BRIEFS

This coming Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. The question in the Christ in Our Neighborhood reflection asks us: How are you responding to the Great Commission to go out and make disciples? For most of us, our primary mission field is our home with our families, where parents are called to be the first teachers of their children and to foster a home environment that is characterized by “tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity and disinterested service (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2223).”

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal Ministry, an evangelistic ministry in the Diocese of Phoenix, is still taking registrations for their yearly conference to be held May 24-25 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Phoenix. New to the conference this year is a first-ever youth track for 6th through 12th graders, being conducted side-by-side with the adult charismatic group.

“What a great day this is,” said Paul Mulligan, president and CEO of Catholic Charities Community Services as he greeted everyone at the grand...

Members of the 2024 graduating class at Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix, were recently awarded more than $20 million in scholarships from universities, nonprofits,...

Bishop John Dolan welcomed and thanked donors at the annual Shepherd’s Circle Mass and Brunch on Sunday morning at Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix.  Shepherd’s Circle is a group of more than 600 families who donate $5,000 or more annually to support any combination of diocesan initiatives, including the Charity and Development Appeal, the Together Let Us Go Forth – Juntos Sigamos Adelante Campaign, Priests for Our Future, Catholic School Support 365, Mental Health Ministry and the weekly televised Mass.

My heart is drawn to the profound significance of the Easter season—a time to immerse oneself in the beauty of the sacraments, a time for spiritual renewal and a time to uplift those embarking on their own sacramental journeys. It is during this period that we, as a faith community, come together to reflect on the promises made, the names bestowed, and the divine missions entrusted to us.

Organized by the Office of Child and Youth Protection and Safe Environment, the Diocese of Phoenix held a special rosary and Mass today at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in downtown Phoenix to honor Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Following Mass, which was celebrated by Fr. Nelson Libera, a special pinwheel celebration was held in the courtyard near St. Mary's Basilica. A pinwheel is an uplifting symbol of childhood, and it represents all our efforts to ensure a healthy and safe environment of children in our community.

On Friday, Fr. Estevan Wetzel was sworn in as a captain for the Army National Guard at St. John Paul II High School in Avondale, Ariz., where he currently serves as chaplain. As the school year draws to a close, Fr. Wetzel will head to Fort Jackson, S.C. for three months of basic training. Moved by the suffering of a serviceman who was dealing with the loss of two fellow servicemen to suicide, Fr. Wetzel wondered who would minister to those serving in the military. “It requires a priest that is up to the task and has the requirements,” he said.

In light of the Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling on Tuesday, upholding Arizona’s pre-Roe abortion ban in the state of Arizona, the Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference (ACC) released a statement. The Arizona Catholic Conference is the public policy agency for the Diocese of Gallup, the Diocese of Phoenix, and the Diocese of Tucson. Bishops from each of these dioceses comprise the Board of Directors of the ACC.

On Tuesday at morning,  Sr.Raphael Quinn, I.B.V.M. was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal in recognition for her faithful service to the Church in Catholic Education. The presentation took place at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix following Mass that was celebrated by Bishop John Dolan. She has more than 60 years in education, 51 years as the principal of St. Simon and Jude Catholic School.