On Dec. 31, 2022 Bishop Salvatore R. Matano released a memo to all priests, pastoral administrators, and religious communities. The following is an excerpt from that memo:

"In uniting in prayer for the repose of the soul of our Holy Father Emeritus, Benedict XVI, the following consideration offered by the Committee on Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops might therefore be helpful:

I ask all parishes, parochial schools, and diocesan agencies to pray for the repose of the soul of our Holy Father Emeritus, Benedict XVI. The custom of praying the Our Father, Hail Mary, and GLory Be to the Father is to be encouraged, especially with school children, as is the recitation of the Rosary for the repose of his soul. Churched may display a portrait of the late Holy Father with Black bunting and church bells may be tolled.

I will offer a Solemn Mass for our deceased Holy Father Emeritus on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 7:00 p.m., at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Rochester. I pray that all our parishes, schools, and diocesan agencies will be represented at this Solemn Mass.

In addition to the celebration of Mass, public prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic and other devotional prayer, lectures on the teaching and legacy of the Pope Emeritus, activities for the relief of the poor offered for the intention of his would, or other such initiatives are recommended."