Mary Magdalene Church
~Weekly Update~
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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.
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~ Easter Season ~
Greetings!
Today, NPR offered several news stories that look at religion in the lives of Americans. Forgive me for quoting extensively from their summaries, but the descriptions and links are provocative enough to stand on their own.
NPR states:
"Religion isn't as important as it used to be in America. Only 16% of Americans surveyed by the Public Religion Research Institute say it's the most important thing in their lives. But those who still practice remain positive: 8 in 10 say they're optimistic about the future of their church, and 9 in 10 say they're proud to be associated with their church.
NPR's Joel Rose says "Americans are on the move when it comes to belief," with 24% of respondents saying they previously followed a different faith than the one they currently practice. Rose notes most are leaving Christianity or religion altogether, and the number is up significantly from 2021, where only 16% had said they left or changed religions.
On Morning Edition, Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas discusses religious ideology divides with host Leila Fadel. She explains that churches remain segregated because "people who have the same life experiences are people who tend to worship together." When asked about the responsibility of church leaders to bridge this divide, she suggests that addressing inequalities in the country should be a starting point."
As a social scientist, I am interested in these articles. As a pastor, I am moved to action. It seems to me that these three articles reflect the realities that brought US together as a community - desire to continue practicing religious faith traditions, desire to see shifts in how we do so, and an awareness that justice matters in all areas of faith. Yes!
Our Cup of Change program was borne out of this invigorating mix. Kevin and Linda Beckford brought to our community the story of Kevin's grandmother's wisdom. Life is hard and social issues are complicated. But while you can't boil the ocean, you can boil a cup of water. That is your cup of change. Religious communities must be part of the social change needed in equity issues because to avoid that work is to avoid our moral responsibilities to God and God's creation. We strive to do that work many ways at MMC, and one of the ways is to get educated. From January through April, the Beckfords explored with us how inequities impact access to adequate medical care. Tonight, we begin a series of four sessions on compassion as a component of justice. This is not self-care in that "spend a day at the spa" kind of way. This is compassion for self in that way that says, "when I hold life sacred, I am able to hold all life sacred." THAT is the lesson of last Sunday's reading from the Gospel of John...the Good News. That is the work of religious communities that thrive. Come join us tonight as we learn about compassion for the self from 7-8PM in the library, or click here to join us virtually. And as always, thank you for the love you offer the world and the ways you work to make it a more just and loving place.
All the love,
Rev. Lori
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Love Links
Click here for a little love this week....
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Prayer Concerns
- Liz
- Po
- Manny Silva and the Silva family
- Jennifer Donato
- Dan
- Michelle and her family
- Dan Donnelly
- Chris C.
- Judy Whitaker
- Deacon Dan Kinsky and his wife, Sheila
- Doug Mayerhofer
- Jim Kelly
- Sharon and Chris Cassidy
- Casey and Ryan
- Kate and her family
- Aidan and his family
- Justin
- 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.
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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.
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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 indoor/outdoor plants for purchase on the days of the sale. Saturday 1-4PM or Sunday after Mass. If you would like to help out, please contact Betty Jerabeck.
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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.
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May 17th Compassion for Self
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June 21st Compassion for Creation
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July 19th Compassion and Marginalization
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August 16th The Gift of Compassionate Presence
Jazz Saturday at MMC
Join us on Saturday, May 20th 2-4 PM for a jazz jam session hosted by our very own Bob Pizzutiello who is a member of the band. Free, no lines, and easy parking. Please come, bring a friend, enjoy some great jazz and buy a plant while you're here!
Transportation Needed
Finding a ride to mass can be a struggle for anyone with a disability or lack of transportation. If you are willing to provide a ride to and from church on an occasional basis, please contact Sue Gerber. She will put you in touch with an individual in your area. We have received requests from locales such as Penfield, Brighton and the City of Rochester. Thank you for your willingness to lift up the community!
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 serving as 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!
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Things to do in the community!
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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 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
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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 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.
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Weekly Services at Mary Magdalene Church |
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Wednesday Reflection
Come to church for prayer, communion and reflection every Wednesday from 12:00 pm - 4:00 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 sanctuary.
Meeting ID: 814 3387 8080. The Passcode is 'presence'.
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Casa Gubbio
Saturday Morning Rosary
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
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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 ~
Sunday 11:00 am
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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. |
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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!
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Rev. Lori Vail
Pastor
Phone: 585-353-5954
Bishop Denise Donato
Pastor Emeritus
Phone: 585-329-0895
Sue Gerber
Parish Admin Assistant
Phone: 585-586-4104
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