The Catholic Sun :: Phoenix Diocesan Newspaper

Each Sunday morning, local Catholics can witness Mass at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral from the comfort of their living rooms by tuning their television to cable channel 9 or KUTP Channel 45.

Later this month, Catholics throughout the world will join them.

Eternal Word Television Network selected Phoenix as one of the next dioceses where it will produce a daily Mass live on its cable and satellite station. It will air the Mass of the Annunciation live March 26 to more than 123 million homes in 140 countries.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted will celebrate the liturgy.

“I think this represents EWTN saying this is an indication of what good work Bishop Olmsted is doing and what good work the cathedral is doing with the broadcast Mass,” said Jim Dwyer, director of the diocesan Office of Public Information, which oversees the weekly TV Mass.

Since 1997, the televised Mass has been a resource to the elderly, homebound, sick, incarcerated and those who must work on Sundays.

“It reminds them that they are not forgotten and helps them to feel our solidarity with them in charity and prayer,” the bishop said.

The Mass began airing live in Phoenix last April.

EWTN carried a Phoenix Mass live on its station in June 2005 when the bishop welcomed the Poor Clare Sisters of Perpetual Adoration to the diocese. The sisters are under the leadership of Mother Angelica, the network’s founder.

Fr. Rob Clements, rector of Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, is looking forward to having EWTN broadcast from the cathedral again.

“It’s the only cathedral church in the Catholic world dedicated to the two apostles traditionally linked together,” he said. “It’s a chance for some of Phoenix’s uniqueness to become known around the world.”

Even though the cameras will be rolling for a much wider audience on the Feast of the Annunciation, Bishop Olmsted’s focus remains constant.

“As I look from the altar to the congregation, I am reminded of my responsibility to call the faithful to enter with humility and trust into these sacred mysteries,” the bishop said.

The solemnity of the Annunciation marks the pivotal moment of God’s intervention into human history.

The Mass is open to the public.

Dwyer said he realized the weekday celebration may prevent those who work from coming, but he remains optimistic.

“If we can get a good showing, I think that would give an indication to the rest of the country what a good and strong and growing Catholic identity we have in the Phoenix Diocese,” he said.