Each Wednesday during Lent, many in our parish family have been gathering at the Seton Center for soup, fellowship, and reflection on Brandon Vogt’s book Return: How to Draw Your Loved One Back to the Church.
On Ash Wednesday, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia issued a new pastoral letter to the Diocese of Syracuse entitled “In You All Find Their Home.” The title comes from Psalm 87 and expresses the Bishop’s desire that every parish in our diocese become a true spiritual home where people are welcomed, encounter Christ, receive sound formation, are nourished by the Sacraments, and are sent forth on mission.
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Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. One of the most powerful ways to deepen your prayer this Lent is by attending Daily Mass. Even one additional Mass during the week can strengthen your relationship with Christ and anchor your day in grace.
At Mass, we are nourished by the Word of God and the Holy Eucharist the true Body and Blood of Jesus. | Daily Mass is quieter, more intimate, and a beautiful way to grow in devotion during this sacred season.
Rosary is prayed at 7:45am on weekdays, immediately before the 8:15am Masses. Consider choosing one extra day each week to join us. Give the Lord a little more time this Lent and allow Him to give you even more grace in return.
Lent is a sacred season of repentance, renewal, and deeper conversion of heart. This year, Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish invites you to journey together each Wednesday evening for community, formation, and hope.
Following our simple Lenten Soup Supper, we will gather for an Adult Faith Formation Series based on Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church by Brandon Vogt. This practical and hope-filled guide is especially helpful for parents, grandparents, and families who long to see loved ones return to the practice of the Catholic faith.
Together, we will explore why many drift from the Church and discover compassionate, faithful ways to respond through intentional prayer, deeper understanding, and loving action.
This series flows directly from the desires expressed in our Disciple Maker Index (DMI) Survey for deeper adult faith formation. Books are available at the parish office (freewill offering $5).
Come for one evening or the entire series.
All are welcome as we walk together toward Easter with renewed hope.
Lent invites us to slow down and walk more intentionally with Christ.
The Stations of the Cross lead us step by step through the Lord’s Passion His suffering, His faithful love, and His saving sacrifice for us. As we follow Him to Calvary, we learn to place our own crosses into His hands and trust in the hope of the Resurrection.
Whether you come once or every week, come ready to walk beside Jesus and allow Him to walk beside you.
Let this simple and powerful prayer prepare your heart for Easter.
This Lent, we are blessed to welcome a moving and prayerful presentation of The Living Stations of the Cross by the students of Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School.
Through reverent narration, sacred silence, and dramatic reflection, our young people will lead us step by step along the Way of the Cross. This is not simply a performance, but a powerful act of prayer that helps us enter more deeply into the Passion of Christ during this holy season.
Your presence is also a beautiful way to support and encourage our young people as they boldly proclaim the heart of our faith.
This event is free and open to the public. All are warmly invited. Come and walk with the Lord and be strengthened by the faith and witness of the next generation.
Spend an hour with the Lord in Eucharistic prayer and take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confession is a personal encounter with the mercy of Jesus Christ where sins are forgiven, hearts are healed, and grace is restored.
How to make a good Confession:
Confessions are also heard every Saturday at Lourdes from 3:00–3:45pm.
Return to the Lord this Lent. His mercy is waiting.
This Lent, the Diocese of Syracuse invites you to experience the healing mercy of Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Here in the Utica Vicariate, this has become a beautiful local tradition one powerful evening when all of our parishes and priests come together in one place for a beautiful night of grace.
Whether it has been months, years, or you are unsure how to begin, this is a sacred opportunity during Lent to return to the Lord and receive His mercy.
Mark your calendar. Invite a friend.
The Light Is On For You.
Sponsored by the Yahnundasis Golf Club and Café Canole in conjunction with the East Utica Classic.
Tickets $75 plus tax
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament and St. Anthony/St. Agnes along with Hospice and Palliative Care. Entertainment by Frank Cannistra, La Banda Rossa and Ms. Ella Chrstina.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.yahnundasis.org or by scanning the QR code on the poster in the church vestibules.
The 18th Annual IGNITE Catholic Men’s Conference is back and this year’s line-up is outstanding. IGNITE is a one-day gathering of Catholic men from across Central New York seeking to grow stronger in faith, leadership, and brotherhood.
The day includes Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Douglas Lucia, dynamic keynote presentations, opportunities for Confession, time for prayer, and practical encouragement to live boldly as a Catholic man in today’s world.
Team Discounts Available:
For more info, visit: www.ignitecatholicmen.org To join our parish group, contact Parish Captain: Ed Gunn at (315) 749-5122 or egunn0704@gmail.com
The toiletries will be disbursed to both men and women and can include deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body lotions, shampoo and conditioners. All items should be bagged and dropped off at Evanna’s Table located in the Mother Seton Shrine. Once again thank you for the generosity shown in sharing your gifts to people who are really in need.
Dear Diocesan Family,
On June 19, 2020, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse began a journey of reparation, seeking to provide compensation for the pain and mistreatment experienced by survivors/victims of sexual abuse at the hands of those entrusted with their care. Throughout this Chapter 11 process, I have met with survivors who courageously shared their and expressed the depth of their pain.
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These Masses will now take place in the main church at Lourdes to accommodate the new daily Mass schedule. Following the Mass, the group will move to the DePaul Room for a light breakfast where Fr. Joe will deliver a brief retreat talk for participants.
On the eve of the Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, John C. Devereux Division, invite the community to the annual Mass in honor of Saint Patrick. While Saint Patrick’s Day is often celebrated as a tribute to Irish heritage, it is first a celebration of faith. Saint Patrick trusted deeply in God and shared that faith with courage and humility. This Mass is a chance to remember the faith of our ancestors the faith that sustained them, strengthened their families, and brought so many to this land. In this Lenten season, we gather to give thanks for that gift and to pray for our community.
All are warmly welcome as we begin the weekend in prayer and gratitude.
Many families quietly carry the same heartache.
A son who no longer attends Mass.
A daughter who feels distant from the Church.
A grandchild who has drifted away.
A spouse, sibling, or friend who once practiced the Faith.
Too often, this burden is carried in silence.
This Lent, you do not have to carry it alone.
This is evangelization at its deepest level. Not pressure. Not argument. Prayer.
Throughout the vigil, votive candles will surround the high altar each one representing a loved one being entrusted to God. For confidentiality, names will not appear on the candles. Each flame will symbolize a heartfelt intention placed before the Lord.
When you arrive, you may light a candle and silently entrust your loved one to Christ the Good Shepherd.
Suggested free-will offering: $10 per candle
In our recent parish survey, many shared this same concern. This vigil is our response not as isolated individuals, but as one parish family united in hope.
The example of St. Monica, who prayed faithfully for her son St. Augustine of Hippo, reminds us that persistent prayer bears fruit even when we cannot see it.
Come for a few minutes.
Come for an hour.
Let us share this heartache together.
Let us stand before the Lord together.
Let us pray them home.
Each year during Lent, our parish family is given a beautiful opportunity to enter more deeply into one of the Church’s most beloved traditions: Saint Joseph’s Table.
This custom began centuries ago in Sicily during a time of severe drought and famine. With crops failing and hunger spreading, the faithful turned in prayer to Saint Joseph, asking his intercession. When the rains finally came and the harvest was restored, the people prepared tables of bread and simple foods in thanksgiving to God and most importantly, they shared that food with the poor. From the beginning, Saint Joseph’s Table was never only about decoration. It was about gratitude that becomes generosity.
A Saint Joseph’s altar is rich with meaning. The bread placed upon it reminds us that God is our provider and points us toward the Eucharist, the Bread of Life. The simple, meatless foods reflect the penitential character of Lent. Candles and flowers symbolize prayer rising to God and beauty offered back to Him. Often the altar is arranged in three tiers, representing the Holy Trinity. At the center stands an image or statue of Saint Joseph, whose quiet fidelity played such a decisive role in salvation history. Yet the most important altar is not the one we build with bread and candles. It is the altar of the heart.
Saint Joseph speaks powerfully to our time. He was entrusted with protecting the Virgin Mary and raising Jesus. He worked with his hands. He provided quietly and faithfully. He listened for God’s voice in dreams and responded without hesitation. Scripture records no spoken words of Joseph, yet his actions preach volumes. He is the patron of fathers, workers, families, and the universal Church. In uncertain times, he teaches stability. In anxious times, he teaches trust. In distracted times, he teaches silence and obedience.
As a parish named Mary, Mother of Our Savior, it is especially fitting that we honor her faithful spouse the guardian of the Redeemer and protector of the Holy Family.
This tradition also draws us deeply into the heart of Lent. The Church calls us during this sacred season to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We often understand prayer and fasting well. Almsgiving, however, deserves renewed attention. Almsgiving is not optional generosity; it is love made visible. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6, “When you give alms…” not if. The early Christians understood that care for the poor was inseparable from worship of God. What we offer at the altar must overflow into mercy for our neighbor.
Saint Joseph’s Table beautifully unites devotion and charity. We give thanks for God’s providence, and we share that providence with others.
During the sacred Novena to Saint Joseph, Saint Joseph’s altars will be set up on both of our campuses Lourdes and Rosary inviting every parishioner to come and pray. We encourage families to visit together, to teach children about this tradition, and to entrust fathers, workers, and households to Saint Joseph’s powerful intercession.
In keeping with the heart of this devotion, we will also be collecting toiletries for Thea Bowman House, which serves families and children in our local community. Items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, razors, shaving cream, and baby wipes are especially needed. These simple necessities make a profound difference in daily life. In this way, our parish table becomes a bridge to our neighbors in need.
In a culture that encourages accumulation, Saint Joseph teaches provision. In a world that often turns inward, Lent stretches our hearts outward. Saint Joseph’s Table reminds us that gratitude must become generosity and that faith must take flesh in works of mercy.
When you see the altar this year, do not simply admire it. Pray before it. Entrust your family to Saint Joseph. Give through it. Allow this sacred tradition to deepen your trust in God’s providence and renew your commitment to charity.
May Saint Joseph, protector of the Holy Family and guardian of the Church, watch over our parish and lead us more deeply into faith, gratitude, and generous love.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
(315) 724-5118 ext 26 / www.NotreDameUtica.org
Must be at least 21 years of age to attend Drawing Party Need not be present to win.
We are currently viewing Season 5 and will gather each week for fellowship an discussion. All are welcome to join us at any time!
All Liturgical Ministers are required to be enrolled in the Diocesan Safe Environment Training in order to continue serving in the parish.
Those who serve as Eucharistic Ministers must be registered to remain active in this ministry, and those who serve as Lectors must complete their training by June 30, 2026.
Training is available for both Initial Training and Recertification. If you have completed the Initial Training at any time in the past, you only need to complete the Recertification. All training sessions are listed on the Diocese website under the heading “Safe Environment.”
If you need assistance with signing up, please call the Parish Office at (315) 724-3155 and ask for Christine.
We are happy to help. This is an excellent and informative training, and we are deeply grateful for your continued generosity and faithful service in this ministry.
Scripture Verse of the Month
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18
Faith at Home Family Prayer Challenge
Pray the following section of the Apostle’s Creed: “I be-lieve in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father al-mighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church...”
Contact Information:
Jill Grise Catechetical Leader Pre-K-6
Email: jgrise@syrdio.org
Teens from all parishes in the Greater Utica Area are invited to join us for Youth Ministry Nights every Monday at 6:30pm at the Seton Center at Mary Mother of Our Savior Parish, 2 Barton Ave., Utica.
We have a dedicated youth ministry space where teens can encounter Christ, grow in authentic friendships, and have fun in a welcoming environment.
All teens are welcome Catholic, non-Catholic, or simply exploring faith. Invite your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or neighbor to come and see!
For more information or questions, please contact Nate Discavage at ndiscavage@syrdio.org
Our parish is blessed each week by your generosity. If you give anonymously through the loose collection, please consider Online Giving a simple, secure way to support the mission and allow us to better accompany you.
Why Online Giving?
It strengthens our mission!
Consistent, planned giving helps us invest more boldly in evangelization, youth ministry, outreach, and vibrant parish life. Online Giving also makes it easy to give intentionally and stay connected to our parish family.
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Your generosity builds the Church. Thank you!
Sunday at 5:00 Mass (Our Lady of the Rosary, 1736 Burrstone Road, Utica).
For Registered College Students | Utica Area
Questions? Contact Campus Minister, Pat Gillick at uticanewmanoutreach@syrdion.org
Like us on Instagram @uticanewmanoutreach
The woman at the well was seeking more than the well could offer.
Perhaps as a religious sister or brother, priest or deacon.
Email: vocations@syrdio.org and follow us on Instagram vocationssyracuse.
If you would like to add a name, please call the Office at (315) 724-3155.
Arabella Zastrow, Laura B., A & C. Rob-erts, Jane, Joe and Sylvia S., Mia Gorczynski, Madison Vig-giano, Amy, Christine Williams, Bob V., Teresa Bushinger, Mary Ann Looney, Sr. Lois, Leo James Mastin, Larry Schec-ter, Maryellen, Judy, Dylan G., Connie M., Amy S.,Serena C., Gloria A. Stephen B., Joe Pogle, May M., Laurie H., Gary Werner, Judy Williams, Melissa M, Anna N, Joseph E. Al-banese, Courtney S., Grady B., William Latour, James T. Kane, Beverly Kane, Genevieve, Krista M., Patricia Spost, Annette Woroszylo, Josephine Gargash, Joanne G., Steve Getz, James Carroll, Kevin Bedford, Lorraine T., John Baker, Greg Tietje, Mary Alice Hebert, Annette Dempsey, Melissa E, Tim Kelly, Gavin Jerzak, Fred Abounader, Louann Swire, Don Kratzenberg, Sarah Grogan and family, Alfred Combel-lack, Judith Combellack, Anthony Perrone, Bernie Solan, Greig Cardillo, Tim K., Zachary Wing, Walter Babrowicz, Laura Roddy, Pete Edic, Richard Thomas, Jennifer B., Han-nah, Jim Toomey, Marty Green, Fr. Don Karlen, Joseph P. Kearney, Mary Pota