Deacon Paul Graupmann, F.H.S. – The Path to Priesthood
For Dcn. Paul Graupmann, F.H.S., his conversion was a bit like that of St. Paul — sudden, swift and sure. And from there, his certainty that God had a purpose for his life led him to discern the priesthood with the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit.
Hit play to hear how an invitation to confession and a penance of five rosaries led this fallen-away U.S. Navy veteran to say “yes” to God’s unexpected and deeply fulfilling call for his life.
Dcn. Paul will be ordained to the priesthood at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Avondale, Ariz., on Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m., and will be joined by Dcn. Simon Ortiz, Dcn. Jeff Pooley and Dcn. Nathan Blanchard.
Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas
Pope Leo XIV shared his first encyclical on May 15, 2026, entitled Magnifica Humanitas (The Magnificence of the Human Person).
Bishop Peter Dai Bui helps us understand how this letter fits into the writings of previous popes — Pope Leo XIII, Pope St. John XXIII, Pope St. Paul VI and Pope St. John Paul II — each of whom responded to the challenges of his times with one or more encyclicals.
Today, Pope Leo XIV does the same for us.
Deacon Jeff Pooley – The Path to Priesthood
As a pilot, Dcn. Jeff Pooley used to soar through the clouds. Now as a priest, he’ll guide others toward heaven.
New affordable housing brings hope to Central Phoenix
Bishop Peter Dai Bui attended the Housing for Hope — an affiliate of Catholic Charities Community Services — grand opening of the third and final phase of Acacia Heights Apartments, an affordable housing complex near 7th Avenue and Camelback in Central Phoenix. He blessed the newly developed property and took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday (May 19).
Acacia Heights III, the new five-story building, features 35 one-bedroom units, 18 two-bedroom units and 15 three-bedroom units, ranging in size from 596 to 1,231 square feet. The addition of Acacia Heights III expands the complex by 68 units, bringing the total number to 212.
Catholic Bishops of Arizona: Statement on Scheduled execution of Leroy McGill
We deeply regret that the State of Arizona has now set a date of May 20 for the execution of Leroy McGill. The Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference (ACC) remain steadfast in our opposition to the death penalty, especially in this modern era where a life sentence for those who are a threat to society is an alternative. In doing so, we are united with Pope Leo XIV who has advocated for a global end to capital punishment.
Deacon Simon Ortiz – The Path to Priesthood
Dcn. Simon Ortiz never thought he was going to be a priest when he grew up — he had his eye on becoming a sports reporter. But a retreat during his sophomore year of high school changed everything.
Press play to hear Dcn. Simon’s journey to the priesthood, and ultimately how he can’t wait to serve the people of God, sharing in their joys and sorrows of life.
Diocese of Phoenix hosts national Child & Youth Protection Catholic Leadership Conference
This week hundreds of Catholic faithful from across the country — including bishops, diocesan leadership and those directly involved in child and youth protection — are gathered in downtown Phoenix for the Child & Youth Protection Catholic Leadership Conference 2026. Running from May 10-13, the annual gathering serves as a platform for networking and sharing best practices on safe environment ministry across the country.
This is the first time the Diocese of Phoenix has organized and hosted the event, which was first held in 2006.
Bishop Nevares receives Faith in Action Award for migrant work
Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo Nevares was presented a Faith in Action Award on Wednesday (April 8) during the 2026 Civic Champion Dinner at the Phoenix Country Club.
The event, hosted by The Arizona Democracy Resilience Network and Mormon Women for Ethical Government Arizona, seeks to recognize faith in action by honoring exceptional individuals and organizations that exemplify what is means to be a civic champion.
New diocesan role established to support wellbeing of priests
The Diocese of Phoenix announced a new role established to support the human, spiritual, physical and emotional wellbeing of priests — the vicar for priestly life and ministry.
After more than 13 years as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish (OLPH) in Scottsdale, Ariz., Fr. Greg Schlarb will step into the position on July 1, and he will work in tandem with Bishop Peter Dai Bui, who currently serves as the vicar for clergy. While Bishop Bui’s role focuses on practical support for priests such as priestly assignments, day-to-day personnel management and support when problems arise, the new role will take on a more proactive and personal approach.
St. Thomas the Apostle constructs top-tier academic building
Bishop John Dolan visited the new construction site of St. Thomas the Apostle (STA) grade school in Phoenix on Tuesday (March 31). The $25 million project will provide a brand-new K-8 academic building — a 76,000 square-foot, three-story structure with a basement. In addition to classrooms, the build will include a cafeteria, theater stage, science lab and collaborative common spaces for group learning and projects.
