Where Connection Begins
Just four years ago, we were a young couple arriving in Rochester, like so many others drawn here for work. As we settled into our new city, we felt a deep desire to find a spiritual home—a place where we could grow in faith, connect with others, and feel God's presence in our everyday lives.
Mike, Morgan, & Zoey Turski
We tried several churches, each offering something unique, but we found ourselves continually drawn back to the Co-Cathedral. Mike was drawn in by the music, particularly the organ, and enjoyed closely following along in the worship aid. For Morgan, it was the light-filled space that brightened her Sunday mornings, and the vibrant bulletin that overflowed with opportunities for fellowship and service.
That same year, we got engaged. Morgan, raised Catholic, knew she wanted to celebrate marriage in the Church. Mike had always found peace in attending Mass but was not sure about converting. Still, he felt drawn to explore the faith more deeply. With an open heart, he began the OCIA process, with the intention of learning more about Catholicism before getting married.
As the weeks unfolded, so did our conversations— reflective discussions at home after class, shared readings, and moments of prayer. Mike felt comfort and peace each time he attended class. Mike’s interest deepened into conviction and Morgan’s own faith was renewed in the process. It became a shared spiritual journey and brought us closer in our relationship with each other and God.
In that same season, Morgan felt called to serve. Becoming a Eucharistic Minister was a quiet but powerful yes to the Spirit’s invitation. And in Easter of 2023, Mike fully entered the Catholic Church through Confirmation and First Eucharist. Later that year, surrounded by loved ones, we were married in the very church that has become our home.
The story does not stop there. The music that first pulled Mike through the doors never stopped calling him. While working on home projects and whistling melodies, his father-in-law remarked, “You’re always on pitch.” He eventually mentioned it to Sebastian, who welcomed him to join the choir just as he was. Despite having no formal experience, Mike joined the Good News Ensemble for Christmas 2024 and has found deep joy in lifting his voice in worship ever since.
Most recently, we had the profound blessing of having our daughter, Zoey, baptized at the Co-Cathedral. To walk this journey of faith, through Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Marriage, and now Baptism with this community has been a gift beyond words.
Of course, it took time to feel truly rooted. We wandered a bit, figuring things out. But in hindsight, each moment of welcome, whether it was a warm smile from a hospitality minister, a kind word of congratulations, or a spontaneous dinner invitation from a couple we had just met, wove us more deeply into the fabric of this community. Sometimes, all it takes is sitting somewhere new, or introducing yourself to someone you have exchanged peace with for weeks but never spoken to. That can be where a connection begins.
Being part of a faith community has nurtured not only our spiritual lives, but our sense of belonging and even our joy. Reaching out can feel daunting amid busy schedules and everyday demands, but we have found that saying yes, to God, to service, and to one another, has been one of the most rewarding choices we have made.
The Co-Cathedral is a special place full of Rochester natives, transplants, people here for training and people from around the world. We continue to develop our sense of community, hand in hand with this Church and each other, trusting that God is guiding us, step by step.
How is God calling you to get involved?
Mike, Morgan and Zoey Turski