St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish Church - Florence, Arizona

Verónica Villavicencio

Dear Church Members,

Today I went to your church with the intention of enrolling my daughter in the First Communion service. I was attended to by two ladies who informed me that the registrations were already closed and that it was not possible to add my daughter even to a waiting list.

Although today is July 30th and the registrations closed at the end of the month, they told me there was no possibility to enroll her. I am new to the area, having lived in Santan Valley for two months after moving from Chandler. When I mentioned this, they asked why I didn't enroll my daughter in Chandler when she was seven. I believe that question was unnecessary as the decision of when to enroll my daughter is personal, and for me, this is the perfect age (9 almost 10)since she is very interested in learning more about God.

I felt very disappointed and sad when I left the church. I consider the Catholic Church my home, but on this occasion, I did not receive the welcome and support I expected as a new member of the community. I would have liked to feel welcomed and that my situation was understood with empathy.

I hope that in the future, a warmer and more understanding reception can be provided to new members of the community.

jcj T

I have never treated anyone in such a poorly manner, I just spoke to a woman named Lisa that gave me the worst attitude because I was asking about children getting dropped off near there or around the school due buses not being able to fit in tight spaces inside the neighborhoods from a church that is funded by the community and have people like that answering phone calls for the public is absolutely disgusting avoid this church typical stereotypical hypocrites that are just in it for the money such a disgusting human being and sad that they work in a place where they preach the word of god. It was a simple question in regards to children in the community ITS FOR THE CHILDREN

Debbi Biedler

We were there for the Lent Friday night fish fry. They serve an awesome meal of cod, baked potato, mac and cheese, coleslaw, bread and beverage. It is like a cafeteria line using a tray to put your food on with real plates and silverware. There are home baked deserts for free will donation. My husband uses a walker and one of the volunteers carried his tray through the line and to the table and got him a beverage. The church volunteers are the best! I am not Catholic, but I think it is probably a good church to be a part of.

Armida Correa

First experience I've had entering a chapel / Church. You felt as if you were in heaven. Very kind and generous woman. Their were about to close and she took her time to let my children and me to pray. Didn't rush us or made us feel un welcome. God Bless her. Thank you so much! We will try to visit again and again and again.

Stew

The last time I was at St.Michael's, the priest gave a good homily. He had good, and difficult material to work with...calling upon us to love thy neighbor, and to make it really hard, we are called upon to love our enemies. The priest, I believe it was the pastor, discussed from a personal point of view, how hard that really is.
Now for another task that is hard for some.
As much as everyone wants to be rid of Covid-19, including this commenter, when attending Sunday Mass at St.Michael's, it was as if this extremely contagious disease has somehow vanished from the face of the Earth. The Mass was packed and the parishioners, most of whom are at high risk, including most of the ushers, chose Not to do something sooo simple as to wear a mask to protect one another. Perhaps I missed it and it may have been in the Church bulletin, but why are there no announcements, reminding people to stay home if they don't feel well or are at high risk? There was at least one woman and another a couple rows away, hacking away, doing their best to cover up their coughing, that should have been at home, attending Mass virtually and should have been encouraged to do so, from the pulpit! This virus doesn't care about your or anyone else's opinions. It's a bit unpleasant, but wear a mask!
Covid-19 is an equal opportunity destroyer of health! Our Creator gave us these bodies, and I personally feel obliged to take care of mine and do my level best to care for my neighbor as well.
In conclusion, other than the above, St.Michael's is a good place to go to Mass.
I wish you all Peace and Good Health.?

Tracy B

Enjoy this parish immensely. Have attended a few churches with lots of priests and Father Branson is one of my favorites. He is relatable, has a sense a humor, sermons are understandable, keeps your attention and are related to the readings. Parishioners are friendly. Parish is relatively new, established in 2016 and Mass is held in the parish center until the church can be funded and built. Definitely worth the drive to San Tan/Florence!

Ryan Of San Tan Valley

Great parish with a wonderful pastor. Come celebrate the mass and find the truth in love and mercy from our God. Come help the faith grow!!

Doug Prahl

I felt a good spirit of a new church and feel that a lot of programming is available for parishoners. The priest’s sermon on faith being accompanied by works was very actionable. I feel the parish wants to do its best as God’s servants.
A couple things did turn me off. One was the priest’s sermon about faith and works. I didn’t think it was necessary for him to comment on how Martin Luther focused only on faith, not works. I didn’t feel this would.be inviting for Protestants who attended mass. Next, the cantor promoted Knights of Columbus and the sonograms at the Crisis Pregnancy Center which was a positive. I was a little turned off when he mentioned that K Of C is the militia of the church.
I feel the church has a good ethos and enthusiasm I did however feel that someone who is coming as a non-Catholic or lapsed Catholic may be turned off.

Very respectfully.