Author Archive: Ambria Hammel
Ambria Hammel is the staff writer for The Catholic Sun. She began reporting for the award-winning newspaper in 2006.
Second Catholic mortuary opens in diocese
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted blessed and dedicated Holy Cross Catholic Mortuary April 20. The 22,000-square-foot facility, at the southwest corner of 99th Avenue and Thomas Road, joins Queen of Heaven in Mesa in offering mortuary and cremation services for burial or interment at any cemetery.
Weekend calendar: May 3-5
Two special Masses, eucharistic miracles exhibit, lots of worthy TV options, First Friday/First Saturday devotions plus two more stage performances and a few other notable happenings. Also: congratulations to those being confirmed this weekend at St. Germaine in Prescott Valley, Sacred Heart in Prescott, St. Elizabeth Seton and St. Joachim/Anne both in Sun City and Steven in Sun Lakes. Massgoers at six other parishes are giving blood.
Planning your student’s summer
Daycare, Vacation Bible School, sports camps, music theater camp, overnight camp . . . all on the comfort of a Catholic parish, school or Knights of Columbus-maintained facility. See which options work best for you and your vacation schedules.
Teen’s nonprofit levels playing field for young athletes
Most kids dabble in a sport or two in their preschool or elementary years, but that doesn’t mean they arrive fully equipped.
Weekend calendar: April 26-28
Whether it’s on stage, in concert, at Mass or at church, there are a few Catholic happenings this weekend. Calendar includes three original productions, a CD release concert and more.
Spring plays feature a parish original plus kid classics
The parish original ‘Stevie and Stephen,’ a pirate parable, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie, PokéMusical and Dr. Seuss meets Shakepsere are all coming to a Catholic school or parish stage near you.
Will you shed blood for others?
This Easter season as we celebrate Jesus shedding his blood for his countless followers, Catholics can give some of their blood so that others may live. Here are some local parishes and schools where you can donate in April. You might even find one of our Bourgade Catholic High School students pictured on the blood drive posters around parish property.
Catholics with a Franciscan tie reflect on pope
Countless Catholics have approved and shared — via social and traditional networks — Pope Francis’ acts of humility in the five weeks since his election. Catholics devoted to the Franciscan way of life or are simply part of a mission or parish named after the well-known saint have felt an even deeper connection to the new pontiff.
Catholics respond to Boston Marathon explosions
A Prescott teenager and a New York artist are among the countless Catholics who was moved to action after hearing about the explosions (with video courtesy of Sacred Heart Parish in Prescott).
Weekend calendar: April 19-21
Be sure to thank your priest and pastor this weekend in honor of Good Shepherd Sunday. The Diocese of Phoenix is blessed with 128 diocesan priests, 63 extern priests and 94 religious priests. Some 150 of them bear the title of pastor, parochial vicar, parochial administrator and canonical pastor. See what your parish has planned for Good Shepherd Sunday. And keep in mind a couple of other special Masses and events this weekend.
