Church law defines a shrine as “a church or other sacred place to which numerous members of the faithful make pilgrimage for a special reason of piety, with the approval of the local ordinary” (Code of Canon Law, can. 1230). Saint Mary’s is a shrine for Marian devotion in the Diocese of Syracuse. As such, the shrine is intended as a center of spiritual renewal for the whole diocese. 

Our Parish is also a center for the celebration of the traditional Latin Rite. This form of worship, which developed many centuries ago, is a priceless treasure of our Catholic faith. On Sundays and feast days, there are handouts containing English translations of the Propers (the prayers and readings proper to the day). If you are unfamiliar with the traditional Latin Mass, please do not hesitate to approach the clergy of the Shrine with any questions you may have. Holy communion may be received by practicing Catholics in the state of grace. Holy communion is received kneeling at the communion rail (unless you are impaired from doing so) and directly on the tongue. The sacrament of confession is available every day 30 minutes before the start of Latin Mass (ending approximately 7 minutes before Mass begins).

In addition to the sacred liturgy and various devotions, Saint Mary’s offers regular faith formation (catechism) for both children and adults. If you are not a Catholic, you are warmly invited to learn more about our faith. The Catholic Church was founded 2000 years ago by Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to carry on His work for the salvation of souls. If you are interested in becoming Catholic or simply want to learn more about the Catholic faith, please do not hesitate to contact us. The Shrine offers group classes and individual instruction. 

As of June 2025, Bishop Lucia has entrusted the pastoral care of the shrine to the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. Originally founded in 1990, the Institute is a spiritual family comprising priests, called canons; seminarians in formation for the priesthood; religious brothers, called oblates; and contemplative sisters, the Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus. The mission of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest is to spread the reign of Christ in all spheres of human life by drawing from the millennial treasury of the Roman Catholic Church, especially through the celebration of the traditional Latin liturgy, the spirituality of her saints, and her cultural patrimony in music, art and architecture.  The Institute currently ministers in dioceses across the United States, Europe and Africa.

If you are interested in registering as a parishioner, forms are available in the gift shop. You can also sign up here on our website. We look forward to hearing from you.