Dear St. Mary Magdalene Family,

I wish to share a brief update on some of the ongoing parish projects. I am grateful to report that an anonymous parishioner has donated sufficient funds for us to order a large St. Mary Magdalene Statue for the parish. We are now determining the best location for the statue’s placement, hopefully next to our patron’s first class relic displayed for public veneration. While St. Mary Magdalene, like all the canonized saints, has finished her earthly pilgrimage she is not dead but alive now in Christ. Thus, we can and should prayerfully call upon her intercession.

For Catholics, calling on the intercession of canonized saints is a way to seek spiritual support and guidance from those who have lived holy lives and are now in Heaven. Saints are seen as models of faith and virtue, and their prayers are believed to be especially powerful because of their closeness to God. By asking saints to intercede on their behalf, Catholics draw strength from their example and request divine help in times of need. This practice underscores the Church’s belief in the communion of saints, where the faithful on Earth and in Heaven unite in prayer and love.

In addition, the new audio visual system including two large displays is now complete and we are performing final testing before it will be placed into service for the parish. Also, the two new confessionals are 80% complete. We are completing the painting, carpeting, signage, and finishing trim. Stay tuned for the announcement of the date for the inaugural blessing of the confessionals. Additionally, we are exploring the idea of installing kneeler cushions along the altar rail but are still in the process of getting bids on the cost.

In my past pastoral assignments, I served as the administrator for a Basilica, a National Shrine, and several parishes. In those roles as well as this one, security was always an important concern. So, when I began here at Mary Magdalene as Pastor, I initiated the process of evaluating the overall security needs of our campus and gathering spaces. While we always want to be a welcoming community we mustn’t be naïve about current threats nor can we afford to appear as a soft target for those with hostile intentions. Therefore, in consultation with the diocese, needs of our campus and gathering spaces. While we always want to be a welcoming community we mustn’t be naïve about current threats nor can we afford to appear as a soft target for those with hostile intentions. Therefore, in consultation with the diocese, law enforcement, security professionals, staff, and parishioners, we have begun to implement several security enhancements.

In addition to updating additional lighting in the parking lot and surrounding campus, we are evaluating the installation and deployment of updated security cameras. This will require new hardware and software but a generous donor has offered assistance with the cost. Also, we have begun the initial steps to establish a chapter of The Porters of St. Joseph to operate here at the parish. The Porters of St. Joseph is an organic church security ministry made of catholic men and recommended and endorsed by the Diocese of Phoenix. The Porters is a volunteer Catholic apostolate dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for parishioners during worship by imitating St. Joseph, the Protector of the Holy Church. Comprised of faithful men, the ministry builds teams that offer security and medical assistance during Masses and other parish events. The Porters are more than just a security detail, combining spiritual practices and fellowship with practical training in de-escalation, self-defense, and church safety planning. By mobilizing the courageous and masculine hearts of men, the ministry aims to protect the faithful, the Blessed Sacrament, and the ministers within the parish. To sufficiently address all areas of security will take time, but I wanted to communicate that it is an important area of ongoing concern that is being addressed.

Lastly, this Christmas season we will hold our first Live Nativity scheduled for Sat, Dec 20. I invite everyone to attend this beautiful tradition originally started by St. Francis of Assisi in the town of Greccio, Italy. The Live Nativity is a call to prayer and a visual reminder of that first Christmas when the Light of the World entered into human history in Bethlehem. Come join the Holy Family, the angels, wise men, shepherds, a live choir, and live animals including a camel, donkey, cow, sheep and goats. Seasonal refreshments will be provided by our Knights of Columbus. If you would like to volunteer please contact Chris Haubrock at 480-279-6737 x 210 or liturgy@smarymag.org. 

– Fr. John

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