Our Capital Campaign Pledges now stand at $1,167,00, well above our initial   goal of one million dollars pledged over three years. In the first nine months of our Capital Campaign, fifty-three percent or $618,000 of the total amount pledged has already been collected.  Eighty-three of the 265 pledges have been fully paid with 182 pledges to be collected over the remaining two years of the campaign.  
Pledges to the Capital Campaign have been supplemented by various “fun” raisers throughout the year. At the 2024 Feast Day celebration, we collected $21,700 toward the church A/C in the envelope challenge “fun”-raiser. In March, we asked you to bring your change to church, and we collected almost $2,000. Back by popular demand, we are placing a change bottle near the main church entrance so you can bring those extra coins back to church. The recent Community Sale held by the newly-formed Faithful Friends Organization brought in over $6,000. Additionally, the group is looking forward to sponsoring a Craft Fair in the Fall.
            To date the following Capital Campaign Projects have been completed:

1. the Church Air Conditioning System has been installed
2. the sewer lift controls have been updated
3. the air-conditioning units in the rectory/office have been replaced
4. new HVAC controls in the Discipleship Center have been installed

Because we estimated high and committed to the contracts early to avoid price increases, our total cost was $562,300 or $27,700 below the estimated cost of $590,000.
            By combining donations from the SMM Giving Day last November with some of the Capital Campaign funds now available for campus improvement, we have installed a new $11,000 monument-style sign with solar lighting on West Metairie Avenue. Attractive and welcoming landscaping will soon be added around the sign.
In addition to the completed projects, we have a few more plans that are still in the initial stages. Walkway safety improvements throughout the campus will necessarily include removal of some trees whose roots have cracked and warped the sidewalks. We will also have to replace the HVAC system in Massett Hall Cafeteria to accommodate our larger social gatherings.
As we approach the 70^th Anniversary of the founding of St. Mary Magdalen Parish, the abundant generosity of our parishioners stands as testimony that this family of faith will continue to Share the Faith of our Church, Make Friends in Christ, and Move Forward into the next 70 years with courage, determination, and love.
       
        

Link To Video

A Wonderfull video that combines history of our parish with the present needs of our parish. It highlights an active vibrant church parish and its members sharing faith, making friends, and moving forward.  Homemade by members of our parish for our parish.