NEWS

Pope Leo XIV's letter marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Americans on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This semiquincentennial marks that defining moment in the history of the United States of America, July 4, 1776, that gave enduring voice to the ideals of liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness, justice and democratic self-government. For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked together to carry these principles forward — through sacrifice, service, innovation and civic participation. This anniversary stands as an invitation not only to celebrate the nation’s remarkable journey, but also to reflect upon the responsibilities that the sons and daughters of this country bear to one another, and to the generations who will inherit the nation that is being shaped today.

For the first time since 2021, the Diocese of Phoenix has established a new territorial parish on the corner of 43rd Avenue and Dobbins Road in Laveen, Ariz. Divine Word Parish will serve one of the fastest-growing communities in the diocese. Effective July 1, 2026, Rev. Bonaface Issaka, SVD, has been appointed Parochial Administrator of the new parish, which became part of the South Mountain Deanery, with its territory taken from St. Martin de Porres Parish. 

The Diocese of Phoenix has signed an official partnership with the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network to deliver Pope Leo XIV’s monthly prayer intentions across all diocesan platforms in both English and Spanish, from The Catholic Sun online and social media to the Sunday TV Mass broadcast on local CW7. In collaboration with Vatican Media, the historic initiative debuts today (July 2), featuring Pope Leo XIV’s July prayer video alongside a personal reflection from Bishop John Dolan. In addition, the diocese will collaborate and help support production for the October edition of The Pope Video, which places an emphasis on mental health awareness.

The University of Mary is expanding its mission of Catholic higher education with the launch of its Graduate School of Theology in downtown Phoenix this fall, establishing a new center for graduate theological formation that will prepare future priests, lay leaders, educators and ministry professionals to serve the Church.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Participation in the Eucharist transforms believers into the Body of Christ and offers a remedy to the divisions affecting families and communities, Pope Leo XIV said during his weekly general audience June 24. In his final general audience until Aug. 5, Pope Leo also encouraged young people to use the downtime of summer vacation to attend Mass, go to confession frequently, reflect on Scripture, go on spiritual retreats and pilgrimages and spend time with loved ones. 

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.

Georgia Cobb had no idea what to expect when she left Phoenix to travel to Nairobi, Kenya, yet she resolved to approach her new...

For the second consecutive year, the Diocese of Phoenix’s Office of Communications team was recognized by their peers from across North America for their outstanding work, creativity and commitment at the annual Catholic Media Conference’s Awards Dinner this past Friday (June 19). The diocesan team was honored with seven national accolades by the Catholic Media Association during the event held at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. "We are absolutely thrilled and deeply humbled to be recognized nationally with seven Catholic Media Awards,” said Brett Meister, who was appointed director of communications for the diocese in March 2022 after a 24-year career as a communications executive for the Harlem Globetrotters.

The Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit, established in the Diocese of Phoenix with the mission to tend to the pastoral and spiritual needs...

NOTE: Christ in Our Neighborhood is a parish-based program consisting of small Christian communities that gather in the home weekly to prayerfully discuss the upcoming Sunday Mass readings. It’s easy to form a community and you can find out more by searching “Christ in Our Neighborhood at the Diocese of Phoenix website, dphx.org. This coming Sunday, we celebrate the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The question the Christ in Our Neighborhood commentary asks us is: In the storms of life, how long do you wait to call on Jesus? Do you try to think your way out of problems or rely on rescue from others before turning to Jesus?