NEWS BRIEFS

Feb. 4, 2010 | The Catholic Sun

Diocese offers Mass of healing, reconciliation

MESA — Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and the Office of Child and Youth Protection are hosting a Mass for Healing and Reconciliation.

The Mass is for anyone who has been abused by clergy or laity of the Church and all survivors of abuse, their families, friends and the community.

The Mass will be held at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 26, at Queen of Peace Parish, 141 N. Macdonald St. For more information, call (602) 354-2396 or visit www.diocesephoenix.org/ocyp/Events.html.

Bob Brown named CEO of Catholic Charities

Bob Brown was recently appointed permanent CEO by the Catholic Charities Community Services Board of Directors. His appointment was approved by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted.

The board had asked Brown to step in as interim CEO when his predecessor, Paul Martodam, resigned to accept a position as CEO of Catholic Charities in St. Paul/Minneapolis.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Bob’s caliber in place to assume leadership in this time of great human need,” said Steve Lasswell, Catholic Charities board president. “Bob has what it takes to help us to expand our impact in Arizona and further our mission to protect and nurture children, strengthen families and support people in crisis.”

Brown joined Catholic Charities Community Services in January 2008 as chief administrative officer when he felt a “calling” to give back to the community.

“I want to effect systemic change by building a network of like-minded organizations and working with them to truly transform lives,” said Brown. “It’s not just about the number of people we serve — it is about how their lives are better because we were able to help them discover and foster the resources within themselves to permanently improve their situation.”

Crosiers to lead Taize Lenten prayer throughout diocese

The Crosier Fathers and Brothers will be leading Taize prayer each Friday night during Lent throughout the diocese. The sessions begin Feb. 19 and the public is invited.

Taize prayer is a contemplative prayer that begins with a singing of slow, meditative songs to create a prayerful environment that helps people draw closer to God and the place of the cross. There is a Scripture reading, followed by a sung response during which people place their lit candles around the cross. The evening ends after a long silence, petitions and a concluding prayer.

The first night of prayer will begin at 7 p.m., Feb. 19, at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Scottsdale, followed by a different location each week throughout Lent, including: Feb. 26, St. Helen Parish in Glendale; March 5, Sacred Heart Parish in Phoenix; March 12, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Phoenix; March 19, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Chandler; and March 26, All Saints Catholic Newman Center in Tempe. For information, call (602) 443-7100.