Mary Magdalene Church is an inclusive church in the Catholic tradition where people from all faiths and backgrounds are welcome to the Lord’s table. We strive to live the values that Jesus taught, to honor and respect each individual and to share the joy of God’s unconditional love in our community and beyond. | | |
Greetings!
This Sunday is August 23rd - a fact that made me smile because of this piece titled “August 23rd” by the guitarist Doug Smith that I first heard many years ago, and which became part of my trove of sacred music. I don’t know what meaning that date holds in the guitarist’s own world. Perhaps it is the birthday of someone precious to him, or the day someone precious to passed from this life. Maybe it was a day that marked a transformation within himself, known to no one else. Maybe it was simply a day that the light fell across the fields a certain way, or the sky was a particular shade of blue, or when the trees were having a particular conversation with the breeze, that illuminated for him how much this earth is soaked with the presence of the divine. Regardless of the reason, clearly for the artist, August 23rd was a holy day. And every time I hear or think of this song, I’m reminded that every day truly is a holy day. Not only because any given “ordinary” date on the calendar is, for someone, a date they will never forget -- the day someone beloved was born, died, or encountered a pivotal moment in their life; but also because, even without any special occasions at all, each given day is precious in its own right: a day when the sky emerges, the trees breathe deep, and we are here.
Happy August 23rd-- the day that’s a reminder to hallow all the other days! May it be a blessing.
Love,
--Rev. Celie
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Do you have someone you want us to pray for?
To add someone to the prayer list, contact: Sue Gerber
We will include your prayer request in our Prayers of the People for two weeks. If you'd like us to continue praying for the same need longer, please just send an email to Sue! We'll be happy to do so.
If you'd like to join our team of "pray-ers" and be notified where there are
prayer needs, please send an email to Sue Gerber.
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Cheryl
Ludlow-Kuzara Family
Cindy & Al
Tara S.
Adam & Jen
Dot & Dave
Gary
Brian
Terri Glover
Cassie Kerg
Mark Vivino
Suzanne Moro
The Hauck Family
The Long Family
Christine
Sandra
Vic & Joann Corso
Brett
Ben
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John Salamone
Kevin Joseph
Peter Tauriello
Sue & Ed
Margaret Hill
Paris
Kay Hogle
Lynne
Dom & Kathy Vedora
Nancy & Scottie
Mary Tantillo
Sue Winstel
Marty Martelli
All victims of violence
All who struggle with mental illness, suicidal thoughts, and addiction
For those we’ve promised to pray for, and for those with no one to pray for them.
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Sunday's Mass will be celebrated in memory of David Beesley
If you would like to schedule a Mass intention—whether in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special occasion—please contact the parish office.
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Please feel free to look ahead and listen to the music planned for the coming month. A few selections may shift as we track down the Psalms, but this list reflects the music you can expect throughout August!
Claudio Espejo (he/him), DMA
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~Sunday Service Volunteers~
Lector: Tammy Drollette
LivestreamTechnician: Marcy Casilio
Prayers of the People: Jerry Janas
Eucharistic Ministers: Joyce Martelli, Char Annese
Coffee hour: Potluck!
Coffee Hour Cleanup: Helpers Needed!
Sound Technician: Ted Shawe
Collection Counter: Cindy McClurg
Join us for Sunday Mass at 10AM in-person and online.
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Zoom Coffee Hour after Mass for our online friends!
(Meeting ID: 832 9282 3896 Passcode: 033975 if prompted)
If you are interested in volunteering for one of the ministries above,
or in any other way, just let us know.
Email Sue or Rev. Celie about how you can help, and THANK YOU!
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SYNOD 2026
The biennial synod of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion (MMC's denominational body) will be held in St. Paul, Minnesota, from October 9-12. Rev Celie and Dc. Betty will be attending on behalf of MMC. Mary Magdalene is entitled to three voting lay delegates from among our members. Delegates may participate either in person or virtually, and each delegate is responsible for the $325 registration fee. If you are interested in being part of the ECC's shared discussions, or simply would enjoy learning about the landscape of our larger network of communities, and would like to assume this role, please contact the office. We will also be hosting viewing parties at church for anyone interested to view the the keynote addresses, State of the ECC address, and All-Communion Mass during the weekend. The full schedule of the Synod may be viewed here. Logo design: Fr. Michael Nicosia
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Youth Group
The new Religious Education year is fast approaching! This year, we are trying out a new schedule. Our teen & preteen group will meet two Sundays per month DURING Mass (please note the change from the previous meeting time during coffee hour). The year will include service projects, art/ creativity time, games, and exploration of social justice and other matters of importance to the group. The full schedule can be found HERE, and our kickoff Sunday is September 25th!
If you or someone you know has a child who would be interested in joining a justice-focused, LGBTQ+ inclusive, spiritually open-minded youth group, please contact Pat Davidson about registration.
If your family includes an elementary-age child, please remember to help yourself to the basket of “Mass buddies” (stuffed animals) at the front of the church, and/or to a Mass activity bag assembled by our current young church members (these can be found by either door).
We look forward to seeing what projects our kids invite us to be part of this coming year!
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Trans Pride Fest
You're invited to Rochester's first Trans Pride Fest, September 5th from 1-7PM at International Plaza, 828 N Clinton Ave.
A free community-centered celebration created to uplift transgender and gender nonconforming people through joy, visibility, healing, advocacy, culture, and collective power. Come listen to live music and entertainment! Mary Magdalene Church is a proud sponsor.
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Summer Gelato!
August 23rd - Royal Cafe (15 N. Main St. Fairport) after Mass. Raindate Sunday, August 30th.
Mary Magdalene Reads
August 25th - The Gathering Room 6:30PM or on Zoom.
2nd Summer Community Meal
August 27th - Fellowship Hall 5:30-7:00 PM hosted by the Social Justice Committee for our East Rochester neighbors.
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~Things to do in the Community~
The offerings listed below are brought to us by members of our community who want you to know what is available! Contact information is always provided so that you can find out more. Please know these offerings do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Mary Magdalene Church.
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A Course in Miracles Study Group
Join us on Tuesdays from 6pm to 7:30pm via Zoom to discuss the Manual part of the Course. The first meeting will be September 1 and will run until November 17. Please contact Dory Deisenroth @ 585-750-2557 if you have any questions or you are interested.
VOA Hike to End Homelessness
Join us on September 13 at 10AM for a family‑friendly hike that brings our community together to raise both awareness and essential funds for neighbors experiencing homelessness. The event takes place at St. John Fisher University (3690 East Ave, Rochester). Registration is available online.
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Become a Member of Mary Magdalene Church!
Have you been worshiping with us regularly but haven’t yet registered as a member of our Mary Magdalene Church community? We warmly invite you to take this meaningful step. Registration forms are available at both entrances to the church, or you can fill out an online form here.
If you are new to our community we'd like to get to know you! Send us your name and favorite thing (food, activity, anything!) and Kathy Mrzywka will make you a personalized name tag! Click here to request a name tag.
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Looking for a Way to Serve on Sundays?
We have many ministries that need your gifts! Whether as an Usher, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Livestream volunteer, or more, each role is easy to learn and comes with full training. Serving is a beautiful way to deepen your faith, connect with others, and support our parish community.
If you feel called to join, please reach out to Rev. Celie, Dcn. Betty, or Sue for more information. Your presence makes a difference to all!
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~Ways to Give to MMC~
Thank you, as always, for your generosity! We have numerous ways you can choose to donate. You can use the button below to make a one-time or recurring donation, or you can contact our Office Administrator, Sue Gerber, to set up ongoing support.
If you are at least 73 years old and take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA each year, consider donating some of those funds as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to Mary Magdalene Church and enjoy some tax savings at the same time!
Donate your returnables to our Can Shack located in our parking lot. Just bag your bottles and cans in a regular kitchen garbage bag, making sure they are empty and clean, and place them in the secure opening whenever you are here! Every bag makes a difference!
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July Income
Collections: $14,833.00
Donations for Room Use: $155.00
Misc./Pastoral Emergency Fund: $447.00
Memorial Gifts/Misc.: $1030.00
Bottle Collection: $145.00
| | ~Weekly Services at Mary Magdalene Church~ | | |
Watch last Sunday's Mass on Facebook or YouTube here! Join us any day or time you like. And let us know you are watching by leaving comments in the FB chat!
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~Wednesday Reflection~
Come to church for prayer, communion and reflection every Wednesday from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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~Thursday Morning Contemplative Prayer~
All are welcome every Thursday from 7:30-8:30 am
either in-person or via Zoom!
Join us for meditative music, reflective readings, silent contemplative prayer & communion. Please use the parking lot door and join us in the Gathering Room (former library).
On Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81433878080
Meeting ID: 814 3387 8080 The Passcode is presence.
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~Sunday Morning Mass~
Join us in-person at 1008 Main St. in East Rochester, NY or join us virtually every Sunday at 10 am on Facebook Live or YouTube!
~Join Us on Zoom~
Coffee Hour After Mass on Sunday at 11:00 am
Meeting ID: 832 9282 3896 Passcode: 033975
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Bulletin Announcements
If you would like to include social justice opportunities and community activities in the weekly bulletin update, email Sue by 5 pm on Wednesday.
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Church Office Hours
In general, our church is open the following hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10-3 pm*
*Please note: These hours may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Please contact the office by phone or email to confirm.
Rev. Celie's hours and contact info:
Phone: 315-538-4910
In cases of emergency (eg., last rites/ serious medical crisis): 315-877-3302
Available for appointments M/T/W/ Sat
Thursdays - devoted principally to liturgy planning and sermon writing
Friday - day off
If you would like to make an appointment to see Rev. Celie or Deacon Betty Jerabeck, please contact them directly. Click here for our Church Calendar!
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