St. Mary of Magdala Catholic Community

St. Mary of Magdala Catholic Community is inclusive and follows the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, grounded in justice and faithfulness to the Gospel.

Starting March 6, 2022
Liturgy in-Person & Zoom
Indiana Interchurch Center
1100 W. 42nd St.
Indpsl, IN 46208

Liturgy schedule and conveners' email addresses
in the right column.
When Marion county is RED on the State Departme nt Covid map, Mass will be on Zoom only.

Homily, SMMCC
Lent , 4/3/22

Esther C; Ps. 127; Phil 3: 8-14: John 8: 2-11

          All three of our readings this Sunday are so rich, it’s almost hard to know which one to focus on. They all encourage us to think about the essence of God’s law, and to remember that the Hebrew word for law means teaching. As with all law, sometimes we as humans get distracted into following only the letter of the law- the law’s superficial, trivial details. Sometimes we even compete with one another to see who can follow those details most scrupulously. But the problem is we forget about the spirit of the law-- why the law was made, what truth or right it was meant to defend.
Paul, for example, in today’s 2nd reading, was speaking to mostly non-Jewish people in this new Christian community at Philippi. He told them, in the verse immediately preceding this reading, that he was proud of his Jewish heritage, but that it was not necessary for these new Philippian Christians to follow the details of Jewish law. Rather, Paul encouraged them to focus the spirit of that law as taught by Jesus—that God loves every member of Creation, and that all are charged to love one another. He encouraged the Philippians to live their lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus, in order to share in the resurrection of Christ. So, in other words, Paul told the Philippians, “Focus on the love, the inclusion, helping the oppressed, and following through on your relationship commitments—don’t worry about circumcision, Jewish dietary rules, or other details that don’t really affect living an ethical life.”
          Esther was a great example of someone who chose to ignore the details of religious law, in order to focus on the law’s spirit. If you have never read the whole book of Esther, I encourage you to do so. It’s a real page-turner, and it’s short. By the way, no portion of the Book of Esther is included in the entirety of the canonical lectionary of Sundays and Major Feast Days. Allow me to give you a thumbnail sketch of what had led up to the prayer of Esther we heard in today’s first reading. Esther and her older cousin Mordecai, her guardian, were diaspora Jews living in the territory of King Ahasuerus, after the Babylonian exile. Ahasuerus was very rich and powerful. One day, in a show of gratuitous power and chauvinism against the women of his kingdom, he decided to dethrone his wife, Queen Vashti, and replace her. After an involved process combining luck and cleverness, Esther became queen. She chose to hide her identity as a Jew, on Mordecai’s advice, as Jews were oppressed and discriminated against even then. Mordecai, on the other hand, refused to bow down to one the king’s subordinates, declaring that as a Jew he worshiped only God. This subordinate, Haman, was so insulted he decided to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom, and got the king to agree to the pogrom. Mordecai and Esther got wind of the plan, and this is where our first reading picks up. Esther called on all the Jewish community to fast and pray for three days, and her fervent prayer for God to deliver them is what we heard. She started out right in the beginning of her prayer with the essence of the Jewish law: “O God, you alone are my God.” She asked God for courage, and it turned out later that Esther was able to convince the king to let the Jews fight off their persecutors, and they were saved. So Esther claimed her allegiance to God when it really counted, and became a liberator of her people in the process.
          In today’s gospel, Jesus cleverly highlights the hypocrisy of the legalistic community leaders in Jerusalem, by forcing them to look at the spirit of God’s law, and at themselves. These scholars and authorities brought a woman, supposedly caught in the act of adultery (but not her partner,) not because they were so concerned about her ethical situation, but as a pawn to try to trap Jesus. This woman was expendable, as far as they were concerned, if they could use her to trump up a charge against Jesus. They probably hoped he would contradict the Mosaic law about adultery, a law that calls for the punishment of both the male and female partners involved, by the way. Because saying she deserved stoning would be to contradict all the teaching he had done about the essence of God’s law—that God loves everyone, whatever their situation, that all are in need of God’s grace, and that we are all called to extend mercy to one another. But Jesus rejected both those choices. He refused to be trapped. He took a few deep breaths, doodled in the dirt for a minute, prayed for guidance, we can assume, and then came up with a new instruction: “Let anyone among you who is without sin cast the first stone.” In other words, you are insisting this woman be persecuted, but none of you are innocent. In effect, he challenges them: if you can call for this woman’s death, what is to stop others from persecuting you for your mistakes? Where would this end? Which one of you is perfect? Better to remember to leave judgement to God.
          Paul points out that he certainly is not perfect, but that he is working every day to be more like Jesus, to follow the loving essence of his teaching. It’s a life-long process, Paul says, like running a marathon. We all have to keep working at it. My friends, I urge us, this Lent, not to become discouraged, though the world is dark and violent and we see legalism and judgement and hypocrisy all around us, and even in ourselves. Let us all keep straining forward, as Paul says, let us keep pursuing our goal of oneness with God in Christ. We are all culpable. We all need grace. None of us is justified in casting stones at one another. Let us join in lifting one another up, in caring for and supporting one another, and in saying, “I do not condemn you. Let us together go on our way.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
“Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
MLK

Sacraments
The Sacraments
We celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing, and Matrimony - which includes Holy Union for heterosexual or same sex couples. Services also include funerals, committal services, and celebrations of life. Also other traditional services such as house blessings.
Call Helen Weber-McReynolds, RCWP, to request a home
or hospital visit. 317-691-1016.

To Volunteer
New volunteers are always welcome to join our liturgical ministries. Participate as a musician, lector, greeter, usher, communion minister, or share another talent with us. Our website was done by a volunteer! If you have an idea and would like to share your time & talent, please tell us! Contact Helen at 317-691-1016 for more information or fill out the form below!

Exodus Refugee Immigration received $334.35,St. Mary of Magdala Catholic Community gives 10% of its income to charity.

2nd quarter, 2021 -- Mosquito Net Project, $246.50
3rd quarter, 2021 -- Julian Center, $150.00
4th quarter, 2021 -- Exodus (for Afghan refugees), $231
1st quarter, 2022 -- Exodus Refugee Immigration, $334.35
Tax Deductible Donations

If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to St. Mary of Magdala, please send a check to St. Mary of Magdala Catholic Community or SMMCC; Address: P.O. Box 20042
Indianapolis, IN 46220

Changes during Coronavirus

SMMCC will resume Mass the at the Indiana InterChurch Center when Marion county restrictions are lifted.

Worship Locations
Indiana InterChurch Center.
1100 W. 42nd St., Indpls, IN 46208

Brownsburg Catholic Community
Brownsburg East Middle School
1250 Airport Rd, Brownsburg, IN 46112

Check out these websites too!!

For Another Voice, Dr. John Dick

Future Church

Roman Catholic Women Priests

NCR Online

Helen Weber-McReynolds, RCWP
Pastor, 2018

Maria Thornton McClain, RCWP
Retired Pastor, 2018

Russian Christian Nationalism
April 22, 2022
www.foranothervoice.com

Professor John A. Dick, Historical Theologian

In attendance at Dr. Dick's 2019 address, "The New Reformation: Transformation and Hope for Tomorrow"

A New Look at Holy Week
https://dianabutlerbass.substack.com/p/the-holy-thursday-revolution?

Helen Weber-McReynolds, RCWP SMMCC Pastor

Liturgy Dates/Times/Conveners
Locations BEMS & IIC listed below

Lent Program
Tues., April 5, 7-8 pm, Zoom
Tues., April 12, 7-8 pm, Zoom

Sun., April 10, Palm Sunday, 11 am,
BEMS and Zoom, Liturgy- Conveners: Bishop Nancy Meyer, Angela Nevitt Meyer, Helen Weber-McReynolds

Holy Thursday, April 13, 6:30 pm,
IIC Krannert Room and Zoom, Liturgy- Conveners: Helen Weber-McReynolds, others TBA. Refreshments to follow.

Sat., April 16, Easter Vigil, 8 pm
IIC and Zoom, Liturgy- Conveners: Helen Weber-McReynolds, Peggy Alderman, others TBA. Refreshments to follow.

Easter Sunday, April 17, 11 am
Nancy’s home and Zoom, Liturgy- Conveners: Bishop Nancy Meyer and Angela Nevitt Meyer

Note change:
Sat, April 23, 5 pm
Alderman home and Zoom, Liturgy- Convener: Peggy Alderman.

Please email conveners to be sent a link for Zoom Masses.
Conveners
Hellen Weber-McReynolds, hweber@iuhealth.org;
Peggy Alderman, peggymomm@gmail.com
Nancy Meyer, meyern656@gmail.com
Angela Nevitt, amnevitt@gmail.com
Locations
Indiana Interchurch Center (IIC)
1100 W. 42nd St.
Indpsl, IN 46208

Brownsburg East Middle School (BEMS)
1250 East Airport Rd
Brownsburg, IN 46112

Intercessions
4/3/22
Our response is: Loving God, hear our prayer.

For the Church: that our individual lives be a testimony to the dying and rising of Christ and instruments of hope to all who are experiencing loss. We pray.
R. Loving God, hear our prayer

For those facing divorce, estrangement, and the ending of a relationship: that God’s presence will provide the courage to face their pain and issues, and hope for tomorrow. We pray.
R. Loving God, hear our prayer

For everyone living with death’s shadow in their lives: those who have terminal illness, long covid, chronic pain and addictions; for death row inmates, refugees, and those living with domestic violence or conditions of war. We pray.
R. Loving God, hear our prayer

For peace with justice to be the goal of local, state, and national leaders. We pray.
R. Loving God, hear our prayer

In thanksgiving for the bounty in our own lives so that we can be of help where there is need in our world. We pray.
R. Loving God, hear our prayer

For strength and renewal for those living under the toxic weight of systemic racism, sexism, ageism, nationalism, and clericalism in religious institutions that they see God’s Light directing their pathways ahead. We pray.
R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

For what else shall we pray?

Statements on Major Events

Denouncing desecration of our
nation’s Capital

We members of the Leadership Circle of the St. Mary of Magdala Catholic Community, on Jan. 7, 2021, the day after Epiphany, unconditionally state: The rioters who desecrated our nation’s Capital yesterday in no way represent us. As followers of God, who loves every being in the cosmos, and created the world to function in interdependent harmony, we cry out in protest against their violent actions, and against the failure of the Presidential
administration to direct law enforcement to be prepared for and to effectively prevent their insurrection.
We find the contrasts between the treatment of these seditionists and that of some previous peacefully protesting groups glaringly appalling.
We are for peace. We are for equal treatment for all people. Everyone should have the right to peacefully state their opinion in public. Everyone who willfully perpetrates violence against the law should be prosecuted. Going forward, we call on our community, our city, our state, and our country to band together as leaders of harmonious action toward justice. We must respect one another as created in God’s image, reform our society to make sure that all have what they need to provide for themselves and their loved ones, reform our church to make sure all human callings are honored, and reform our government to ascertain that truth and justice supersede party loyalty. This day must be the beginning of the time we come together as one, in the US and around the world, to rebuild the Beloved Community as a place of safety, health, free expression, meaningful work, and democratic liberty, for everyone.

In Support of Brebeuf High School’s Statement on Their Relationship with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, summer 2019

As members of the Leadership Circle of the St. Mary of Magdala Catholic Community, we would like to express our gratitude to and solidarity with the Jesuit community of Brebeuf High School, for their decision to stand on the side of Christian mercy and love, on the issue of inclusive and fair employment standards. The unfair targeting of LGBTQIA employees by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis is inconsistent with the teachings and example of Jesus, who loved all and prioritized justice for the marginalized. As we approach the Feast of Corpus Christi, we remember that we are all created in God’s image, no human is intrinsically disordered, and every member is precious and vital to the Body of Christ.

Helen Weber-McReynolds, Pastor
Maria Thornton McClain
Peggy Alderman
Lauren Basile
Laura Blackthorn
Mary Heins

St. Mary of Magdala Denounces the
Reinstatement of Death Penalty

"Attorney General William P. Barr has directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons, July 2019, (BOP) to adopt a proposed Addendum to the Federal Execution Protocol—clearing the way for the federal government to resume capital punishment after a nearly two-decade lapse, ..."
In response to the Attorney General's proposed addendum (above), St. Mary of Magadala Catholic Community is issuing the following statement:

From the leadership
“All Christians and people of good will are called to struggle not only for the abolition of the death penalty, whether it be legal or illegal and in all forms. But also to improve prison conditions, out of respect for the human dignity of persons deprived of their liberty. And this I connect with life imprisonment. Life imprisonment is a hidden death penalty.” Pope Francis, 2014.

We, the members of the Leadership Circle, “believe that we are to forgive one another, not to seek retribution with vengeance and further violence.” We oppose capital punishment in all cases and ask that all sentences of death row inmates be commuted to life without parole. We urge our federal and state governments to abolish the death penalty once and for all. A recent decision handed down by the United States Attorney General asked the Bureau of Prisons to ‘adopt an updated execution protocol’ resulting in five persons being scheduled for execution in the very near future. The only Federal execution is in Terre Haute, IN.

“As a nation, we must face the deep flaws in our criminal justice system. The system is inherently racist, and thus cannot be relied upon to be fair. We support the life and dignity of all persons.” We invite you to pray with the Sisters of Providence the closing sections of their Litany of Non-Violence: “God of love, mercy and justice, acknowledging our complicity in those attitudes, actions and words which perpetuate violence, we beg the grace of a non-violent heart. Amen.” (Adapted from the Statement issued from the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the Woods.)