The Catholic Sun

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- By supporting the preservation, restoration and exhibition of art, especially religious art, the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums share beauty that can touch all people and build bridges between them, Pope Francis said. The pope met Nov. 9 with about 300 members of the patrons' group -- which started in the United States and continues to have a majority of its members in North America -- as they celebrated the organization's 40th anniversary.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis joined leaders of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in praying for peace in Israel and Palestine, "sharing the great sorrow of the mother church of Jerusalem." "We are sadly witnessing a tragedy unfolding in the very places where the Lord lived, where he taught us through his humanity to love, to forgive and to do good to all," the pope said Nov. 9. "And, instead, we see them torn apart by tremendous suffering that is striking the innocent most of all, so many innocent people dead."

Approaching the one-year anniversary of opening the first-ever Office of Mental Health Ministry in the Diocese of Phoenix, Thursday marked another big step in...

Catholic Education Arizona received two prestigious awards from the Phoenix Business Journal this week in recognition of its exceptional work in bringing affordable education...

Over 150 people representing nearly 80 parishes from across the Diocese of Phoenix attended the first-ever Appreciation Mass and Luncheon for parish receptionists on Tuesday at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in downtown Phoenix.  Hosted by Bishop John Dolan, the event was held to thank the people who serve their parishes and are often the first encounter for those reaching out to their local Catholic church seeking information or spiritual guidance.

A sampling of attendance at recent youth ministry events indicates participation across the Diocese of Phoenix has risen in the past year as parishes emphasize relationship-building and enjoy full activity schedules. A trend away from personal engagement can hamper one’s growth in his or her faith, according to Fr. John Ehrich, pastor of St. Thomas More in Glendale.“ The culture really lacks a lot of (community-building). Teens don’t know what they’re missing. There is this huge deficit in their ability to be in relationship with others. If you can’t be in relationship with others, it’s going to be difficult to be in relationship with God.

AVONDALE, Ariz. --- St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, whose growth has vaulted it into one of the largest in the Diocese of Phoenix, celebrated 100 years as a Catholic community Sunday. Bishop John P. Dolan presided as the guest celebrant at 12:30 Mass, followed by a large outdoor party capping a day of festivities that began with a pancake breakfast hosted by Boy Scout Troop 64.

At the first-ever consecrated life Octoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Xavier College Prep, Bishop John P. Dolan honored 14 religious sisters for their...

Scottsdale, Ariz. — Notre Dame Preparatory High School is pleased to announce the hiring of Mike Mahon as its new athletic director. With more...

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- God seeks and loves those who are humble because it allows him to be a part of their lives, Pope Francis said. "This is Christian humility, which is not simply one virtue among others, but the basic disposition of life: believing ourselves to be in need of God, making room for him and putting all our trust in him," the pope said in his homily Nov. 3.