Located in Pocantico Hills, a short distance from its more famous neighbor, the Union Church, Church of the Magdalene is, nonetheless, as beautiful and special to its parishioners. “I have been a parishioner of the Church of the Magdalene for over 30 years and love being a member of this parish. We have a beautiful and unique church building and a real sense of community in the parish,” according to Pat Smyth. “Church of the Magdalene is a great place to bring your family or even just yourself,” says Jennifer Kelly, another parishioner.
Church of the Magdalene is a small and intimate place for prayer and reflection. “This is a wonderful church that is very welcoming and has a great sense of community. The homilies are always meaningful and interesting, and you leave Mass with a great sense of peace. My family and I feel blessed to be part of this parish,” recounts parishioner Eileen Madden.
Fr. John Vigilanti is the pastor and administrator. He is a priest, a Church lawyer and a former Army Chaplain. Retired from the Army with the rank of Colonel and no longer active with the Annulment Tribunal, Fr. John’s unique background and experience adds a special dimension to his leadership and to his homilies. “He is a down-to-earth man, whose directness people like. His homilies are thoughtfully prepared and well delivered. He uses his life experiences, observations, and insights to craft a message that is spiritual and substantive,” according to another parishioner.
Originally founded in 1893 as the mission Church of St. Teresa’s in Sleepy Hollow, Church of the Magdalene ministers to a small and active faith community that comes from multiple zip codes around Westchester. There is an afterschool religious education program for 1st and 2nd graders, an outstanding choir, a parish council, a finance committee, a bible study committee and numerous other lay committees. Several parish-wide events are held throughout the year, many of which are open to the public. The fourth annual spaghetti dinner to be held on Saturday, November 18th is one of them.
One of the special features parishioners are very proud of is the Church’s stained glass windows. Though not fired by the workshops of Henry Matisse or Mark Chagall like those of Union Church, Church of the Magdalene’s windows are unique and exquisite. Parish Council president David Impastato puts it this way: “One thing that distinguishes the Magdalene is the sheer beauty of the Church, specifically the interior with the stained glass, altar and other artwork.”
If you are looking for a place to worship, you will be welcomed at Church of the Magdalene. Mass is celebrated weekdays at 8am; 5pm on Saturday; 9 and 11am on Sunday. Following the 11am Mass on the first Sunday of each month, all are welcome to a hot brunch in the Church Hall. For more information, please go to our website http://churchofthemagdalene.org. Address: 525 Bedford Rd, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, Phone: (914) 631-0529.
