✦ Welcome
We warmly welcome you. Whether you're exploring Eastern Catholicism for the first time or returning to the faith, this guide will help you know what to expect and how to make the most of your visit.
Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:00 AM
Great Vespers: Saturday 5:00 PM
Confession: Saturday 4:15 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM
An Open and Affirming Independent Eastern Catholic community welcoming all people into the fullness of sacramental life.
✦ First Time Here?
The Divine Liturgy is the central act of worship in the Eastern Catholic Church. It's a beautiful, ancient service that celebrates the Eucharist (Holy Communion) and brings the faithful into communion with Christ and one another. If you've never experienced an Eastern liturgy before, here's what a typical Sunday morning looks like:
Come about 15 minutes before the 9:00 AM start time. This gives you time to find a seat, light a candle if you'd like, and settle into a prayerful mindset. The church will be filling with community members, and you'll feel the sacred atmosphere building.
The priest and altar servers process to the altar. You'll hear beautiful chanting and singing—much of the liturgy is sung rather than spoken. Don't worry if you don't know the responses; just listen and observe. The liturgy typically lasts 60–90 minutes.
In the Eastern tradition, we stand during much of the liturgy as a sign of reverence and resurrection joy. There are moments when we sit to listen to readings, and occasionally we kneel. Don't worry about getting every movement right—just follow along with those around you, or simply stand respectfully if you're unsure.
Around the middle of the liturgy, the priest calls down the Holy Spirit upon the bread and wine. This is the most sacred moment. You'll hear bells ring, and the community bows in reverence. This is the heart of the Eastern liturgy—the transformation of the gifts into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Near the end of the liturgy, the faithful approach to receive Holy Communion. At Magdalene House, we practice open communion with no exceptions. This means all are welcome to receive the Body and Blood of Christ—regardless of your faith background, denomination, marital status, or personal history. We believe that the Eucharist is a gift of grace meant to heal, unite, and welcome all people into communion with Christ and one another.
After the liturgy concludes, we gather for coffee, refreshments, and conversation. This is a wonderful time to meet the community, ask questions, and feel the warmth of our parish family. Don't rush out—stay and connect!
✦ Practical Details
There's no strict dress code, but we encourage modest, respectful attire. Women often wear dresses or skirts, and men typically wear dress pants or suits. However, if you're coming straight from work or in casual clothes, you're still welcome. The most important thing is that you're here.
Note: Women may choose to wear a head covering (scarf or veil) as a sign of reverence, but it's entirely optional.
Parking is available on-site. We're located in Phoenix, Arizona. If you need specific directions or have accessibility questions, please call us at (602) 888-4273 or email [email protected].
Accessibility: Our facility is wheelchair accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know in advance.
Children are absolutely welcome and encouraged to participate. The liturgy is designed for the whole family. Young children may find the length challenging, and that's okay—many families step out for a few minutes if needed. We also offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a special formation program for children.
You don't need to bring anything. Hymnals and prayer books are provided. If you'd like to light a candle as a prayer intention, we have candles available (suggested donation: $1, but not required).
✦ Common Questions
Yes. All are welcome. At Magdalene House, we practice open communion with no exceptions. This means you are invited to receive the Body and Blood of Christ regardless of your faith background, denomination, marital status, or personal circumstances.
We believe that the Eucharist is not a reward for the perfect or a privilege for the already-initiated. It is a gift of grace meant to heal, transform, and welcome all people into communion with Christ. Jesus himself ate with sinners, tax collectors, and the marginalized. We follow his example by opening the table to all.
Whether you are Catholic or not, baptized or not, divorced, remarried, LGBTQ+, or simply seeking, you are welcome to receive Holy Communion at Magdalene House. This is what makes us unique in the Catholic tradition, and it reflects our commitment to radical hospitality and the inclusive love of Christ.
If you're interested in learning more about the faith or becoming Catholic, we offer a catechumenate program for those seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ and the Church. We'd love to talk with you about this journey.
We share the same core faith as both Eastern Catholics in communion with Rome and the Orthodox churches. Like the Orthodox, we honor the Pope as the First Among Equals—a symbol of unity and the historic seat of Peter—but we do not accept papal jurisdiction or centralized authority. The Eastern tradition has a distinct liturgical style and spiritual emphasis:
Magdalene House is genuinely open and affirming to LGBTQ+ people. This isn't performative language—it's a core part of our identity and mission. We believe that all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are beloved children of God worthy of dignity, respect, and full participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
We also welcome divorced and remarried people, interfaith couples, and anyone who has felt excluded or hurt by the Church. Our community is built on the radical hospitality and love of Christ.
If you have questions about how we live out this commitment, we're happy to talk. You can reach out to Fr. Joseph directly at (602) 888-4273 or [email protected].
Magdalene House is an Independent Eastern Catholic community, part of the Independent Sacramental Movement. This means we maintain apostolic succession and authentic Catholic faith and sacraments, but we are not under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Church or any hierarchical structure. We honor the Pope as the First Among Equals, just as the Orthodox patriarchates do, but we exercise our autonomy in pastoral matters.
Our independence allows us to be responsive to the specific needs and charism of our local community while remaining authentically Catholic and Eastern in our theology and practice. We maintain apostolic succession through both Eastern and Western lines, ensuring our sacraments are valid within the broader Catholic tradition.
Start by visiting us! Come to a Sunday Divine Liturgy, meet the community, and experience our worship. If you're interested in learning more about the faith or joining the Church, we offer a catechumenate program for those seeking to become Catholic.
You're also welcome to reach out directly to Fr. Joseph to discuss your spiritual journey. We're here to support you at whatever stage you're at.
Contact: (602) 888-4273 or [email protected]
That's completely normal. Many people feel nervous visiting a new church, especially if they're unfamiliar with the Eastern tradition. Here's what we want you to know:
✦ Preparation
Arrive 15 minutes early
This gives you time to find a seat and settle in before the liturgy begins at 9:00 AM.
Dress modestly and respectfully
Dresses, skirts, or dress pants are appropriate. No strict code, but modest attire is appreciated.
Plan to stay for the full liturgy
The Divine Liturgy typically lasts 60–90 minutes. Arrive ready to experience the full service.
Follow along as best you can
Don't worry about knowing all the responses. Just stand, listen, and observe. Hymnals are provided.
Stay for coffee hour
After the liturgy, join us for refreshments and conversation. This is when real community happens.
Ask questions
People are happy to explain what happened during the liturgy or answer questions about the faith.
Plan to come back
The second visit is always easier. Give yourself time to become comfortable and familiar.
We can't wait to meet you. Join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM for the Divine Liturgy. If you have any questions or need more information, don't hesitate to reach out.
✦ Next Steps
Join us for coffee hour, attend our social events, and get to know the parish family. We're more than a Sunday gathering—we're a community.
Explore CommunityIf you're interested in deepening your faith or becoming Catholic, we offer catechesis and spiritual formation programs.
Explore PathwaysIf you're moved to support our community, we welcome donations to help sustain our ministry and mission.
Explore Our Identity