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!
I hope you have been staying safe and warm this week! I missed you all on Sunday morning… and—in the same way that a day of rain gives me a fresh appreciation for the sun— being without our gathered community and the Eucharist for a week drove home to me just how precious these gifts are. As a beloved song proclaims, “how beautiful is the body of Christ”: the body of Christ in the bread and wine, the body of Christ that is humankind, that is you.
I know we held each other in prayer this past Sunday morning across the miles, and on the church’s facebook page I posted a few suggestions for reflection on the Gospel (Matthew 4:12-23), which I’ll share again here:
* Matthew calls our attention to Jesus’ choice to focus most of his ministry in Galilee— instead of Jerusalem, the big city of kings and temples, where we might expect someone like him to go, he chose the backcountry (where 90% of the people lived). This made me think of many of you, who at some point perhaps chose to forgo more lucrative careers to center your life on a place or group of people who were often forgotten, because that was where your heart was.
* The location of Capernaum— significant as a place known to be culturally diverse (Jewish and Gentile); Jesus deliberately chooses a place where not everyone believes or looks like him. How many spaces in our lives are culturally and economically diverse? Can we follow him in intentionally seeking out such places?
* The call of the first disciples: not CEOs or sages or senators, but fishermen. A reminder of the power of ordinary people (ICU nurses, autoworkers, poets, teachers, parents and grandparents) to make a difference. May God be with those who are standing up in Minneapolis and all over our country.
With 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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Bob & Lorraine
Sam and Bill
Hannah Zehner
Melanie Zehner
Logan
Brett
Dale
Terry Kelly
Paris
LB Cole
Jessica Stevens
Monique Martin
Lynne
Joe
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Jacob Doerner
Todd Schirmer, Dan Krist and the family of Teagan Rose
Judy & Gary
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
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This week's Mass will be said in loving memory of Ken Simmons.
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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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~Sunday Service Volunteers~
Lector: Nina Mottern
Musicians: Choir, Kathy English and Kathy Welch & Friends
LivestreamTechnician: Marcy Casilio
Sacristans: Marilyn Parchus, Brighid Phoenix, Michael Haddix, Betty Jerabeck
Prayers of the People: Monica Murphy
Eucharistic Ministers: Joyce Haag; Nina Mottern
Coffee hour: Pot Luck!
Coffee Hour Cleanup: Helpers needed!
Sound Technician: Ted Shawe
Collection Counter: Pat Davidson
Join us for Sunday Mass at 10AM in-person and online.
Zoom Coffee Hour after Mass for our online friends!
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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Preparing for Lent
Tuesday evening Mass returns in Lent, and the theme of our services is DISCIPLESHIP. We’ll focus on following some of the more challenging practices Jesus calls us to as his followers (practices like forgiveness, altruism, nonviolence, inclusion, etc.).
To allow the opportunity for folks to dive deeper into these rich themes, and for fellow parishioners to get to know one another, we are offering a faith-sharing group facilitated by parishioner Kate Auberger and Rev. Celie. The group will meet on Wednesdays 2/25, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, and 4/1 from 6:00-7:30, in hybrid format (in-person or on Zoom), and will explore these disciplines through scripture and discussion. Because of the in-depth nature of the conversation, a circle of 10-15 people is ideal; if interested please register here and we will accept the first 15 folks whose emails we receive. Please indicate whether you plan to attend in-person or on Zoom. See you in Lent!
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A heartfelt thank‑you to Cindy McClurg and Ginny Weisel for shoveling the church walkways on Monday morning. Your care and dedication are deeply appreciated!
As we make our way through the rest of the winter, we continue to rely on the help of our Snow Angels. If you’re able to lend a hand, please consider arriving a bit early on Sunday after a snowfall, or stop by anytime with your shovel to help clear paths and make access to the building easier for everyone.
Shovels and salt are available at both entrances, ready for anyone who can assist when the church is open. Every bit of help makes a real difference in keeping our community safe and cared for.
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Winter Clean‑Out? Donate to the MMC Rummage Sale!
If you’re 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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Mary Magdalene Reads
Tuesday, February 3rd at 6:30PM ZOOM ONLY! All are welcome!! The selection is “We Survived the End of the World: Lessons from the Native America on Apocalypse and Hope” by Steven Charleston.
We meet on the following dates and discuss the chapters listed:
February 3 Chapters 4, 5, and 6
February 17 Chapters 7 and Epilogue
We meet on Zoom or in person at Mary Magdalene Church, 1008 Main St., East Rochester, NY. If the weather is bad, it will only be Zoom only. An email will go out that day to let all know.Click HERE for questions that may help your reading of the next 3 chapters. If you have any questions, please contact Joyce Martelli at jemmartelli@gmail.com
Choir Practice
February 4th at 6:30PM in the Sactuary.
Young Church Youth Ministry
February 8th - After Mass in the Youth Minsitry classroom
Social Justice Meeting
February 11th at 6:15 in person (Gathering Room) and on Zoom Meeting ID: 831 4384 1933 Passcode: 266911.
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.
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. Please feel free to bring a bagged lunch. The topic for February 11 is Women's Voices in the Church. Rev. Marilyn R. Cunningham, pastor of Graves Memorial CME Church will be our speaker. All are welcome!
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!
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.
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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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December Income
Collections: $26,438.00**
Room Rent: $285.00
Emergency Fund/Memorial Donations: $3,062.00
Fundraising:$3,445.00
**Our collection totals this month reflect several year‑end RMD contributions made to MMC in December.
| | ~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
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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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