Guardian Angels

Guardian Angels Church was established in 1960 to serve the rapidly growing Catholic population in Henrietta, as Rochester's southern suburbs expanded in the post-World War II era. The parish was founded just a year before its church building was completed in 1961, reflecting the urgent need for new parishes during this suburban boom.

Father John B. Kleintjes served as the founding pastor, leading the parish through its formative years from 1960 to 1975. Father Richard A. Hart continued this tradition of long service, shepherding the congregation for nearly two decades until his death in 1994.

What makes Guardian Angels distinctive is its history of lay and religious leadership. After Father Hart's passing, the parish was led primarily by non-ordained administrators—a pioneering approach in the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Barbara Kuhn, SSJ, served multiple terms as administrator. Deacon Dean F. Condon led the parish for over a decade, including before and after his ordination as a deacon in 2001. Barbara Swiecki served as administrator for twelve years until her death in 2018, and Sister Sheila Stevenson, RSM, currently serves in that role.

Today, Guardian Angels is part of St. Marianne Cope Parish, continuing to serve the Henrietta community while maintaining its distinctive tradition of collaborative leadership.