About St. Patrick.Good Shepherd Catholic Community. · Moravia, New York
Good Shepherd Catholic Community (GSCC) is a multi-site Roman Catholic parish in Cayuga County, New York, in the Diocese of Rochester. It was officially formed in 2006 by uniting four historic worship sites — St. Patrick's in Moravia, St. Patrick's in Aurora, St. Michael's in Union Springs, and Our Lady of the Lake in King Ferry — under one parish family serving the Finger Lakes region. Each church retains its own history and architecture while sharing one pastor, staff, Mass schedule, faith formation program, and pastoral council. The community gathers across the four sites for Sunday and weekday Masses, Reconciliation, faith formation for all ages, outreach (including the King Ferry Food Pantry), Vacation Bible School, and the Secular Franciscan Order's Our Lady of the Angels Fraternity.
- Established
- 2006
- Patron
- St. Patrick (Moravia worship site)
- Rector
- Rev. Joseph Maurici
- Diocese
- Diocese of Rochester
Why belong here
Good Shepherd Catholic Community welcomes parishioners and visitors across four historic Finger Lakes worship sites — St. Patrick's in Moravia, St. Patrick's in Aurora, St. Michael's in Union Springs, and Our Lady of the Lake in King Ferry — all sharing one pastor, staff, and faith formation program. The parish offers daily and weekend Mass at multiple sites, regular Confession, Adoration and Benediction after First Friday Mass, a Faith Formation program for children, youth, and adults (including RCIA, sacramental preparation, retreats, and Vacation Bible School), the King Ferry Food Pantry serving Cayuga County, the Bl. Solanus Casey Doorway Ministry for parishioner guidance, and a Secular Franciscan fraternity. As a unified rural parish, GSCC is a place where families and individuals of every background can worship in historic 19th-century churches, find community across the four villages, and grow together in faith.
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 Saturdays, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM at St. Patrick's, Aurora
- Sundays, beginning at 8:00 AM at St. Patrick's, Moravia (before the 8:30 AM Mass)
Adoration times
- Benediction following 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) was officially established in 2006 as one parish uniting four historic worship sites in the Finger Lakes region of New York: St. Patrick's in Moravia, St. Patrick's in Aurora, St. Michael's in Union Springs, and Our Lady of the Lake in King Ferry. The unification was part of a diocesan-wide effort to strengthen and sustain vibrant Catholic life in rural areas of the Diocese of Rochester. Each church retains its unique history and character, but together they share one pastor, staff, Mass schedule, faith formation program, and pastoral council. The parish describes itself as 'one family in faith, united in our commitment to worship God, serve others, and build His kingdom here on earth.'
Our Four Worship Sites
Each of the four worship sites has its own building, congregation, and history. Together they form one parish family sharing Sunday Mass coverage so that Catholics in each village have a local Mass.
- St. Patrick's — Moravia, NY (51 Grove St). Established 1872; current church built 1884. Founded by Irish immigrants; described historically as a 'working man's parish.' Sunday Mass 8:30 AM; Tuesday 9:00 AM.
- St. Patrick's — Aurora, NY (303 Main St). Dedicated 1874; celebrated 150th anniversary in August 2024 with Bishop Salvatore R. Matano. Land was purchased from the Morgan family for $1,000, with the note forgiven for $1. Sunday Mass 9:00 AM (summer) / 12:00 PM (winter).
- St. Michael's — Union Springs, NY (162 Cayuga St). A cornerstone of the Union Springs community for generations. Sunday Mass 4:00 PM; Saturday Vigil 4:00 PM; Thursday 4:00 PM.
- Our Lady of the Lake — King Ferry, NY (8695 State Route 90). Established 1868 by farming families; southernmost worship site. Sunday Mass 10:30 AM; First Friday 9:00 AM followed by Benediction.
History of St. Patrick's, Moravia
The early parishioners of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Moravia were predominantly Irish immigrants who settled in the area during the 19th century. They initially gathered for Mass in private homes before the parish was established in 1872. The community was described as a 'working man's parish,' made up largely of laborers and tradesmen. The current church building was constructed in 1884, featuring a gabled roof, stained glass windows, and a simple yet dignified interior. Located at 51 Grove Street, the church has served as a spiritual and community hub for over a century and continues to serve as a place of worship and fellowship within Good Shepherd Catholic Community.
- Established: 1872
- Current church building constructed: 1884
- Founding community: 19th-century Irish immigrants
- Address: 51 Grove Street, Moravia, NY 13118
Clergy, Staff, and Pastoral Council
The parish is currently led by Rev. Joseph Maurici, who introduced himself on the parish website as the new spiritual father entrusted with this ministry by Bishop Daniel J. Bonnici. Fr. Maurici was ordained June 5, 2021, and previously served as Parochial Vicar in Auburn, Weedsport, and Pittsford. He succeeds Rev. William A. Moorby, who is listed as Pastor on the Diocese of Rochester Pastoral Services Directory. The Parish Office Administrator is Robin Driskel (retiring), with Julie Orman taking over; the Director of Faith Formation is Jon Robson (office at 299 Clark St, Auburn); and the Finance Director is Shawn Gillen-Caryl. The parish is also served by Deacon Dennis Donahue, who coordinates the Bl. Solanus Casey Doorway Ministry, and Fr. Brendan Buckley assists on Sundays at St. Patrick's, Aurora. The Pastoral Council, which meets on the third Thursday of the month, includes elected and appointed lay members, clergy, and committee representatives serving three-year staggered terms.
- Pastor — Rev. Joseph Maurici
- Former Pastor — Rev. William A. Moorby
- Parish Office Administrator — Robin Driskel (transitioning to Julie Orman)
- Director of Faith Formation — Jon Robson (299 Clark St, Auburn, 315-252-7593, [email protected])
- Finance Director — Shawn Gillen-Caryl ([email protected])
- Deacon — Dennis Donahue (Bl. Solanus Casey Doorway Ministry)
- Sunday Assistant — Fr. Brendan Buckley (St. Patrick's, Aurora)
- Parish Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and by appointment
Faith Formation
Faith Formation is at the heart of the parish's mission, guiding individuals and families to deepen their relationship with Christ, grow in understanding of the Catholic faith, and live as disciples. The Director of Faith Formation is Jon Robson; the Faith Formation Office is at 299 Clark Street, Auburn, NY 13021 (315-252-7593, [email protected]). Programs are offered for children, youth, and adults across the multi-site parish. Sacramental preparation covers First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation, and involves both classroom learning and family participation. The 2025–2026 Faith Formation calendar shows classes held at Schrader Hall and St. Patrick's Moravia, Year 1 and Year 2 Confirmation sessions at Sacred Heart Parish Center in Auburn, and family Masses at St. Mary's Auburn.
- Religious Education (Grades K–8)
- Youth Ministry — retreats, service projects, social events, leadership development
- Adult Faith Formation — Bible studies, Catholic traditions, contemporary issues
- RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
- Sacramental Preparation (First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation)
- Small Faith Groups
- Special events: Retreats and Missions, Vacation Bible School, Seasonal Advent/Lent programs, Service & Outreach
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Vacation Bible School is an annual one-week summer ministry of GSCC, each year built around a new theme to help children grow in their Catholic faith through games, storytelling, skits, music, art, crafts, scripture, devotions, virtues, and saint stories. The 2025 program is 'True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World,' running July 20–24, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. It is a continuation of the founding work and legacy of former Faith Formation Director Marilyn Paradise, and is run with the help of parish volunteers.
- VBS 2025: 'True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World'
- Dates: July 20–24, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Contact to volunteer: Robin Driskel, 315-364-7197
Sacraments
GSCC celebrates all seven sacraments across its worship sites. Baptisms and Marriages are arranged through the Parish Office (couples are asked to contact the office at least six months before marriage). The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on a regular schedule (see Mass & Confession section). First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation are prepared through the Faith Formation program. Communion is brought to the sick and homebound upon request, and the Anointing of the Sick is available for the seriously ill — both arranged by calling the Parish Office. The RCIA program welcomes non-Catholics exploring the faith or Catholics completing their sacraments of initiation.
- Baptism — call the Parish Office
- Marriage — six months' notice required
- Reconciliation (Confession) — see regular schedule
- First Communion & First Reconciliation — preparation through Faith Formation
- Confirmation — Year 1 and Year 2 programs
- Anointing of the Sick — call the Parish Office
- Communion for the Sick & Homebound — call the Parish Office
- RCIA — for adults entering or completing initiation
Outreach and Social Ministry
Outreach is a central part of the parish's identity. The King Ferry Food Pantry, run by GSCC, serves Cayuga County on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and by appointment. The parish also runs a 'Fish Bowl' monthly food collection on the First Sunday of each month, supporting local pantries in Union Springs, Moravia, and the King Ferry Food Pantry at SCCS. The Bl. Solanus Casey Doorway Ministry, coordinated by Deacon Dennis Donahue (a NYS licensed mental health counselor), offers free, confidential parishioner guidance, information, and referral for spiritual, emotional, and practical concerns, as well as spiritual guidance for those seeking more intentional discipleship.
- GSCC – King Ferry Food Pantry — 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (and by appointment)
- First Sunday 'Fish Bowl' food collection
- Bl. Solanus Casey Doorway Ministry — Deacon Dennis Donahue, 315-406-1538
- Social Ministry / Emergency Assistance — Donna Cerza, 315-729-4889, [email protected]
Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council serves as a consultative body supporting the pastor in prayerful discernment of the parish's spiritual, pastoral, and administrative needs. It is composed of clergy, elected and appointed lay members, and committee representatives who serve three-year staggered terms. The Council meets on the third Thursday of each month and addresses worship, evangelization, faith formation, outreach, and stewardship. Council members include Paul Nelson (St. Patrick's, Moravia), Jim Orman (St. Patrick's, Aurora), Frank Sciortino (St. Michael's), and others representing Our Lady of the Lake. Kelly Ford and her daughter Abigail serve on the Council (Abigail as Youth Representative and Secretary).
- Meets the Third Thursday of the month
- Advises the pastor
- Promotes parish-wide participation
- Plans for the future — goals, initiatives, priorities
Devotions and Other Services
Beyond Sunday and weekday Masses, GSCC maintains a rich devotional life across its four sites. Adoration and Benediction follow the 9:00 AM First Friday Mass at Our Lady of the Lake in King Ferry. During Lent, Stations of the Cross are prayed at all four sites on different days of the week. The Our Lady of the Angels Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (an 800-year-old lay order founded by St. Francis) meets regularly in Auburn for prayer and study of Franciscan spirituality and welcomes visitors who feel called to this way of life.
- First Friday Benediction — after 9:00 AM Mass, Our Lady of the Lake, King Ferry
- Stations of the Cross — Tue 9:30 AM (Moravia), Tue 6:00 PM (King Ferry), Thu 3:30 PM (Union Springs), Fri 7:00 PM (Aurora)
- Secular Franciscan Order — Our Lady of the Angels Fraternity, meets in Auburn (Bernie Tomasso, 315-246-3440, [email protected])
New Parishioners and Registration
Good Shepherd Catholic Community welcomes new parishioners at all four worship sites. Families are encouraged to register with the parish by contacting the Parish Office for a registration form (forms are also available at each worship site). The parish asks registered families to notify the office of any address changes or family additions/deletions so records stay current. Visitors are invited to introduce themselves to the parish staff.
- Contact the Parish Office for a registration form
- Forms also available at each worship site
- Notify the office of address or family changes
Contact and Visiting
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 line is 315-364-7197. The Moravia site can also be reached at 315-364-7191. Email contacts include [email protected] (former pastor) and [email protected] (Office Administrator). The parish website references a new Facebook Discussion Group for parishioners.
- Parish Office: 299 Main Street, Aurora, NY 13026
- Phone: 315-364-7197
- Office hours: Mon, Tue, Thu — 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and by appointment
- Moravia contact line: 315-364-7191
- Website: https://thegoodshepherd.cc/
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. William A. Moorby
Listed as Pastor of Good Shepherd Catholic Community on the Diocese of Rochester Pastoral Services Directory. His retirement address is 23 Lawrence Avenue, Newark Valley, NY 13811, indicating he has since transitioned from the role.
- Rev. Joseph Maurici2025–present
Introduced himself to the parish on the GSCC website as the new pastor, appointed by Bishop Daniel J. Bonnici. Ordained June 5, 2021; previously Parochial Vicar of St. Mary's in Auburn, SS. Mary and Martha in Auburn, Our Lady of the Snow in Weedsport, and St. Louis in Pittsford.