Dear Parish Family,

I would like to take this opportunity to share some good news regarding several important parish projects and developments. Before doing so, I want to welcome our new Parochial Vicar, Fr. John Greb. Fr. Greb comes to us from St. Timothy’s parish and began ministry here at our parish this past week. He now joins Fr. Darius and I in serving you and your families. I am also relieved to report that Fr. Darius has returned from his hospitalization and resumed ministry. Although he still requires follow-up care, he is regaining his strength and is most grateful for your prayers and support. Consequently, we have returned to our normal schedule for Mass and Confessions.

As we celebrate this Pentecost Sunday we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit—the One who enlivens the Church and empowers each of us to live boldly in faith, hope, and love. The Spirit calls us to deeper prayer, sacramental life, and generous service, guiding our parish to unity and mission. By opening our hearts to Him, we build a vibrant, faithful community where all are invited to grow in holiness and share in Christ’s work. Let us welcome His power anew, so that our parish shines with joy, zeal, and the courage to witness God’s love to the world.

Now, for the updates:

Parking Lot Lighting: We are nearing the completion of the installation of all parking lot lights. The final phase, consisting of 16 lights, was installed this week, and the 10 bollard walkway lights will be installed by Wed, Jun 10. Thank you for your patience. This initiative, which required careful planning and resources, will make our campus safer, easier to navigate, and more secure for all parishioners and visitors attending evening events, as well as for adorers at our Eucharistic Chapel who arrive throughout the night and early morning. This lighting is particularly important as we have begun pouring new concrete sidewalks to provide access to new landscaping, a covered patio, and the coffee shop.

Porters of St. Joseph: In June, we plan to launch the Porters of St. Joseph at our parish. I want to thank Porter’s Captain Mark Kelly and the Director of Security G. Lopez for their leadership in establishing this important volunteer Catholic apostolate, which provides a safe and secure environment for parishioners during worship. Men in the parish who are still seeking a ministry—especially those with law enforcement or security experience—are strongly invited to join. For more information, please contact Gerardo “G” Lopez at glopez@smarymag.org.

Monthly Financial Statements: Following a recent Finance Council meeting, we will begin regularly sharing a monthly financial statement with the parish. This financial snapshot, published in the bulletin, will include updates on the Trust Account, including restricted funds already donated and held for the construction of the new hall.

New Parish Hall Feasibility: On May 6th, Leslee Miratsky, Chairwoman of the New Hall Construction Committee, and I met with the Diocese of Phoenix Buildings and Properties Office to discuss our parish’s desire to construct a new hall. Acting on their recommendation, I will formally request Bishop Dolan’s permission to conduct a feasibility study, which is the first step required by the diocese. Leslee continues to gather key information to present the size and scope of this project to the parish and develop a realistic plan and timeline. Please keep her in your prayers as she undertakes this important work.

St. Mary Magdalene Solemnity Celebration: Please mark your calendars for July 22nd, the Solemnity of our patroness, St. Mary Magdalene. After the morning Mass, we will unveil a new prayer area in the Narthex, dedicated for the Mary Magdalene statue, her First-Class Relic, and a remarkable piece of artwork depicting the Resurrection by local artist Joe Borik. These items will be permanently and publicly displayed from that day forward. As detailed in John 20:11-18, Mary Magdalene was the first to see Jesus after His Resurrection. This artwork has been generously donated by Kent and Donna Macklin in loving memory of her parents, Don and Dorothy Wolff, and will now become part of our parish’s patrimony.

I continue to encourage you to boldly trust in God’s merciful goodness and take confidence in His love for you. With all these developments, we are shaping our parish into what it is meant to be: a school of prayer, a field hospital for the wounded, and a lighthouse of charity. Let us continue to pray together.

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