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!
As a straight ally, I often take Pride month as an opportunity to do some reading in the area of Q spirituality / affirming theology. Below is some food for thought around this that has come my way this year, in case any of these jumping-off points for reflection are helpful to you.
- From the book of Wisdom in scripture: “[God], You love everything that exists; You do not despise anything You have made. If you had not liked it, you would not have made it in the first place” (WIS 11:24).
- From Fr. Henri Nouwen: “Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life.”
- The affirmation of “two-spirit people” in many indigenous cultures, and the role of non-binary folks as wisdom figures in this worldview.
- The beauty of nature, in which some beings across many species transition their gender during the course of their life, and in doing so mysteriously uphold the web of creation of which we are a part (see Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian).
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A Queer History of the United States (Michael Bronski) - a window into the shaping role played by LGBTQIA+ people throughout American history, from pre-colonial days through the book’s publication date of 2011. Especially helpful in this day when such stories and contributions are so often buried or erased.
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Unashamed: A Coming Out Guide for LGBTQ+ Christians (Amber Cantorna).
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Queerfully and Wonderfully Made: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Christian Teens.
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Trans Biblical: New Approaches to Interpretation & Embodiment in Scripture (ed. Joseph A. Marchal, Melissa Harl Sellew, & Katy E. Valentine). [***This book does not seem to be in the public library system, so I ordered a copy that is now in the church library.]
May you (yes, you) who are reading this know you are beloved! You are created in the image of God, and are a work of art designed by God’s hands. May you shine your light!
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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Darlene
Lucille Clark
Mary Jo & Family
Brian, Edie & Family
Mrs. Neyse
Steve Korn
The Hauck Family
The Long Family
Christine
Sandra
Vic & Joann Corso
Brett
Logan
Ben
Jon Salamone
Kevin Joseph
Peter Tauriello
Sue & Ed
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Margaret Hill
Paris
Kay Hogle
Lynne
Hannah Zehner
Dom & Kathy Vedora
Nancy & Scottie
Mary Tantillo
Sue Winstel
Marty Martelli
Jeremy Annese
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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~Today's Mass will be said in loving memory of Sharon Cassidy, beloved
wife of Chris Cassidy ~
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: Sue Becker
LivestreamTechnician: Mike Salamone
Prayers of the People: Chris Hinkle
Eucharistic Ministers: Nina Mottern, Ursula Arnold
Coffee hour: Potluck!
Coffee Hour Cleanup: Helpers Needed!
Sound Technician: Ted Shawe
Collection Counter: John Magin
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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Pride Parade, Saturday, July 18th - We're Marching!
Our lineup spot is #145, and we’d love to have you with us!
If you’d like to carpool, please meet in the MMC parking lot at 9:30 a.m. We will leave promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Parade organizers ask all participants to approach the staging area from one direction only to help manage traffic. From Westfall/E. Henrietta Road, drive northbound on South Avenue, then turn right onto Science Parkway. Once there, please check in at the Parade Registration Tent.
Science Parkway will be used for both lineup and parking. Please follow all posted signage and the directions of volunteers in bright green t‑shirts or orange vests.
If you have a Mary Magdalene T‑shirt, please wear it — and feel free to add any fun, fabulous, or outrageous Pride‑themed swag!
Pride T‑Shirt Pickup
MMC Pride T-shirts are in! Those who were unable to pick up shirts on Sunday, please contact Sue to arrange an alternate pickup time.
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Upcoming Community Meal
The month of July is now upon us and it’s time to remind everyone of our upcoming Community Meal which will take place on Thursday, July 30th in Fellowship Hall.
As a Church community whose mission is to welcome everyone, we will be offering a picnic supper to the residents of East Rochester. The committee is hard at work putting together a fun evening of food and friendship. Several of you have asked how the congregation as a whole can help out. We are excited that folks have offered so, here is your chance to contribute. We’d like to offer a delicious dessert that’s easy to eat and not too messy. Cupcakes would be perfect!
There will be a sign-up sheet at the front and side door this week if you would like to participate. Go to your favorite store and pick up a six-pack. Have them to Church on Sunday, July 26th. Please mark the box "Community Meal". Thank you for helping with this blessed endeavor!
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YOUNG ADULT OUTING FOR JULY
Shakespeare in the Park’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” July 18th at 8PM at the Highland Bowl in Highland Park. This year’s play is a contemporary adaptation re-set in 2015. From the director: “At its heart, The Taming of the Shrew is a play about seeking healthy and authentic relationships… For Shakespeare’s characters living in the 21st century, restrictions—especially for young women—are replaced with different expectations for them. Daily use of cell phones, texting over talking, the impact of social media, and the sometimes powerful role of social media influencers all have an impact. Public versus private personas can also be very different.” All Mary Magdalene-ers in their 20s/30s/40s are welcome, and friends are welcome too! The performance is free; we’ll meet at the benches outside the Lamberton Conservatory at 7:45 and walk over together.
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Feast of St. Mary Magdalene Retreat
In celebration of the Feast of Mary Magdalene, we are holding a special day of retreat at church from 9AM to 3 PM on July 22nd. Through teaching, discussion, art, and personal time for reflection, facilitator Sue DiVita will guide us in a deep dive into the spirituality and power of this disciple from whom our parish gets its name, and the meaning she has for the life of our souls today. Sue is an experienced spiritual director and workshop leader, and brings a background in dream work, archetypes, earth-centered spirituality, sacred contracts, and the mystical path. Her recent teaching includes leading groups through the classic contemplative path of inner work from Teresa of Avila, The Interior Castle. A light lunch will be served. Please register here or call the parish office.
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Mary Magdalene Summer Read
Mary Magdalene Reads returns on Tuesday, August 25th at 6:30 PM. Our summer read is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is an unforgettable novel about the power of generosity, the importance of connection, and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose kindness and wonder.
Click here for a study guide, which will help in our discussion. The session will be on Zoom and in person at MMC in the Gathering Room.
Contact Joyce Martelli with questions.
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Community Blessing Box
Our Blessing Box continues to run low on staple items as food insecurity rises in our area. If you’re able to help, we’ve put together a short list of the most‑needed shelf‑stable foods and hygiene supplies for summer.
Your donations make a real difference for neighbors who rely on this little box of hope. Thank you for supporting our community with such generosity and care!
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ROC PRIDE Picnic
July 12th - Roadhouse Shelter at Genesee Valley Park 12:00-6:00PM
PRIDE Parade
July 18th - Parade begins at 11:00AM
Young Adult Outing
July 18th - "The Taming of the Shrew" at Highland Bowl 8:00PM meet at the benches outside the Lamberton Conservatory at 7:45PM
PRIDE Liturgy
July 19th - Mary Magdalene Church 10:00AM
Feast of Mary Magdalene Retreat
July 22nd - Mary Magdalene Church 9:00 - 3:00. Lunch will be provided.
Trans Parent Group
July 26th - Gathering Room (first floor) 12:00-1:00 PM.
Cupcakes for the Community Meal Due
July 26th - Deliver to Fellowship Hall marked Community Meal
Summer Community Meal
July 30th - 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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Happy Pride Month!
Click here to see how you can celebrate Pride in Rochester!
SHOW UP......STAND UP FOR DEMOCRACY
Join other peacemakers every Friday at 12 Corners in Brighton for one hour from 5-6pm. 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.
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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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June Income
Collections: $13,311.00
Donations for Room Use: $290.00
Memorial Gifts: $50
Bottle Collection: $115.00
| | ~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. 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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