Hope is Coming: People of Hope Museum Coming to the Diocese of Rochester
Catholic Charities USA is launching an inspiring new initiative, People of Hope, a nationwide mobile storytelling exhibit debuting in spring 2026. Supported by a major grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the exhibit brings to life the real stories of volunteers, staff, and community members whose everyday acts of service reflect faith, compassion, and human connection. Through immersive audio and visual experiences, People of Hope celebrates how helping others transforms both those who serve and those they serve.
Housed inside a retrofitted tractor trailer, the exhibit invites visitors to listen to powerful, professionally recorded stories and even record their own reflections on service, hope, and transformation. Research shows many people feel called to help but aren’t sure how to begin. People of Hope bridges that gap by showing how meaningful, accessible, and fulfilling volunteering can be—and how service builds lasting relationships and stronger communities.
We’re excited that People of Hope will visit our region as part of its national tour, stopping in Chemung County on May 4, at St. Mary Our Mother Church in Horseheads, and Rochester on May 7, at St. Marianne Cope Parish at Guardian Angels Church. This free, family friendly experience offers a chance to reflect, listen, and add your own story to a growing national tapestry of hope. Learn more about the People of Hope exhibit by visiting the People of Hope page on our website.
21st Annual Empty Bowls: Thank You for Attending!
We are thrilled to share that our 21st Annual Empty Bowls event was a tremendous success, raising over $30,000 to support the Samaritan Center. Thanks to the generosity of our community—attendees, volunteers, artists, and sponsors—this beloved event continues to make a meaningful impact by helping ensure our neighbors facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals and vital support services. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped turn empty bowls into full hearts and stronger hope for those we serve.
If we missed you, and you wish to make a donation, please click here!
Welcome Bishop John S. Bonnici!
We would like to warmly welcome Bishop John S. Bonnici, who was installed as the 10th Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester at a special Mass on March 19th at Sacred Heart Cathedral. He succeeds Bishop Salvatore Matano, who retires after 12 years of faithful ministry. We embrace Bishop Bonnici’s vision of service rooted in love and compassion and eagerly anticipate his stewardship.
APRIL EVENTS
April 14 – Tabling at the Horseheads Library, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
April 20-24 – National Volunteer Week
Bags of HOPE: Consider organizing a Bags of HOPE drive for much-needed items (hygiene items and diapers). You can view our wishlist and purchase online as well. These items will assist those at our Homeless Shelter and those visiting the Samaritan Center.
MAY EVENTS
May 2 – Tabling at Walk a Mile, Eldridge Park, Elmira, 9:00am – Noon
May 4 – People of Hope Museum, St. Mary Our Mother Church, 816 W. Broad Street, Horseheads, NY 14845, time TBD
May 4 – Guthrie MOM Unit, 160 High Street, Elmira, 9:00am – 4:00pm
May 7 – People of Hope Museum, St. Marianne Cope Parish, 2061 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623, time TBD
May 12 – Tabling at the Horseheads Library, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
May 20 – Tabling at the Women’s Empowerment Conference, Corning Community College, 8:30am – 4:30pm
May 25 – AGENCY CLOSED, Memorial Day