Diocese of Phoenix Blog

The U.S. Bishops have called for a “Fortnight for Freedom,” a...

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:24:00 -0700

The U.S. Bishops have called for a “Fortnight for Freedom,” a nationwide 14-day period of prayer, education and action in support of religious freedom, from June 21 to July 4.

Our liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power — St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, St. John the Baptist, Sts. Peter and Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. Culminating on Independence Day, this special period of prayer, study, catechesis, and public action emphasizes both our Christian and American heritage of liberty.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted invites the public to pray for religious freedom at the following Masses:

Saturday, June 22 – Feast of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher

Bishop Olmsted will celebrate the 11 a.m. Mass at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral for the Phoenix Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, 6351 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix.

Sunday, June 23 – 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Bishop Olmsted will celebrate the 9 a.m. televised Mass at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral.
Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares will celebrate the 10:30 am Mass at Our Lady of the Lake Parish, 1975 Daytona Ave., Lake Havasu City.

Monday, June 24 – Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist

Bishop Nevares will celebrate the Noon Mass at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd St., Phoenix.

Saturday, June 29 – Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul

Bishop Olmsted will celebrate the 5 p.m. Mass at St. Paul Parish, 330 W. Coral Gables Dr., Phoenix.
Bishop Nevares will celebrate the 5 p.m. Mass at Immaculate Conception Parish, 700 N. Bill Gray Road, Cottonwood.

Sunday, June 30 – 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Bishop Olmsted will celebrate the 10 a.m. Mass at St. Peter Indian Mission, 1500 N. St. Peter Road, Bapchule.
Bishop Olmsted will celebrate the 5 p.m. Mass of Perpetual Vows at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 2121 S. Rural Road, Tempe.
Bishop Nevares will celebrate the 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. John Vianney Parish, 180 Soldier Pass Road, Sedona.

Thursday, July 4 – Independence Day

Bishop Nevares will celebrate the 8:30 a.m. Mass at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral followed by praying the rosary.

Catholics Matter 105: Fr. Paul Sullivan Fr. Paul Sullivan,...

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:11:09 -0700

Catholics Matter 105: Fr. Paul Sullivan

Fr. Paul Sullivan, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Phoenix, joins Fr. Rob Clements to examine Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted’s pastoral letter, “Apostles of Mercy,” and the real-life application of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Bishop Olmsted: ‘Catholic and American?’ In his most...

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:12:00 -0700

Bishop Olmsted: ‘Catholic and American?’

In his most recent column in The Catholic Sun, Bishop Olmsted asks: Can we still be Catholic and American?

Sixty years ago when Catholics were pursuing higher education as never before, when vocations to the priesthood and religious life were at an all time high level, when Catholic hospitals and schools were expanding and flourishing at unprecedented rates, most Catholics in the United States were proud to be here; and very few anticipated the tensions that would erupt within American culture in the 1960s and the crises that would fray the fabric of the Catholic community after the Second Vatican Council.

Now, over half a century later, many Catholics have at best ambivalent feelings about the relationship between Catholicism and America. So much has changed since the good old days of the ’50s. Consider, for example, the following: 45 years of legalized abortion has killed more than 50 million unborn children, the HHS mandates of the federal government seriously threaten religious liberty, and the powerful political and other societal forces gravely weaken the institution of marriage and with it serious threats to the well-being of children. Should Catholics still be excited about being American citizens?

Catholics Matter 104: Rachel Campos-Duffy Fr. Rob Clements...

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:04:00 -0700

Catholics Matter 104: Rachel Campos-Duffy

Fr. Rob Clements welcomes Rachel Campos-Duffy to this episode of Catholics Matter. They discuss the role of faith, Catholic identity and culture, and the importance of the Latino community to the future of the Church.

Campos-Duffy was born in Tempe, Ariz., attended Seton Catholic High School in Chandler, and first gained fame in 1994 as a castmate on the MTV reality television series The Real World: San Francisco, before becoming a TV host and a recurring guest host on the ABC talk show The View.

She is the mother of six children, an author and married to Rep. Sean Patrick Duffy of Wisconsin.

Catholics Matter 103: Mike Phelan Mike Phelan joins Fr. Rob...

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:16:00 -0700

Catholics Matter 103: Mike Phelan

Mike Phelan joins Fr. Rob Clements on this episode of Catholics Matter to talk about the Sacrament of Marriage. Phelan is the director of the Marriage and Respect Life Office for the Diocese of Phoenix.

Phelan and Fr. Clements discuss the roots of marriage, the importance of wedding vows in good times and bad, and how it all fits together with today’s culture.

Catholics Matter 101: Deacon Doug Bogart Deacon Doug Bogart,...

Wed, 01 May 2013 16:11:00 -0700

Catholics Matter 101: Deacon Doug Bogart

Deacon Doug Bogart, associate director of education and formation for the Diaconate Office and permanent deacon at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, joins Fr. Rob Clements on the latest episode of Catholics Matter to talk about his journey home to the Catholic Church.

Raised in a religion-free home as a child, Deacon Bogart encountered Christ before he and his wife became an evangelical missionaries in Guatemala. While serving in Guatemala, persistent questions led the family to study Catholicism. Upon their return to the United States, the Bogarts entered the fullness of the faith in the Catholic Church. Deacon Bogart was ordained a permanent Deacon in 2004.

Catholics Matter 100: Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares The Most...

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:15:00 -0700

Catholics Matter 100: Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares

The Most Reverend Eduardo A. Nevares, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix, joins Fr. Rob Clements on the set of Catholics Matter to talk about the diocesan Year of Faith pilgrimage.

Bishop Nevares will be leading a group of local Catholics on an 8-day pilgrimage to Mexico Oct. 7-14, 2013, marking the close of the Year of Faith. In that spirit, pilgrims will head into the heart of Mexico’s vibrant faith and culture. Together, pilgrims will walk in the steps of San Juan Diego as he encountered the Blessed Virgin as she appeared to him as Our Lady of Guadalupe.

As the Blessed Mother leads pilgrims closer to Jesus, they will pray and reflect with Bishop Nevares. Pilgrims will deepen their Catholic identity and respond to the challenge to be better stewards of God’s gracious gifts.

Space is limited. Register by May 6 by calling Faith Journeys at 1-877-732-4845.

The Catholic Communication Campaign is how the Good News gets...

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:37:20 -0700

The Catholic Communication Campaign is how the Good News gets around. Thanks to your generous donations, the annual second collection gives life to newspapers and websites like The Catholic Sun, televised Masses for the elderly and homebound, faith-filled radio programs and social media efforts engaging Catholics in the digital age through Facebook and Twitter.

From The Catholic Sun:

This special collection provides dioceses such as ours in Phoenix the ability to produce and air the 9 a.m. Sunday televised Mass on KAZT-TV Channel 7 / Cable 13 and “The Bishop’s Hour” on Immaculate Heart Radio 1310 AM. Your generous donations allows the Catholic Church to spread the faith by providing local, compelling programming like “Catholics Matter,” which airs after the Sunday Mass, as well as reach new audiences via the diocese’s website and other social media efforts.

At the national level (proceeds are split equally between the Diocese of Phoenix and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ communications efforts), the Catholic Communication Campaign supports a number of initiatives, including the invaluable Catholic News Service, the USCCB website, and other audio and visual projects which provide for limitless education and information. The need for Catholics to support the Catholic Communication Campaign was particularly critical when considering the outstanding and unparalleled coverage of Pope Francis from Catholic News Service that hundreds of thousands of Catholics in Arizona enjoyed.

This annual collection takes place at Masses May 11-12 throughout the Diocese of Phoenix. The future of our Church depends on it, so please prayerfully consider supporting the Catholic Communication Campaign. If you miss the collection, please contact Katie Burke at (602) 354-2479 or kburke@diocesephoenix.org.

Bishops: Immigration reform is finally in reach

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:35:15 -0700

Bishops: Immigration reform is finally in reach :

Despite the challenges, despite the complexities, despite the controversy, and despite the failures of the past, the nation must act now. Now is the time for a bipartisan solution that can repair a broken system. We cannot wait to put an end to the separation of families, the exploitation of workers, and the death of hundreds of human beings in the desert every year. This suffering must end.

Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares appeared on Horizonte,...

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:19:00 -0700

Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares appeared on Horizonte, Eight’s weekly public affairs program which focuses on Arizona issues through a Hispanic lens.

Program host José Cárdenas and Bishop Nevares discussed Pope Francis and the upcoming Year of Faith pilgrimage to Mexico.

Is the video not working correctly? Watch it here instead.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month Across the United...

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:45:27 -0700

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Across the United States, one in four girls and one in six boys experience sexual abuse before turning 18, and the median age of child abuse is age 9. Ninety percent of children know their abuser.

The Diocese of Phoenix is joining with Phoenix Children’s Hospital to help prevent child abuse as a part of the Innocence Revolution.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital is hosting a table at the Diamondback’s game on April 14 — “Innocence Revolution – A Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse.” They will have activities for kids, resources for parents, and giveaways.

Contact information:

Diocese of Phoenix, Safe Environment Training Office: (602) 354-2418
Diocese of Phoenix, Office of Child and Youth Protection, (602) 354-2396
Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Dr. Missy Gryder: (602) 320-0374

Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares will be the first guest...

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:51:49 -0700

Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares will be the first guest tonight on Horizonte, Eight’s weekly public affairs program which focuses on Arizona issues through a Hispanic lens.

Program host José Cárdenas and Bishop Nevares discuss Pope Francis and the upcoming Year of Faith pilgrimage to Mexico.

Tune in tonight at 7:30 p.m. on Eight, Arizona PBS.

Diocese of Phoenix Statement on the Passing of Eddie Basha

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:54:00 -0700

The Catholic Diocese of Phoenix joins with the Arizona community in mourning the passing of Eddie Basha. He will be fondly remembered as a community leader, a businessman, a family man and a Catholic.

We offer our prayers and condolences to the Basha family and the community that he served with great generosity.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Pray the rosary with Bishop Olmsted on Good Friday The public is...

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:18:00 -0700

Pray the rosary with Bishop Olmsted on Good Friday

The public is invited to pray for an end to abortion and all threats to innocent human life at the annual Good Friday Rosary. Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted will lead the faithful in this traditional meditative prayer of humility at 11 a.m.

This event also serves as a closing celebration to the local 40 Days for Life prayer effort to end abortion in Phoenix, an ecumenical prayer and awareness effort. A brief program will follow the rosary until 1:30 p.m. Speakers include Fr. John Lankeit, Sheila Riely and Rosie Villegas.

When: 11 a.m., March 29, Good Friday
Where: Glendale Planned Parenthood, 5771 W. Eugie Ave, Glendale, AZ 85304
Speakers include: Fr. John Lankeit, Sheila Riely and Rosie Villegas

Don’t miss The Catholic Sun’s 16-page special...

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:10:00 -0700

Don’t miss The Catholic Sun’s 16-page special section devoted to our new Holy Father, Pope Francis. Lots of coverage and insights about the Argentine Cardinal-turned-pontiff, beautiful photos, and great local and international reaction conveying the excitement of the historic moment:

Fr. John Muir, assistant director at both the All Saints Catholic Newman Center in Tempe and the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy, was also in St. Peter’s Square. He blogged, Tweeted via social media and granted many media interviews about his experience.

“It’s winning the Super Bowl, combined with being a foster child and getting a new dad,” he wrote in a March 13 blogpost.

Read the story at The Catholic Sun. The special section featuring Pope Francis hits mailboxes this week.

Join Bishop Nevares on a Year of Faith Pilgrimage to Mexico Mark...

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:33:03 -0700

Join Bishop Nevares on a Year of Faith Pilgrimage to Mexico

Mark your calendar for October 7-14 and the Official Diocese of Phoenix Pilgrimage to Mexico. Hosted by Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares, our Year of Faith journey will focus on Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the New Evangelization.

Experience the rich history and flavors of Mexico while nurturing your Catholic identity with Bishop Nevares. For a pilgrimage brochure contact Faith Journey’s toll free number: 1-877-732-4845.

J.D. Long-García for The Catholic Sun:

“A pilgrimage is a deepening of one’s own faith,” Bishop Nevares said, explaining why it is part of the diocesan celebration of the Year of Faith. “You make this sacrifice and you venture out and deepen in faith. The Lord will be generous with us and grant us many blessings.”

Go to www.myfaithjourneys.com/login. The Diocese of Phoenix Group # is 13040.

SPACE is LIMITED! A $200.00 deposit is all it takes to reserve your space for this once in a lifetime pilgrimage.

‘Buona sera,’ Pope Francis

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 09:21:51 -0700

‘Buona sera,’ Pope Francis:

It was on that day, Wednesday March 13, when Catholics around the world rejoiced with an outpouring of love and praise for God. For as it goes, the College of Cardinals guided the Holy Spirit to elect the next leader of the world’s 1 billion Catholics. It was after just five ballots that the humble, gentle cardinal stepped out onto the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square as Pope Francis, greeting the world with the words: “Buona sera” — good evening.

And the crowd went crazy.

Phoenix area Catholics celebrate pope’s election At St....

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:20:00 -0700

Phoenix area Catholics celebrate pope’s election

At St. Mary’s High School, faculty, students and parents rejoiced following the selection of the first Latin American pope.

“I’m so excited, I felt like a sheep without a shepherd,” said the Rev. Robert Bolding, president and rector of the central Phoenix school, where classroom activities were temporarily suspended to celebrate the announcement.

Classrooms with televisions were crammed with young men and women eager to catch a glimpse of the Catholic Church’s new leader.

“I’m really looking forward to what our new pope has to bring to Latin America and the rest of world,” said St. Mary’s junior Adriana Dealba.

“I’m sure he’ll do the best for the church,” student Hector Salinas said. “This is a new beginning; hopefully, he can bring peace to Latin America and the rest of the world.”

Diocese of Phoenix expert interviewed on KPHO CBS 5 about Pope...

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:55:54 -0700

Diocese of Phoenix expert interviewed on KPHO CBS 5 about Pope Francis

Canon law expert Nicole Delaney was featured on KPHO CBS 5 News this morning and discussed yesterday’s election of Pope Francis and what it means for the Catholic Church.

Valley Catholics react to Pope Francis’ election Mia...

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:45:00 -0700

Valley Catholics react to Pope Francis’ election

Mia Garcia, reporting for FOX 10 News:

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix added, “What’s very significant for me about this new election is we have someone from what we call the new world, so America has a new Pope.”

Olmsted says he can’t wait to meet Pope Francis and says he can already tell a lot about the way the Pope will lead the church, by his name choice.

“I think it indicates that he really wants, like St. Francis, to bring a whole new energetic engagement with the world, including the non-Christian world.”