
From the Desk of the Pastor
Come and See: OCIA Begins September 20
- Have you ever wondered what Catholics believe or whether the Catholic Church might have a place in your life?
- Have you thought about becoming Catholic?
- Are you already baptized, but never received First Holy Communion or Confirmation?
- Have you been coming to Mass with a Catholic spouse or family member and wondered what the next step might be?
Or perhaps you know someone a friend, coworker, neighbor, child, or grandchild who has been asking deeper questions about faith. If so, we would love to invite you to come and see.
Multilingual News Instructions:
- Full Bulletin AI Scan:
After you the PDF is uploaded into the Bulletin Archive, go to Bulletin Scan. Select the pages needed from the Bulletin and allow the AI to develop the banners and text content. Always check the output from the tool, as the AI can make mistakes. - Individual Articles:
To create a single banner, go to Bulletin tab in the Admin Panel. Click on "Create Article" and upload the desired picture/reference. You can always modify it using AI Editor Tools and include text content. - Banner:
Upload a file with 1080 x 1350 pixels of size. When the file has the correct dimensions, the "star" icon will appear. Marking the "star" will bind it on the news article and rotator.
- Sections:
A: Large Banner - Content in the right [web version] / below the banner [newsletter]. Pastor messages, highlights and important events.
B: Small banner - Content below [web version] / summary [newsletter]. For events that will happen later or reccurring announcements. - How to use the Summary:
Use 1-2 short sentences that explain the event (Suggested: 1 <h2> and 1-2 <p>). If the article content is small, NO NEED to fill the Summary field. - Languages:
We are using "Unified" languages (ALL languages together in one ENG tab).
Latest News
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time | Bulletin of September 06, 2026
- From the Desk of the Pastor
- OCIA Inquiry Session - Come and See
- Faith Formation Registration
- Faith Formation for Grades 7 & 8
- Youth Ministry Nights begins September 14
- Father Joe Salerno Golf Classic
- Seeing Christ on the Streets
- Utica Newman Outreach
- Outreach for September
- Bible Study
- Pray For...
- Sanctuary Memorials
- Supporting Our Parish Through Online Giving

OCIA Inquiry Session - Come and See
Explore the Catholic faith in a warm, welcoming community. Ask questions. Find answers. Discover a place to belong.
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the Church's process for accompanying adults who are exploring the Catholic faith, considering becoming Catholic, or seeking to complete their initiation into the Church.
This is a journey not a checklist.
It is a journey of faith and conversion an opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ more deeply, learn what Catholics believe and why, pray together, and experience the support of a parish community that will walk with you every step of the way.
Join us for our first OCIA Inquiry Session!
Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 9:15am - 10:15am
Seton Center, 2 Barton Ave., Utica, NYIs OCIA for you or someone you know?
OCIA is for adults who:
- Have never been baptized and are interested in becoming Catholic.
- Are baptized in another Christian tradition and are considering becoming Catholic.
- Are baptized Catholics who never received Confirmation and/or First Holy Communion.
It is also a welcoming place for anyone who is exploring the Catholic faith.
A new Sunday morning schedule
OCIA sessions will normally be held twice a month on Sunday mornings between our two Masses—helping you connect your formation with the life of our parish community.
Your invitation matters.
Before you finish reading this, think of one person who might be wondering about the Catholic faith. Your invitation could be the beginning of an incredible journey.
Would you invite them to come with you?
Questions?
We’d love to hear from you!
Contact Father Pawel Zmija, Director of OCIA, at pzmija@syrdio.org or simply join us on September 20.Our OCIA Team:
- Father Pawel Zmija, Director;
- Andrew Kline, Associate Director.
We look forward to meeting you!
Plenty of parking is available.

Faith Formation Registration
Sunday, September 20, 2026
9:15am - 10:15am at Notre Dame Elementary SchoolFor children in Pre-K through 6th Grade. All are welcome! Spots fill up, don't wait!
Give your family the gift of faith that lasts forever: A partnership that strengthens your family.
Our First Gathering is on Catechetical Sunday!
We meet twice a month at parish as a family to pray, learn, and grow together. Simple lessons and activities at home help reinforce what we learn together as a family in a way that fits your real life!
Family Life Catechesis is a new model of faith formation that recognizes parents as the primary teachers of the faith. We partner with you equipping, encouraging, and supporting your family as you grow together in love of Jesus and His Church.
Inspired by the Gospel and the witness of Saint Francis of Assisi as we celebrate the Year of Saint Francis.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me." - Luke 4:18

Faith Formation for Grades 7 & 8
As our young people enter their teenage years, their questions deepen and their experience of Faith grows with them. Formal parish Faith Formation continues through a special track integrated into our weekly Youth Ministry Nights.
We gather every Monday throughout the formation year, except holidays and scheduled breaks.
Because Youth Ministry Nights are the primary setting for grade 7 & 8 Faith Formation, registered students are expected to participate regularly and attend the majority of Youth Ministry Nights throughout the year.

Youth Ministry Nights begins September 14
A welcoming community for teens in Grades 7–12 throughout the Greater Utica Area.
Come once. Bring a friend. See what it's all about.
Youth Ministry Nights neginning September 14th from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at Seton Center
- Food & Games
- Faith Conversations
- Prayer & Small Groups
- Service & Outreach
- Retreats, Trips & Fun
You are known. Valued. Invited to belong.
No generation in the Church walks alone. Let's build something amazing together.Will Anderson, Youth Minister & Campus Minister
wanderson@syrdio.orgSeton Center
2 Barton Ave., UticaFollow @UticaCatholicYouth on Instagram

Father Joe Salerno Golf Classic
Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 12:00pm
Captain & Crew format. $100.00 per person. Dinner only: $30.00 per person.
- Shotgun start 12:00
- Dinner to follow
Hosted by The Mary, Mother of Our Savior Men's Club.
Reservation/Info:
Mike Forsythe
mike@cnyapparel.com | (315) 534-9466
Ed Gunn
| egunn0704@gmail.com | (315) 749-5122Stonebridge Golf & C.C.

Seeing Christ on the Streets
Open to all parishes in the Eastern Region - First Annual Outreach Symposium: Seeing Christ on the Streets
An Evening on Homelessness, Human Dignity & Christian Outreach.
Before homelessness is a problem to be solved, there is a person to be encountered. Come learn how.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Seton Center, 2 Barton Ave, Utica, NY 13502 (On the campus of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish)Featured keynote speakers
- Mary Radford, LMSW - Director of Social Work, Emmaus Ministry of Syracuse.
Mary brings extensive experience in social work and outreach to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, poverty, and vulnerability. - Sheila Austin, RN - Executive Director & President, Emmaus Ministry of Syracuse.
Sheila has helped build and lead Emmaus Ministry, a Catholic outreach serving the poor, marginalized, and people experiencing homelessness with dignity and compassion. Learn from those who have walked the road.
We aren't gathering simply to talk about homelessness. We are gathering to discern what the parish in our region might do about it. This conversation will help shape what comes next.
Evening highlights
- Two keynote presentations
- Full Utica dinner
(chicken riggies, Utica greens and other local favorites!) - Community panel roundtable discussion
featuring local Catholic outreach leaders from across our region - Time for questions, conversation & discernment
Come hungry. Come curious. Come ready to listen.
Free event • Utica dinner includedRSVP by Sunday, September 13th.
To Register: MaryMotherUtica@syrdio.org
Questions? Call the Parish Office: (315) 724-3155
Together, let's see Christ. Together, let's go beyond our walls.
- Mary Radford, LMSW - Director of Social Work, Emmaus Ministry of Syracuse.

Outreach for September
During the month of September we will be collecting sandwich items.
This can include small plastic sandwich bags, paper sandwich bags, small bags of chips, small bags of cookies, popcorn, animal crackers. These items may be dropped off at the back of church near the Evanna’s Table area.

Pray For...
Please pray for:
Arabella Zastrow, Laura B., A & C. Rob-erts, Jane, Joe and Sylvia S., Madison Viggiano, Amy, Chris-tine Williams, Bob V., Teresa Bushinger, Mary Ann Looney, Sr. Lois, Leo James Mastin, Larry Schecter, Maryellen, Judy, Dylan G,Amy S.,Serena C., Stephen B., Joe Pogle, May M., Laurie H., Gary Werner, Judy Williams, Melissa M, Anna N, Joseph E. Albanese, Courtney S., Grady B. , , William Latour, James T. Kane, Beverly Kane, Genevieve, Krista M., Patricia Spost, Annette Woroszylo, Josephine Gargash, Joanne G., Ste-ve Getz, James Carroll, Kevin Bedford, Lorraine T., John Baker, Greg Tietje, Annette Dempsey, Melissa E, Gavin Jerzak, Fred Abounader, Louann Swire, Sarah Grogan and family, Al-fred Combellack, Judith Combellack, Anthony Perrone, Bernie Solan, Greig Cardillo, Tim K., Zachary Wing, Laura Roddy, Richard Thomas, Jennifer B., Hannah, Jim Toomey, Marty Green, Fr. Don Karlen, Joseph P. Kearney, Mary Pota, Brian M. Dunn & Family, Lianne Sajdzikowski, Sean O’Toole, Con-stance Zogby, Rocco & Carmella Garramone, Sam & Connie Mott, Riley Sams, Kristi & Jerad, Christopher Monahan, Mary Ann LaPorte, Neil Jacobs, Beatrice Nunno, Michelle, Jessica, Brittany, Tiffany, Mary Rose, Colleen Madia, Mia Gorczynski, Matthew, David, Gavin, Mike Brych, Jordan & Rebecca, James Carroll, Ann Jakubowski, Mike, Elizabeth & Crandall Pierce
If you would like to add a name, please call the Office at (315) 724-3155.

Supporting Our Parish Through Online Giving
Help strengthen the mission of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish by signing up for online giving. It’s secure, convenient, and ensures your support continues even when you are away from Mass.
Your generosity helps us plan better, serve better, and build a strong future for our parish. Thank you for your faithful support!

Utica Newman Outreach
Newman is back! All are welcome!
Utica Newman Outreach - your Catholic community on campus.
Utica University students + SUNY Poly students + MVCC & other area college students.
One community. Every Sunday. You belong here.
Sunday Night Mass, 8:00pm
Launching Sunday, August 30! Free pizza + wings after Mass.
Stay for food, meet other students, and build community!New to Newman?
Whether you've been involved in your faith for years, are looking to reconnect, or just want to meet other Catholic college students, you are welcome here.
- Worship
- Faith
- Friendship
- Service
Come as you are. Bring a friend.
A ministry of the Diocese of Syracuse.
Pat Gillick, Campus Minister
uticanewmanoutreach@syrdio.org

Bible Study
Parish Bible Study: The Minor Prophets
Ancient Voices. A Living Word. A Call for Today.
This September, go deeper into God’s Word with Father Pawel as we explore the Twelve Minor Prophets of the Old Testament.
Over four weeks, we will discover who these prophets were, the world in which they lived, and the messages God entrusted to them. Though written centuries ago, their words still speak powerfully to our lives today calling us to deeper faith, conversion of heart, justice, hope, and trust in God’s mercy.
Studying Sacred Scripture is about more than gaining knowledge. It is an opportunity to encounter the living God, grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, and allow His Word to shape the way we live and serve others.
Wednesdays: September 2, 9, 16 & 23
9:00 AM | Seton Center
Immediately following morning MassWhether you have studied the Bible for years or are just beginning, you are welcome! Bring your Bible, bring your questions, and come discover what God may be saying to you through these ancient prophetic voices.
No previous Bible study experience is necessary. Coffee and donuts will be provided! Come open the Scriptures with us and let God’s Word speak anew.

Sanctuary Memorials
Monthly Memorials for September
- The gift of Bread has been given in memory of Joseph Guarnieri by Patti Guarnieri
- The gift of Candles has been given in memory of Bruce Yourdon by Denise Yourdon
- The gift of Wine has been given in memory of Joseph Guarnieri by Patti Guarnieri