Seniors find joy serving at the altar
Some parish ministries have a target age range built into their names — youth and young adult ministry. Others cast a wider net — choir members, lectors and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. Yet wider still is the age range of another ministry, easily spanning six or seven decades: altar servers.
A role that has deep roots in the first centuries of Church history, altar servers are entrusted with tasks related to assisting at the holy Mass, such as carrying the crucifix during the procession, holding the book for the celebrant and assisting with the washing of the priest’s hands during the liturgy.
St. Steven’s Catholic Church in Sun Lakes, Ariz., and St. Mary Magdalene in Gilbert, Ariz., are two parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix where altar servers span from as young as 10 to as old as 80-something. Senior-aged volunteers expressed how much they love the ministry.
Boyhood desire to serve in church yields 60 years of priesthood for Fr. Pierre Hissey
A self-described “normal kid who just wanted to help out in the Church” has seen his desire fulfilled for 21,915 days of ordained life — and counting. This month Fr. Pierre Hissey, a retired priest in the Diocese of Phoenix, celebrates his diamond jubilee honoring 60 years of priesthood.
While no priestly journey is exactly alike, Fr. Hissey’s pathway has a litany of notable moments, dichotomies and ministries since 1966. The people of St. Steven’s Catholic Church in Sun Lakes, Ariz., honored them all during a special 60th anniversary Mass and reception in the spring.
Catholic Schools Week celebrates deep faith, supportive community
The last days of January are collectively known as Catholic Schools Week across the nation’s 5,800 Catholic elementary and high school campuses that span 176 dioceses. During the weeklong celebration — Jan. 25-31 this year — special Masses, assemblies, open houses, student showcases and other activities are planned. Locally, those celebrations will include a diocesan […]
Food bank’s harvest is plenty, befriending those in need
One Gilbert, Ariz., parish food bank has an urgent yet gentle request: more friends. St. Anne Friends of the Needy has seen unprecedented growth and is looking for additional help within parish boundaries and beyond. Longtime volunteer Michael Barriga, now under a trio of hats — food box preparer, food rescue driver, and steering committee […]
Destination: Mom for ‘Get on the Bus AZ’ riders
Every outcast is a child of God because the Son of God was born as such, Pope Francis once reminded the faithful.
Roe reversal or not, parishes already ‘Walking with Moms in Need’
For puzzle-solvers, ‘roe’ is a short crossword clue or answer to “ova” or “egg.” Just a blip in the newspaper grid.
La Adoración es una realidad, a pesar del ayuno de la Eucaristía
Desde la suspensión de las Misas públicas en toda la Diócesis de Phoenix, la Iglesia tiene más seguidores “adoradores” ahora más que nunca. Con fieles imposibilitados de recibir la Sagrada Comunión, dos sacerdotes llevaron a Jesús en el Santísimo Sacramento a sus hogares.
Adoration remains reality for most churches, despite Eucharistic fast
With the suspension of public Masses throughout the Diocese of Phoenix, the Church has more “adoring” fans now than ever. With faithful unable to receive Holy Communion, one pastor brought Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to their homes.
Child Abuse Prevention Month
With churches effectively closed through April, the potential for abuse this month is greater within the domestic church, the home.
Nonprofits continue food, vital services amid coronavirus concerns
Their methods have changed but their servant’s heart remains unwavered.
