The Catholic Sun

Colorado Gov. John W. Hickenlooper declared a state of disaster emergency in response to massive flooding across 15 counties, from south of Colorado Springs to the Wyoming border, caused by several days of heavy rain fall that began Sept. 11.

As military, police and federal investigators searched for answers as to why a lone gunman opened fired Sept. 16 at the Washington Navy Yard, killing 12 people and wounding at least eight more, religious leaders and public officials offered prayers for the victims and their families.

Whether they know it or not, Catholic school students at all 29 elementary and six high schools are now being held to a new learning benchmark known as the Arizona’s Common Core Standards.

Some ingredients remain a baker’s secret, but the most important part of one pie-maker’s recipe for success is clear: it needs faith. Or, to quote the bold black letters in the corner of his custom-made apron: “add Jesus.”

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted installed Dr. Maria Chavira as the new chancellor of the Diocese of Phoenix at a Mass Aug. 20 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. Surrounded by her family, the new chancellor was introduced to diocesan staff.

The Catholic Church has had a profound connection with the concept of higher education in the pursuit of truth, dating back a millennium to the founding of the first universities in Europe.

Fr. Paul Check, the national director of Courage, an apostolate that seeks to minister to those with same-sex attraction, will visit Phoenix Oct. 11 to address members of the Catholic Physicans Guild and clergy.

Students at Bourgade Catholic High School finally have access to one of the oldest buildings on campus — the Hillmann Center— and they have a new hall to go with it. The project also revamped the chapel in a neighboring structure.

Members of a group known as Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona helped organize a legislative summit Sept. 13 at the Arizona State Senate. Eight speakers — including Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares — addressed a crowded hearing room regarding both the costs and the justice of the death penalty.

Both Phoenix bishops formally welcomed priests and religious arriving from other dioceses during a special Mass and reception Sept. 11 at the Diocesan Pastoral...