The Diocese of Phoenix has launched a rebranded, mobile-friendly digital platform for The Catholic Sun, creating a single digital destination for local, national and global Catholic news. The new site at catholicsun.org includes an innovative partnership with OSV News, a Catholic news service that provides real-time news updates, a Vatican News widget and a new weekly video series to enhance digital evangelization.
The launch eliminates the need for faithful to navigate multiple platforms for information and spiritual enrichment. By integrating local diocesan storytelling, a diverse library of short- and long-form video programming and live Vatican and U.S. coverage, the Diocese of Phoenix has consolidated everything into one comprehensive, mobile-friendly hub.
“Bishop John Dolan had a vision to create one source for all Catholic news, both local and global, in a completely reimagined digital home for The Catholic Sun,” said Brett Meister, director of Communications for the diocese.
“The newly rebranded platform pulls together everything we create locally, including over five hours of new digital content every week, with global Catholic news and feature stories to inspire, educate and evangelize people wherever they are.”
The new site was built by developer Gabe Salcido, the diocese’s website manager. Salcido engineered custom coding to deliver real-time news updates through the diocese’s partnership with OSV News. In addition, he implemented a Vatican News widget to keep readers connected to Pope Leo XIV’s latest messaging.
“We are delighted to be partnering with the Diocese of Phoenix and The Catholic Sun as they take this exciting, innovative and important new step to bring Catholic news, information and inspiration to their rapidly growing diocese,” said Gretchen Crowe, editor-in-chief of OSV News.
“Robust, trustworthy Catholic media is vital the Church’s mission, and the Diocese of Phoenix has positioned itself as a leader in the national landscape.”
Today’s launch also includes the debut of a new weekly video series titled “Now you Know,” where priests from the Diocese of Phoenix answer common Catholic questions. Each short episode offers engaging insights and “ah-ha” moments, explores Church history and provides the opportunity for a deepening of faith.
Features of the new Catholic Sun platform include:
- Innovative partnership with OSV News to provide real-time U.S. and Vatican news and updates
- One source for all local video weekly and monthly series, including “Christ in Our Neighborhood,” “Mental Health Minute,” “Now You Know,” “Word and Art,” “A Seat at the Table,” “Catholic Sun Specials,” “Life Talk,” “Pope’s Prayer Network,” “Prep Rally” and “TILMA”
- Extensive photo galleries of local events and special Masses across the Diocese of Phoenix
- Easy to navigate menus including Local News, U.S./Vatican News, Videos/Podcasts, Local Events, Photo Galleries and Live TV Mass
- New partnership with Catholic News Archive, a digital database allowing readers to browse through decades of nostalgic and historic diocesan content
- A Live TV Mass tab featuring daily Masses from St. Mary’s Parish in Chandler, Ariz., in English and Spanish, and weekly Sunday Mass broadcast from Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix on local CW7
Originally launched in 1985 under the leadership of the late Bishop Thomas O’Brien and the original editor, Christopher Gunty, The Catholic Sun is the official Catholic news source of the Diocese of Phoenix. It has won several national and local awards from the Catholic Press Association, the Catholic Media Association and the Arizona Newspaper Association.
The first edition of The Catholic Sun newspaper debuted on April 4, 1985, and was published bi-weekly for registered Catholics from central to northern Arizona. The circulation fluctuated between 115,000 and 125,000. In 2020, due to budget cutbacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, the last printed newspaper for The Catholic Sun was April 2020. In October 2021, the Together Let Us Go Forth diocesan magazine launched and was renamed The Catholic Sun Magazine in December 2025. It continues to be in circulation bi-monthly.
OSV News is a Catholic news and information service and evangelization partner that allows dioceses to connect and boost engagement with the faithful through the sharing of timely, trustworthy and accurate content that communicates the truth of what is happening in the Church and the world. Launched in 2022, OSV News serves millions of Catholics via its more than 100 media clients worldwide.
“For over 40 years, The Catholic Sun has been a beacon of faith,” said Meister. “This has been made possible by the tireless dedication of countless editors, writers, photographers and staff who poured their passion into the newspaper. We also thank the countless supporters whose generosity has fueled the mission.”
