Dryden United Methodist Church to close after nearly 200 years
Dryden United Methodist Church will close its doors June 30 after nearly two centuries of service, according to Tompkins Weekly. The decision comes amid falling membership and financial hardship, worsened by the COVID pandemic, said ... more
Who Is Pope Leo XIV? Robert Prevost Becomes First American Pope
In a moment that will go down in Catholic Church history, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected pope, making him the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Upon accepting his ... more
A shepherd of wholeness in a fractured world
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, and died on April 21, 2025. He entered the world at a time when fascism was rising, dictators were consolidating power, sovereign nations were being invaded, ... more
More Americans Are Finding Faith Outside Church Walls, Cornell Study Finds
A sweeping shift is reshaping American religious life, according to new research led by Cornell University: More Americans are walking away from traditional religious institutions—not to reject spirituality, but to pursue it on their own ... more
Geneva students honored with Fr. Thomas P. Mull Tuition Award
Four students from Our Lady of Peace Parish/St. Francis - St. Stephen School in Geneva were recognized this past Saturday with the prestigious Fr. Thomas P. Mull Tuition Award. Colton DeCann, Adaline Iles, Loren Plucinik, ... more
Christian decline in the U.S. slows, may have leveled off, Pew study finds
After decades of decline, the percentage of Americans identifying as Christian has remained relatively stable in recent years, according to a new Pew Research Center study. The 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study, released today, finds that ... more
Pope Francis remains popular but faces declining favorability
Pope Francis, recently hospitalized with lung and kidney issues, remains broadly popular among U.S. Catholics, with 78% expressing a favorable view in a February 2025 Pew Research poll. His ratings have generally exceeded those of ... more
Holding a Funeral in Bad Weather: A-to-Z Guide
Losing a loved one is never easy, and planning a funeral during unpredictable weather can make it even more difficult. Rain, snow, extreme heat, or wind can interrupt even the most carefully organized funeral ceremony ... more
The Power of Red: Exploring the Significance of Red Vestments
Red, a color that evokes passion, power, and profound meaning, holds a special place in the world of liturgical vestments. At Haftinausa.com, we understand the importance of these colors, and in this article, we'll delve ... more
Changes in Washington prompt downtown Rochester church to open doors for reflection
Christ Church Rochester will offer its sanctuary as a space for reflection and community gatherings during pivotal moments tied to the White House transition. The Episcopal church, located at 141 East Avenue, invites the public ... more
Moravia’s Casowasco Camp suspends operations amid financial struggles
The Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church announced a suspension of hosting and programming at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center due to financial losses and declining attendance. The site faces a $1.2 ... more
Breaking the Silence: Clergy Abuse in Faith-Based Communities
You’ve probably already heard about abuse within faith-based communities. We only say “heard” because it is a topic that is not talked about enough, is rarely reported, and sometimes even covered up. It is important ... more
How to Evaluate the Durability of Church Chairs Before Purchase?
Have you ever wondered what value your church chairs are holding? They may not look like grand architectural features, but they are active support systems in every service and function. The right chairs can enhance ... more
Clyde church marks 200 years with special celebrations
This month, the Clyde United Methodist Church will commemorate 200 years since its incorporation, tracing back to its origins on November 23, 1824. What began as a Sunday School class led by circuit-riding ministers became ... more
Auburn food pantry relocates to Fingerlakes Mall for better accessibility
The St. Alphonsus Food Pantry has moved to a new location in Auburn's Fingerlakes Mall, enhancing accessibility for clients. The move, completed in May, marked the pantry’s first relocation off St. Alphonsus Parish grounds in ... more
Auburn’s old Catholic church will close after 163 years: Holy Family shuttering due to structural issues
Holy Family Church, the oldest Catholic church in Auburn, will close its doors after 163 years due to severe structural and safety concerns. The final Masses are scheduled for 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on ... more
43rd anniversary of Medjugorje apparitions celebrated in Waterloo
The 43rd anniversary of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Medjugorje will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at St. Mary’s Church, 35 Center St., Waterloo. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with Exposition, ... more
Schumer announces boost in security funding for places of worship
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Sunday a significant increase in federal funding for security at places of worship, totaling $400 million. This decision responds to growing concerns about threats against Jewish and Muslim ... more
Bishops’ Storehouse receives 2023 Choose Health Ontario Award for Community Aid
The Bishops' Storehouse, affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was honored with the 2023 Choose Health Ontario Award at the Ontario County Safety Awards banquet on March 26th. This recognition celebrates ... more
