Brown, Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries CEO, steps down

For nearly 25 years, Gary Brown cared for families during their time of greatest sorrow: the loss of a loved one. He recently ended his tenure as president and chief executive.

Catholics urged to pray for cancellation of ‘black mass’

Fr. John Lankeit, rector of Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix, is urging local Catholics to gather for a 7 p.m. holy hour July 25 in order to pray that a black mass scheduled to take place Sept. 21 in Oklahoma City will be canceled.

Opponents of death penalty pray for crime victims, convicted

A small but vocal group gathered on the grounds of the state capitol July 21 to voice their condemnation of the death penalty and to pray for crime victims and those whom the state plans to execute.

Catholics venerate new St. Kateri statue unveiled on her feast day

Catholics from throughout Arizona respectfully waited their turn to pray in front of a new statue of St. Kateri Tekakwitha immediately following a July 14 Mass at St. Mary's Basilica celebrating her feast day. Many touched her face, which a bout with smallpox disfigured for much of her life. It cleared up shortly after her death.

Brophy senior wins inaugural social entrepreneur program

Fans of ABC's "Shark Tank" which brings entrepreneurs in front of successful loan sharks to take their company to the next level would have been proud of some Phoenix-area teenagers. Nearly two dozen high school students trained with Seed Spot to start a socially conscious business.

BenU at Mesa offers new degree completion award

Benedictine University at Mesa is delivering on its promise to make Catholic education affordable and available via a $10,000 Benedictine Promise Award. Freshmen and sophomores who show academic progress can earn the award which is applicable during their second semester senior year.

Freedom to serve: local Catholics dish out meals for needy during ‘Fortnight’

Freedom and service took on a new dimension for some Catholics on July 4.

Beauty of ‘The Saint John’s Bible’ focus of July 30 talk

Whether it’s a leather-bound, paperback or a Kindle edition, the Bible is probably one of the most widely read books of all time. An edition the Franciscan Renewal Center owns, however, is something most Christians have never beheld. Completed in 2011, the Saint John’s Bible was created completely by hand.

Parents of new priests react with joy to ordination

Men who devote themselves entirely to serving the Church as priests don’t fall from the sky — they come from families.

Three new priests for Phoenix Diocese

Newly ordained priests Grimditch, Kenney and Sperry "consecrated as eternal priests of the new covenant, to preach the Gospel and celebrate the liturgy"