Looking for Small Faith Community

Dear Blog Visitors:

I am often asked if I am still affiliated with Spiritus Christi Church. I actually left the community several months ago, for two primary reasons: 1.) I find that as I grow older, I will be more comfortable with a small faith community; 2.) Spiritus Christi is located directly across the street from my long-time place of secular employment (City Hall), and I feel it is time to make a geographic break from that location, especially since I am retiring in five weeks.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Spiritus Christi Church for their wonderful ministries. While much is made of the fact that they are independent of the Rochester Diocese, what is more important is the dedication of Spiritus Christi to those in need in both the Rochester community and beyond. I continue to wish the community well with all their inspiring work.

Many married priests with whom I have developed friendships over the years have told me they have found spiritual fulfillment by linking with small faith communities. Not all of these communities are Catholic. However, these married priests are still able to maintain their Catholic identities via their independent ministries. It is my hope to similarly link with a small faith communnity in the town of Henrietta, suburb of Rochester where I reside. My independent ministries as a married priest will continue (weddings, baptisms, funerals).

I am grateful to the City of Rochester for providing me with employment for the past 23 years. I am also grateful to Spiritus Christi Church for the wonderful ministries they provide. However, I have come to realize that as I retire from City Hall in five weeks, it is also time for me to see where the wind blows, which is inclusive of the spiritual fulfillment I hope to find with a small faith community.

Peace to all,
Ray