Rev. Philip Ba Son Lam, CRM | Pastor
Rev. Philip Ba Son Lam, CRM was born on December 20, 1972 at Chu Hai, Vietnam. He completed his priestly studies at Conception Seminary, earning a Bachelor of Arts on May 20, 2001 and a Master of Divinity at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, LA on May 10, 2007. He was ordained to the priesthood on January 12, 2008.
Fr. Philip has a variety of parish life experiences! He has served as an associate pastor, parochial vicar and chaplain in the Dioceses of Springfield, Galveston-Houston and Orlando.
Rev. Fr. Ignatius Hoang, CRM | Associate Pastor
Fr. Ignatius was born on April 12, 1984, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He joined the congregation as a candidate on January 13, 2001. He professed his First Vows on April 2005 and Final Vows on May 29, 2011. He completed his priestly studies with a Bachelor of Arts at Conception Seminary College in 2010 and a Master of Divinity from Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, LA in 2016. He was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood on June 11, 2016, by the Most Reverend John J. Leibrecht, Bishop Emeritus of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. From July 15, 2016—2018, he served his first priestly assignment as Associate Pastor at St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish, in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Fr. 2018—2020, he completed his studies on Philosophy at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX, while helping with priestly ministries at St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Fr. Ignatius likes to read and to watch nature videos like Animal Planet or BBC Animal. He likes to play basketball. He loves to go hiking and running. Fr. Ignatius looks forward to serving all of St. Mary Magdalene and asks for your prayers as he begins this new journey!
Margaret Miller | Catechetical Formation Coordinator-English
Margaret Miller joined St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in 1994 after moving to Corona from Orange County. She joined the staff in July 1996 serving as the part-time Sacramental Preparation Coordinator and the Children's Ministry Tweens until 2003. Taking a one year break, she rejoined the staff in 2004 holding a variety of positions and currently serves at the Coordinator of Catechetical Ministry with infants to adults for sacramental preparation, on-going faith formation and evangelization.
On-going formation is vital for all parish staff and catechists. Margaret holds certificates in Elementary Catechesis, Youth Ministry, Youth & Adult Confirmation, and Adult Faith Formation from the California Catholic Conference; Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults from the North American Forum on the Catechumenate, and a certificate in Parish Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University. Margaret is a graduate of the Coordinators of Parish Ministry Formation in the Diocese of San Bernardino, a three-year diocesan program for the formation of Lay Ecclesial Ministers.
Lidia Mendoza | Catechetical Formation Coordinator (Spanish) Liturgy Coordinator
I’m 54 years old from Zacatecas Mexico; living in the USA since December 1977
Married to Jose Armando Hernandez since Aug 1985; we have three sons Armando 29 Alfredo 27 and Anibal 21
Our family has been part of this parish since July 1994 after moving from Santa Ana CA (orange county) from day one our family became part of all different ministers within the Hispanic community in Saint Mary Magdalene Church.
I was hired by Father Vincent Au on May 2012; I’m currently the Liturgy coordinator and sacramental preparation leader for the Spanish program, as well as staff support for most Hispanic ministries in the parish.
Laura Ortega | Parish Secretary
My name is Laura Ortega, I’m married and have two boys, 7 and 9 years old. I’ve been married for 11 years. We have been part of St. Mary Magdalene since 2010. In the past, I have been a Lector, Catechist and an Eucharistic Minister. I volunteered in the Parish office for 4 years as a receptionist, before I was hired. I have Enthroned the Sacred Heart of Jesus in my home and I’m part of the Couples for Christ Ministry. Also, I’m in the process of completing my Parish Ministers Formation Program (PMFP).What made our family fall in love with SMM was the friendly community at mass. I was born in Los Angeles, but was raised in Mexico. I have a BA Degree in Social Communications from the University of Colima. I like to dance, go to the movies and nurture friendships. I’m proud to be a part of SMM staff and parish community.