NEWS

In some ways, ordination hasn’t changed Dcn. Tony Smith. He still continues his role as master of ceremonies for the weekly televised Mass from Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral and other key liturgies such as the Easter vigil.

The gift of Catholic education is a dream for many parents. The annual Night of Hope helps make that dream a reality, and it does it with a subtle blend of faith and flair by building support for the nearly 14,000 students who attend Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix.

SCOTTSDALE — Growing up in a strict German Lutheran family, Fr. Doug Lorig got the impression that God was someone angry. Paradoxically, amid messages of condemnation and wrath, he was told that God is love.

Raised with strong Catholic values, Dcn. Marvin Silva learned much about the faith from his family and through Catholic elementary school in his native city of Managua, Nicaragua.

In uniform, Officer James Sinohui is concerned not just for the law, but for the souls of those he serves. Off duty, a new family business has people drinking Universal Cup Coffee.

AVONDALE — Replenishing the ranks of those in religious service remains a regular need within the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Phoenix is no different. For the second straight year, the Office of Consecrated Life hosted a day of fun and activities to give children a look at service through the eyes of those who know it best — members of religious orders now in service.

Brought up in the Church since he was a little boy, Dcn. Gary Scott began volunteering as an altar server, lector and cantor. Born and raised in Globe, he credits his parents, Alan and Freda, his sister, Ann, as well as his grandparents and aunts for an enriching family life with faith at its core.

The plan, adopted by a vote of 199-4 with two abstentions, will govern the work of the conference and its committees from 2017 through 2020.

Rob Curtis, who found his calling in lay ecclesial ministry as an intern at the All Saints Catholic Newman Center serving Arizona State University 15 years ago, is headed back to college as a campus minister.

When he was given his first assignment, Dcn. Christopher Giannola dove into his work taking on not one, but three northern Arizona Catholic communities: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Seligman, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Williams, and St. Anne Mission, Ask Fork.