Mary Magdalene Church

~Weekly Update~

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 Joel Munez on UnSplash.com

~ A Message From the Social Justice Committee ~



Greetings!


Thank you to our wonderful community for the countless donations of coats, toothpaste, socks, food pantry items and more! During these challenging times, when love and support matter more than ever, your kindness reminds our neighbors that they are seen, valued, and deeply cared for.

 

 

The Thread Between Us

~Author Unkown~

 

In quiet acts and open hands,

Where kindness blooms without demand,

A neighbor’s need, a stranger’s cry

We meet them with a soft reply.

 

A porch light left to guide the way,

A meal prepared, a place to stay,

A ride to church, a listening ear

These are the ways love draws us near.

 

No grand parade, no trumpet sound,

Just sacred work on common ground.

We mend the gaps, we lift the load,

We walk together down this road.

 

For every soul, a place, a name

No one unseen, no one to shame.

We build a net of woven grace,

Where all belong, where all find space.

 

So let us tend this holy thread,

With every word and loaf of bread.

The heart of care, the gift we give

Is how we show the way to live.

Prayer Concerns

Clara Ann

Nancy & Scottie

Gary Short

Vern

Ozzy

Family of Brian Hern

Heather B.

Joe and Linda

Dom & Kathy Vedora

Barbara

Jason and Brandy

Patty

Emma

Wanda Moore

Sam and Bill

Michele and Tom Vedora

Jessica

Rev. Denise Roberts

Andy Lay

Sandy Buchanan

Bob & Lorraine

Ted and Katie Button

Annie D.

Baby Callan

Barb Amaring

Fran Hughes

Logan

Mary Jane

Cathie

Melanie

Carrie

Margaret Hill

Mike Rogers

Maria

Meredith

Marcy

Annette

Ed

Sheila

Jean

Irene Sheets

Hank

Richard

Judy and Paul Clark

Lacey, Joe and Mary Jo

Brian

Sue Winstel

Joseph Melone

Jean Higgins

McKenna and Johanna

Howard

Jim Quinn

Gary

Chris Bierre

Suzanne Moro

Brian

Ron Stacy and Nancy

Tammy

Marty Martelli

Rebecca & Marilyn

Mary Tantillo

Jim Kelly

All victims of violence

Justin

Kayla

Lorien

All who struggle with mental illness, suicidal thoughts, and addiction

Do you have someone you

want us to pray for?

 

To add someone to the prayer list, contact:

Sue Gerber or Joann Corso

 

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! 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.


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!

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Online Mass Attendance

 

Facebook Views:34

YouTube Views: 105



Thank you for joining us!

If for some reason we are unable to stream live, our Mass will always be posted on YouTube the following Monday morning.

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Help Fill 50 Thanksgiving Food Boxes!

 

We’re collecting items to support local families in need this season. One of the requested items is tubes of crescent rolls -we currently have 12, and our goal is 50. If you’re able to contribute, please place donations in the Fellowship Hall refrigerator or drop them off during office hours by Sunday, November 16th.


Turkeys Needed!! The center is also short on turkeys this year. We’re hoping to collect 2 turkeys to help complete the boxes. If you’re able to donate, please reach out to Sue. All collected items will be delivered on Monday, November 17th, so timely donations are essential.



Thank you for sharing warmth, nourishment, and care with our neighbors this season!

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SNOW ANGELS NEEDED



As winter returns, we’re looking for volunteers to help clear snow and ice from the church sidewalks and steps on Sunday mornings.


What’s provided:

• Power shovel (easy to use)

• Regular shovels (at both entrances)

• Rock salt (available inside the back door and near the front elevator)


When to arrive:

Between 9:15–9:30 AM to help before worship begins


Your help keeps our space safe and welcoming for all. Many hands make light work! If you’re able to assist, please contact Sue or just show up!.



Thank you for being part of this caring community!

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LIBRARY INFORMATION FROM JOYCE MARTELLI



I want to thank the many hands that have started the change in our library! Thank you, Cheryl Zehner, Ursula Arnold, and Joyce Haag for going through all the books that we had in the library, boxing them up and getting them to Goodwill. Thank you to all the folks that moved the book cases to the Fellowship Hall! Stay tuned for new changes!


We are requesting that for the time being, please do not bring any books to Mary Magdalene. Once we get things settled, we will only take books with a copyright date of 2020 or newer. We will still take older books from authors such as Joyce Rupp, Thomas Merton, Richard Rohr, Thich Nahn Hahn, and a few others.


If you have questions, please contact Joyce Martelli at jemmartelli@gmail.com.

Things to do at MMC!

The Success of Sock-tober!


Thanks to the heartfelt generosity of our community, the Young Church Youth Ministry collected:

• 432 pairs of socks

• 6 pairs of gloves

• 9 pairs of men’s underwear

• 1 scarf

Each item is a tangible expression of love and dignity for our neighbors in need. Great job to our Young Church—and deep thanks to everyone who donated to bring warmth and hope this season!


Surviving the Holidays


The holidays are challenging when grieving a loss. Join us on Saturday, November 22nd at 12:00 PM for a two hour seminar providing encouragement, support, and valuable tools to navigate the season. Contact Joyce Haag if you would like to register or have any questions.


Sanctuary Decorating Day – Sunday, November 23rd


Join us after Mass as we prepare the sanctuary for the season! Whether you love arranging greenery, climbing ladders, organizing supplies, or simply lending a cheerful hand, there’s a job for everyone! Pizza will be provided for all helpers. Let’s make the space beautiful together as we enter this season of hope and celebration!


Support for Those Affected by SNAP Cuts


Have you or someone you care about been affected by the cancellation of SNAP benefits? The Social Justice Committee is here to help. You can confidentially email Sue, who will work with the team to ensure access to food and essential items for you or your loved one. If you are looking for area food pantries click here or if you have additional needs such as housing, financial assistance, or healthcare here. NYS has published a list of resources that may be helpful to you or someone you know. No one should go without.


Blessing Box Update – Fall/Winter


As the weather cools, let’s warm our hearts together and help nourish and support our neighbors. Please avoid glass containers and consider donating:

instant oatmeal & potatoes, rice, dried beans, canned veggies and soups, dried fruit, cereal, granola bars, nuts, nut butters, crackers, pouches of tuna & chicken, dried beef, hats, gloves, socks and hygiene products (travel-size welcome!) Items can be placed directly in the box, or dropped in the office on Sunday or during office hours.Thank you for your continued generosity and care for our community! 🙏


Annual Winter Coat Drive

 

A box will be located in the church’s entrance to collect gently used and new coats, hats, gloves/mittens for men, women, children in need in the Rochester area. These items will be distributed to the Open Door Mission, House of Mercy, Saint Joseph’s and other social agencies. The collection will take place until December 1. Please contact Dory Deisenroth at 585-750-2557 with any questions or concerns.


We Want to Get to Know You!


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.


Young Church - Youth Ministry


Click here for our schedule. For further information or to have your young person participate, contact Pat Davidson. We are excited to begin!


Food for the Journey Massage Ministry Returns!


It's been a long, hot summer and a stressful year thus far. Time to remind and reintroduce the Massage Therapy Program here at Mary Magdalene Church. Parishioner Ginny Weisel is our resident massage therapist. Her office space is downstairs to the right. Check it out!!! This is available to anyone, church members or not! Fee is based on a sliding scale of $35-$65 for an hour massage. Please contact Ginny directly by text (585-329-8505) or email ginnyweisel1@gmail.com


East Rochester Resource Center


We continue our ongoing collection of toothpaste for the East Rochester Resource Center. The basket is located in the hall outside of the sanctuary. Thank you for your generosity!


Lost & Found


Are you missing a pair of sunglasses, your favorite hat, a water bottle? Check out the bin in hallway under the welcome sign. We've got quite the collection of items found in the sanctuary and Fellowship Hall! Unclaimed items will eventually be donated.


Knit, Purl, Crochet & Pray Ministry

 

Please join us and put your needles and hooks to good use bringing comfort and prayers to those in need! Our Prayer Shawl Ministry is open to all parishioners who wish to participate at home. Feel free to borrow the book Knitting into the Mystery - A Guide to the Shawl-Knitting Mystery found in the shawl basket. We are need shawls of all sizes! Place your completed shawl in the basket by the altar or in Sue Gerber’s office.


Ministry Sign Up Sheets Available!



Want to become more involved on Sunday? Consider one of many opportunities such as serving as a lector or Eucharistic minister, reading the Prayers of the People, or hosting a coffee hour. Sign up sheets are on the bulletin board. If you have questions about any of these ministries, Rev. Lori or Sue would be happy to answer them. Thanks for your help!

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.


One Church One Family - Catholice Public Witness for Immigrants


Join the Southeast Catholic Community and others across the country for an evening of prayer and a candlelit procession for immigrants in our community and country. November 13th at 6:30PM at Blessed Sacrament 534 Oxford St. Questions, contact Grace Adams.


A Morning of Prayer and Reflection on Gun Violence


Saturday, November 15th, 8:30 to Noon at Church of the Transfiguration (Education Bldg) 50 West Bloomfield Rd, Pittsford. This time of retreat will provide space for spiritual exploration and reflection by combining Scripture, memoir, silence and sharing on gun violence in our community and nation. Register by November 8, 2025 by emailing Shauna.Gilroy@dor.org or calling 585-248-2427


RAICA Summit


Join us for a discussion of Hope, Reslience and Resistance in a time of climate crisis. Sunday, November 16th 1-4:30 PM, Temple B'rith Kodes, 2131 Elmwood Ave. Keynote speaker: The Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer, Episcopal Bishop of Rochester. Click here for more information.


Grief Support Gathering


Join us and find support as you grieve. Hosted by First Presbyterian Church, 21 Church St., Pittsford. Our group meets on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 11 am. Brunch is provided. RSVP here.


Grief Support Workshops


Join us and find community as you grieve. Two separate sessions held on Monday evenings starting on September 8th at 6 pm and Wednesdays starting on September 10th at Noon. Hosted by First Presbyterian Church, 21 Church St., Pittsford. RSVP here.

CALM Ministry

Dear Friends,


We are a church that takes care of each other. One of the ways that we do that is through our CALM Ministry.  Our CALM Ministers want to remind you that we are here with a listening ear. We don’t counsel or try to fix anything. We love and we listen. If you would find some comfort in this, please reach out to us. You can ask one of us personally or through our email: calm.ministry.mm@gmail.com 



Lori Cunliffe, Donna Ecker, Jim Bridges, Joyce Haag, Julie Knapp, Linda Beckford, Bishop Denise, and Deacon Betty

Bulletin Announcements



Do you have an announcement you would like to see included in our bulletin? Just email Sue Gerber by Tuesday at 5 pm to have your group's message or activity added to our Wednesday newsletter. sgerber.mmagdalene@gmail.com

Become a Registered 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.


Becoming a registered member is a way of saying, “This is my spiritual home.” It allows you to participate more fully in the life and leadership of our church – including the important responsibility of affirming and voting for our next pastor.


Registration forms are available at both entrances to the church, or you can fill one out anytime on our website under the “Join Us" tab.

If you have any questions or want to talk more about what membership means, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are so grateful for your presence in our community – and would love to officially welcome you as a member!

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 donation, and 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 also have an account with Can Kings! Your donation of cans and bottles can be made at any of the three Can King locations: 1276 Fairport Road, Fairport; 1183 Bay Road, Webster; or 505 East Main Street, Palmyra. Just let them know to put your donation down for Mary Magdalene Church! Please ask for a receipt, and if you're able please send the receipt to us, so we know to watch for your donation.

Weekly Services at Mary Magdalene Church

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 sanctuary. 

 

 

On Zoom:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81433878080 

Meeting  ID: 814 3387 8080. 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

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 Deacon Betty Jerabeck,

please email her directly. Click here for our Church Calendar!

Bishop Denise Donato

Pastor Emeritus

Email: revdenised@gmail.com 

Phone: 585-329-0895


Betty Jerabeck

Deacon

Email: bettyjmmc@gmail.com

 

Sue Gerber

Parish Administrator

Email: sgerber.mmagdalene@gmail.com

Phone: 585-586-4104

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