LOCAL NEWS

The teachers hold a variety of roles at St. John XXIII School in Scottsdale but are united in their desire to better integrate science, technology, engineering and math — STEM — across the curriculum.

Roughly 10 groups from the Diocese of Phoenix are among the untold numbers of Catholics making their way to Krakow, Poland.

GLENDALE — In a liturgy packed with rich symbolism and ancient tradition, the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Eparchy of Phoenix celebrated the enthronement of Bishop John Pazak as its fifth bishop.

From a spiritual and practical standpoint, the pilgrimage to Krakow, Poland was already underway even before the sendoff Mass began.

Dcn. Cicero was originally scheduled to be ordained alongside fellow seminarians Dcns. Tim Seavey and Daniel Cruz, but instead spent that day in the hospital, watching the ceremony as it streamed live.

Seven men — five priests and two brothers — stood before the altar. In the culmination of a spiritual journey that took them a little more than a year, one by one they received their new habits and religious names from Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted. Now, as brothers, they are the founding members of the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit.

After 30 years composing hymns and leading music ministry in parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix, Jaime Cortez received prestigious national distinction July 14.

“From the very beginning, our Vincentians see the face of Christ in everyone we serve. It is the foundation of our organization,” said Steve Zabilski, executive director.

Dcn. John Riedel, a decorated Vietnam veteran and beloved Queen of Peace fixture for more than four decades, died June 15. He was 75. “He...