Phoenix priest to be honored for transforming the lives of thousands of abandoned and orphaned children
The Diocese of Phoenix is holding a special Mass this month to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Fr. William Wasson, whose single act of compassion toward a young thief more than a half century ago led to an organization that has lifted thousands of orphaned and abandoned children across Central America out of poverty and into accomplished lives as parents, professionals and people of faith.
Diocese encourages ‘radical hospitality’ in evangelization
More than 100 formators, administrators and parish staff members representing nearly 48 parishes from the Diocese of Phoenix gathered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Saturday (Aug. 1) to receive formation on the role radical hospitality plays in welcoming individuals into the Catholic Church and forming them in the faith. The Diocese of Phoenix is seeing significant growth in tandem with numerous other U.S. dioceses.
Upcoming Mass to honor grandparents and the elderly
“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” – Proverbs 16:31
The Diocese of Phoenix and Bishop John Dolan are inviting the public to celebrate grandparents during a Mass this year to commemorate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
The Mass will take place at 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 26, at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral on 27th Avenue between Bethany Home Road and Glendale Avenue in Phoenix.
“It’s a day to reflect on the legacy of those who have come before us and how they have enriched our lives,” said Tami Bohanon, president and CEO of AllThrive 365, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to support Arizonans aging independently with dignity by connecting them and their caregivers to resources, programs and assistance, including housing.
Bishop Dolan joins brother bishops in border Mass, rosary and procession in solidarity with migrants
Five Catholic bishops from the United States-Mexico border region led a day of pastoral accompaniment in Nogales, Ariz., and Nogales, Mexico, Friday (June 26) as the United States approaches its 250th birthday as a nation on July 4.
“We are here as shepherds of the Church,” said Bishop James Misko of the Diocese of Tucson, Ariz., prior to celebrating Mass inside Nogales, Ariz.’s historic Sacred Heart Parish, less than a half mile from the international border.
Growing Diocese of Phoenix welcomes four new priests
The Diocese of Phoenix, one of the nation’s fastest growing, has four new priests.
Fr. Nathan Blanchard, Fr. Paul Graupmann, F.H.S., Fr. Simon Ortiz, and Fr. Jeff Pooley were formally added to the fraternity of clergy during a Mass of Ordination celebrated by Bishop John Dolan at St. Thomas Aquinas parish in Avondale, Ariz., Saturday.
Family and friends of the new priests made up the congregation of more than 1,800 worshippers, which also included priests, women religious, deacons, laity and seminarians who are part of the largest formation wave in diocesan history.
Beloved Sr. Lynn Winsor retires after 52 years at Xavier
The Xavier College Preparatory community gathered Friday (May 22) evening to celebrate the career of Sr. Lynn Winsor, BVM, the vice principal of athletics and activities, and former longtime golf coach. She is retiring after 52 years with the all-girls Catholic school where she helped build a premier athletics program.
“You’re an amazing human being,” Bishop John Dolan said at the retirement celebration on the central Phoenix campus. “You’re absolutely loved by the people of God here, and I love you, too.”
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne opens new church after 22 years
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal 6:9)
Nearly 2,000 years after St. Paul wrote those words to believers in Galatia, they are ringing true — along with the bells of a brand-new church — at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish in Anthem, Ariz.
Over two decades after its first gathering in the home of Bob and Alana Bush, the parish opened its new building of worship with a dedication Mass celebrated by Bishop John Dolan Wednesday (May 13).
Eighty years of seeing the face of Christ in every person in need
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) in Phoenix — whose mission to those in Arizona experiencing hunger and homelessness goes far beyond sharing a meal, clothing or paying a bill — is marking 80 years of local service this month at the church where it all began: the historic St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix.
Comprised of lay Catholics, SVDP operates via conferences, which are local parish-level groups, though the help of individual members and volunteers called Vincentians. The Phoenix Council, which supports over 80 conferences across central and northern Arizona, will celebrate with its hundreds of Vincentians and the public during a series of events the weekend of April 25-26 at St. Mary’s Basilica.
Once-jobless electrician empowered to spread light
While the fruits of the Diocese of Phoenix’s annual Charity and Development Appeal (CDA) can be seen in myriad ways, one recipient’s labors reflect its 2026 theme literally.
An electrician who jumpstarted his career through a CDA-supported ministry, Michael Tighe has been lighting up buildings across the city after St. Joseph the Worker helped him navigate barriers entering the job market.
As it’s commonly known following a 2025 rebrand, The Worker is among over 70 ministries supported by the CDA, which was established in 1970. This year’s campaign was launched by Bishop John Dolan Feb. 7, with the theme, “Faith Lights the Way.”
Bourgade High School pair deepen their faith, pursue their dreams
Karla Torres Delgado wants to be a surgeon. Unsure of the specific discipline, the Bourgade Catholic High School student has her sights set on a medical career. Her dream is alive thanks to the generosity of countless Catholics across the Diocese of Phoenix. Each year, donors support over 70 ministries, parishes, schools, charities and programs through the diocese’s Charity and Development Appeal (CDA), “shining Christ’s love where it’s needed most,” said Bishop John Dolan.
