St. Monica

St. Monica launched as a full parish in June 1898, embodying Bishop McQuaid's vision of placing small parish churches in the outskirts of the city. At the New Year's Day 1899 Mass, the bishop commented that "St. Monica's Church is the outcome of an idea I have had for some time past of placing in the outskirts of the city small parish churches." The combined church-school building at 838 Genesee Street was completed in January 1899.

The first pastor, Monsignor John P. Brophy, was just 30 years old when the parish opened. Parish lore holds that he took a bicycle tour through the neighborhood when he learned he would be leading the new church there—a mode of transportation that would become his trademark. He served the parish faithfully until his death on April 18, 1939. Interestingly, during the early days when the parish needed flowers, an old woman on Madison Street was asked if they might borrow from her garden. That woman was Susan B. Anthony, who said yes.

The present church building was completed with the first Mass held on January 30, 1915. Today, St. Monica remains a vibrant and welcoming parish in the heart of Rochester's 19th Ward. The church shares its building with Emmanuel Church of the Deaf, providing services to both hearing and deaf communities. Since 2008, the parish has hosted the Westside Farmers Market, which remains a popular summer attraction bringing the community together.