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. | | Photo by Grant Whitty - Unsplash | | |
~A Message from Deacon Betty~
Greetings!
As we enter into the upcoming sacred days of Holy Week, you are warmly invited to walk this journey with us here at Mary Magdalene Church – step by step, prayer by prayer, heart to heart.
This is the most profound week of our Christian story. It is not something we simply remember; it is something we enter. From the waving of palms to the quiet intimacy of the table, from the darkness of the cross to the stillness of the tomb, we are invited into deep reflection, honest prayer, and meaningful participation.
We recognize that each of us comes with different experiences of Holy Week. Some of you have long-standing traditions, shaped by years in other parishes or denominations. Others may be experiencing these liturgies for the very first time, or returning after time away. At Mary Magdalene, we honor those differences. Whether our expressions are familiar or new, what matters most is not doing everything “perfectly”, but entering sincerely.
Our hope is simple and sacred: that together we might walk closely with Jesus.
To sit with him at table.
To remain near him in moments of sorrow.
To listen for God’s voice in the silence.
To allow the spirit to move within us – gently, honestly and deeply.
Holy Week is not about performance or obligation. It is about presence. It is about opening our hearts to the living God who meets us in love, in suffering, and in hope.
And as we walk this path together, we do so with quiet anticipation…because we know the story does not end in darkness. Even now, there is a promise stirring. Even now, hope is being born.
The Holy Week schedule is below. Come as you are. Come with your questions, your weariness, your longing, your faith – however strong or tender it may feel. Come with an open heart, ready to receive the Spirit’s gentle whisper. Come to be part of community. There is space here for all of it. There is space here for YOU.
With love,
Deacon Betty
Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday Service - March 29th 10:00 AM
Reconciliation Service - Monday, March 30th 6:00 PM (in-person only)
Holy Thursday Service - April 2nd 6:00 PM (in-person/livestream)
Good Friday - April 3rd 3:00 PM Contemporary Stations of the Cross with focus on Jesus and the poor; 6:00 PM Prayers Around the Cross with Communion (in-person only)
Holy Saturday Vigil - April 4th 7:00 PM (in-person only)
Easter Sunday Services - April 5th 9:00 AM (in-person only) and 11:00 AM (in-person/livestream)
Office Hours During Holy Week
Due to the special services and additional preparations during Holy Week, office hours may vary next week. Please call or email ahead to schedule your visit to ensure someone will be available to assist you.
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Additional parking is available at 1004 Main Street
on Sunday mornings
We are grateful to our friends at First Church of Christ, Scientist for extending hospitality to our congregation. Please feel free to use this lot when ours is full. Thank you for helping us make room for all who gather.
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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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Jeff Charles
Sue & Ed
Wanda
Joseph
Orissa
Dolores
Sandra
Sally Robertson
Ruth & Jo
Mary Jo & Family
Brian & Family
Josie
Anne Tischer
Kathy Furlong
Sam & Bill
Logan
Brett
Annabelle
Peter Tauriello
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Keven Joseph
Margaret Hill
Lynne
Paris
Hannah Zehner
Dom & Kathy Vedora
Michele & Tom Vedora
Nancy & Scottie
Mary Tantillo
Sue Winstel
Marty Martelli
The family & friends of Steve Lyday and especially his wife Anita Brown
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: Choir
LivestreamTechnician: Kathy McIntyre
Sacristans: Marilyn Parchus, Brighid Phoenix, Michael Haddix, Betty Jerabeck
Prayers of the People: Joyce Martelli
Eucharistic Ministers: Linda McNally, Wayne Harrington
Coffee hour: Polly McCarthy
Coffee Hour Cleanup: Linda Beckford, Cheryl Zehner
Sound Technician: Ted Shawe
Collection Counter: Betty Jerabeck
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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Board of Trustees Call for Nominations
The Board of Trustees meets monthly after Sunday Mass to help guide the operations of Mary Magdalene Church and support our parish community. Trustees typically serve a three‑year term, with the option of serving two consecutive terms. Click here for eligibility requirements and additional information.
We are now accepting nominations for three open positions:
- Treasurer (three‑year term)
- Trustee (three‑year term)
- Alternate (one‑year term)
Nominations will be accepted through May 1st. Forms are available here or on the tables at the church entrances. You may nominate yourself or someone else. Completed forms may be placed in the box labeled Board of Trustee Nominations at the rear entrance or submitted by email to Betty Jerabeck.
Please consider serving in this vital ministry. We especially welcome nominations for parishioners who are newer to our community.
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Easter Memorial & Honor Plants
This Easter, sustainable flowers and plants may be purchased in honor or memory of a loved one. These living gifts will grace the altar on Easter Sunday as part of our joyful celebration of new life.
After the Easter season, they will be planted on the grounds of Mary Magdalene Church, where they will continue to grow in the little patch of earth entrusted to our care - an ongoing sign of love, remembrance, and hope.
Orders sheets can be found here or at both entrances of the church. Please return your selections by Sunday, March 29th.
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GriefShare Support Group
Mary Magdalene Church will begin a thirteen‑week GriefShare support group this spring. Together, we’ll explore helpful ways to navigate life’s changes and renew hope for the future.
Our sessions begin April 18, meeting Saturdays from 12 noon to 2 pm in the Gathering Room.
We have a limited number of books at church, or you may order one through Griefshare by searching for our group and registering.
Cost: $20 for the book and a $5 registration fee. If you have questions, please contact Joyce Haag.
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FANNIE LOU HAMER
Fannie Lou Hamer was born October 6, 1917 to sharecropper parents in the Mississippi Delta. By age 6 she was working on the plantation picking cotton. Since she was needed to help support the family, she only received a 6th grade education but loved reading, especially the Bible. In later years she was able to connect biblical stories of liberation with the civil rights struggle, making her speeches relatable for her followers.
When Fannie Lou married Perry Hamer, they wanted to start a family but were unable to do so since she had been subjected to a hysterectomy without her consent. Forced sterilization was a common method of “population control” that targeted poor African-American women. It was called a “Mississippi appendectomy” by the Black communities in the South. The Hamers adopted four children in a loving response to this tragedy.
Hamer became interested in the civil rights movement in 1962 when hearing a preacher issue a call for blacks to register to vote. She is quoted as saying, “Until 1962, I had never heard that black people could register and vote.” In August of 1962, she attempted to register to vote but because of local government laws, including literary tests and poll taxes she was not able to vote. After her attempt, she was kicked off the plantation and shot at 15 times by the KKK. This was her call to commit herself to the work of freedom.
At that point she became more active in the civil rights movement, working on voter registration. When returning from a workshop with SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference she was assaulted, arrested and beaten, causing permanent damage to her eyesight and kidneys. Undaunted by the racism surrounding her, she became a major organizer of voters rights. In 1964 she co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and led the delegation to the Democratic Convention. Fannie Lou gave an eloquent speech that pricked the conscience of white America telling of the oppression of blacks in the segregated South and their non-violent struggle to obtain freedom and their rights. She said, “Christianity is being concerned about your fellow man, not building a million-dollar church while people are starving right around the corner. Christ was a revolutionary person, out there where it was happening. That’s what God is all about, and that’s where I get my strength.”
Fannie Lou Hamer died on March 14, 1977 of breast cancer.
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Free Upright Piano
A 1935 Gulbransen upright piano (Chicago-made) is available free to a good home. A lovely vintage instrument with classic craftsmanship.
Pickup at MMC in East Rochester; recipient arranges moving.
If you or someone you know could use a piano, this is a wonderful opportunity to give it new life. Contact Ginny if interested.
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Messages of Hope & Love
PMUNY invites you to write an anonymous note of prayerful support for someone incarcerated in Upstate NY this Easter. Cards and baskets are available at both entrances. Notes will be delivered in time for Easter.
Trans Parent Group
March 29th in the Gathering Room (first floor) 12:00-1:00 PM.
Reconciliation Service
March 30th at 6:00 PM
Lenten Good Trouble Weekday Mass
March 31 at 5:45PM
Upcoming.....
MMC Rummage Sale (4/10 & 4/11)
FRIENDS AND FAMILY PREVIEW SALE will be Thursday, April 9th from 6-8PM. Get the first look and a chance to buy some really great things! We are accepting any more donations. Please contact Tammy if you have any questions.
Mary Magdalene Reads
We will be reading “Walk in a Relaxed Manner: Life Lessons from the Camino” by Joyce Rupp, meeting on Tuesday, April 14th at 6:30PM. All are welcomed!! We meet every other Tuesday on Zoom or in person at Mary Magdalene Church, 1008 Main St., East Rochester, NY. Contact Joyce Martelli with questions.
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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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Passion of St. John Performance
Join Eastman School of Music students and faculty on Tuesday, March 31, 5:00 pm, at the Interfaith Chapel for a live recitation of the Passion of St. John from a 16th-century manuscript passional from River Campus Libraries’ medieval manuscript collection. Singing directly from the source, performers will bring the commemoration of Holy Week in early modern France into 21st-century Rochester. Students will decipher the ancient notation and text from the manuscript in real time, connecting past and present in a transformative experience for performers and audience alike. The performance is directed by Michael Alan Anderson, Professor of Musicology at the Eastman School of Music.
Finding the Wild Goose
April 8 12:00-1:30 An independent group of women gathering to explore and grow our Christian spirituality. This month's topic is Service to the Poor. Ms. Donna Ecker will be our speaker. Please join us at Mary Magdalene Church, Fellowship Hall (1008 Main Street, East Rochester, NY). Feel free to bring a bagged lunch. 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!
Family Promise of Greater Rochester (Formerly RAIHN) Fundraiser
Wednesday, April 22nd 11:00AM-9:30 PM, Adelita's (3349 Monroe Ave., Rochester, 14618) will donate 15% of the entire day's proceeds to support families at risk of experiencing homelessness (dine-in or take-out included).
Peace in a Chaotic World - Hybrid/Silent Retreat
May 22 and 23 at Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Road, Canandaigua, NY. Cost: $130.00 for a single room and 3 meals. We will spend the majority of our time in silence but, there will be optional short time periods that can be spent in group meditation and discussion. If interested...text Dori 585-750-2557 by April 1. Checks should be sent to 53 Creek Ridge, Pittsford, NY 14534 by April 30th. All are welcome!
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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February Income
Collections: $19,733.00
Donations for Room Use: $100.00
Emergency Fund/Memorial Donations: $780.00
Fundraising:$1,189.00
| | ~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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