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. | | |
~A Message from Rev. Celie~
Greetings!
A tradition I love at Mary Magdalene is that of embracing Lent as a time of reclaiming some fundamental part of our religious life. In past years, Tuesday 5:45 Lenten Masses have focused on reclaiming the sacraments, symbols, and saints of the Catholic tradition, as well as—last year—reclaiming Jesus himself. This year, our Tuesdays will invite us to reclaim the fundamentals of Discipleship: key (and often difficult) practices in the life of a Jesus follower. A reminder that Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 2/18. Mass with imposition of ashes will be at 6PM.
I’m also excited to announce two additional opportunities for spiritual deepening this Lenten season. One is a potluck soup supper, to give us a chance to get to connect with and get to know one another. This will be on March 7th; see signup information and more details to come from members Cindy McClurg & Ginny Weisel in this and future bulletins.
The other opportunity is the first in what we hope will be a recurring, occasional series (tentatively named Catholicism Cafe). As our “reclaiming” tradition suggests, many of us here at Mary Magdalene are curious about, but not entirely sure how we relate to, the Catholic faith. Many of us arrived here following a conscientious objection to certain institutional aspects of the Roman church (notably the exclusion of women from leadership, discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, and the tendency to elevate a legalistic approach to rules above pastoral needs and the complexity of human lives). However, we also retain a resonance with Catholic spirituality… a spirituality we all relate to a little differently—which is good! Our hope with Catholicism Cafe is to provide a chance for us to learn and dialogue about Catholic images, practices, and teachings potentially worth preserving — even if in a new and fresh way. Our goal isn’t to settle on a single “right” answer, but to grow in understanding of the diversity of belief among us, and learn about some lesser-known but liberating aspects of our faith. To that end, our first Catholicism Cafe will be held after Mass on Sunday, 3/22. Harry Murray—longtime teacher at Nazareth, soup server at Rochester’s Catholic Worker house, and protester extraordinaire— will give us a crash course in best-kept secrets of Catholic social teaching. You might be pleasantly surprised to hear some of the church’s witness in areas such as environmental justice, labor rights, and care for the poor. Please save the date— hope to see you there!
Looking forward to this Lenten journey with you,
—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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Margaret Hill
Mark Vivino
Mary Jo & family
Andrew
Becky
Marilyn
Logan
Brett
Lynn
Paris
Peggy Detwiler
Kathy Hart & family
Sam and Bill
Hannah Zehner
Judy & Gary
John White
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Sarah & her children
Dom & Kathy Vedora
Michele & Tom Vedora
Nancy & Scottie
Mary Tantillo
Sue Winstel
Marty Martelli
Devin McBride, Daniel Fiero, Axel Hernandez, Maria Benetez and 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.
| | 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. | |
~Sunday Service Volunteers~
Lector: Polly McCarthy
Musicians: Kathy English, Randy Jones, Bob Pizzutiello
LivestreamTechnician: Marcy Casilio
Sacristans: Marilyn Parchus, Brighid Phoenix, Michael Haddix, Betty Jerabeck
Prayers of the People: Someone, perhaps you?
Eucharistic Ministers: Wayne Harrington, Linda McNally
Coffee hour: Pot Luck!
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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NEW LINK! 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 Dec. Betty about how you can help, and THANK YOU!
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Soup Supper!
If you're sick of the winter weather like we are, come join us on Saturday, March 7th for a warm soup supper! We will gather in Fellowship Hall at 5:00pm. Please send Cindy McClurg an email at cmcclurg241@gmail.com to let her know...1. if you will be attending and 2. if you will be bringing a crock pot of soup! There will also be a sign up sheet outside of the Sacristy at church. It will be a warm evening of sharing a meal along with good conversation!
Looking forward to seeing you then!
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GriefShare Facilitators Needed
Our GriefShare group will be starting up again this spring. This volunteer‑led ministry offers compassionate, ongoing care for those walking through grief. We are in need of a few additional facilitators to help support the group.
No experience is necessary! All facilitators receive online training. If you have a heart for caring for those who are grieving, this is a meaningful way to serve and help provide continued support for the bereaved. Contact Joyce Haag if you are interested in learning more.
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Our Coffee Hour Crew, Greeters, Ushers, and Meal Train volunteers are now united under one ministry: Hospitality, reflecting our community’s commitment to warmth, welcome, and care. If you feel called to serve, please contact the parish office and we will connect you with someone on the team.
Meal Train Volunteers Needed: We are seeking cooks and bakers willing to prepare an occasional simple meal for parishioners recovering from illness or a baked good for funeral receptions. To join the roster, please contact Rosemary Salamone. THANK YOU for ministering to others in our parish!
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Winter Clean‑Out? Donate to the MMC Rummage Sale!
Are you tidying up this winter? Consider giving your gently used items a new home! Donations for the annual Mary Magdalene Rummage Sale are now being accepted! Please note, we cannot accept TVs, shoes, Christmas decorations, or car seats.
Our Rummage Sale will run from April 10th - April 11th.
Please contact Tammy to set a time for dropoff. 585-362-1155 or tdrollette@rochester.rr.com
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HELP FOR A LOCAL MIGRANT CHURCH
MMC Social Justice Ministry is once again asking for your help. The migrant church that we support with Christmas gifts needs utility shelving. They are trying to clean and arrange their basement. Our contact said that they do not need to look good, just usable. Hopefully, people will have some old ones that they want to give away.
If you have shelving that you would like to donate, please contact Joyce Martelli and/or Deacon Betty. We will help make arrangements to get them to their location.
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Mary Magdalene Reads - "We Survived the End of the World"
Tuesday, February 17th at 6:30PM on Zoom only! Click HERE for questions that may help your reading of chapter 7 and the Epilogue. If you have any questions, please contact Joyce Martelli at jemmartelli@gmail.com
Ash Wednesday Service
February 18th at 6:00 PM.
Trans Parent Group
February 22nd in the Gathering Room (first floor) 12:00-1:00 PM.
Lenten Good Trouble Weekday Mass
February 24th at 5:45PM
Lenten Faith-Sharing Group
February 25th at 6:00-7:30 PM in the Gathering Room (1st Floor) in person and on Zoom.
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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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SHOW UP......STAND UP FOR DEMOCRACY
Are you fearful of current news in our country? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Powerless? Here is what you can do to make your voice heard in a peaceful manner. Join other peacemakers every Saturday at 12 Corners in Brighton for one hour from Noon to 1pm. Stand with others and use your First Amendment rights for one hour! Make a sign, bring a sign or borrow one there. It is one thing you can actively do to make a difference for yourself and the community at large. Contact Donna if you have any questions.
MLK Program Beloved Community Service on February 22nd 3PM - 5PM
This program was rescheduled due to inclement weather in January. Join us for a gathering of people of many faiths and traditions from across Monroe County ~ Muslim, Hindu, Presbyterian, Catholic, Unitarian, and many others for an interfaith service at Pittsford Community Church 123 Main St. Pittsford. Click here for more information. The event will be in-person and online.
LifeSpan Training - February 25, 2026
When older adults face abuse or mistreatment, many seek support from their faith communities—places they trust for guidance, comfort, and care. This training equips clergy, lay leaders, and congregants with the tools to recognize signs of elder abuse, understand its impact, and respond with compassion and clarity. Click here for more information and to register.
RGMC - Hawaiian Luau - February 28th 6-9PM
Escape the winter blues and join the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus for a festive Hawaiian luau! This special event isn’t just about great entertainment—it’s about supporting the mission of the RGMC to create harmony through music and foster an inclusive community. For more information, click here.
Women of Faith in These Times - April 6th
Join us on Sunday, April 6, from 12:30–3:00 PM at the St. Mary’s Dugan Center as we welcome internationally known speaker Ellie Hidalgo. She will offer an inspiring presentation on "Women of Faith in These Times".Click here for more information. This program is brought to you by Voices of Women.
Finding the Wild Goose
Finding theWild Goose is an independent group of women gathering to explore and grow our Christian spirituality. Please join us at Mary Magdalene Church, Fellowship Hall (1008 Main Street, East Rochester, NY) from noon to 1:30 pm the second Wednesday of each month, January through June.
Click here for more information. All are welcome!
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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 would love your gifts! Whether as a 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!
We now have a Can Shack located in our parking lot where you can return your NYS redeemable containers. 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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January Income
Collections: $13,596.00
Donations for Room Use: $110.00
Emergency Fund/Memorial Donations: $325.00
Fundraising:$1,120.00
| | ~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/83450495341
Meeting ID: 834 5049 5341 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.
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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