Priestly life & ministry in the Diocese of Rochester
‘I trust that, as you carry out the spiritual and corporal works of mercy … you will always be signs of a church that ‘goes forth’ sharing the presence, compassion and love of Jesus with our brothers and sisters.’
— Pope Francis’ Jan. 13, 2023, remarks at the Pontifical North American College
Leading up to the 60th World Day of Prayer for Vocations on April 30, 2023, the Catholic Courier, in collaboration with the Priesthood Vocations Awareness Team of the Diocese of Rochester, has developed this series of videos profiling the vocational journeys and current ministries of several diocesan priests
‘Is the Lord calling me to be a priest?’
Priests of the Diocese of Rochester — including Priesthood Vocations Awareness Team members Fathers William Coffas, Joseph Martuscello, Peter Van Lieshout, and Daniel L. White – challenge young men to step out in faith and take the first step along the path of saying “yes” to God’s call to follow him in a unique way.
Seminarian James Muscatella
Diocese of Rochester seminarian James Muscatella, who will be ordained as a transitional deacon in September 2023, reflects on his life’s journey so far and the ways the Lord has helped him to continue to grow into the call to priesthood.
Father Matthew Walter
Father Matthew Walter, parochial vicar at St. Benedict Parish in Canandaigua/ Bloomfield, reflects on the profound spiritual joy that comes from serving as an instrument of God’s mercy within a specific community of people as a diocesan priest.
Father James Schwartz
Father James Schwartz is pastor of St. Joseph Church and Church of the Holy Spirit in Penfield. He reflects on his 55 years of priesthood and the need for priestly vocations responding to the call to be signs of the presence, compassion, and love of Christ in the world.
Fathers William Leone and Michael Brown
Fathers William Leone and Michael Brown reflect on the need for priest chaplains to offer individuals in difficult circumstances a sense of stability and a connection to the sacramental life of the church.
Father Anthony Mugavero
Father Anthony Mugavero is the pastor of Holy Apostles Church in Rochester. He reflects on the unique character of urban ministry and the powerful need for young men to serve as priests in a place where the church truly forms part of the life of the community.
Fathers William Coffas and Joseph Martuscello
Fathers Coffas and Martuscello serve at Holy Cross and Our Mother of Sorrows in northwestern Monroe County. They discuss discerning the call to priesthood, youth ministry and learning from one another.
Father Carlos Sánchez
Fr. Sanchez, a native of Colombia, is the parochial vicar at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Geneva, and teaches religion at St. Francis-St. Stephen School. He recently reflected on how his vocation as a priest impacts his approach to teaching.
Father Aaron Kelly
A native of Horseheads, Father Kelly is the newest and youngest priest of the Diocese of Rochester. He is completing canon law studies at the Pontifical North American College. Before his July 2, 2022, ordination, he spoke with the Courier about the world’s need for more priests.
More Resources
Priesthood for the Diocese of Rochester ↗
Information on the priesthood for the Diocese of Rochester
Catholic Courier‘s Vocations Section↗
The Catholic Courier’s section on vocations programs in the Diocese of Rochester
Click on the image above to download a Prayer for Vocations prayer card.
