Patrick Place

Together in Faith: Supporting the Mission of St Martin de Porres Parish

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:28:58 GMT

Together in Faith: Supporting the Mission of St. Martin de Porres Parish

Dear Parish Family,

As we begin a new fiscal year ( 2026–2027 ), I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your extraordinary generosity and faithful support of our parish. Because of your continued commitment, our parish remains on solid financial footing. However, we still rely on your ongoing generosity to sustain our ministries, maintain our facilities, and continue serving our community. Below, you will find the various sources of parish income, along with the different ways you can continue to support St Martin de Porres Parish.

Weekly contributions

Your Sunday offertory is the primary source of support for our parish and its ministries. If you are able, we invite you to prayerfully consider increasing your weekly offertory gift, even by a small amount. Every additional dollar helps sustain our parish and strengthen our mission in the community. Thank you for sharing your blessings.

Second Collections

Throughout the year, parishes are typically asked by the Diocese of Rochester to conduct 14 mandatory second collections. After careful consideration, I have decided to reduce the number of formal second collections taken during Mass to only four each year. These collections will be dedicated exclusively to the needs of our parish:

§ Two second collections for our parish Cemeteries.

§ Two second collections for Building and Grounds maintenance and improvements.

Parishioners who wish to continue supporting the Diocese through its special collections are warmly encouraged to do so. Donations may be made online or by placing the designated envelopes or cash in the collection baskets located at the back of each church. The practice of taking a formal second collection during Mass (passing the basket a second time) for diocesan appeals will be discontinued. This change allows us to reserve second collections for the needs of our own parish, particularly our cemeteries, our buildings and grounds, and other parish initiatives as needed.

Patrick Place and Livingston Co. Catholic Charities

Beginning in January 2027, envelopes for Patrick Place and Catholic Charities will no longer be included in our parish envelope packets. Parishioners are encouraged to continue supporting these worthy organizations by making donations directly to them rather than through St. Martin de Porres Parish.

Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA)

I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to last year’s Catholic Ministries Appeal. Because of your generosity, our parish successfully reached its diocesan goal, helping to support the many ministries that serve people throughout the Diocese. As our parish’s CMA goal will increase again in September ( $107.000 ), I hope you will prayerfully consider continuing your generous support.

Repairs and major projects

As faithful stewards of the Church, we are committed to preserving and maintaining our worship sites, so they remain safe and beautiful places of worship for years to come. We are currently undertaking essential repairs and major improvement projects that will strengthen our facilities and better serve our parishioners now and in the future.

We are especially grateful to the many parishioners who have generously contributed toward the restoration of the stained-glass windows at St. Mary’s Church. Thanks to your generosity, we have $73,383.54 in a restricted account designated for this project. While the total restoration cost is higher than anticipated, we are actively seeking more affordable options to make this important work possible. We also extend our thanks to a parishioner whose extraordinary generosity has made a significant contribution toward the sidewalk repair project at St. Mary’s. That gift is a wonderful example of faithful stewardship and love for our parish community.

We humbly invite you to prayerfully consider making a gift in support of important projects in the parish. No donation is too small—every contribution is a meaningful investment in the future of our parish and a reflection of our shared commitment to caring for God’s house.

Fundraisers

These events provide vital supplemental financial support for our parish. More than just fundraisers, they are opportunities to come together in fellowship, share our God-given gifts, and celebrate the spirit of our parish family.

As we look ahead to future events, I encourage everyone to take part and help make these occasions a success. Whether you can volunteer your time, assist with preparations, help during the event, donate supplies, or simply attend and show your support, your involvement truly makes a difference. We also ask you to let us know how you would like to contribute. Share your skills and talents or connect us with businesses and organizations that may be interested in supporting our parish.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Annual Church Sale Committee and to all the dedicated volunteers whose hard work made last year's fundraiser such a success. Every gift of time, talent, and generosity strengthens our family and enables us to continue our mission of serving our community. Together, we can accomplish great things.

Bequests

Finally, your will is a meaningful way to make a charitable gift of lasting value to St Martin de Porres Parish. Through a bequest provision, you can designate a specific amount of money, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate after other bequests are satisfied. Adding a codicil to an existing will is a simple process that begins by making your intentions known to your attorney.

Thank you once again for your generosity, your faith, and your continued support of our parish community. May God bless you and your families abundantly.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Carlos

2026 Parish Annual Sale

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:03:50 GMT

2026 Annual Parish Sale Details

Donations will be accepted at the 3-bay garage on the St. Mary’s campus on Mon, Tues & Thurs mornings from 9-11am and Tues & Thurs evenings 5-7pm beginning May 4 thru June 2; and on two Saturdays, May 16 & May 30 9-11am. No donation collection on Mon, 5/25 (Memorial Day). Please donate clean, usable items in working condition.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: clothing, large exercise equipment, TVs/computers, baby safety items, VHS & cassette tapes and large heavy furniture. Larger items (i.e.patio furniture) will be accepted at the end of May. Contact Mary Kiessling at 585-474-3006 to verify acceptance of any questionable donation items or to request a pick up.

Volunteers – We need many helpers throughout donation intake, sorting, set up, sale and tear down days. Invite a spouse or a friend to come along to work a shift(s) with you or come alone and make new friends. It’s both rewarding and fun! Please sign up at Signupgenius.com using 2026 St. Martin de Porres Sale or by calling Mary Kiessling at 585-474-3006. All help is welcome and very much appreciated.

Lent 2026

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:49:02 GMT

Spend Lent with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN in Wilderness Within!

Join Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, on a transformative Lenten journey to open your heart and embrace the healing power of God’s love. Together, you’ll gently peel back the hardened layers around your heart, making room for God’s love to fill, expand, and overflow within you. As this love transforms you, let it flow into the world, deepening your connection with the body of Christ.

Sr. Josephine will guide you in exploring the interior wilderness of your heart, inviting Jesus to bring his healing love into every corner of your life.

Finance Report 2025

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:15:28 GMT

2025 Financial Presentation and Report

Our Financial Report for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year (FY) that ended on June 30, 2025

To the parishioners of St. Martin de Porres,

My name is Peter Lent and I am a member of the Finance Council for the St. Martin de Porres Parish. At the Masses this weekend I will be presenting the Council’s Financial Report for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year (FY) which ended on June 30, 2025.

There is a 2-page insert in this week’s Parish Bulletin that provides a summary of the Parish’s financial status at the end of the 2024-2025 FY and compares it with the financial status at the end of the previous 2023-2024 FY.

On Page 1 of the Insert is a Balance Sheet that lists value of our total Assets and Liabilities at the end of both Fiscal Years. Assets include both Current Assets (e.g. Bank Accounts) and Non-Current Assets (like our Investments, which can be both unrestricted (like our money in the Diocesan Communis Fund) and donor restricted (like the Stain Glass Window Fund for St. Mary’s).

Examples of Liabilities are: Accounts Payable, Employee Benefits (e.g. Pension Accrual), and Second Collection donations.

A review of the Balance Sheet shows:

- There was an increase in Parish Assets and a reduction in Liabilities in 2024-2025 FY compared to the previous FY. The assets increased due to gains in our investments.

- Our liabilities are not as much of a concern because nearly all are accounts payable, which are short-term in nature, and we have the funds to pay them. Also, our Parish holds no debt.

As a whole, the balance sheet reflects a parish in good financial health.

Page 2 of the Insert is a Statement of Receipts and Expenditures. It includes a Table and 2 Pie Charts.

The Table includes information on the categories of Receipts and Expenditures related to normal operating activities for the Parish and compares these for both the Fiscal Years. In addition, the Table also compares Non-Operating Revenues and Expenses for both fiscal years. See Note * at the bottom of Page 2 that gives examples of what kind of revenues and expenses would be considered as Non-Operating.

The Pie Charts contain information from only the 2024-2025 FY.

One chart shows the relative contributions of various groups of revenue sources to the Total Operating Revenue, where the majority of revenue came from the Regular Collections category.

The other chart shows the relative contribution of various categories of expenses to the Total Operating Expense, where the majority of expenditures came from the Salaries/Benefits category.

The following was found when the Operating Revenues and the Operating Expenses for 2024-2025 FY was compared to the previous fiscal year.

Operating Revenue

- In 2024-2025 FY, the Regular Collections increased 11% over Regular Collections in the previous Fiscal Year. The Regular Collections category includes: at Mass Regular Collections, E-Giving Collections, General Maintenance Collections, and Holy Days Collections.

- With the exception of Easter, all categories within Regular Collections increased compared to the previous Fiscal Year. Most notable was E-Giving collections that increased 15% and General Maintenance collections (Building & Grounds envelopes) that increased 114% (from $12,000 in the previous Fiscal Year to $ 26,000 in 2024-2025 FY.

Operating Expenditures

- Compared to 2023-2024 FY, the 2024-2025 FY Operating Expenses had:

- lower Total Operating Expenses due to lower expenses for Salaries/Benefits and Building & Maintenance.

- All other Expenditure categories were higher than in previous year

- In terms of Budget details related to Building & Maintenance, the following line items were over budget by amount indicated: Utilities budget $3,000; Snow Removal $ 1,000; and Building Repairs $ 8,000.

Net Operating Surplus/Deficit is calculated by subtracting Total Operating Expenditures from Total Operating Revenue. (Total Operating Revenue - Total Operating Expenditures = Net Operating Surplus or Deficit.)

In 2024-2025 FY there was a Net Operating Deficit of - $6,774; however the Net Operating Deficit for the previous Fiscal Year was considerably higher at - $ 59,723.

In summary –

Overall we consider we have had a strong year financially and look forward to continuing this trend in the current fiscal year.

Some closing thoughts -

During the 2024-2025 FY, Cherie Harrington, a member of the Finance Council, provided quarterly updates to the Parishioners. These updates included information on the status of offertory collections in relation to expectations in the Budget. Parishioners were asked to prayerfully consider increasing their weekly offerings, as well as supporting Parish General Maintenance by using the Building and Grounds envelopes. We also encouraged Parishioners to consider using E-Giving and making their offerings on a monthly basis.

Noting the increase in revenue that we had in the 2024-2025 FY, we know that our Parishioners reacted positively to the message and we thank them for increasing their contributions to support our Parish.

I will be here after Mass to answer any questions you may have.

Copies of this presentation are available at tables in the back of the Church. Check the Parish Bulletin over next 3 weeks – we will be putting a link in it so you can view the insert as well as this presentation.

Thank you for your attention this afternoon (or morning).

Full List of Metalico Recycling

Thu, 22 May 2025 18:04:37 GMT

St. Martin de Porres 2025 Metalico Fundraiser

See the full list of recyclables below for our second annual metal drive. Drop off anytime (after June 14th) to Metalico, under the St. Martin de Porres account and we will be credited for your donation. Copper, aluminum, and brass preferred - but all metal accepted. NO LITIUM BATTERIES

Victim Assistance

Thu, 01 May 2025 15:27:45 GMT

Victim Assistance Information

Lent 2025

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 18:46:42 GMT

Extraordinary Time is the Catholic Courier's seasonal podcast for the church's liturgical seasons. The first season of the podcast — Lent 2025 — will accompany listeners through Lent with weekly Scriptural reflections plus highlights of
the Chrism Mass and Easter services. Episodes will feature the insights of priests, deacons, women religious and others from around the Diocese of Rochester.

The first episode of Lent 2025 will launch Feb. 26 and episodes will be released each Wednesday through April 16.

Parish Retreat 2024

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 19:17:12 GMT

Join us for our Parish Retreat 2024

October 19th 10-4pm & 4pm Mass

The retreat will focus on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. How is Christ present? Where do we see this presence and how do we respond? There will be presentations by Fr. Ed as well as opportunities for sharing.

Food & Fellowship 2024 - 2025

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 16:13:43 GMT

Volunteer to host a Food & Fellowship Event

Please contact Michael Miller 585-730-2334 or michaelgmiller950@gmail.com to select your date and location and be added to the schedule.

Hosts can be any group of parishioners, a committee, a family, friends, staff, ushers, choir, ministry groups, regular attendees at a location or the front or back pew attendees.

Giving one's life

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 21:27:15 GMT

“Giving one’s life does not only mean being killed; giving one’s life, having the spirit of a martyr, it is in giving in duty, in silence, in prayer, in honest fulfillment of his duty — in that silence of daily life, giving one’s life little by little.” — Pope Francis

Reflection: Do you give your life for others in small ways on a daily basis? If not, what makes it challenging for you to have the spirit of giving of your life freely?

This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

Social Ministry Footwear Collection

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 21:27:14 GMT

Click here to read the FAQ!

To be first, be last

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 21:27:13 GMT

In reflecting on all that Jesus taught, St. James realized that we must “be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves” (Jas 1:22). James knew that we have a tendency to remain complacent and inactive, telling ourselves in our heads that we are people of faith, but then not allowing Jesus’ call to love and service to have an impact on our lives. Yet Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mk 9:35).

Every day provides an opportunity to serve others, often simply and quietly with little notice by the people around us. St. James tells us that if we do not take these opportunities and act on them, we delude ourselves into thinking we are Christians even while we fail to do as Jesus commands.

For some of us, being the “last of all and the servant of all” comes naturally and easily; for others, such living is a real challenge.

How is your life shaped by such humble service? In what ways do Jesus’ command and James’ wisdom provide direction, encouragement and challenge for you at this time in your life?

This article comes to you from Grace In Action ( Our Sunday Visitor ) courtesy of your parish or diocese.

September 29, 2023

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 21:27:12 GMT

Jn 1:47-51

This is the sixth in a series of testimonies to Jesus is the final verses of the first chapter in John’s Gospel, each rich in symbolism. These Johannine disciples came to know Jesus through others and through their own encounters. Jesus has witnessed Nathaniel studying the law and knows that he is a sincere man. The future vision of the angels signifies the unification of heaven and earth heralded by Jesus.

The angels of God guard us, guide us and will one day lead us to paradise.