Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Spiritual Home in Amherst, NY
St Leo The Great RC Church is a vibrant Catholic faith community established in 1953, dedicated to nurturing spiritual growth, fostering fellowship, and serving the Amherst, NY area. With a rich history spanning over seven decades, we offer weekly Masses, sacramental preparation, religious education, and over 30 ministries engaging all generations. Our parish community is strengthened by a commitment to stewardship, responsible financial management, and collaborative partnerships with neighboring parishes.We provide a welcoming environment for worship, lifelong learning, and service through our newly constructed parish center, teaching kitchen, and multi-purpose facilities. Our mission is to honor tradition while embracing innovation, creating spaces for both spiritual nourishment and community connection.
Services
Weekly Masses
Religious Education
Sacramental Preparation
Parish Ministries
Community Outreach
Facility Rentals
Youth Programs
Senior Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Funeral Services
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- We offer intergenerational faith formation programs for all ages
- Our parish maintains audited financial controls for stewardship transparency
- We provide modern facilities including a 7,000 sq ft recreation area
- Our community supports over 30 active ministries and service organizations
- We collaborate with four local parishes while maintaining independent identity
What people say
Welcoming community
Excellent youth programs
Beautiful facilities
Engaging sermons
Active ministries
Services
Weekly Masses
We offer traditional Catholic worship experiences with weekend Masses at 4 PM Saturdays and 9 AM & 11 AM Sundays. Daily chapel Masses are celebrated at 8 AM Monday through Saturday, with adoration and private devotions available. Our liturgical calendar includes special holiday services and sacramental celebrations throughout the year.
Religious Education
Our comprehensive faith education programs serve children, teens, and adults through sacramental preparation, Sunday school, and intergenerational learning events. The Generations of Faith program combines Mass, fellowship, and faith discussions for families, while our Catholic school provides academic and spiritual development for K-8 students.
Parish Ministries
Over 30 active ministries engage parishioners in service opportunities ranging from Eucharistic ministry to outreach programs. We support Little Portion Friary, Thanksgiving food drives, nursing home visits, and seasonal charity events while maintaining liturgical, pastoral care, and spiritual formation ministries.
Facility Rentals
Our modern parish center features a 9,000 sq ft banquet hall seating 275 guests, a commercial teaching kitchen, and outdoor pavilion. The facility connects directly to the church and accommodates weddings, receptions, seminars, and community events with convenient parking and accessibility features.
Stewardship Programs
Through our Responsible Stewardship campaign, we encourage parishioners to make prayerful financial commitments supporting our ministries and facilities. The parish maintains strict financial accountability with audited controls while offering online giving options and budget education programs for families.
People
Rev. Msgr. Robert E. Zapfel
Pastor
Ordained in 1978, Msgr. Zapfel has served as St. Leo's pastor since 2002. He leads our faith community with over four decades of pastoral experience, guiding our parish through significant growth and development while maintaining traditional Catholic values.
Rev. David Bellittiere
Senior Parochial Vicar
Fr. Bellittiere serves as Senior Parochial Vicar and leads our Lenten retreat programs. He brings extensive experience in spiritual direction and sacramental ministry, overseeing daily operations and special events at our Amherst campus.
Rev. Joseph C. Gatto
Senior Parochial Vicar
Fr. Gatto contributes to weekend Masses and sacramental celebrations. With deep roots in the Buffalo Diocese, he provides pastoral care and liturgical leadership while supporting our intergenerational faith formation initiatives.
Questions
What Mass times are available?
Weekend Masses: 4 PM Saturday Vigil, 9 AM & 11 AM Sundays. Weekday Chapel Masses at 8 AM Monday through Saturday.
How can I join the parish?
Complete a registration form available at weekend Masses or in the parish office. New member orientation is offered quarterly.
What youth programs are available?
We offer religious education for grades K-8, Generations of Faith family program, and sacramental preparation for First Communion and Confirmation.
Can I rent your event facilities?
Our banquet center with 275-seat capacity and teaching kitchen is available for weddings, receptions, and community events. Contact the parish office for availability.
How does the parish support community outreach?
Through 30+ ministries, we support Little Portion Friary, nursing home visits, food drives, and seasonal charity events like our Thanksgiving collection.
What stewardship opportunities exist?
We offer financial giving through our Responsible Stewardship campaign, volunteer ministries, and time-based service opportunities for all ages.
