St. Marianne Cope Parish, located in Henrietta, a suburb of Rochester in Monroe County, New York, is a vibrant and welcoming community of Catholic faithful. The parish was established in 1978 and named in honor of St. Marianne Cope, a beloved Franciscan sister who dedicated her life to caring for those in need.
St. Marianne Cope was born in Germany in 1838 and emigrated to the United States as a young child. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse, New York, and quickly gained a reputation for her compassion and dedication to serving the sick and marginalized. In 1883, Mother Marianne, as she was affectionately known, was chosen to lead a group of Franciscan sisters to Hawaii to care for those suffering from leprosy. She spent the next 35 years ministering to the residents of the leper colony on the island of Molokai, providing not only medical care but also love, dignity, and hope to those who had been abandoned by society.
St. Marianne Cope was canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, becoming the second American-born person to be declared a saint. Her life and legacy serve as an inspiration to the parishioners of St. Marianne Cope Parish, who seek to emulate her example of selfless service and compassion for others.
The parish of St. Marianne Cope is home to a diverse and faith-filled community, with a variety of ministries and programs aimed at nurturing the spiritual growth and well-being of its members. The parish offers Mass in English and Spanish, as well as religious education classes for children and adults.
In addition to its regular worship services, St. Marianne Cope Parish is actively involved in outreach and social justice initiatives, partnering with local organizations to serve the needs of the less fortunate in the community. The parish also hosts community events, prayer gatherings, and retreats to foster fellowship and spiritual renewal among its members.
St. Marianne Cope Parish is a beacon of faith and hope in Henrietta, Monroe County, and beyond, carrying on the legacy of its namesake saint by serving others with love and compassion. Whether you are a longtime member of the parish or a newcomer seeking a spiritual home, you are sure to find a warm welcome and a vibrant faith community at St. Marianne Cope Parish.