Our Lady of Mount Carmel School celebrates 80 years

By
The Catholic Sun
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On the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Bishop John Dolan took part in a special celebration for the 80th Anniversary of Our Lady of Mt.  Carmel (OLMC) Catholic School in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday.   The morning began with an all-school Mass, followed by a Eucharist Procession with the students and a tour of the school campus.  Bishop Dolan was joined for Mass by Fr. Robert Aliunzi and Fr. Paul Lokunume, the pastor and parochial vicar at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish.

Founded in 1945, the school began with 80 students in the basement of the Newman Center near the Arizona State University campus. It quickly outgrew the space, so in 1956 when long time pastor Fr. Daniel McCready was gifted 10 acres of land on Rural Road in Tempe, he built the school where it stands today.  They have expanded over the years, adding classrooms and facilities to accommodate the increasing enrollment. Led by principal Dr. Kelly Shewbridge, the school now has more than 530 students in grades kindergarten through 8th.  OLMC has developed a robust student support system to be able to serve the needs of students with a wide range of academic abilities.

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Pope Leo calls for ceasefire in Middle East, special prayers for Lebanon

By
Catholic News Service
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By Carol Glatz

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Marking the two weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched their first attacks on Iran and since the Israeli military resumed strikes in Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire.

“On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East, and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: cease fire!” he said March 15.

“For two weeks now, the people of the Middle East have been suffering the horrific violence of war,” the pope said. “Thousands of innocent people have been killed, and countless others have been forced to flee their homes. I renew my prayerful closeness to all who have lost loved ones in the attacks, which have struck schools, hospitals and residential areas.”

“The situation in Lebanon is a cause for great concern,” he added. “I hope that avenues for dialogue will emerge to support the country’s authorities in implementing lasting solutions to the serious crisis currently unfolding, for the common good of all the Lebanese people.”

The next day, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called Pope Leo about the “alarming developments in the conflict in the Middle East and the living conditions of the Palestinian people,” according to a communique released by the Vatican press office.

“During the conversation, the Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to achieving peace through political and diplomatic dialogue, as well as through full respect for international law,” the press office said.

Christ in our Neighborhood: Divine Mercy Sunday (Cycle A)

By
Joyce Coronel
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NOTE: Christ in Our Neighborhood is a parish-based program consisting of small Christian communities that gather in the home weekly to prayerfully discuss the upcoming Sunday Mass readings. It’s easy to form a community and you can find out more by searching “Christ in Our Neighborhood at the Diocese of Phoenix website, dphx.org.

This coming Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy. The question the Christ in Our Neighborhood Commentary asks us is: Think of a time you experienced Jesus’ peace. How do you share that peace that was given to you?

As we’ll hear in the Gospel from John this coming Sunday, Jesus’ first gift to the Apostles when He greets them after the resurrection is the gift of peace. After sharing His peace with them, He says He is sending them out and gives them the Holy Spirit. He then grants them — and by extension, their successors — the authority to forgive sins in His name.

The peace that we experience after humbling ourselves and confessing our sins is beyond the temporary, empty promises the world offers. God promises us life in Him. His gift of mercy restores us, heals us and frees us. If we’ve fallen into serious sin, the forgiveness we encounter brings us back into a state of grace.

As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, we do well to recall the words of Our Lord to St. Faustina: “When a soul approaches Me with trust, I fill it with such an abundance of graces that it cannot contain them within itself but radiates them to other souls. (St. Faustina’s Diary, #1074.)

The peace we find in God’s mercy should flow from us toward everyone we encounter.

If you haven’t joined a Christ in Our Neighborhood small group yet, perhaps you are being called to start one yourself. It’s easy! Check out our website today to find out more: dphx.org/Christ-in-our-neighborhood. 

Watch the video of the weekly podcast segment featuring Christ in Our Neighborhood with Bishop Dolan by clicking HERE.

To sign up for our weekly Christ in Our Neighborhood newsletter that has everything you need for your next meeting, visit: https://phoenixdiocese.flocknote.com/CION

Christ in our Neighborhood: Easter Sunday (Cycle A)

By
Joyce Coronel
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NOTE: Christ in Our Neighborhood is a parish-based program consisting of small Christian communities that gather in the home weekly to prayerfully discuss the upcoming Sunday Mass readings. It’s easy to form a community and you can find out more by searching “Christ in Our Neighborhood at the Diocese of Phoenix website, dphx.org.

This coming Sunday, we celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord. The question the Christ in Our Neighborhood Commentary asks us is: How has Christ’s resurrection changed your life?

The waiting is over. Easter is here! Our Lenten fasting has come to an end and we rejoice in Christ’s resurrection from the dead.

Or do we?

As a young woman, I heard a Dominican priest give a powerful homily one sunny Easter morning. He said something like, “if you didn’t really enter into the spirit of Lent this year, this morning’s celebration may ring a bit hollow for you.” That has stayed with me down through the years.

It is only by entering into austerity, that “dry and weary land” of Lent, that we can truly feast. No cross, no crown, as they say.

When we face the truth of our own sinfulness and need for redemption, our need to be saved by the mercy of God, we realize the magnitude of what Christ did for us in entering into our humanity and dying a shameful death so that we could one day be with Him in Paradise.

His death on the cross and resurrection breaks down prison walls: addiction, depression, loneliness, fear, shame and despair. He’s victorious over all that and invites us into a new life of freedom.

How has Christ’s resurrection changed our life? It changes everything — if we let it.

If you haven’t joined a Christ in Our Neighborhood small group yet, perhaps you are being called to start one yourself. It’s easy! Check out our website today to find out more: dphx.org/Christ-in-our-neighborhood. 

Watch the video of the weekly podcast segment featuring Christ in Our Neighborhood with Bishop Dolan by clicking HERE.

To sign up for our weekly Christ in Our Neighborhood newsletter that has everything you need for your next meeting, visit: https://phoenixdiocese.flocknote.com/CION

Christ in our Neighborhood: Palm Sunday (Cycle A)

By
Joyce Coronel
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NOTE: Christ in Our Neighborhood is a parish-based program consisting of small Christian communities that gather in the home weekly to prayerfully discuss the upcoming Sunday Mass readings. It’s easy to form a community and you can find out more by searching “Christ in Our Neighborhood at the Diocese of Phoenix website, dphx.org.

This coming Sunday, we mark Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. The question the Christ in Our Neighborhood Commentary asks us is: How has my Lenten season given me hope?

Easter is just on the horizon and all around us, the signs of spring are evident, particularly in the desert. It calls to mind the words of Isaiah that “the desert and the parched land will rejoice on that day (Isaiah 35:1) when after a long period of desolation and suffering, the earth bursts forth in bloom. Jesus’ death on the cross demonstrates His authority and power over sin and death. His resurrection from the dead gives us hope. He came to rescue us sinners and even in the midst of our sins, He died for us. Think about that for a moment: The King of the universe came to save us, not because we deserved it, but because His mercy is just that deep.

Lent that is well observed leaves us feeling hopeful that in spite of our failures, God loves us. “A broken and humbled heart, O God, You will not scorn (Ps. 51:17).” Our hope is in Him.

If you haven’t joined a Christ in Our Neighborhood small group yet, perhaps you are being called to start one yourself. It’s easy! Check out our website today to find out more: dphx.org/Christ-in-our-neighborhood. 

Watch the video of the weekly podcast segment featuring Christ in Our Neighborhood with Bishop Dolan by clicking HERE.

To sign up for our weekly Christ in Our Neighborhood newsletter that has everything you need for your next meeting, visit: https://phoenixdiocese.flocknote.com/CION

Christ in our Neighborhood: Fifth Sunday of Lent (Cycle A)

By
Joyce Coronel
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NOTE: Christ in Our Neighborhood is a parish-based program consisting of small Christian communities that gather in the home weekly to prayerfully discuss the upcoming Sunday Mass readings. It’s easy to form a community and you can find out more by searching “Christ in Our Neighborhood at the Diocese of Phoenix website, dphx.org.

This coming Sunday, we mark the Fifth Sunday of Lent. The question the Christ in Our Neighborhood Commentary asks us is: How do I express my belief that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?

The amazing story of the raising of Lazarus comes to us as we edge closer to Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, the most solemn time of the liturgical year.

Picture yourself in the scene from this Sunday’s Gospel: Martha and Mary are utterly heartbroken by the loss of their brother Lazarus, and many friends have come to comfort them in their sorrow. When Martha sees Jesus, she expresses her deep faith that Jesus has the power over life and death. She trusts that He is sovereign over all things, even death.

And Jesus does not disappoint.

How about us? Do we have that kind of trust in God’s power to heal, to restore, to save? Have we experienced His resurrection power in our lives? Ask God today to give you a greater awareness of His providence and unending love.

If you haven’t joined a Christ in Our Neighborhood small group yet, perhaps you are being called to start one yourself. It’s easy! Check out our website today to find out more: dphx.org/Christ-in-our-neighborhood. 

Watch the video of the weekly podcast segment featuring Christ in Our Neighborhood with Bishop Dolan by clicking HERE.

To sign up for our weekly Christ in Our Neighborhood newsletter that has everything you need for your next meeting, visit: https://phoenixdiocese.flocknote.com/CION

In remembrance of those individuals served by Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Homes in the month of February

By
The Catholic Sun
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In remembrance of those individuals served by Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Homes in February 2026

In remembrance of those individuals served by Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Homes in the month of January

By
The Catholic Sun
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In remembrance of those individuals served by Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Homes in January 2026

Safeway and Albertsons join SVdP’s Feeding Our Neighbors Together effort to feed Arizonans in needSafeway and Albertsons join SVdP’s Feeding Our Neighbors Together effort to feed Arizonans in need

By
The Catholic Sun
-

The grocer will support the statewide food drive this March in partnership with Arizona’s Family and iHeart Radio

This March, St. Vincent de Paul is proud to partner with Albertsons and Safeway, Arizona’s Family (3TV and CBS 5) and iHeart radio to fight hunger through its statewide food drive, Feeding Our Neighbors Together, helping ensure families across Arizona have reliable access to food.

The need for food assistance across Arizona has seen a shocking increase:
  • Over 1 million people in Arizona face food insecurity. According to Feeding America, 1 in 7 adults occasionally or constantly lack access to enough food, and 1 in 5 children experience hunger.
  • Demand continues to rise. Since 2020, visits to Arizona food banks have increased by more than 33% — growing from 450,000 people per month to more than 600,000 today.
Throughout the month of March, supporters can:
  • Donate at the PIN pad when checking out at your local Safeway and Albertsons grocery store
  • Donate nonperishable goods: SVdP donation boxes can be found at all Safeway and Albertsons locations.
  • Donate online by visiting: HELPAZ.ORG
Where your support goes:
  • Donations made through this campaign directly support St. Vincent de Paul’s hunger relief programs and partner community food pantries across the state including central and northern Arizona, Tucson, Yuma, Flagstaff and everywhere in between.
SVdP addresses food insecurity by:
  • Delivering food boxes to families and individuals through 80+ community food pantries in central and northern Arizona
  • Preparing and serving 5,000 hot meals every day through its four charity dining rooms, shelters, and more than 30 community partners

Whether it’s a family picking up groceries from a neighborhood pantry or someone receiving a warm meal at one of our dining rooms, your support helps provide food to neighbors in need.

Our media partners: 

During the month of March, Arizona’s Family and iHeart Radio have partnered with SVdP and Safeway Albertsons to share about the statewide Feeding Our Neighbors Together food drive.

Tune in to Arizona’s Family 3TV and CBS 5 to watch and listen on iHeart Radio Phoenix stations, including 99.9 KESZ , 102.5 KNIX, 104.7 KZZP, 95.5 KYOT, 96.9 KMXP, News Talk 550 KFYI, and in Tucson on 92.9 KHUD, 97.1 KMMA, NewsTalk 790 KNST, 98.3 KOHT, 93.7 KRQQ, and Fox Sports 1450 KTZR.

More about Feeding Our Neighbors Together: 

St. Vincent de Paul launched its statewide food drive, Feeding Our Neighbors Together, in October 2025 with the goal to raise $2.5 million more and collect 500,000 pounds of additional food to help fight hunger across Arizona. Achieving this goal will allow SVdP to deliver an additional 120,000 food boxes annually, on top of the 189,000 food boxes it already provides each year.

SVdP believes hunger is a challenge that can be solved through collective action. The organization invites the community to join this effort alongside community partners.

Catholic Church in Arizona hosts regional gathering, ‘Witness to Hope: Responding to Mass Deportations’

By
The Catholic Sun
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The Diocese of Phoenix, in partnership with the Hope Border Institute (HOPE) of El Paso, Texas, and the Center for Migration Studies (CMS) of New York, brought together faith leaders, diocesan staff, migrant advocates and community leaders from across Arizona and the Southwest for a regional gathering entitled, “Witness to Hope: Responding to Mass Deportations.” The convening on immigration took place Thursday (March 12) at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in downtown Phoenix. 

The day-long event included workshops and strategy sessions addressing Catholic teaching on immigration, the current policy landscape and responding to mass deportations, including guidance on sensitive locations, communications and accompaniment of affected families. Bishop John Dolan, Auxiliary Bishop Peter Dai Bui and Bishop John Wester of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe were in attendance.  

Supported by the Diocese of Tucson and the Kino Border Initiative, the event was co-sponsored by Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., Catholic Health Association, Jesuit Refugee Service-USA and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 

During the gathering, Bishop Dolan underscored the Church’s moral responsibility to welcome and defend migrants and refugees. 

“While our nation’s immigration system is badly broken and desperately in need of repair … any approach that villainizes those in the midst of humanitarian crises is inconsistent with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said. “Meeting in person with those fleeing death, starvation, extreme poverty, persecution or great fear is almost always an intense and powerful encounter with the wounded Christ Himself.” 

Fr. Andres Arango, vicar for Human Dignity for the Diocese of Phoenix, also spoke.  

“2025 was a Jubilee year, and one of the hopes that Pope Francis placed on us in his time was the love for migrants. With the invitation of Pope Francis, we continue into this new year, 2026. [Pope Francis] is not here, but we are here,” Fr. Arango said. 

“The Diocese of Phoenix organized this regional gathering to let us know that it is possible to open doors and be part of the solution,” he continued. “These are very difficult issues, but together we can reflect and find solutions for a better society, where justice and opportunity shine.  

“There are many people deprived of a document but never deprived of dignity.” 

The gathering took place as part of the Catholic Immigration Prophetic Action Project (Catholic IMMpact), a national initiative organized by HOPE and CMS to assist the Catholic Church in organizing a response on behalf of migrants and refugees living in fear of deportation. Thursday’s event was the second Catholic IMMpact regional gathering, following an event in Providence, R.I., which took place in December. 

While many immigrants have been impacted by changes to immigration policies and enforcement efforts, the most vulnerable population in the region comprises the nearly 2.7 million persons without documents in Arizona (269,500), California (2.3 million) and New Mexico (60,500), including children. According to CMS estimates, mass deportations in this region could leave nearly 700,000 U.S. citizen children without both of their parents.  

“By grounding the conversation in data, solid policy analysis and community-led initiatives, the Hope Border Institute and the Center for Migration Studies are working to support local dioceses and bishops to develop a robust pastoral response, including parish preparedness and planning, pastoral care and public witness,” said Sofia Lozano Pallares, assistant director of Community Engagement for HOPE and Catholic IMMpact community engagement specialist.  

“The regional gathering in Phoenix reflects the moral imperative to respond to mass deportations,” said Kevin Appleby, senior fellow for Policy & Communications at the Center for Migration Studies of New York. “We’re grateful to the Diocese of Phoenix and the Diocese of Tucson for their leadership in making this event happen.  

“The Center for Migration Studies and the Hope Border Institute believe now more than ever there is a need for strong local leadership in responding to the real threat of mass deportations in our local Church,” he continued, “and we are committed to advancing this critical work across the country.” 

 

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