Dear Parish Family,

As we look ahead to the fall, I am grateful to share with you several exciting developments taking place here at St. Mary Magdalene. Our parish continues to grow -not only in size and activity, but, most importantly, in our shared mission to deepen our faith, strengthen our community, and bring Christ to others.

Please join us for the next installment of our Lecture Series, when Deacon Sean Sylvester will present a talk on Suffering in the Family on Wed, Aug 26 at 7:00pm in the hall. Every family encounters difficulties, and our Catholic faith offers us both wisdom and hope in facing them. I pray you will join us for this special evening of practical insights, spiritual encouragement, and helpful guidance for navigating the challenges we encounter within our own families.

I am also very happy to announce that our new Magdala Coffee shop will celebrate its grand opening on Thu, Oct 22, when Bishop Peter Bui will join us to bless this new gathering space. With your help, Magdala Coffee can become much more than a coffee shop. Our hope is that it will be a place of hospitality, community, and encounter-a place where parishioners and visitors alike feel welcomed and at home.

I invite you to consider becoming part of this new ministry. We are currently accepting applications for part-time volunteer baristas and cashiers/order takers. If you have a heart for serving others and a love for Christ, I hope you will consider sharing your gifts with us and helping make Magdala Coffee a special place for our parish family. If interested, please email magdalacoffee@smarymag.org.

In other parish construction news, I ask you to pray that our neighborhood HOA approves our proposed plans for the installation of a pedestrian gate at the rear of the Rectory. This gate would provide our priests with direct and convenient access between the Rectory and the main church property. We will be submitting the plans this week and are hopeful for a favorable response.

During the month of September, we have also scheduled a financial audit of our parish finances. This audit, which is conducted approximately every three years, is undertaken in cooperation with the Diocese and an independent accounting firm. Financial transparency and responsible stewardship are important parts of caring well for the resources entrusted to our parish. Upon completion of the audit, we will publish a summary of the results for the parish.

I am especially pleased to announce that Bishop Dolan has granted our request to proceed with a feasibility study for our proposed new parish hall. Leslie Miratsky and our new Hall Building Committee will meet on August 19 to further develop plans for the study. This is an important step in discerning the scope, design, funding, and eventual construction of a new hall that can serve our growing parish for many years to come. Thank you for your continued support of this project and for your investment in the future of our parish home.

Finally, during the last week of August, I will undergo necessary orthognathic surgery. The anticipated recovery period is approximately three weeks, during which I will be unable to celebrate public Mass. As I recuperate, please be assured of my continued prayers for you. I intend to offer Mass privately for the intentions of our parish families throughout my recovery. In the meantime, Fr. Darius and Fr. Greb will be here to celebrate our Masses and attend to the sacramental and pastoral needs of the parish. I would be grateful for your prayers for a successful surgery and a good recovery.

There is much happening at St. Mary Magdalene, and I am grateful for the many ways the Lord continues to bless our parish. Yet buildings, programs, lectures, and new gathering spaces have their greatest value when they serve something deeper: our growth as disciples of Jesus Christ. Together with our priests, deacons, staff, and many dedicated volunteers, let us continue building a parish that is a school of prayer, a field hospital for the wounded, and a lighthouse of charity-a community where people encounter Christ, grow in faith, find healing and friendship, and are sent forth to share His love with others.

Thank you for your generosity, your prayers, and your commitment to St. Mary Magdalene. May the Lord continue to guide and bless our parish as we grow together in faith and prepare for all that lies ahead.

Let us pray for one another.

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