It’s been a celebratory year at the Church of the Magdalene in Pocantico Hills, and the festivities are far from over. Marking the 130th anniversary of its founding, the small country church in a hamlet set among rolling fields and stone walls has already celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving with a special lunch and a series of “Mass on the Grass” during the summer months.
But there’s more. “We started our anniversary celebration July 21 and we’re organizing a yearlong celebration of activities and events,” explains Father Tim Wiggins, the pastor, “and whatever we do this year between July and next July is in the spirit of and honor of the 130th anniversary.
“Most parishes, when they have a 130th celebration, they do something to mark the occasion, something everyone would benefit and see and enjoy, and one of our major events is to redo our indoor and outdoor Christmas crèches,” he adds.
Also, the Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown clergy association has opted that the annual Thanksgiving service be hosted by the Magdalene, which is the only Catholic presence in the group. It will take place on Nov. 26.
Then there’s a special concert being considered for Easter time, and a family event or a fun night for the youth, in the spring.
education class.
As part of the anniversary, Father Tim invited parishioners to take part in a write-in campaign on the subject of “What does the Magdalene mean to me?” The responses, which will be kept in an archive, are heart-warming. “The Church of the Magdalene is a beautiful little spiritual sanctuary that provides me with a tremendous sense of peace and tranquility. Also Father Tim’s homilies are the absolute best,” said Suzanne Ferrara.
Now in his third year at the church, Father Tim has both settled into his role and stimulated the growth for which he hoped. “The size of our church is very attractive,” he comments. “It’s not the big cathedral…it’s small, it’s country, it’s charming, and it’s peaceful. It’s a community, and you can feel the intimacy. People come to the Magdalene to hear God’s words and a relevant homily pertaining to today’s times.”
New members are joining, from other ZIP codes. Some are coming because of Father Tim’s relationships in previous pastoral assignments. “I think people are also on a journey, searching. Right now our church holds, comfortably, about 220 to 225 and we have about a 60-70% attendance at each of our three weekend Masses so it’s good. No one is ever turned away.”
New activities have also encouraged involvement. Parishioners are invited to join multiple committees and ministries, like healthcare awareness or social justice. Father Tim hopes for a youth group and a men’s group, to complement the two existing Bible studies groups for women, as well.
“My interest is always spiritual, but also social. How can we come together more as a community, not only to worship but to learn and to socialize as human beings?” The monthly Brunch Sundays, the monthly family Mass with breakfast, the parish-wide annual St. Patrick’s Dinner, the brown bag Sundays, organized to supply food to the Sleepy/Hollow Tarrytown Food Pantry, or the hurricane relief tag sale, these are all opportunities. “New parishioners are coming and asking what are we doing for our community in a time of need. And I thought we could do better and we could do more,” the pastor says.
“I’m very hopeful that there’s still a brighter future here at the Magdalene.”
Church of the Magdalene
525 Bedford Road
Sleepy Hollow
