FEATURED

Each year, the Charity and Development Appeal (CDA) raises funds to support more than 70 ministries, charities and organizations throughout the Diocese of Phoenix. The multi-million-dollar appeal, which impacts thousands of lives annually, launched in most parishes throughout the diocese the weekend of Feb. 7-8. This year’s CDA theme is “Faith Lights the Way,” inspired by John 5:16: “So, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The longer I live my faith, the more I am struck by the beauty and power of baptism as a lifelong mission that calls us into who we are. Baptism is more than an entry point into the Church. It is our awakening to a sacred mission that reveals a world far greater than any one person. Yet, in that vastness, God loves each of us uniquely and fully, without exception. This is true for every person, and baptism is our recognition of and commitment to live out this truth! 

From the patient artistry of crafting intricate model ships and finding the best pho spots in town, to sharing the role his fisherman father and the Blessed Virgin Mary played in the choosing of his new episcopal coat of arms — tune in to discover some of Bishop-elect Peter Dai Bui’s favorite things. In “Building Ships and Shooting Hoops,” the final video of a four-part series on getting to know Bishop-elect Bui, get the inside look on how he spends his free time and what moves the heart of the soon-to-be new auxiliary bishop.

More than 110 representatives of the Diocese of Phoenix gathered for a synod assembly on Saturday (Feb. 14) to discern the report summarizing the findings of the Synod of Young Adults, followed by a special Mass officially closing the Synod of Young Adults on Sunday (Feb. 15). The synod began last April with a day-long training for young adult leaders who helped facilitate peer-led listening sessions from mid-August through the end of November. Young adults — both active Catholics and those who are less affiliated or unaffiliated with the Church — were invited to share their concerns, insights and experiences on topics such as relationships, family life and personal involvement in the life of the Church.

Although Deacon Simon Ortiz’s summer assignment ended at St. Mary’s Parish in Chandler, Ariz., parishioners are still requesting him to baptize their children. Ramona Murga, office supervisor of St. Mary’s, has to politely respond that he is now back in seminary, preparing for his priestly ordination.  The culturally diverse community hosts a yearly fundraiser for the seminarians and partakes in adopt-a-seminarian. So when Deacon Ortiz arrived at the start of the summer, they welcomed him with open arms.  Deacon Ortiz went right to work, thankful he was able to practice his Spanish, a real blessing to the roughly 40-percent of the parish community who are Spanish speakers. His ability to connect with any parishioner who walked through the doors made him well-loved among the people. 

Peter Dai Bui, who as a young boy escaped religious and political oppression in his native Vietnam following the country’s fall to Communism, was installed Tuesday (Feb. 17) as the second auxiliary bishop in the 56-year history of the Diocese of Phoenix in a joyful ceremony witnessed by all but two of his large family who emigrated with him. Bui was ordained during a Mass celebrated by Bishop John Dolan before around 2,000 worshippers, including clergy, seminarians, diocesan officials, dignitaries and laity at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Avondale, Ariz. There were more than 20 bishops and cardinals, over 200 priests and over 80 religious in attendance.

Auxiliary Bishop Peter Dai Bui was ordained at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Avondale, Ariz., on Tuesday (Feb. 17). Click below to hear Bishop John Dolan’s homily, the remarks of Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, and the first public remarks of Auxiliary Bishop Bui, which took place at the Mass.

The University of Mary, in partnership with the Diocese of Phoenix, announced the launch of the Photina Center for Catholic Counseling, a new initiative dedicated to forming mental health professionals who are clinically trained and rooted in Catholic teaching on the dignity of the human person. This collaboration builds on the University of Mary's existing Master of Science in Counseling program, which is fully online, available nationwide and grounded in the university’s authentic Catholic identity and commitment to faith-filled formation.  Located in downtown Phoenix, mere steps from the Diocesan Pastoral Center, the Photina Center will serve as an in-person hub for select educational offerings, professional development and community resources. 

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. 

The Sacred Art Gallery in Mesa, Ariz., which embodies the mission to inspire a resurgence of meaningful art that calls the viewer to a higher, heavenly reality, hosted a breakfast and kickoff event on Saturday (Feb. 21) to celebrate the grand opening of the National Sacred Art Prize Exhibition, which the gallery will host through March 21.  Founded by The Catholic Art Institute in 2020, Sacred Art Prize is a national competition that seeks to “recognize excellence in Catholic sacred art” through awarding and promoting work that “demonstrates a mastery of craftsmanship” and depicts “sacred subject matter with a profound theological understanding,” according to their website.