Saint’s Place marks quarter-century of service to refugees

Pittsford-based Saint’s Place is planning several events to mark its 25 years of service to refugees resettling in the Rochester region.

Saint’s Place, which provides clothing, furniture, household goods, school supplies, tutoring and scholarships to refugees, is a ministry of St. Louis Parish in Pittsford and St. John of Rochester Parish in Fairport. Each parish will host an event to celebrate the ministry’s anniversary.

On June 3, Bishop Salvatore R. Matano will preside at the 4:30 p.m. Mass at St. Louis Church, located at 64 S. Main St., Pittsford. He will bless Saint’s Place volunteers during the Mass. After Mass there will be a reception with memorabilia and refreshments in St. Louis School’s gym.

Saint’s Place also will be recognized June 4 at the 9 and 11 a.m. Masses at St. John of Rochester, located at 8 Wickford Way, Fairport. St. John’s pastor, Father Peter Clifford, will bless Saint’s Place volunteers during both Masses. After both Masses he also will bless Saint’s Place’s new van, which the ministry uses to pick up donated furniture and other large items and deliver them to the ministry’s storage facility and to refugees.

After both Masses June 4, there will be a reception and tours in the Saint’s Place Clothing Closet, which is located on the parish grounds in the former St. John of Rochester School.