Our mission: To restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
We grow together through radical hospitality, passionate spirituality, and committed engagement to peace and justice.
All are welcome as equally beloved of God.
Our mission: To restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
We grow together through radical hospitality, passionate spirituality, and committed engagement to peace and justice.
All are welcome as equally beloved of God.
Together, we live the Christian life. We gather for worship and prayer to strengthen each other as seekers and followers of Jesus Christ. We believe that God forgives and makes us whole. We work to proclaim our beliefs in all we do and say. We seek to see the holy in every living being, loving others as we do ourselves. We respect the dignity of every person, working for God’s justice to be available to all.
The Episcopal Diocese of Rochester is a collection of 46 diverse communities throughout the region. Our diocese includes urban parishes in the heart of Rochester neighborhoods, country churches in the northern reaches of Appalachia, old and new congregations in small towns and suburbs, and beautiful lakeside chapels.
We have parishes in Allegany, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates counties - view the parish map to see parishes near you.
The Episcopal Church Welcomes You!
Bishop Kara Wagner Sherer is the chief pastor and has oversight of the diocese. Leadership of the diocese is shared with the Bishop by Diocesan Staff, Convocation Deans, and democratically-elected leadership teams. Churches are led by priests, deacons, and lay leaders. Priests and deacons are chosen through a process of prayer and study and they can be of any gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or ability.
Reflections and writings from Bishop Kara.
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Bishop's Writing / Enews June 2025Wednesday, June 18, 2025Summer Resting and Reading Read more » |
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Bishop's Writing / Enews May 2025Wednesday, May 28, 2025I am not accustomed to living in a place without sidewalks. When asked how I am adjusting to Rochester, I say, “It’s great!” and I list all the positives—the ease of travel, the beauty of the landscape, the varied cultures and events, the kindness of people. If there is one thing I miss about Chicago, it’s strangers on sidewalks. That might sound strange, but it is true; I was used to seeing the world walk by my front door and encountering strangers from every walk of life and culture everywhere I went—on foot, by bike, bus, train, or car. Read more » |
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Join Us - July 31Wednesday, July 2, 2025CLICK POSTER TO ENLARGE Read more » |
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VIDEO - Bishop Kara's Visitation to St. James, HammondsportSunday, June 29, 2025PLAY VIDEO Read more » |
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Requiem Holy Eucharist for the Very Rev. Dr. William PetersenFriday, June 27, 2025Requiem Holy Eucharist was held at Christ Church, Rochester, for the Very Rev. Dr. William H. Petersen (1941 - 2025) Read more » |