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.

Image by Ginny Weisel

~ Easter Season ~ Greetings! This week, you will see an unusual offering in our bulletin - information on being a host family for an exchange student through an organization called Youth for Understanding. You can click here to learn more about the organization, and the link is also below, but allow me to offer you some context on why we have decided to include this organization and its work in our bulletin this week. Simply put, YFU accepts ALL kinds of students, and in doing so, they often find they are in terrific need of families who are open to hosting trans and queer young people. I am embarrassed to say I had never thought of this need until a friend told me about the organization. I hosted a young person from France here for a few weeks' exchange when my children were in their late teens, and that was amazing. As a result, our family offered to host a Rotary Club young person for a year as well. We were turned down. The family of the student would not abide a queer host family. We were hurt, but we understood that cultural differences are at play in these situations. Why had I never put the pieces together, then, to think about the ways that being trans or queer would make placement difficult for the STUDENT? It simply never crossed my mind. Once the issue was brought to my attention a couple of months ago, I met with the director of YFU and got a heavy dose of the reality that even opportunities for things like study abroad are significantly constrained for trans and queer youth. I knew what I had to do. I had to tell everyone I know because I know so many loving, open-minded people....people like YOU. Hosting a student is not for everyone, of course. But if you would find it exciting to spend a summer or a school year learning from a vibrant and curious young person, please consider reaching out to me or to the YFU contacts on the website. And if you know that your gifts are better utilized creating a support network for the host families and their students, then please do the same! Like the bee ready to receive in the image above, we are pollinators. We help love flower and fruit and grow. And I am so grateful to be doing that work alongside all of you. Thank you! All the love, Rev. Lori

Love Links Click here for a little love this week....

Prayer Concerns Lizzie Dan Michelle and her family Patsy Clair Jackie Evan Bringley Dan Margaret and her twins Rick Patty Anna Tim Mike Stu Billies Arlene Helget Casey and Ryan James Kazacos Stephen, Mariella, and Amy, Sarah Frank Cindy, Rev. Jim Mulcahey Karen Patty, Tim, Anna Steven Freedman Dan Donnelly Chris C. Judy Whitaker Deacon Dan Kinsky and his wife, Sheila Ann, Steve, Dan & Donna Doug Mayerhofer Nancy Skinner Sharon and Chris Cassidy The family and friends of Fantasia Stone Crystal Kate and her family Aidan and his family Justin Chris Paris and her parents Lorien All who are struggling 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: Rev. Denise Donato by text 585-329-0895 or email revdenised@gmail.com 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 Rev. Denise Donato at revdenised@gmail.com.

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 or emailing reverend.vail@gmail.com.

Things to do at MMC!

SPRING Plant Sale!  The InReach/OutReach Committee is holding a Spring Plant Sale on May 20th and 21st. This is a pre-order sale with a limited number and variety of additional plants for purchase on the day of pick up. Order forms are due May 15th and can be found on the tables outside of the sanctuary and HERE. Pick up on Saturday 1-4PM or Sunday after Mass. If you would like to help out, please contact Betty Jerabeck.

Mother's Day Rosary Blessing- May 14th On Sunday, May 14th bring your rosary or sacred item to church, and we will include them on the altar during Mass. After our celebration, we will have a blessing of all rosaries and sacred items. The livestream will be included! Cup of Change 2023   Mark your calendars for our upcoming Cup of Change sessions, led by Joyce Martelli, Certified Facilitator-Boundless Compassion. What is compassion? Compassion is being sensitive to the suffering of self and others with a deep commitment to try to prevent or relieve it. It is a way of life-an inner posture of how to be with suffering, both our own and others, and a desire to move that attitude into action. It is a movement toward awareness. Unless we become aware of suffering, we cannot respond to it compassionately. And the first step to compassion is compassion for ourselves. Come join us in this walk through learning about compassion for our self, creation, marginalized people and the gift of compassionate presence. All are welcome! Join us from 7-8PM in person or click here to join us virtually.   May 17th Compassion for Self June 21st Compassion for Creation July 19th Compassion and Marginalization August 16th The Gift of Compassionate Presence Food for the Journey: Massage Ministry/June Session Food for the Journey addresses our three sacred concerns: Mind - Body - Spirit.  Working in collaboration with Rev. Lori, participants will have a brief time of setting intentions and addressing the MIND. This will be followed by a 30 to 40-minute massage session, allowing the BODY to become aware of the mind’s desires. The sessions will end with a final brief time spent integrating into SPIRIT with Rev. Lori. If you are moved to provide a love offering, there is a suggested donation range (as well as envelopes for anonymous gifting). This ministry is being offered to all – no matter what. All bodies welcome!  Contact Sue Gerber to sign up for the June 17th session. The theme for June is Water. NEW Ministry Sign Up Sheets! Have you ever wanted to become more involved in Mass? There are numerous opportunities such as serving as a lector, reading the Prayers of the People, and now beginning May 7th we will need Eucharistic Ministers! Signup sheets are on the bulletin board. If you have questions about any of the ministries, Rev. Lori or Sue would be happy to answer them. Thanks for your help! InReach-OutReach Money Ball FUNdraiser! Numbers are still available and drawings continue throughout the year.Please contact Tammy Drollette tdrollette@rochester.rr.com if you would like to purchase a ticket anytime throughout the year. Proceeds benefit Mary Magdalene Church and our InReach/OutReach ministries. Click here for the informational flyer. Library Refresh! New books available! Please help yourselves to any book(s) on the library shelves. We will be doing a library "refresh" in the near future and you are welcome to take a book(s) and pass it on when you're finished! Time & Talent Volunteers  We now have a Time & Talent logbook on the table outside of the office to track your valuable service hours. Please log in and out when you perform a volunteer service. We appreciate all that you do to help keep our church and community running!

Things to do in the community!

The Queer Clothing Exchange On May 13th, the Rochester Mennonite Fellowship will host the Queer Clothing Exchange. This event makes it possible to eliminate the financial and practical barriers for members of the LGBTQ community who wish to obtain gender-affirming clothing in a safe and friendly environment. Donations of clothing, refreshments and assistance at the exchange and the setup party are greatly appreciated. Click here and here for more information about how to get involved in this and future events.

Youth for Understanding - Intercultural Exchange Program   If you or your family is open to new and enriching experiences – willing to provide guidance, love, and support to an international young person embarking on a journey of self-discovery – hosting a YFU exchange student is for you! Click here to learn more! Finger Lakes Bronze Handbell Ensemble Concert (May 13th & 20th) Spring 2023 concert season is here! Join us as we share our love of music - classical, pop, jazz and more! Click here for more information. PathStone Presents: The Color of Law & Just Action  Join us on June 5th from 1-3:30PM at 440 East Avenue for a presentation and panel discussion about how to challenge segregation under the color of law. For more information and to register, click here. Martial Arts & Fitness Classes Did you know that martial arts and fitness classes are held in Fellowship Hall? Local instructor, Aric Keyes is currently renting our space to lead these classes. If you would like more information about his instructive sessions for children and adults, click here for the flyer. 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

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 treasurer, Mike Salamone, at msalamone273@gmail.com to set up ongoing support. Additionally, we now 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. To view this year's Annual Appeal Letter, click here.

Donate!

Weekly Services at Mary Magdalene Church

Wednesday Reflection Come to church for prayer, communion and reflection every Wednesday from 12:00 pm - 4:00 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.  Or on Zoom:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81433878080  Meeting  ID: 814 3387 8080. The Passcode is 'presence'.

Casa Gubbio Saturday Morning Rosary Saturdays at 8:00 am Casa Gubbio is the ministry of Brother Peter Veitch, a Mary Magdalene parishioner and brother in the Benedictines of Holy Wisdom, ECC. The mission of Casa Gubbio is to provide a place of retreat for progressive/independent ‘seekers’ in keeping with the Benedictine charism of hospitality.   Casa Gubbio is a safe place to gather outside of traditional organized religious communities. All are welcome. For more information, contact Brother Peter at peterthomasveitch@gmail.com

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 Sunday 11:00 am

Our Weekly Update email includes a letter to the community, current prayer concerns, and ways to get involved and be the change in our community and beyond. If you would like to include social justice opportunities and community activities in the Wednesday edition, email Sue by 5 pm on Tuesdays at sgerber.mmagdalene@gmail.com.

Spring 2023 Church Hours In general, our church is open the following hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10-3 pm Saturdays from 1:30-5:30 pm *Please note: These hours may change due to unforeseen circumstances. If you would like to make an appointment to see Reverend Lori, please email her directly. Click here for our Church Calendar!

Rev. Lori Vail Pastor Email: reverend.vail@gmail.com Phone: 585-353-5954 Bishop Denise Donato Pastor Emeritus Email: revdenised@gmail.com  Phone: 585-329-0895 Sue Gerber Parish Admin Assistant Email: sgerber.mmagdalene@gmail.com Phone: 585-586-4104

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