Pastor's Corner

I don’t preach on the main pro-life issues like abortion very often. There are a few
reasons for this. One reason is that, in our task of forming disciples, a pro-life conviction
is not the first thing. A personal knowledge of and commitment to Jesus comes first.
Then, anyone who sincerely follows Jesus will eventually come to the conclusion that if
Jesus is “the Life,” came that we might have life, and gave His own life for each of us,
then we too should cherish every human life. Jesus Himself will lead His disciples
through that journey, teaching them to overcome fear, love generously, and act
courageously.

But for Respect Life Month, we should think about it.

One argument I have heard many times in favor of abortion is that “no child should be
born unwanted.” I reflect on that often because, of all the arguments I have heard in
favor of abortion, it might be the only one that is true. The conclusion drawn from it is
wrong, but the statement itself is true.

The truth becomes clear if we substitute “child” with any other social marker: “No race
should be unwanted.” “No gender should be unwanted.” “No age group should be
unwanted.” People may be unwanted by others for any variety of reasons. We know the
solution to racism, sexism, ageism, and bullying isn’t to punish the victim but to change
the hearts of those who do not recognize their dignity. No one should be unwanted—we
should learn to love them all.

As Christians, we are called to shape society in a way that fosters this conversion of
heart. That means supporting those trapped in fear or in difficult situations. It also
means never allowing a human being to be treated as if they are unwanted.
While it is true that no one should be born unwanted, it is also true that no one is
unwanted. Perhaps someone is unwanted by his or her parents or by some other
segment of society, but no one is unwanted by God—not the child in the womb, not a
particular social class, and not you.

During this Respect Life Month, reflect on God’s passionate desire for you and for every
human being made in His image and likeness. Allow that reality to shape the way you
see yourself and others.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

08 October 2026

Over the last few weeks, I’ve written about the importance of the sacrament of
reconciliation, why it is appropriate to receive the sacrament on Sunday, and why it is
preferable to do so before Mass rather than during Mass. Last week, I wrote about the
value of having a regular confessor and regular time to receive the sacrament. Today, I
want to focus on living a penitent life.

When we begin Holy Mass, we express our penitence through the Confiteor (“I
Confess…”) and/or the Kyrie (“Lord, have mercy…”). The proper disposition for
approaching God always includes a humble awareness of our need for His mercy. Just
as the Mass is part of keeping Christ at the center of our lives, but is not the entirety of
Christian life, so reconciliation is an essential part of repentance, but not the entirety of
a penitent life.

Make It Daily
At the end of each day, review the day. Make an examination of conscience, remember
your sins, and pray an act of contrition. Also consider how God was present to you and
how you can respond to Him the next day.

Vary Your Examination
There are many guides to help with an examination of conscience. We have some at
the back of church, and many are available online. Occasionally use a different one. It
may help you recognize sins you had not previously noticed.

Be Specific
Naming the sin gives you power over it. Rather than saying, “I struggle in my
relationship with…” name what is your fault: “I don’t try to understand my spouse,” or “I
raised my voice when I should not have.”

For mortal sins, confession should include what the sin was and the number of times it
was committed. For venial sins, stating the number is not necessary but being specific
helps us clearly reject an action that is within our control.

Make It Ongoing
Two Hail Marys, or whatever penance the priest assigns, probably won’t repair all the
damage caused by sin or break a bad habit. The penance is not a fix-all; it is a start.
When we accept it, we are saying, “I am serious about changing my life, and this is how
I will start.” If there is more we can do to repair the damage caused by sin, we should do
it. We do ongoing penance to atone for sin, strengthen the will, and avoid occasions of
sin.

Celebrate God’s Mercy
In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father does not simply receive his son back; he
insists on a celebration. At the end of the Rite of Penance, the priest often says, “Give
thanks to the Lord for He is good,” and the penitent responds, “His mercy endures
forever.” This reminds us to turn our hearts from sorrow to joy.

10 September 2026

The last two weeks I wrote about the importance of reconciliation and the
appropriateness of offering it on Sundays, even during Mass. Since parishes have
started offering the sacrament at these times, many people have begun receiving it
regularly. Not only is it more convenient, but people have also recognized that the
sacrament isn’t weird or just for special occasions. When we see our friends or family
members in line, we humbly and instinctively think, “I should do that, too.” This is
especially true when it is your own 8-year-old.

Once we start receiving the sacrament regularly, the next question is: How can I receive
it better? Here are some things you can do to make the sacrament more fruitful. But if it
has been a while and you are reluctant, don’t wait until you can make it perfect. Just go.

Have a Regular Time
The Church encourages us to receive Communion frequently and reconciliation
regularly. “Regular” can mean different things depending on our circumstances, and
pastors may recommend different schedules. I generally recommend monthly
confession.

If someone is struggling with a habitual mortal sin, they may need to go more often. But
going too often can sometimes lead to legalism or a too-casual attitude toward the
sacrament. We should all make a daily examination of conscience and act of contrition
and know that we are in God’s grace even as we continue seeking conversion.

If we go less often than monthly, it can be difficult to make a good examination in
preparation for the sacrament. Many people also find that after receiving the sacrament,
there is a period when it is easier to avoid sin. For many, that period is about a month.

Regardless of the exact timing, make it regular. I know that I will be a weak sinner in
need of God’s grace until I get to heaven. I don’t plan to sin, but I can and should plan to
receive grace. Put confession on your calendar or set a reminder for the first Saturday
of the month, the third Wednesday, or whenever works for you.

Have a Regular Confessor
A regular confessor means normally going to the same priest. At Magdalen, our
confession schedule rotates on weekends and Mondays, but Tuesday through Friday
we have a consistent schedule. If your regular confession time is Tuesday morning, you
will nearly always find me there.

The priest doesn’t need to know who you are. He will simply start to recognize the raspy
voice on Tuesdays or the sweet old lady voice on Thursdays. This allows him to give
better counsel or encouragement when you need it.

Having a regular confessor is also a good exercise in personal accountability.
Sometimes we avoid the same priest because we don’t want him to know that we fell
into the same sin again. But what we try to hide from the priest, we also try to hide from
God.

Next week I will conclude this series with a few other small pointers.

03 September 2026

Last week, I started writing about this question by discussing why we receive the sacrament at all. I gave a theological explanation, which is good. But it would also be fair to give a personal answer: I encourage people to receive reconciliation regularly because few things have had a bigger impact on my own life or the lives of the people I have ministered to. Receiving reconciliation goes hand in hand with a sincere desire to grow in holiness. So it is no wonder that the Church wants the sacrament to be readily available.

Let’s talk about Sundays. One barrier we face is that many people have reduced keeping Sunday holy to simply going to Mass. With a legalistic mindset focused on attendance, any distraction from Mass—even going to confession or tending to a child—can feel like falling short.

But God asks us to give Him the whole day. Sunday is a day to rest in Him so that He can work on us. We set aside work and enjoy God’s presence through prayer, reading, works of charity, and time with family and friends. The most indispensable experience of God’s presence comes through the Holy Mass, which is why the Church requires us to attend, but those other things are also part of keeping the Lord’s Day holy.

Mass is first in order of importance, but not necessarily first chronologically. Jesus teaches that if someone is at the altar and remembers that he has committed a sin, he should first go and be reconciled, then return to the altar. Similarly, someone who comes to Mass and realizes that he needs reconciliation may appropriately receive the sacrament, even if it means stepping away from Mass for a time.

Reconciliation is the best preparation for Mass. It prepares us for the whole Mass, not just for Communion. While it is appropriate to receive reconciliation during Mass, it is better to receive it beforehand. That is why we have been increasing our availability before Mass. We normally have two priests available on Saturday afternoons at 3:30. On Sundays, at least one priest is available 30 minutes before Mass, with a second becoming available when Mass begins. We continue to offer reconciliation during Mass as well. If that is the best opportunity for God to do His work in you, by all means, get in line.

Next week, I’ll describe some ways to make the reception of the sacrament more fruitful.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

27 August 2026

For some people, offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Mass may seem
unusual. Some have even wondered, “If I go to confession during Mass, does it still
count as attending Mass?” That is a good question, and I will address it. But first, we
should ask a more fundamental one: Why do we need confession at all? Why not simply
confess our sins directly to God?

The answer begins with Scripture. On the evening of the Resurrection, Jesus entrusted
His ministry of reconciliation to the apostles: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent
me, so I send you… Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained” (Jn 20:21–23).

Everything the Church does flows from this mission. Jesus came to reconcile sinners to
the Father, and He continues that work through His Body, the Church, especially
through the ministry of bishops and priests. Whether we celebrate Mass, educate
children, care for the poor, or gather in fellowship, the goal is always the same: to bring
people into communion with God. Because sin separates us from Him, Jesus gave His
Church the authority to forgive sins.

This does not replace confessing our sins to God; it requires it. Repentance begins long
before we enter the confessional and continues long afterward. It includes recognizing
our sins, sincerely turning away from them, asking God's forgiveness, and striving to
repair the harm they have caused.

The sacrament gives visible expression to that ongoing conversion. Our confession and
Act of Contrition express our rejection of sin. The prayer of absolution reveals God's
constant mercy. The penance assigned is a token of all that we will do on earth and in
purgatory to atone for our sins and change our habits.

Hating sin intensely and loving God perfectly are difficult. I, for one, dare not rely on my
own strength alone. Through the sacrament of reconciliation, my personal repentance
gets taken up and made perfect by the Church who perfectly loves her Divine Spouse
and calls out, “Come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev 22:17) In the sacrament we receive both
natural help—the healing that comes from honestly naming our sins and the counsel of
the priest—and supernatural help through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

What a remarkable gift Christ has given His Church. Next week, we'll return to the
original question: Why do we offer Reconciliation during Mass?

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

18 August 2026

After much thought and prayer, I recently made
a significant change to our Parish Leadership
Team (PLT). Since many parishioners may not be
familiar with the PLT or why it changes when a
new pastor arrives, I thought a brief explanation
would be helpful.

A PLT is a group of people who, invited by
and united with the pastor, are collectively
responsible for discerning and leading the execution of the
mission of the parish.

Notice first that they are “invited by and united with the pastor.”
Members are not representatives of particular groups within the
parish. Rather, they are chosen because they are able to share closely
in the pastor’s concern for the whole parish. Together, they pray,
speak honestly, and seek to listen to the Holy Spirit.

The PLT is “collectively responsible for discerning” the parish’s
mission. Rather than beginning with the question, “What do we
want to do?” the team seeks to recognize what God is asking of our
parish at a particular time. From that shared discernment, they help
lead the execution of the mission entrusted to us.

Because this relationship is so personal, it is generally expected

that a PLT will change when a new pastor arrives. When I came
to Magdalen, however, we were in the middle of several major
initiatives; I knew continuity was important as I learned the history
of those conversations and began to understand the direction in
which the parish was already moving.

The members of the PLT have been an enormous help during my first
year as pastor, and I am deeply grateful for their wisdom, generosity,
and support.

After much prayer and discernment, I have realized that I personally
need a smaller leadership team—one with whom I can invest more
deeply in the relationships that make this kind of discernment
possible. For that reason, I have reformed the PLT to include myself,
Fr. Miles, Fr. Kyle, Holly Beard, and Amanda Prieto.

I want to thank Jason West, Kit Lambertz, Tom Simon, and Javier
Villegas, who are stepping down from the PLT. Their leadership
helped Fr. Jirak guide our parish so well and made my transition as
pastor much smoother. We all owe them our sincere gratitude. They
will continue serving on the Pastoral Council, as few know the parish
inside and out better than they.

Please keep our Parish Leadership Team in your prayers as we seek to
follow the Holy Spirit and faithfully lead our parish in the years ahead.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

13 August 2026

Well...

When I was discerning the priesthood, I imagined the sacrifices I would make with great
zeal. Living simply, going wherever the bishop sent me, even facing rejection or
persecution—it all sounded rather heroic.

What I never considered was how often I would have to say goodbye. If you stay in one
parish long enough, your priest friends move away. Since my ordination in 2004, I have
lived with 15 different priests, including one of them three different times. So yes, Fr.
Marco's departure is a real loss, and I know many of you feel it too.

That said, I really am excited to have Fr. Miles and Fr. Kyle here. They are eager to
serve, willing to jump in wherever needed, and simply fun to live with. We're building
good habits of community life—daily prayer, shared meals, and a weekly fraternity night.
(And thank you to everyone who feeds us. We are much holier after dinner.)

Of course, every new assignment requires some adjustment. Fr. Miles doesn't like
cheese, which still seems canonically questionable. Fr. Kyle enjoys watching
professional table tennis, which I have recently learned is considered a real sport. And I
graduated from high school before either of them was born, a fact they are kind enough
not to mention too often.

Jesus calls us not only to love God but also to love one another, especially those
closest to us. Love means making room for another person, learning from our
differences, and seeking each other's good.

God doesn't build His Church by putting together people who are alike. He builds it by
teaching very different people to become brothers.

St. Mary Magdalen, pray for us.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

13 July 2026

by M.T. Lu, University of St. Thomas (MN)

“Our country, right or wrong,” Commodore Steven Decatur famously declared his loyalty
to the United States. This notoriously American sentiment has long been regarded as
an expression of unthinking nationalism.

But how should American Catholics think about patriotism?

St. Thomas Aquinas explains that we owe honor to our parents and country (patria)
because they are “principles of our being and government.” Who we are, and our
understanding of the good, substantially derives from them.  

Obviously, we owe a great debt to our parents. Not only did they beget us, but they also
raised and formed us. Just as a good ruler governs the state for the sake of the
common good, good parents “govern” their children by shaping them to desire and
pursue what is authentically good. Our obligations to our parents involve acknowledging
their rightful authority, which exists for the sake of that same good. Thomas says our
duty to parents is directly parallel to our natural moral obligation to God.

Like our parents, God is a “principle of being and government” for each of us. Of course,
God is the primary principle, and so our obligations to Him outweigh any other, including
our duties to our parents.

As already noted, we have two secondary principles of being and government: our
parents and also our country. Our nation educates and shapes us in much the same
way that our parents form us. Therefore, just as we have natural duties to God and our
parents, we have analogous duties of patriotism to our civil communities. 

Of course, it is one thing to see that we have duties of patriotism in general, and quite
another to know exactly what they require. I know it would be wrong to abandon my
country in her hour of need, but does honoring the flag require me to accept any given
policy the government might choose to advance? Prudence is required, and we cannot
articulate ahead of time simple rules that will easily resolve the many difficult questions
that arise. But just as my duty to honor and respect my parents remains even if they are
flawed or imprudent or even occasionally maddening, the honor and respect owed to
my country does not depend on who is in charge or whether I happen to like or dislike
their policies. 

So, in one very important sense, Commodore Decatur was correct: as Americans, she
is our country, right or wrong, and we are called to honor her. However, we cannot let a
legitimate love of country blind us to injustice. As Catholics, then, we are called to the
hard work of making her more right than wrong, even while knowing that task will never
be complete. 

Read the full version of this and a series of articles at https://www.usccb.org/american-
catholic-patriotism

shared by Fr. David Marstall, Pastor 

01 July 2026

We often take it for granted, but it was revolutionary when Jesus taught us to call God “our Father.” Although the Old Testament contains a few passages in which God refers to Israel as His children, that was not the primary way the Jews thought about their relationship with Him. For many, God was above all the Almighty One—holy and utterly different from anything in creation.

Jesus, however, taught us to call God Abba. This Aramaic word is perhaps best translated as “dad.” It is neither as formal as “father” nor as childlike as “daddy,” but a term of affection used by both children and adults.

Calling God “Father” helps us understand who He is. He gives us life, provides for our needs, guides us with wisdom, and loves us with tender compassion. At the same time, calling God “our Father” reminds us that we never approach Him alone. Jesus called God “My Father” because He is the only-begotten Son. We are God’s children by adoption through our union with Christ and His Church. Whenever we pray, we come before God as members of His family.

Calling God “Father” also sheds light on the role of earthly fathers. Popular culture often portrays fathers as bumbling and ineffective. In reality, many men embrace their vocation to reflect God the Father’s love within their families. They work hard to provide for those entrusted to them, seek to grow in faith, and help form their children. Men who pray sincerely develop a faith worth sharing and can lead their families toward Christ, even if doing so feels awkward at times.

Today, take a moment to thank the fathers and father figures in your life who strive to answer that call. Through their love, sacrifice, and example, they help us understand a little more clearly what it means to call God our Father.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

16 June 2026

When Fr. Jirak first came to Magdalen, he gave a homily that greatly impacted the
parish. At that time, the adoration chapel schedule was far from full. He spoke about the
importance of spending time with our Eucharistic Lord and challenged parishioners to
commit to one hour of adoration each week. Lives changed.

When people pray more regularly and deeply, they allow Jesus to heal their hurts,
strengthen their relationships, and guide their decisions. Time with Jesus prepares them
to encounter Him more fully at Mass and gives them courage to live their faith more
boldly.

While the chapel is large enough for regular adorers, it can become congested at times.
There has also been interest in allowing small groups or classes of children to stop in
together for prayer.

Expanding the chapel was originally considered during the For Greater Glory campaign
but did not make the final list of projects. Later, during the diocesan campaign, it was
included as one of two parish projects funded by the portion that remains with the
parish, along with a porte-cochere for the church’s south entrance.

The original proposal would expand the chapel physically. Since we raised only about
40% of the funds needed for the two projects, we are exploring ways to increase the
capacity of the chapel without expanding its footprint.

Most importantly, the goal of any changes to the chapel is to foster deeper prayer for
more people. It can be difficult to imagine how a renovation might feel in practice, but
we are experimenting with a few temporary arrangements and gathering feedback. It is
a little disorienting to enter the chapel and find things moved around, but I am confident
the short-term sacrifice will lead to a better long-term decision. Soon, however, we will
return the chapel to its original arrangement.

Nothing has been finalized, and I appreciate the feedback we have received. Above all,
the goal is to foster deeper prayer and to be good stewards of the resources entrusted
to us.

St. Mary Magdalen, pray for us.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

26 May 2026

It has long been the custom in the Diocese of Wichita to celebrate ordinations to the priesthood on the Saturday before Memorial Day, with the newly ordained priests celebrating their first solemn Masses of thanksgiving that same Sunday. This year, that Sunday is also the Solemnity of Pentecost. The same was true in 2004 when I was ordained, so every year Pentecost naturally brings me back to the grace of my own priestly ordination.

This year, Magdalen had the privilege of hosting the diocesan ordination Mass yesterday morning—thanks to our large parish and wonderful hospitality 😊. During the rite, Bishop Kemme laid hands on the men and anointed their hands with oil in keeping with the tradition handed down from the apostles, by which bishops share the hierarchical gifts of the Holy Spirit with their coworkers and successors.

It is an amazing thing to consider: those six new priests, like every priest before them, were ordained by a bishop who was ordained by another bishop, and so on back to one of the Twelve Apostles gathered with Our Lady in the Upper Room when the Holy Spirit was first manifest to the world.

Certainly, these men are talented, intelligent, and generous. But none of those qualities is enough on its own. A priest, called to act in persona Christi—in the person of Christ—is never merely humanly qualified for the work entrusted to him. The priesthood is impossible without Pentecost.

When I arrived at Magdalen last summer, I was lined up to begin Mass one of my first weekends here when a little girl, maybe five or six years old, walked up to me and asked, “Are you the new Jesus?” My first thought was, “Wow, they have high standards here.” But later I reflected on how clearly children often perceive spiritual realities. They hear about what Jesus does, they see what the priest does, and they recognize the connection.

Of course, this does not happen by the priest’s own power. It happens by the power of the Holy Spirit.

So please pray for these newly ordained priests. Pray that as they receive the authority to celebrate the sacraments, they may also receive abundantly the grace to be faithful images of Jesus Christ for all of us.

O Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
St. Mary Magdalen, pray for us.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

18 May 2026

Over the next several weeks, students at every level will be finishing the school year. I
write especially with them in mind, though all of us face moments when we come to the
end of a chapter. At these milestones, we sometimes feel a surge of excitement and
motivation—but we may also feel the temptation to quit early.

In the Acts of the Apostles this weekend, we hear about a milestone in the life of the
Church. The community in Jerusalem had grown so much that the apostles could no
longer meet all its pastoral needs on their own. We can imagine Peter and the others
working tirelessly—preaching to new crowds, baptizing converts, and caring for the
faithful—while feeling the strain of it all. When complaints arose among the Hellenists, it
would have been easy for them to grow discouraged or step back.

But they did not quit. They persevered, turning first to prayer. In that moment, the Lord
provided in a new way, and the Church was strengthened. One chapter closed—the
time when the apostles carried the full weight of ministry themselves—and a new one
began, as the Holy Spirit worked through many in diverse ways.

Often it is near the end of a chapter that we face our greatest temptations—and our
greatest opportunities for grace. This may come in the final weeks of a school year, the
last stretch of a project, the closing minutes of Mass, or the end of a holy hour. The
tasks themselves may seem less significant, but something deeper is at work: the
formation of virtue. These moments test and strengthen us in ways that will bear fruit in
what comes next.

To those approaching the end of the school year—or any significant journey—I
encourage you: persevere. Make the most of these final moments. The rewards will last
far beyond them.

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

30 April 2026

When I was chaplain at the St. Pius X Catholic Student Center at Pittsburg State
University, I once had a memorable conversation with a professor. It was the beginning
of Lent—perhaps even Ash Wednesday—and I was preparing for the noon Mass.

He arrived early, introduced himself, and said, “I love Lent.”

That immediately caught my attention, so I asked why.

“Every year during Lent I go to Mass every day,” he said, “and it makes my whole day
better.”

I couldn’t help but respond, “You know we have Mass all year, right?”
It’s easy to smile at that moment, but the truth is closer to home than we might like to
admit. If something clearly makes our lives better for forty days, why wouldn’t we
continue the other 325? Yet we all know how often we fail to follow through on what is
good for us.

We are fallen, and our desires become disordered. Lent gives us a chance, with the
grace of the Holy Spirit, to begin setting things right again. Having come this far, don’t
go back.

The Easter season is different from Lent—less intense, more joyful—but that doesn’t
mean we abandon the good habits we’ve begun. Instead, we carry them forward with a
spirit of freedom and joy.

If you gave something up, consider how to reintroduce it with moderation—or whether
you need it at all. If you fasted from your phone or social media, perhaps keep a screen-
free Sunday. If you sacrificed certain foods, continue offering that sacrifice once or twice
a week for someone you love. If you committed to deeper prayer, let it continue and
grow, now marked by Easter joy.

In these weeks, we will hear how the risen Jesus works even greater wonders in the
lives of His apostles. May He do the same in us.

St. Mary Magdalen, who announced the risen Lord, pray for us.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

30 March 2026

Today we begin Holy Week, a sacred time to recall the mysteries that have changed the
world and given meaning and purpose to our lives. These are the defining moments of
human history and of our faith. To be a Christian is, first of all, to be transformed by the
reality of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and to live now with Him and in
Him.

Throughout these days, we take part in many profound and beautiful actions: waving
palm branches, witnessing the washing of feet, and listening to the Passion of the Lord.
Yet perhaps the most important—and often the most overlooked—is the invitation to
silence.

Silence surrounds the liturgies of these sacred days. It marks the conclusion of the
Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. On Good Friday, the priest and ministers
enter in silence and pause before approaching the sanctuary. Holy Saturday, until the
Easter Vigil, is set apart by a deep and prayerful stillness as we wait with the Lord for
the moment of His triumph.

Our words cannot fully express the depth of that waiting—the quiet anticipation of the
Father’s call for the Son to rise, and for grace to be poured out upon the world. To wait
in silence before the Lord is itself an act of faith and hope.

Perhaps during Lent you have set aside some of the noise that fills your life—social
media, constant activity, or the pull of your phone. Perhaps you have made room for
silence through prayer, reading Scripture, or time in adoration. In these final days, I
encourage you to deepen that commitment.

Take time simply to be with God. Place yourself at the foot of the Cross, silent with Mary.
Keep watch in the stillness of the tomb. Even in your prayer, resist the need to fill every
moment with words. Allow the silence of this holy week to speak—and let your own
silence become a quiet proclamation of faith.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

23 March 2026

A spiritual retreat can be a powerful experience. Recently, I had the blessing of helping
with one of Kapaun’s Kairos retreats for the juniors, and it was clear that God was at
work in a profound way. This weekend, men from our parish are attending an ACTS
retreat, and our women’s ACTS retreat will follow in April.

As priests, we are required to make a retreat each year. I made mine in November. It
was a needed opportunity to step away from the daily responsibilities of parish life and
focus more intentionally on my relationship with the Lord. He has been so good to me,
and that time allowed me to remember His faithfulness and to deepen my trust in His
providence.

While not required for everyone, an annual retreat is a beautiful practice for any
Christian. Setting aside a few days—alone, with a group, or even as a couple—creates
space for God to speak and renew our hearts. When we give Him generous time, He
never fails to give generous grace in return.

Yet often the most important part of a retreat comes afterward.

The grace received on retreat can be more than we can absorb at once. Our hearts are
sometimes like dry sponges that need time to soak in living water. By returning to the
experience—through prayer, reflection, or rereading a journal—we allow that grace to
sink in more deeply and bear lasting fruit.

If you are coming back from ACTS, be sure to write about it and save what you write. If
you have recently made some other retreat, revisit it. Recall what the Lord showed you.
The “retreat high” may fade, but the grace is real and enduring. Return to it often, and
let it continue shaping your life.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

03 March 2026

On March 21, Magdalen hosted Bishop Kemme for the diocesan Rites of Election and
Calling to Continuing Conversion. The church was full (not quite 4:00 Christmas Eve
full, but full) with those preparing to enter the Church from across the diocese including
45 from Magdalen, along with their sponsors. It was a beautiful and encouraging sight.
In addition, many who are preparing to enter the Church were unable to attend but are
walking the same journey.

The Rite of Election is a significant step for catechumens—those adults preparing for
baptism. Joining the Church is not merely a private decision. A person seeks to enter,
and the Church formally accepts them. During this rite, catechumens hear from their
sponsors, from the gathered faithful, and from the bishop that they have been chosen.
Their sincerity and authentic faith are affirmed as they look toward receiving the
sacraments at Easter.

The Rite of Calling to Continuing Conversion is for those already baptized in another
Christian community who now seek full communion with the Catholic Church, along with
Confirmation and the Eucharist. The Church recognizes the work of the Holy Spirit
already present in their lives and calls them to deeper conversion.
Over the next three weeks, we will celebrate the scrutinies (3/8 at 11:30; 3/15 and 3/22
at 9:30). The scrutinies are opportunities for them, by the power to the Holy Spirit and
the prayer of the Church, to reject specific works of the enemy and choose to live in
communion with Jesus. Please pray for them as they move forward with the Lord.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

23 February 2026

Many of you likely saw my recent interview on KAKE News regarding immigration. The
reporter reached out to me because, although he is not Catholic, he believed the world
needed to hear a voice of peace—and he thought a Catholic priest would be best suited
to offer it.

The world does need that peaceful voice. Difficult issues cannot be resolved when we
begin from places of anger or fear, yet those emotions often dominate the news cycle
and our national conversations.

The Church is uniquely positioned to speak words of peace on this matter. For 2,000
years, the Church has been the most international organization in the world. Before
Christ, civilizations largely understood themselves as separate from one another, owing
no obligations to foreigners. Many believed each people belonged to a different god,
and concern for outsiders could even be seen as betrayal. Jesus taught us something
radically different, and the Church put it into practice immediately—making disciples of
all nations.

The first recorded example of organized foreign aid appears in the New Testament,
when Christians from various regions took up a collection to support the people of
Jerusalem during a famine (see Romans 15:25). From the beginning, the Church has
understood humanity as one family: all descended from Adam and called to become the
family of God in Jesus Christ. We are made of the same stuff and possess the same
dignity.

At the same time, real cultural differences exist. We share one faith and one worship,
yet express them through diverse languages, art, music, and customs. Anyone who has
attended an international Mass knows that blending cultures requires both charity and
order. Both are necessary and good. Order matters—borders and laws cannot simply
be disregarded. Charity matters too—those laws must be shaped for the common good
and motivated by confidence in the abundance of God.

Today, many recognize that our current immigration system is unjust. In some cases, it
can take over 20 years to obtain a visa, particularly for those coming from Mexico or the
Philippines. The system is so complex that few can navigate it successfully, while
paradoxically rewarding those who abandon it altogether.

I have thoughts on reform, but they are too lengthy for a bulletin article. For now, let us
pray that Catholics will have the courage to be a light to the world—guiding others with
truth, charity, and hope in a time of darkness.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

04 February 2026

I am grateful to have attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through seminary.
Growing up at St. Thomas and Kapaun Mt. Carmel, it was in school that I learned to
read and write, to do math and science, and to appreciate history and art. I could not do
what I do today without those skills. More importantly, I learned them in the context of
my relationship with God. I learned that my abilities and knowledge were gifts given for
His glory, not my own. I learned to serve Mass, encountered priests who inspired me,
and was invited to consider my vocation. Through sports and clubs, I learned discipline,
teamwork, and joy in learning, and I formed friendships that still support me in living for
Christ. Most of all, I learned that everything we do can—and should—be a path to
holiness when we seek first the Kingdom of God.

I am also grateful to have taught in Catholic schools, at Kapaun Mt. Carmel and St.
Mary’s–Colgan in Pittsburg. Parish priests are often present for life’s major
moments—births, weddings, and deaths. A school chaplain, however, walks with
students day by day, witnessing how God is at work in their lives, helping them discern
His will, and wrestling with life’s deeper questions alongside them.

Now, as a pastor, I am grateful to see the fruit of Catholic schools. Here at Magdalen,
when I see adults formed in those schools living their faith passionately and sharing it
with their children, when I look at our high schoolers and hear of the tremendous things
they are doing, or when I recently met with our eighth graders, it is easy to see the fruit
in young people who can speak about their faith and seek new ways to live it.

Please join me in giving thanks to God for the blessings He bestows upon us.

St. Mary Magdalen, pray for us.

Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

27 January 2026

I am grateful for our parish school and for the families who choose it. It truly is a gift, and one that we should never take for granted. Like all good things entrusted to us by the Lord, however, it can continue to grow and become even better.

Schools that flourish over time do so not by accident, but through prayerful reflection and intentional effort. For this reason, at the beginning of the school year I asked the School Council to begin developing a five-year plan for our parish school. An essential first step in that process is listening carefully and honestly assessing where we are today.

A truly excellent parochial school is never isolated from the rest of parish life. While a school naturally focuses on a particular group of families, it must always remain deeply connected to the wider parish community. When school and parish life are closely united, families are more effectively led into a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church.

A truly excellent parochial school also depends on the active engagement of parents. Teachers and staff play a vital role, but parents are the primary educators of their children. Their faith, participation, and example shape not only their own children, but the culture of the entire school community.

There is much more that could be said, but for now we begin by listening.

This weekend, we are inviting everyone at Mass—whether or not you have children in the school—to help us by completing a brief survey. Your perspective is valuable. In the coming months, we will also host listening opportunities with faculty, parents, and students to further guide this work.

Our hope is to complete this planning process by the end of the school year and begin implementing goals next August. Thank you for your support, and please keep our school and this important work in your prayers.

 Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

08 January 2026

Many people make resolutions for the new year. As Catholics, we know that life is not about self-help, but about trusting in God and allowing His redemptive plan to unfold in our lives. When done well, making a resolution becomes an act of Christian hope: we trust that the Lord desires our good, so we lean into His plans for us.

Most of us likely hope to improve our physical health, learn something new, or live a more focused life. I would like to propose a few resolutions that help form deeper, life-changing habits—habits that open space for God to work.

• Reclaim Sunday for God and Family. Give God the whole day. Attend Mass together and make Sunday a time for rest, prayer, and family life. Avoid activities that drain rather than refresh. This usually requires planning ahead—finishing homework, shopping, and errands on Saturday—and intentionally setting aside phones and other devices that isolate us from one another.
• Read a Catholic Book (or 12). We regularly rotate books in the gathering space kiosk, many of which are short and approachable. You might aim to read one each month. If you are ready for something more challenging, ask one of our priests for a recommendation that fits your interests and stage of life.
• Take Your Wife Out on a Date (or 52). Couples can easily become absorbed in their children’s schedules, but children benefit most from parents with a strong marriage. Monthly—or even weekly—time alone together is powerful and worth prioritizing. You might also consider attending Becoming at Magdalen together each month. Watch the bulletin for details.
• Make a Weekly Holy Hour. Few practices are more transformative than consistent time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration. Begin by stopping in weekly, then commit to a regular time. Giving God this space deepens your relationship with Him and allows Him to guide your life more clearly.

May God bless you abundantly, now and throughout the new year.

 Fr. David Marstall, Pastor

30 December 2025