Parish cafes around the diocese build community, honor saints

St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Gilbert opened Magdala Coffee on October 22 to create a space for community gathering and hospitality. The new shop brings the total number of parish-based cafes in the Diocese of Phoenix to at least six.

These cafes use the names and identities of canonized saints to shape their menus and gathering spaces. In Avondale, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish operates The Dumb Ox Cafe, named after a nickname for the patron saint. Approximately 50 volunteers of all ages staff the cafe, which is located near the parish gift shop and office reception window.

The cafes serve as outreach tools to increase hospitality and engage both parishioners and visitors. At St. Thomas Aquinas, the cafe is part of an outreach comprising the parish welcome center.