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Mission: To cultivate hope and wholeness for all through ethical medical care,
counseling, education, research and referrals in a supportive community.

SMFPI’s BREAKTHROUGH 2026 event brought together teens for a powerful day of faith, friendship, and personal renewal. The day-long gathering featured inspirational talks, community-building activities, prayer, and opportunities for reflection aimed at encouraging young people to live with courage and conviction in today’s culture.

Featured speakers Joey Pontarelli, founder of Restored Ministries, and Samantha Kelley, founder of FIERCE Athlete, challenged attendees to deepen their relationship with God while embracing the unique mission and identity entrusted to them.

Pontarelli spoke candidly about human suffering and pursuing virtue. Kelley focused on God’s loving design, inspiring young people to recognize their dignity and discover the purpose for which they were created.

Attendees said the presentations were among the most impactful parts of the day. One participant shared, “The two main talks by the visiting speakers taught me very important things about sleeping right, being who you are supposed to be, and handling pain well.” Another commented, “I really liked Joey’s talk and the discussion with him afterwards.”

BREAKTHROUGH 2026 Inspires Teens

In addition to inspiration, many participants said they left with practical tools for everyday life. “Yes, I learned skills for dealing with various situations, emotions, and people,” one attendee noted in post-event feedback.

Throughout the event, participants engaged in games, fellowship, and meaningful conversations with peers who share a desire to grow in faith. It was a joyful, Spirit-filled, and deeply encouraging day.

The Novena Prayer

Almighty and eternal God,
Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit
and hast given us forgiveness of all sins,
vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us
[and especially upon our new Bishop of Rochester]
your sevenfold Spirit:

the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding,
the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude,
the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety,
and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear.

Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary — once

Glory be to the Father — seven times

(Prayer taken from the EWTN website)

A Novena for Our New Bishop:

Bishop John Bonnici

It is providential that the installation Mass for our new bishop of the Diocese of Rochester will take place on Feast of Saint Joseph, March 19, 2026. St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and protector of the Holy Family, has long been honored by the Church as a model of faithful leadership, humble service, and spiritual fatherhood. His quiet strength, courage, and obedience to God make him a fitting patron as our diocese welcomes a new shepherd.

Let us join together in praying a nine-day novena leading up to the installation on March 19, asking the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen our new shepherd. Pray the novena prayer each day beginning on Tuesday, March 10, for Bishop John Bonnici, that through the grace of his episcopal ministry he will be, in the words of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “the model for his flock,” and that he will “guide and defend his Church with strength and prudence as a father and pastor, with gratuitous love for all and a preferential love for the poor, the sick, and the needy” (CCC 1586).

We also entrust our bishop to the intercession of St. Joseph, that he may lead with the same humility, fidelity, and courage shown by the guardian of the Holy Family.

Please continue to pray not only during this novena but throughout the years ahead. The ordained leaders of our Church stand in constant need of our prayers, that they may faithfully serve Christ and His people each day.

BREAKTHROUGH Success

Breakthrough 2025 was an unforgettable, Spirit-filled event that brought together teens and young adults for a full day of faith & friendship. The day-long event combined inspirational talks from two renowned speakers with games, fellowship and times for reflection. Joey Pontarelli, founder of Restored Ministries, spoke about human suffering, provided practical advice for difficult times and challenged attendees to "choose your hard." Samantha Kelley, founder of FIERCE Athlete, spoke about God's loving plan for men and women and encouraged attendees to embrace the incredible and unrepeatable person God intended for each of them to be.

Lenten Reflection Series

Prepare for the Third Sunday of Lent with Deacon Michael Kristan as he leads a lectio divina-style meditation on the appointed readings for the day.

SMFPI Attends Penfield Board of Education Meeting

February 11, 2025 | Deacon Mike Kristan


SMFPI made a passionate plea for policy change at the latest Penfield Board of Education meeting. Speaking on behalf of parents troubled by the growing threats of sexual exploitation and the accessibility of explicit materials to children,  Deacon Mike called for stronger protections and curriculum reforms. Citing alarming statistics on human trafficking and the porn industry’s influence, his presentation urged school leaders to take immediate action to safeguard students. 

Get the Facts | Trafficking Handout

Newsletter Archive

We’re delighted to share more photos from that inspiring event! Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, and prayed for Restore’s mission to renew trust in healthcare and honor the dignity of every person.

(Password: shield)

The generosity and enthusiasm in the room were truly inspiring, and every gift helps Restore Health and Wellness continue its mission of providing life-affirming care and hope to women, children, and families.

Thank you to all who attended, donated, and prayed with us—you made this night unforgettable.


SMFPI
1880 East Ridge Road - Unit #8 Up
Rochester, NY 14622


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