the Lake, King Ferry
About Good Shepherd Catholic Community
Good Shepherd Catholic Community (GSCC) is a single Roman Catholic parish in the Diocese of Rochester that brings together four historic worship sites in the Finger Lakes region of New York: St. Patrick's in Aurora, St. Patrick's in Moravia, St. Michael's in Union Springs, and Our Lady of the Lake in King Ferry. The parish was officially established in 2006 as part of a diocesan-wide effort to strengthen and sustain vibrant Catholic life in rural areas, pooling the resources, gifts, and pastoral care of the four communities while preserving each church's individual character and history. Today GSCC is committed to fostering love, service, and belonging — worshiping God, serving neighbors, and building the kingdom of God here in the Finger Lakes.
- Four worship sites united as one parish
- Established 2006 under the Diocese of Rochester
- Guided by the belief that the parish can better serve the spiritual, educational, and pastoral needs of its members by sharing resources
St. Patrick's Church, Aurora
St. Patrick's is the Aurora worship site of Good Shepherd Catholic Community, located at 303 Main Street overlooking the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. The current church was dedicated in 1874, designed in the Italianate architectural style typical of 19th-century ecclesiastical buildings, and built beginning in 1872 by Irish-immigrant stonemason Martin Maloney and his crew. The parish celebrated the church's 150th anniversary in August 2024 with a Mass presided over by Bishop Salvatore R. Matano. The 150-year story includes the famous $1,000-then-$1 land sale from the Morgan family — a gesture that has come to symbolize Aurora's enduring ecumenical harmony between Catholics and Protestants.
- Address: 303 Main Street, Aurora, NY 13026
- Dedicated 1874 by Bishop Bernard J. McQuaid
- Italianate architectural style
- 150th anniversary celebrated August 11, 2024 with Bishop Matano
Other Worship Sites in the Parish
Three sister churches complete the Good Shepherd Catholic Community. St. Patrick's in Moravia, at 51 Grove Street, was established in 1872 and began with Masses in private homes before its current building was constructed in 1884; it is described as a spiritual home for generations of Catholics in the heart of Moravia. St. Michael's in Union Springs, at 162 Cayuga Street, is cherished for its deep-rooted history and dedicated parishioners. Our Lady of the Lake in King Ferry, on NY-90, is set amid the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes and provides a serene setting for worship and reflection.
- St. Patrick's, Moravia – 51 Grove Street (established 1872, current building 1884)
- St. Michael's, Union Springs – 162 Cayuga Street
- Our Lady of the Lake, King Ferry – 8695 State Route 90
Clergy and Staff
The parish is currently led by Rev. William A. Moorby as Pastor, with Fr. Joseph Maurici appointed as Parochial Administrator effective June 30, 2025. Fr. Brendan Buckley assists on Sundays at the Aurora site, and Deacon Dennis Donahue coordinates the Bl. Solanus Casey Doorway Ministry. The Parish Office is staffed by Office Administrator Robin Driskel, with Julie Orman joining as her successor during a transition. Faith Formation is directed by Jon Robson (office in Auburn), and the Regional Finance Director is Shawn Gillen-Caryl.
- Rev. William A. Moorby – Pastor
- Fr. Joseph Maurici – Parochial Administrator (effective June 30, 2025)
- Fr. Brendan Buckley – Sunday celebrant, Aurora
- Deacon Dennis Donahue – Doorway Ministry
- Robin Driskel – retiring Office Administrator
- Julie Orman – incoming Office Administrator
- Jon Robson – Director of Faith Formation
- Shawn Gillen-Caryl – Regional Finance Director
Pastoral Council
A Pastoral Council represents the four worship sites and guides parish life in collaboration with the pastor. Members are drawn from each church and include a youth representative.
- Paul Nelson – St. Patrick's, Moravia
- Jim Orman – St. Patrick's, Aurora
- Frank Sciortino – St. Michael's
- John Miller – St. Patrick's, Aurora
- Kelly Ford – St. Patrick's, Moravia
- Marcia Slocum – Our Lady of the Lake, King Ferry
- Tom Powers
- Chris Montreuil – St. Patrick's, Moravia (newly selected)
- Mike Groth – St. Patrick's, Aurora (newly selected)
- Peter Paradise – St. Michael's, Union Springs (newly selected)
- Abby Ford – St. Patrick's, Moravia (Youth representative, continuing)
Faith Formation
Faith Formation is at the heart of Good Shepherd Catholic Community's mission, guiding individuals and families to deepen their relationship with Christ and live as disciples. Directed by Jon Robson, the program offers Religious Education for Grades K–8, Sacramental Preparation (First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation), Youth Ministry with retreats and service projects, RCIA for adults, Adult Faith Formation through Bible studies and topical workshops, Small Faith Groups, and family-friendly events. Special annual offerings include Vacation Bible School (this year: 'True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World,' July 20–24, 9 AM – 12 PM), Advent and Lenten seasonal programs, and parish retreats. The Faith Formation Office is located at 299 Clark Street, Auburn, NY 13021 (315-252-7593).
- Religious Education (Grades K–8)
- Sacramental Preparation
- Youth Ministry
- RCIA
- Adult Faith Formation (retreats, Bible studies)
- Small Faith Groups
- Vacation Bible School (annual summer week)
- Family Involvement opportunities
Sacraments
The parish celebrates all the usual sacraments and provides clear pathways for those preparing to receive them. Couples preparing for marriage are asked to contact the parish office at least six months in advance. Baptisms are scheduled by appointment. The Anointing of the Sick and Communion for the Sick and Homebound are available by calling the parish office. RCIA welcomes non-Catholics who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith, and Sacramental Preparation programs are offered for children and youth preparing for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.
- Baptism – by appointment
- Marriage – six-month notice required
- Reconciliation – see confession schedule
- First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation preparation
- Anointing of the Sick and Communion for the Sick/Homebound
- RCIA for adults
Outreach and Social Ministry
Good Shepherd Catholic Community lives out the Gospel through several outreach ministries. The King Ferry Food Pantry serves Cayuga County and is open the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and by appointment. The Social Ministry / Emergency Assistance program provides help in times of need, and the Bl. Solanus Casey Doorway Ministry (coordinated by Deacon Dennis Donahue) offers free, confidential guidance, information, referral, and spiritual direction to individuals, couples, and families. Each First Sunday of the month, parishioners are invited to take a slip from the Fish Bowl, purchase the listed item, and return it the next weekend for distribution to local food pantries in Union Springs, Moravia, and the KFFP at SCCS.
- King Ferry Food Pantry – 1st & 3rd Saturdays 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Bl. Solanus Casey Doorway Ministry – Deacon Dennis Donahue, 315-406-1538
- Social Ministry / Emergency Assistance – contact Donna Cerza (315-729-4889) or the parish office
- First Sunday Food Pantry collection
Office, Contact, and Getting Involved
The Parish Office is located at 299 Main Street, Aurora, NY 13026, and is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and by appointment. The main phone number is (315) 364-7197. New parishioners are warmly welcomed and asked to introduce themselves to the parish staff; registration forms are available at each worship site and from the office. The parish is supported by volunteers who count collections, assist with the Food Pantry, teach Faith Formation, lead Small Faith Groups, and help with the annual Vacation Bible School. Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to contact the parish office.
- Parish Office: 299 Main Street, Aurora, NY 13026
- Phone: (315) 364-7197
- Office hours: Mon, Tue, Thu 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and by appointment
- New parishioner registration available
- Volunteer opportunities: collection counters, Faith Formation, Food Pantry, VBS
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. William A. MoorbyCurrent pastor; appointed by Bishop Salvatore R. Matano
Resides in Newark Valley, NY (23 Lawrence Avenue). Announced transition with Fr. Joseph Maurici.
- Fr. Joseph MauriciEffective June 30, 2025
Grew up outside Rochester; studied English at Mercyhurst University; entered seminary in 2014; ordained June 5, 2021 at St. John's Seminary, Boston. Served as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary's Auburn, SS. Mary and Martha Auburn, Our Lady of the Snow Weedsport, and St. Louis Pittsford before appointment by Bishop Bonnici.