Immaculate Conception Staff

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"All are welcome to join us for the Eucharistic celebrations and fellowship. Contact me if you need anything."

People gather on the steps of a church with the Priest.

Read our Story

Meet our Staff

A vested Priest stands in a church

Rev. Augustine Chumo

Pastor

My name is Fr. Augustine Chumo. I was born and raised in Kenya, East Africa. I came to the U.S. in 2006. I am grateful to the Bishop and the good people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester for the opportunity to serve in this diocese. What a privilege for me to be pastor of this great parish! Immaculate Conception is a good place to grow in faith and love of God. Members of this parish, are faith-filled. They are devoted to our Lord in the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The generosity of time, talent, energy, possessions and the care for one another’s needs is tremendous. All are welcome to join us for the Eucharistic celebrations and fellowship. Contact me if you need anything.

[email protected]
607-273-6121 x109

I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
~John 15:5

Deacon standing in front of Blessed Mother statue with votive candles

Deacon Dan Hurley

Deacon

Dan Hurley is our Deacon who assists with the Liturgy and RCIA. Dan was formerly the principal of our parish school prior to accepting the call as Pastoral Administrator of St. Michael’s and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rochester. We are very pleased that Deacon Dan has once again joined the staff at Immaculate Conception Church. He currently works full-time in prison ministry.

[email protected]
585-319-8205

In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places…if there were not would I have told you where I was going… and where I am going you know the way. Then Thomas said to Him, “Master we do not know where you are going… how can we know the way?” And Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…If you want to go to my Father… you come through me…”
~ John 14:6

Deacon in front of Sanctuary

Deacon George Kozak

Deacon

George Kozak is our Parish Deacon who assists in Liturgy, Baptisms,  Marriage preparation and Funerals. He is, also, involved in outreach to the marginalized and the elderly, adult catechesis, and the RCIA. Deacon George is a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church who went to Immaculate Conception School (K through 8th grade), played in the Contemporary Choir for twenty years, and previously served eight years as a Deacon in our Parish from 1998 through 2006. Deacon George works full-time at Cornell University and is married with six children.

[email protected]
607-273-6121 ext. 102

Then the king will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him and say, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?” And the king will say to them in reply, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
~ Matthew 25:34-40

Director of Multi-Parish Faith Formation

Rich Rasmussen

Director of Multi- Parish Faith Formation

Rich Rasmussen is the Director of Faith Formation for Immaculate Conception and St. Catherine of Siena Parishes. He has been with Immaculate Conception for more than 15 years. Rich coordinates the Religious Ed Program, Sacramental preparation programs for youth, and the middle and high school Youth Ministry Programs for Immaculate Conception and St. Catherine of Siena Parishes. You’ll often find Rich with a cup of coffee in hand and a song on his heart!

[email protected]
607-273-6121 ext. 105

Hi! My name is Rich and I have the pleasure of serving the young people and families of our parish. I served our parish in this role from 2001-2014. In the fall of 2014 God called me to a different area of ministry where I served as a Pastoral Associate with the Elmira Catholic Parishes from the fall of 2014 until October 2016 when I was blessed with the opportunity to return as part of the ministry staff for Immaculate Conception.      

Working with young people and families in ministry is my real passion. It is always a real blessing to watch families grow closer together through faith. I especially love watching young people grow to a point in which they “make it their own”. On a more personal note, I love music, coffee, and golf (even though I don’t really play much anymore). I also play the guitar, sing, love the outdoors and to run. I have been married to my wonderful wife, Deb, for over 20 years and have two amazing children. I consider it a real honor to work with the people of our parish.

If you have any questions regarding youth group, religious education, Baptism, First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, Confirmation or the RCIC process, please feel free to contact me.

RICH

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
~Philippians 4:13

Erika Linsdell

Administrative Assistant

Erika Linsdell is our Administrative Assistant and will likely be your first contact when you call or stop by the Parish Office. Erika is a font of information for both the staff and the parish as a whole. Not sure of something- ask Erika! Contact Erika for Mass requests, Mass cards, or general program information and scheduling.

[email protected]
607-273-6121 ext. 101

Hello! My name is Erika Vrabel-Linsdell and I am the person behind the voice you hear when you call the Parish Office! I was born in Ithaca and grew up attending Immaculate Conception. After high school I spent many years in Salzburg, Austria where I attended a Music Conservatory and worked at a travel agency leading “Sound of Music” tours! I still speck in German with my mother – old habits are hard to break.

After many years of living in Austria, N.C and Michigan, I moved back to Ithaca in 2013 with my husband to be closer to family. I am so honored to be able to interact with Parishioners and keep the office running in my old home Parish! I have been involved with the church for most of my life as a liturgical musician and am able to also utilize those talents at Immaculate, and around town.

When I’m not working for the church, I enjoy spending time ballroom dancing with my husband, helping out as Special Olympics Equestrian Coach, and helping run our “farm” with dogs, cats, numerous chickens, turkeys, and peacocks! You’ll most likely find many of our peacock feathers adorned in the front office.

ERIKA

Man stands in a cemetery

Mike Moravec

Cemetery Manager

Mike Moravec is our Cemetery Manager. Mike ensures that our cemetery is well cared for as the final place of rest for our friends and family members. You’ll appreciate Mike’s easy-going nature.

[email protected]
Calvary Cemetery 607-272-5780

Mary Holzhauer Picture

Mary Holzhauer

Director of Music

A versatile musician, keyboardist Mary Holzhauer regularly performs in a wide spectrum of styles and genres. She studied at the Eastman School of Music, Ithaca College, and Nazareth College, and has worked in the Diocese of Rochester for many years. In addition to being Music Director at Immaculate Conception, she is also on the faculty of Ithaca College and Opus Ithaca.

“Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
~1 Corinthians 15:58

Mathew Hall in Choir Loft

Matthew Hall

Organist

Matthew Hall is an Assistant Organist for the parish. He has been playing the organ since he was 12. His full-time job is as a Catholic campus minister at Cornell and Ithaca College, and he is also a lecturer in the School of Music at Ithaca College. Matthew lives in Trumansburg with his wife Lizzy and son Dominic.

“So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.”
~(Luke 15:20, from the Parable of the Prodigal Son)

Our Finance Team

FINANCE OFFICE: 315-252-7111

Shawn Gillen-Caryl
Director
Kim Guinnip
Business Manager
Star Yankton
Finance Manager
Sandi Mettler
Business Manager

Upcoming Parish Event!


March 23 at 10:15am in the sanctuary. On Saturday, March 23, the Knights will hold a devotional service to honor St. Joseph, Head of the Holy Family in the sanctuary starting at 10:15am following the Children’s Choir practice. The service should last about 30 minutes and will be led by Deacon Dan Hurley. Devotion to St. Joseph is increasing from the Year of Consecration to St. Joseph in 2022 decreed by Pope Francis, and we invite everyone to join us to pray for his intercession for us.

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