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 Deacon Betty~
Greetings!
“The story of Jesus’s death and resurrection reveals to us a God who is waiting.”
Henri Nouwen, The Path of Waiting
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the liturgical season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, as disciples of Jesus, we gather at a threshold - standing between what has been and what might yet be. We receive a simple sign – ashes traced in the shape of a cross upon our foreheads. We begin Lent not by looking backward in shame, but by looking forward in Hope. Ash Wednesday invites us to step onto a path – a sacred journey toward the Divine One, who is always waiting and reaching out for us.
Through the prophet Joel, we hear God’s tender plea: “Return to me with your whole heart.” Not return in fear. Not return in humiliation. Return in love. Joel reminds us that God is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love.” The call to repentance is not a threat; it is an invitation. An invitation to turn back. It is the voice of Love, beckoning us home.
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, we hear the same urgency: “Be reconciled to God… Now is the acceptable time.” Reconciliation is not about groveling before a harsh judge. It is about restoring relationship. It is about allowing ourselves to be drawn back into harmony – with God, with one another, and with all of creation. Paul speaks as an ambassador of Christ, urging us to remember who we truly are: beloved, forgiven, and entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation ourselves.
And in the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus teaches about prayer, fasting, and generosity. But his shifts the focus from outward displays of piety to true, inward transformation. “Go into your inner room,” he says. Practice compassion quietly. Fast in a way that changes your heart, not just your habits. Jesus is not interested in spiritual performance. He is forming disciples whose lives are aligned with the love of God.
Together, these readings reframe Ash Wednesday for us. We are not mired in sinfulness; we are called into deeper relationship. Repentance (metanoia) at its root, simply means to turn – to reorient our lives toward what is most real and life-giving. Repentance is turning away from whatever diminishes love and turning back toward the One who sustains love.
We celebrate Ash Wednesday because we are human. The ashes we receive are a sign of our humanity – fragile, finite, and precious. The ashes speak truth: we are dust and to dust we shall return. Yet that truth is not meant to shame, scare, or crush us – it is meant to awaken us. Awaken us to the truth that life is brief. And precisely because it is brief, life is Holy. Most importantly, the ashes remind us that we belong to God and that transformation is always possible.
As a Catholic community, we believe that discipleship is not about exclusion or fear. It is about becoming more fully alive in Christ. Lent is our season to ask: Where is God inviting me to grow and transform? Where has my heart grown weary or distracted? Where am I being called to reconciliation – with God, with others, with myself? How might I live more fully as a disciple of Jesus?
This Lent may we hear God’s voice not as condemnation, but as invitation. As true disciples of Jesus, let’s begin this Holy season with courage – turning our faces toward the God who beckons us, who waits for us, who heals us, and who never stops loving us! Listen and hear God calling to us: Return to compassion. Return to justice. Return to joy. Return to love. God invites us - RETURN TO ME!
I look forward to walking our Lent discipleship journey – together,
Dcn. Betty
| | |
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.
| | |
Sue
Margaret Hill
Jessica
Myra
Carol Aubele
Ligori Travers
Sue Eck
Liz DiMartino
Jane Beeba
Michielle & Bruce
Logan
Brett
Lynn
Paris
Peggy Detwiler
John White
| |  | |
Sam and Bill
Hannah Zehner
Sarah & her children
Dom & Kathy Vedora
Michele & Tom 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.
| | A friendly reminder... Our sound system in the Sanctuary is specially outfitted in order to capture the participation of the congregation in the liturgy-- that is, there are mics designed to pick up not only what happens at the pulpit or on the altar, but also what comes from the pews. This is what allows our livestream folks to hear your lovely voices singing, your laughter at the passing of the peace, etc... It also means that conversation amongst us is picked up loud and clear as well. We ask that everyone keep this in mind, and please consider abstaining from conversations during those parts of the liturgy that invite our listening (homily, musical anthems), for the benefit of fellow parishioners both in the Sanctuary and tuned in across the miles. Thank you! | | 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: Julie Knapp
Musicians: Choir
LivestreamTechnician: Mike Salamone
Sacristans: Marilyn Parchus, Brighid Phoenix, Michael Haddix
Prayers of the People: Margie Payne
Eucharistic Ministers: Deb Moffitt, Marguerite Gallichio
Coffee hour: Jo Hurley
Coffee Hour Cleanup: Helpers needed!
Sound Technician: Ted Shawe
Collection Counter: John Magin
Join us for Sunday Mass at 10AM in-person and online.
~~~~
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!
| |
|
RESOURCES FOR INSPIRATION FOR
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
This month of February (or anytime in fact!) is a good time to learn something new about Black History - particularly in our time, when the stories of people of color are being erased in so many public spaces. Here are a couple of areas related to our faith that you might enjoy exploring:
-
The stories of "The Saintly Six" (six Black Americans currently being considered for sainthood); a brief biography of each can be read here.
-
The1619 Project; the ECC, with which we are affiliated, is exploring this topic through reading groups and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (about which you can read more here).
- An additional article about the decidedly checkered response of the Catholic Church to slavery in the pre-Civil War era.
-
Finally, just for fun - have a listen to these Mass parts in honor of Sr. Thea Bowman (one of the Saintly Six).
| | | | |
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!
| | | |
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.
| | | |
Small Change for BIG Changes
Our Young Church members are joining with our Social Justice Team to support farmworkers in our region.
We have chosen to partner with a small local church whose ministry offers direct assistance to farmworkers. Their fund provides essentials like emergency support, food, clothing, and basic living needs. Right now, that fund is nearly depleted.
We would be grateful if you would contribute your loose change to the empty soup pot and bowls located around the church. Our Lenten goal is to fill our empty pot by Easter.
Please make your pockets and purses a little lighter by donating your SMALL change for BIG changes.
| | | |
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 time for dropoff. 585-362-1155 or tdrollette@rochester.rr.com
| | |
|
Lenten Meditation
The Stations of Justice
by Fr. Michael Nicosia
Too often we rush to the foot of the cross during our Lenten reflections. To follow Jesus on the road to Calvary we must begin with the steps that led him down that path.
Through his actions of inclusive love Jesus challenged systems of oppression and lifted up the lowly. Faithfully living out the spirit of justice, he was met with misunderstanding, resentment, anger and persecution each step of the way.
The Stations of Justice seek to honor this journey, that our pilgrimage toward the cross may be filled with purpose and resolve.
Let our prayers, rituals and lives challenge, liberate and restore as Jesus did, that we may truly be followers of the Way. The Stations of Justice 1 to 7 and The Stations of Justice 8 to 14
| | | |
|
Lent and Easter Services
Good Trouble Tuesday Masses - 5:45 PM during Lent
Palm Sunday Service - March 29th 10:00 AM
Reconciliation Service - Monday, March 30th 6:00 PM
Holy Thursday Service - April 2nd 6:00 PM
Good Friday - April 3rd 3:00 PM Contemporary Stations of the Cross with focus on Jesus and the poor
Holy Saturday Vigil - April 4th 7:00 PM
Easter Sunday Services - April 5th 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
| | | | |
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 (prior registration required).
| | |
~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.
| | |
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 United Church of Pittsford 123 Main St. Pittsford. Click here for more information. The event will be in-person and online.
Rochester Area Faith Leaders and Clergy
An Invitation to Conversation and Action February 24, 2026
In solidarity with faith and spiritual leaders around the country, we, faith leaders in the Greater Rochester Area, invite you into a conversation about how faith speaks to our current moment in the United States, especially concerning immigration and the tactics currently being used by federal agents against our citizen and immigrant neighbors. Join us at 7:30 PM at First Universalist Church of Rochester, 150 South Clinton Ave for an evening of conversation and imagining the future.
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.
Finding the Wild Goose - March 11th
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. The topic for March 11 is Speaking out; Speaking up; Speaking in face of opposition. Sister of Mercy Sr. Barbara Moore will be our speaker. We also ask attendees to bring a baby item or feminine hygiene products to be donated to Rochester Hope. Click here for more information. All are welcome!
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.
| | |
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.
| | | |
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!
| | |
~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.
New for Tax Year 2026: Charitable Deduction for Non‑Itemizers: Taxpayers who take the standard deduction can now deduct a portion of their qualified cash charitable contributions. Your contributions will now directly lower your taxable income without needing to itemize! A great way to reduce your tax liability for 2026 and support causes you care about!
What’s Allowed: Deduct up to $1,000 (single filers); Deduct up to $2,000 (married filing jointly); Applies only to cash gifts made to qualified charitable organizations
What’s Not Included: Donations of physical goods (clothing, household items, etc.) or services.
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!
| | |
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!
~~~~~~
~Wednesday Reflection~
Come to church for prayer, communion and reflection every Wednesday from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
| | |
~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'.
| | | | |
~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
| | |
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.
| | |
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!
| | | | |
