St. Mary Magdalene Staff

I was born and raised in the Phoenix metropolitan area. I am a former Lutheran who was received into full communion with the Catholic faith in 2001. After completing my seminary formation at Mt. Angel Seminary in Oregon and the Pontifical College Josephinum in Ohio, I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Phoenix on June 6, 2009. During the first three years of my priesthood, I served as Parochial Vicar to St. Mary's Parish in Chandler and St. Theresa Parish in Phoenix. I also served as chaplain and Theology teacher to Seton Catholic Preparatory High School in Chandler. In August of 2012 I earned a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. After completing my studies at Notre Dame, I was assigned to St. Mary Magdalene Parish as Parochial Administrator and was installed as Pastor in August of 2013. In addition to my primary ministry at St. Mary Magdalene Parish, I am also an adjunct professor of Theology at Benedictine University in Mesa, homiletics professor for the Diocese of Phoenix Permanent Diaconate Program, and volunteer chaplain for the Chandler Police Department.

Welcome to our parish and please be assured of my prayers for you and your family. If you have a question regarding one of the programs or aspects of the parish, please feel free to contact the appropriate staff member below. If you would like to schedule an individual appointment with me, please contact Gretchen Malovoz, Administrative Assistant for the Parish at gretchen@smarymag.org. (480) 279-6737 ext 204

I was born, baptized, and raised in the very small farm town of Sublimity, Oregon. I entered the seminary at age 14, then at 18 entered the Benedictines. Having been involved in church music from an early age, after five years in the monastery, I left to pursue further music studies at the U. of Oregon, then a year teaching in Nassau, Bahamas, then 3 more years’ music study in Frankfurt, Germany.

Upon returning to the USA, from 1984 until 1995 I was Minister of Music at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in San Diego, CA, directing 6 choirs, recording two CDs, and founding the Schola Pacifica, a concertizing ecumenical men's Gregorian chant ensemble.

In 1995 I returned to the monastery in Oregon, and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1999. I worked in the School of Theology as a Formation Director and Seminary Choir Director, and in 2000 received a Commission as a Navy Chaplain. One month after 9/11 I was mobilized from the monastery to Active Duty at 29 Palms with the Marines, and in 2002 went to Camp Pendleton, CA, deploying twice to Iraq with the Marines. In August 2005 I deployed with the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln as Division Chaplain.

Early in 2007 I transferred to the Diocese of Austin, and also to the United States Army. I completed two more deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, followed by almost 3 years at West Point Military Academy as Pastor. With great joy I learned that I was assigned to St. Mary Magdalene! My passion is and always has been to bring people to the joy that is ours, when we allow ourselves to be more and more united to the life and love of our Lord. To this goal I am privileged to try to help you as one of your priests!

I was born in Rumi, Ikara Local Government, Kaduna State, Nigeria. I attended St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Zaria; from 1983 to 1988. My priestly vocation started in1989 when I was sent to St. Thomas Aquinas’ Major Seminary, Makurdi Benue State for Spirituality and Philosophy. After my pastoral year in 1993, I proceeded to St. Augustine’s Major Seminary, Jos Plateau State for diploma in Religion and first degree in Theology. I was ordained to the transitional deaconate in June of 1997 and as a priest, November 29th 1997 together with seven of my classmates of the same Kaduna Archdiocese. Since my ordination, I have served the Church in various capacities: associate pastor St. Joseph’s Cathedral, associate pastor St. Patrick’s parish, Kawo, associate pastor at the parish of Our Lady Independence Way, Kaduna, Pastor St. Dennis’ parish, Danladi, Pastor St. Stephen’s parish Dutsen Wai, and I currently serve as Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Magdalene.

The erection of the Zaria Diocese in March 2001 gave me the opportunity of being chaplain to the youth, a member of the council of priests, Dean of Ikara Deanery and a member of the board of consultors. Also in a non-denominational association of Christians, I served as chairman for five years, harmonizing beliefs and practices among Christians and non-Christians, especially Muslims. I am also a graduate of Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) where I got a Masters in Pastoral Theology, 2013. If you would like to schedule an individual appointment with me, please contact Gretchen Malovoz, Administrative Assistant for the Parish at gretchen@smarymag.org. (480) 279-6737 ext 213

I am the oldest of three children. My sister, Michelle, lives in Tempe and my brother, Nicholas, currently attends Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY studying to be an engineer, though in his words, he's studying to become Iron Man.  My family came to Arizona in 1997 after moving from San Jose California to Tucson.  I graduated from the University of Arizona (Bear Down and go Wildcats!) in 2007.  After graduating from the UofA, I entered the seminary and attended the Pontifical College Josephinum where I graduated in May of 2013.  I was ordained a priest on June 1, 2013 and have been assigned to St. Mary Magdalene and Seton Catholic Preparatory since July 1, 2013.  I am serving full time at Seton Catholic Preparatory High School as Chaplain and Theology teacher. God Bless you and thank you for your prayers! You can reach me via email at fraxline@setoncatholic.org

I was born in phoenix and went to Catholic school my entire life until I attended ASU, where I spent a lot of my time at the Newman Center. Before meeting my wife, Heidi, I was a seminarian for the Redemptorist order, She and I have been blessed with 8 children. I was ordained a deacon in November of 1996 and have been at St. Mary Magdalene since 2010.

I came to St. Mary Magdalene parish on August 9, 2012 and assisted at Mass here for the first time as an Acolyte on August 12 near the end of my diaconate formation.  I was ordained to the permanent diaconate on November 10, 2012 and was installed as a deacon here on Sunday November 18, 2012.  My wife Kathy and I are both graduates of Arizona State University and were married at the Newman Center at ASU in October 1980.  Our son Brian is also an ASU graduate and lives with his wife Jill in Phoenix.

I was ordained a deacon on June 13, 1981. I am a Senior Deacon in the Diocese of Phoenix having reached the mandatory retirement age of 75. I have been in Arizona for 23 years. I served for 13 years at St. Anne's in Gilbert and have been at St. Mary Magdalene for the past 10 years. I am the middle child of 6 siblings. In addition to serving at Mass, my present ministry is to conduct a communion service at the Signal Butte Mental Care facility and to conduct two communion services at the 4th Ave. Jail every Friday. I am the assistant chaplain of the Knights of Columbus as well as the Senior Singles.

As an Army Veteran of 35 years of service, I have served in Florida and Arizona parishes and at St. Mary Magdalene since 2014. My wife, Mary Alyce, and I have been married for 46 years and we have three grown children and numerous grandchildren in the Southwest and Florida. I am also an avid baseball card collector and my family enjoys skiing and hiking.

I grew up in Joliet, Illinois and was homeschooled through high school, which provided many opportunities for service and leadership from a young age. Ours was a musical home, and my mother tells me I started singing as soon as I could talk. My music degree is from the University of Saint Francis in Joliet (vocal emphasis), and I have been involved with parish ministry since my teen years. Prior to coming to Saint Mary Magdalene, I served on the Music Staff at the Cathedral of Saint Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, Illinois, where I co-founded and directed a Diocesan-wide youth choral program. Some of my other interests include holistic cooking, creative projects, and photography. I consider it a great gift to serve the Lord and the community of Saint Mary Magdalene as Director of Sacred Music. My responsibilities include direction of choirs for adults and children, planning and preparation of music for all weekend liturgies and holy days, and coordination of music for weddings and funerals.

Please contact me if you are open to joining the music ministry as a choir member, cantor, or instrumentalist: claire@smarymag.org (480) 279-6737 ext 209. I will be delighted to speak with you!

I grew up in Bloomer, WI and was homeschooled all my life. I began piano lessons at 12, vocal lessons at 15, and at 13, I joined my parish choir and have enjoyed singing for Mass ever since. My responsibilities include printing, organizing, and filing music, and assembling music packets for our many scholas, cantors, and accompanists. I also prepare the orders of worship for the weekend Masses, facilitate youth choir enrollment, and assist with rehearsals. I am currently a student at Chandler-Gilbert Community College and discerning pursuit of a music degree.

Please contact me if you have questions regarding youth choir enrollment or other topics concerning the music office: smmsacredmusic@gmail.com (480) 279-6737 ext 209

I am originally from Buffalo NY, where I studied Social Work and worked with the Developmentally Disabled for 14 years. After a profound conversion, Our Lord has led me on an amazing journey. Encountering His great mercy; it is my heart’s desire to share this Love with others. My life has been changed by the lives of the saints, and they give me hope and daily inspiration. I am deeply grateful to be a part of the family here at St Mary Magdalene; and the One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. My responsibilities include coordinating all Pastoral Care Ministers, those who visit and bring communion to the homebound, Anointing of the Sick and funerals.

Please contact me if you need Anointing of the Sick, would like to receive Communion and are unable to come to Mass, or if you need to arrange a funeral. trisha@smarymag.org (480) 279-6737 ext 215

I was born and grew up in Missouri and when I turned seventeen I entered the Navy and was stationed on the east coast. Upon my discharge from the Navy, (I was allergic to boats), I returned to Missouri and worked as a computer programmer. Then I moved to Michigan for a management position, in “Management Information Systems.” After attending the equivalent of today’s RCIA program, I was confirmed in the Catholic Church and our marriage was convalidated, (going on 40 happy years). I have a double major in, Business Administration & Religious Studies from Aquinas College.

We moved to Mesa in 1992 and I semi-retired in 1995. Retirement allowed me to take jobs with exposure to other cultures and segments of society that I was unable to experience during my, business career. In 2013 we visited St. Mary Magdalene and during mass I was overcome with a feeling that this is where we belonged. I believe I am following God’s will, and my “vocation” is to love and serve His suffering people, especially the neglected elderly, through the ministry of Pastoral Care at St. Mary Magdalene. I am currently helping Trisha with Funerals, EMHC scheduling, and the administrative functions of the Pastoral Care Ministry.

Thank you God!

I have been married to Meg for 20 years and have 4 children. I am a Chicago native, a graduate of Arizona State University, and hold a Masters in Theology from the Augustine Institute. I am responsible for developing programs that help parishioners understand and experience the sacramental reality of marriage and family life. In this capacity, I oversee the Marriage Preparation and Convalidation process, and work with volunteer ministries such as Covenant of Love, and the Nullity Ministry.

I would be happy to start working on Marriage Preparation with you or meet with you to discuss any other issues affecting your marriage and family life. chris@smarymag.org (480) 279-6737 ext 212

I am originally from New Jersey, but grew up in Scottsdale and am a cradle Catholic. I have always loved my Catholic Faith, but my knowledge of the Faith grew exponentially while I attended the St. Ignatius Institute at the University of San Francisco where I earned a Bachelors in Philosophy. I hold a Masters in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville as well as a Masters in Education. In my spare time, I am also a Catholic blogger and speaker. I write at TomPerna.org.

At the parish, I oversee the Porta Fidei Adult Faith Formation Program, which offers opportunities for adults to equip themselves in understanding our Catholic faith through a wide range of catechetical studies. Currently, our Porta Fidei program offers studies on Tuesday mornings, Thursday evenings, and our Saturday Morning Speaker Series.

If you would like to know more about these opportunities or have any questions regarding a particular teaching of the Church, please contact me at tom@smarymag.org (480) 279-6737 ext 203

I was raised in a large German Catholic family in Ohio. Growing up, I went to Catholic schools and received my Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Cincinnati. I was a Catholic educator for 15 years. After moving to Arizona, I came to work at St. Mary Magdalene. I received my Master's degree in Religious Education from Loyola University, New Orleans. I am the proud mother of three sons, and my favorite pass time, of course, is music. I oversee our Children’s Religious Education program, which currently serves children who are in Kindergarten through sixth grade. In this capacity, I am also responsible for sacramental preparation for all children who are receiving Confirmation, First Communion, and First Reconciliation. This includes children who are older and still have not received these Sacraments of Initiation.

Please contact me during the month of July if you would like to register your child for Religious Education or anytime if you have a question about your student already in our program. familyformation@smarymag.org (480) 279-6737 ext 202

I was born and raised in the great state of Texas. I have lived in Arizona for the past 17 yrs. My family and I have been members of the parish for 10 years. I have been married for 20 years to my husband, Rick, and we have three children, Matthew, Luke and John. I am bilingual (English and Spanish) and if the need arises, I am here to help. I have been volunteering with Saint Mary Magdalene in several capacities over the extent of our time with the parish. I am now the Assistant Director of Children’s Religious Education and it has been a pleasure to get to know and work with the wonderful families that make this their parish. In my role, I, help to coordinate volunteer catechists, register new students into our program and help families through the process of receiving the Sacraments of Initiation.

Please contact me during the month of July if you would like to register your child for Religious Education or anytime if you have a question about your student already in our program. mary@smarymag.org (480) 279-6737 ext 207

I was born & raised in Southern CA (Pasadena). After getting married and living in Sacramento, CA for 10 years, our family moved to Arizona in 2005. We found St. Mary Magdalene parish shortly after moving here and knew after the very first Mass we attended in the gym on the old Williams Gateway base that we found the parish we’d call home. My husband David & I have been married 22 years and have four children, Jessica, Joshua, Jacob and Joanna. I have been involved with several Parish Life communities including Parents with Young Children, Respect Life Initiative, Covenant of Love and Prepare & Enrich marriage prep mentors. I assist Jayne LoConti and Mary Molina with Children’s Religious Education helping with registration, attendance, data entry, filing, sacramental prep and snacks. I also help out as a Catechist as needed. If you have any questions please let me know.

Though originally from the Los Angeles area, I mainly grew up in Mesa, AZ. I’ve been Catholic since my Baptism at 5 months old, but experienced a profound conversion after receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation my junior year in high school. My passion for the Truth led me to missionary work in Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and then to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, where I graduated with a degree in Theology and Catholic Studies. I have ten years of experience working with high school teens- in youth ministry and teaching Theology at a Catholic High School. At the parish, my responsibilities include overseeing the RCIA program (the formal process for coming into the Catholic Church), all major communications involving parish activities and ministries, our bulletin “Vidi Dominum", and other social media. I am also the point person for the parish in regards to special events, and any opportunities happening in the diocese or surrounding community.

Please contact me if you are thinking about becoming Catholic, if you would like the parish to participate in something, or to notify the parish community about a specific event or need. lita@smarymag.org, (480) 279-6737 ext 210.

I was born and raised in a small town in Massachusetts as a Red Sox, Celtics, and, yes, Patriots fan. When I was in junior high and high school, I had a powerful encounter with Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church which completely changed my life. Through prayer, I experienced the Lord calling me to share the Faith with teenagers so that they might also come to know the Lord. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where I studied Communication Arts, Theology, and Catechetics with a Youth Ministry Concentration. I oversee our High School Youth Group, GS24, as well as Sacramental Preparation for High School students here at the parish.

I would love to meet you if you are interested in GS24 or if you have a son or daughter that is interested in joining us. jake@smarymag.org (480) 279-6737 ext 211

I am a native Texan and graduate of the Catholic University of Dallas. Although I grew up in the Catholic faith, I really fell in love with it with the help of my High School Youth Ministry program. Experiencing the love of God there and following the subtle promptings of the Holy Spirit, I spent time volunteering on Core teams, chaperoning retreats and various youth events, attending World Youth Day in both Spain and Brazil, and stimulating my spiritual growth with daily Mass and various mission trips. While earning my degree in Pastoral Ministry, I was graced with friendships that still push me and challenge me to become a better person every day. I enjoy sailing, camping, and cats. I am extremely blessed to be able to serve and minister to the youth at St Mary Magdalene Catholic Church and hope that each teen is able to foster a personal relationship with Christ!

I was born and raised in the great state of Colorado. I grew up in Conifer, a small town which is between two other small towns also named after trees, Pine and Evergreen :) where I nurtured my love for the great outdoors. I have two wonderful parents and a twin sister. I experienced Jesus in a personal way for the first time during my 8th grade Confirmation preparation. Since establishing this relationship with Jesus Christ, I have had an unyielding passion for evangelization. I earned my degrees in Theology and Catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Since graduating in 2014, I have served as a full-time missionary with Life Teen. I am overjoyed that God has placed me at St. Mary Magdalene Parish to share my passion for Him with the awesome middle school youth. I am looking forward to meeting all of you soon! Please pray for me and be assured of my prayers for you.

My husband, four children and I moved to Arizona in 2003 and we joined this parish in 2005. Since then, our family grew to 5 children and in 2012, I started working at St. Mary Magdalene as the Parish Receptionist. Subsequently, I was blessed to work as the Coordinator of Infant Baptisms and as the Marriage Preparation Coordinator. I now work as the Administrative Assistant to our priests. My responsibilities include making appointments for our priests, managing their calendars as well as the parish calendar and events.

If you would like to make an appointment with Fr. Will or Fr. Ishaya or if you have an inquiry regarding the parish calendar or meeting spaces, or if you would like to have a table to promote an activity or ministry after mass please contact me. gretchen@smarymag.org (480) 279-6737 ext 201

I am originally from Indianapolis, Indiana and have moved several times during my adult life finally landing in Gilbert in 2004. I have worked at St. Mary Magdalene Parish since the Spring of 2007. I feel very blessed to be employed and a parishioner at this parish. As Director of Finance & Operations, I manage relationships between all of our vendors, service agencies, as well as the parish finances and the day to day operations at the parish. I also manage all aspects of parishioners’ financial contributions and planned giving.

Please contact me if you have a question regarding your own financial contributions, if you need a tax receipt, or have other questions regarding the business side of the parish. shari@smarymag.org (480) 279-6737 ext 206

I have been happily married since 1986 to my husband, Tim. We have been blessed with nine children and have welcomed daughter-in-laws and a few grandkids to the mix as well. As the parish receptionist, I am here to welcome you to our parish, help you find a ministry, and connect you with the person (or persons) who are here to help you on your journey in the Catholic Faith. I can also help if you would like to have a mass offered or would like to register at the parish. jackie@smarymag.org (480) 279-6737 ext 200

I was born and raised in Southern California. After graduating from Thomas Aquinas College, I spent some time with my family in Brazil before moving to Arizona in December 2014. I currently provide administrative support to the Music, Marriage and Family Life, Evangelization, and Adult Faith Formation and Catechesis Departments. You can contact me to schedule appointments with Tom Perna, Chris Zajdzinski, and our Director of Sacred Music or to hear about the steps and requirements for St. Mary Magdalene's Marriage Preparation Program. I also work at the front desk in the Parish Office.

I would be happy to speak to you about any of these programs or answer any other questions you may have about the parish. athena@smarymag.org (480) 279-6737 ext 200