St. Catherine of Siena Church, Ithaca NY

This parish is the epitome of the American liberal wing of the Catholic Church.
I’m really surprised how much the pastor is able to get away with in terms of how loosely Church traditions and teachings are followed here. I’m referring to how doctrine is taught. The pastor’s sermon was a very questionable interpretation of the Gospel (Matthew 5) which seemed like he was trying to advance a liberal agenda about marriage, instead of preaching the truth of the Gospel which should be timeless and above modern views on marriage. The priest actually said that Jesus’ words in Mathew 5 are “outdated” because it’s from the first century. I’d be interested in what a scholarly theologian would say about that troubling sermon the priest gave.
Also this parish has a deeply troubling routine of administering the sacraments (the Eucharist was handed out like party favors, this was deeply troubling to me for in the name of “inclusion” I observed a lack of reverence from the congregation)
Also, for some reason unknown to me, the pastor decided to do Anointing of the Sick at the end of Mass. I’m not sure why this was done, and I question the validity of spontaneously administering that sacrament to dozens parishioners who did not appear to be severely ill, which is what I thought that special sacrament was intended.
I get it. This parish wears “inclusion” on its sleeve, and any true, good, orthodox Catholic parish should be inclusive. But that’s not what I saw here. What I saw here was weakness and foolery and I find it deeply distressing when in the name of inclusion, a parish compromises Church doctrine. Not only is that potentially heresy, but it’s also incredibly foolish because a weak and watered down Gospel will not truly reach and help the people that truly need to be reached and helped.

And finally, the COVID safety measures don’t make sense. The spot where the readings are read from is surrounded by plexiglass, even though it is more than six feet away from everybody.
The priest wears a face mask when sitting down by himself more than feet feet away from anybody. Then when he stands up to talk from the altar, he takes the mask off.
The parish allows the sign of peace, which is probably where COVID would spread. This is not a pro or anti COVID safety standards rant, but rather an observation of the inconsistencies.

Not sure about this ie (Jack 41 character review below) but still looking forward to visiting soon.

St. Catherine's has the most amazing mission statement I have ever seen for a Catholic Church: "No matter what your present status in the Catholic Church, your current family or marital situation, your past or present religious affiliation; no matter what your personal history, age, background, sexual orientation, gender, race, or color; no matter what your self-image or self-esteem: YOU are invited, welcomed, accepted, loved, and respected at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Ithaca, New York. " They are absolutely living out Christ's example of being welcoming to all! Father Joe and parishioners are so personable and involved. It feels like family.

Father Joe is an amazing human being. He officiated over my father's service/mass. Father Joe made this my best Church experience ever.

This is our parish church. We rejoined because of Father Joe's enthusiasm and charismatic energy. The parishioners and lay staff are welcoming. The faith community is active and involved.

Need professed Christians to follow the Bible (God’s Word) and Christ’s teachings and not spew out repetitious ad nauseam traditions of man!

As I usually go to an “older church” I was looking forward to something different here while here visiting family from out of town.

Initially my human side got the best of me, “too bright, too new, what in the round! ’”

I’ll admit, I did find the crucifix hanging in the middle a bit lost in the architecture of the building and the trees seen through the windows behind it, I didn’t l like …. At first.

During the Mass the Lord worked. The pews filled with all kinds of people, young and old, light skinned and dark, long haired and short, my heart began to fill again.

As it progressed it built, like a great play or orchestra, starting slowly setting the stage with The Word in Holy Scripture, then the homily offered by the welcoming bounding youthful Pastor.

He filled the room with Gods spirt through him, giving of himself wholeheartedly, offering his sheep plenty to chew on.

Overall a very memorable out of town experience, I’ll certainly attend when I’m in the area visiting again.

My favorite Mass when I have the privilege of attending when in Ithaca. The Holy Spirit is alive and well here.

I thoroughly enjoyed worshipping at this Parish. The priest was lively; his sermon was life-changing and spirit lifting.
And the choir? Oh my goodness! They were awesome singers.
Will definitely try to attend Mass at St Catherine more often.

We're from Ontario, Canada. We visit family close by and always attend Sunday mass, afterwhich have a sense of calm renewal and reaffirmation for humanity