St. Vincent de Paul receives first Henry Schein Cares Medal for oral health efforts

The world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental practitioners, bestowed St. Vincent de Paul's dental clinic with an inaugural award and funding to continue its work.

‘Angel’ crafters brighten up Fourth of July

“St. Catherine’s Angels,” an intergenerational ministry at the Chino Valley Parish, created 12 dozen small Fourth of July-themed crafts for the homebound in their own parish and in the greater community.

Arizona Catholic Conference Bishops’ statement opposing the legalization of recreational marijuana

The Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference oppose the campaign to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Arizona because it is harmful to both children and families in Arizona.

Fr. David Loeffler: Call to priesthood came early in life

It was always there — the calm, hushed murmurings to Fr. David Loeffler’s heart as he felt God’s love drawing him to the priesthood. He took his faith seriously, sharing it with his family when he would play Mass at home, to the point of reprimanding them if they fell asleep during his “homilies.”

Instruct the Ignorant: Francesca Thomas finds calling as children’s catechist, strengthens own spirituality

Francesca Thomas has been working with little kids since she first graduated from college. “I went to church pretty faithfully, but I don’t think my faith was particularly deep at that time. I sort of went, doing what you’re supposed to do, but I really was captivated by this whole putting-your-faith-into-action thing,” Thomas said.

CDA grants foot the bill to educate and form local priests, deacons

All matters of great importance should first be discerned on the knees. The diaconate is the first of three ranks in ordained ministry, and the priesthood is the second. Both require years of formation and discernment, a process aided by support from the annual Charity and Development Appeal.

Fr. Ryan Lee: Passion to serve ­others, give back in thanksgiving

Fr. Ryan Lee grew up in Arizona as the oldest child in his family, but only by 60 seconds. He’s got a twin brother and a younger sister and he might be the only priest in the Diocese of Phoenix who knows how to care for an elephant or an orangutan.

Men in the Breach: Supporting vocations keeps West Valley Catholic Fredd Quiñonez rooted in prayer

There’s no telling what a lunchtime meeting twice per month can do for the soul. The impact on those they pray for during that meeting — their top agenda item — is equally immeasurable. The main order of business: pray for and network with priests, religious and those in discernment.

Fr. Dan Connealy: Vocation took root in college, headed to NAU

Fr. Dan Connealy’s first few months as a priest may have him feeling like life came full circle.

Martyrs’ relics to visit Phoenix as part of Fortnight for Freedom tour

“I die the King’s good servant; but God’s first.” These were the last words spoken by St. Thomas More, a 16th-century politician and martyr, who died defending the Catholic faith. The life of St. Thomas More and his close friend St. John Fisher, like many other saints, illustrates the necessity of having courage when religious freedom is attacked.