Linehan Chapel

A Sacred Space

The Paul and Judy Linehan Chapel is located on the first floor of the Golisano Academic Center (GAC). The chapel serves the Nazareth community as a place of prayer and worship. It is also used for concerts, performances, lectures, and any activities that celebrate the noblest aspirations of the human spirit.

Built in 1927, the neo-Gothic Golisano Center was the motherhouse for the Sisters of St. Joseph until 2001. Then Nazareth purchased the property, and named the chapel in honor of alumna and trustee Judy Wilmot Linehan '76 and her husband, Paul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the chapel available to the public for weddings/unions?

Yes! Members of the Rochester community as well as Nazareth affiliates may rent the chapel for weddings and union ceremonies. Nazareth affiliates include current students, trustees, alumni, faculty and staff members, and the children and grandchildren of these individuals.

When is the chapel available to rent?

Chapel availability is based on Nazareth's academic calendar; it is available whenever school is not in session. Generally, available dates include:

  • The weekend after Mother's Day through mid-August
  • Labor Day weekend
  • October break (usually the first weekend in October)
  • Thanksgiving week
  • Semester break (usually from the week before Christmas until mid-January)

All Friday ceremonies are scheduled at 4:30 p.m.; Saturday ceremonies are scheduled either at Noon or 4:00 p.m. and Sunday ceremonies are scheduled on a case-by-case basis. Ceremony start times are not negotiable. 

What are the costs involved in renting the chapel?

Rental fees are $1,200 for non-affiliates of Nazareth and $600 for affiliates. This fee does not include musicians, officiants or ministers, wedding planners, etc., which are the responsibility of the renters to reserve and compensate.

Your rental fee includes:

  • Use of the Chapel for 1 hour for a rehearsal
  • Use of the Chapel for 3 hours for the ceremony
  • Use of the Community Room, GAC 151
  • The services of a Chapel Coordinator.

The Chapel Coordinator will arrange to meet with you once for one hour to discuss the ceremony and answer any questions you may have about the Chapel. That coordinator will be present to assist at the rehearsal and wedding.

What is the chapel's seating capacity?

The chapel holds 420 guests, including the wedding party.

Is there adequate parking available?

Yes. Parking for ceremonies is available in two large lots located in front of the chapel entrance (Parking Lot R) and on the north side of the building (Parking Lot Q). Handicapped-accessible parking is also available at the north end of the building, with elevators inside to bring guests to the chapel from the ground floor.

Printable campus map shows chapel location and parking lots.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Alcohol, food, and beverages are not allowed within the chapel.

Nazareth is a smoke-free / tobacco-free / vape-free campus.

Does Nazareth have clergy available to perform our wedding ceremony?

No. The couple is responsible for obtaining clergy to perform for the ceremony.

How do I book a reservation or find answers to other questions?

Call the Nazareth University Center for Spirituality at 585-389-2308 or email us at chapel@naz.edu.

Linehan Chapel

    Additional Information

    Wedding planning:

    Directions:

    See the campus map and/or the printable campus parking map to find Golisano Academic Center (home of the chapel).

    Religious & Spiritual Events

    For the calendar of upcoming religious services and spiritual events, see the Center for Spirituality homepage or the Religious and Spiritual Communities pages.