Hello St. Mary Magdalene,

It is hard to believe that this is my last weekend with you here. This letter was a tough one to write. But I have a few parting thoughts and words of thanks I would like to share as I depart for my new assignment in Kingman. First, please know that you are and will continue to be in my prayers and I thank you for yours!

Second, it has been a wonderful blessing to walk with you during these twelve years, my entire priesthood thus far has been with St. Mary Magdalene. It is hard to summarize twelve years’ worth of encounters and ministry especially since as a priest I grew up here, arriving on July 1, 2013, as a newly ordained priest fresh from the seminary to, since April 3, 2018, until June 30, 2025, serving as your pastor. Accompanying through hospital visits and funerals to baptisms, weddings, processions, Masses, confessions, and many other celebrations, I have been blessed to see Christ in each and every interaction we’ve had whether we’ve prayed together, or you had to endure my “Father jokes” (also known as Fr. Chris’s funnies). Speaking of, for those of you who unfortunately root for that silly school in Tempe, at least you will not have to listen to this Wildcat anymore (Bear Down!).

Third, on a serious note, goodbye is difficult to say, but through the great gift of our Faith, we are never truly disconnected. Yes, there are now a few hundred miles separating Gilbert and Kingman, but the source of our unity, Christ ever present in the Eucharist, is one and the same! He is the same Lord present in the tabernacle in Gilbert and in Kingman. This means that we can see each other in the Eucharist!

Fourth, to those whom I have hurt or offended, I ask your forgiveness. To those who have been inspired to a deeper relationship with Christ and ever greater holiness through me, thanks be to God! Thank you all for your prayers and support. The Lord is doing wonderful things within this community and all of you have helped form me into the priest I am today. For that, you have my gratitude. If you would like to stay connected, please visit me or reach out to me in Kingman.

May the Lord shower you with His graces and mercies and may He always shine the radiance of His countenance upon you. Thank you for letting me be a part of your family these twelve years.

God bless,
Fr. Chris

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Dear Parish,

I wish to express my appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to you all parishioners of St Mary Magdalene for your love and support towards me all these years serving as Parochial Vicar. As l begin a new chapter in my priestly ministry in Kingman, l urge you all to please keep Fr Chris and l in your prayers.

God be with you all till we meet again.

Fr. Sylvester

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