St. Catherine of Siena

St. Catherine of Siena Church in Honeoye Falls has a distinctive history—it operated as a mission for 54 years before achieving full parish status. The Catholic community in Mendon was first served by Father John J. Donnelly beginning in 1900, with the mission formally established on January 23, 1902.

For over five decades, St. Catherine's was served by priests from neighboring parishes who traveled to Mendon to offer Mass. Father Victor Hurley of Good Shepherd in Henrietta served the mission for 17 years, while Father William J. Killackey and Father Howard W. Geck of St. Paul of the Cross continued this arrangement through the mid-1950s.

The community finally received its first resident pastor on July 2, 1956, when Monsignor Albert H. Schnacky was appointed. Monsignor Schnacky would serve for nearly 30 years, guiding the parish through a period of remarkable growth as Honeoye Falls transformed from a small village to a desirable suburban community. The present church building was constructed and dedicated on September 7, 1991, providing the growing congregation with a modern worship space.

Today, St. Catherine of Siena continues as an independent parish, serving the Catholic community in Mendon and the surrounding area of southern Monroe County.