Goal is 200 Magdala events this July

With over 124 celebrations of St. Mary of Magdala last year, and widespread media coverage, we are hoping to reach 200 prayer services this July. Heidi Schlumpf's superb April 1 cover story in U.S. Catholic, and recent feature articles in the NCR and California's Catholic Women's Network, are providing great advance publicity.

Last July's celebrations were held in parishes, religious communities, schools and private homes. Many parishes expected to attract only 10 or 12 people and were pleasantly surprised when 40 or 50 came, even in mid-summer. Optimally, the celebration includes a presentation by a local biblical expert showing that nothing in Scripture says that Mary of Magdala was a prostitute. Instead all four gospels name her as the first witness to the Resurrection.

Since the feast falls on a Saturday this year, the service also features prayers which could be used for the Sunday vigil Mass celebration, as well as a Saturday prayer or vesper service. Also new this year are resources in Spanish and French.

How you can help

1. Send for a free copy of the prayer service, brochure and organizing kit (see more info).

2. Ask your parish, religious order or faith community to sponsor a celebration. Encourage priests, pastoral ministers or lay leaders from several parishes to sponsor celebrations at the same time.

3. Encourage the religion writer in your secular and diocesan papers to do a story or write your own op ed piece. (A sample is in the organizing kit.)