Live Nativity and this Season's Goals

by Fr. John Clote  |  12/07/2025  |  Weekly Reflection

Dear St. Mary Magdalene Family,

As we journey through our Advent season anticipating the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World, I want to update you on some ongoing parish projects. Regarding the St. Mary Magdalene statue, we are awaiting word from the manufacturer regarding this "made-to-order" statue's painting and delivery date. An anonymous parishioner has generously donated sufficient funds to pay for the statue. The goal is to have it and our patron's first class relic displayed in the church for public veneration.

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. 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.

Parish security is a vital area of ongoing concern that is being addressed. I met recently with the representative of The Porters of St. Joseph regarding establishing a chapter here at the parish. We are reviewing the contract and things are moving forward as expected. To refresh your memory, The Porters of St. Joseph 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. It is an organic church security ministry made of catholic men and recommended and endorsed by the Diocese of Phoenix. Comprised of faithful catholic men, the ministry builds teams that offer security and medical assistance during Masses and other parish events. Much more than just a security detail, the Porters are combining spiritual practices and fellowship with practical training in de-escalation, self-defense, and church safety planning. To the men in the parish still looking for a ministry, especially if you have any law enforcement or security back ground, please consider the Porters of St. Joseph. For more information regarding this essential ministry contact our parish manager, 'Gerardo "G" Lopez' at glopez@smarymag.org. 

Lastly, this Christmas season we will hold our first Live Nativity scheduled for Sat, Dec 20 from 6:00-9:00pm on the church campus. 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, live choirs, and even live animals including a camel, donkey, cow, sheep and goats. Seasonal refreshments will be provided by our Knights of Columbus. To volunteer or make a donation to help cover refreshments contact Chris Haubrock at 480-279-6737 ext. 210 or liturgy@smarymag.org. 

Finally, as we enter more fully into this holy season, I invite you to keep the wondrous mystery of Christ's birth-and the saving mission He came to fulfill-at the very heart of your celebrations. In the midst of gatherings, gifts, and joyful noise, pause often to gaze upon the manger, where God's love took flesh for our redemption. Let every tradition, every act of kindness, and every moment of reflection draw you closer to the One who came to bring light to our darkness and hope to our world. May your Christmas be filled not only with warmth and happiness, but with a renewed commitment to follow Jesus, who is our true joy, our peace, and our salvation.