The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix ::

Local News November 2005

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Bishop Releases Statement on Vatican Document

(Nov 29)-I welcome the Instruction of the Holy See on the admission of men with deeply-rooted homosexual tendencies to seminaries and to Holy Orders.

The Instruction follows the constant teaching of the Church on the priesthood and on the qualities needed for those applying to the seminary. It begins by highlighting the emotional maturity needed for those men whom God calls to Holy Orders. Such maturity makes it possible for them to exercise a true sense of spiritual fatherhood.

A clear and necessary distinction is drawn between homosexual tendencies and homosexual acts. Homosexual acts, like all sexual acts outside of marriage, are gravely sinful. But homosexual tendencies are not at all sinful, whether they are deeply rooted or transitory. For this reason, the document rightly insists that persons with homosexual tendencies always be treated with respect in recognition of their dignity as children of God.

The discernment of the vocation of men who apply for the seminary is a serious duty that falls on the shoulders of bishops and religious superiors. They must consider whether candidates have the human, spiritual, pastoral and intellectual qualities needed to serve happily and faithfully as a priest. This instruction makes it clear that men should not be accepted in the seminary who have profoundly deep-rooted homosexual tendencies.

The Church expects her priests and seminarians to be men who are spiritually and emotionally mature, able to give of themselves in service of Christ and others, able to hand on the teachings of the Church faithfully, and able to live a chaste life of celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Rest in Peace Father Mathew Mampara

(Nov 29)-The Diocese received word this morning that Mathew Mampara died last night, Monday, November 28, about 8:30 p.m. Phoenix time. Mathew was in India undergoing treatment for brain cancer. He fought the good fight, and his communication with me and my office was always filled with a hope that was tempered by a realistic assessment of what was happening to his physical health. His spiritual life sustained him during these last months as his focus shifted however subtly away from life in this world to eternal happiness with God.

Mathew was a good and faithful priest who served well the people of the Diocese of Phoenix. Perhaps some of his most satisfying ministry took place in Wickenburg at St. Anthony of Padua parish. He was considered to be an outstanding preacher. That he would memorize the Gospel passage for that particular Mass captured the interest of the congregation in such a way that they listened to his proclamation of the Word with great attention.

Mathew's niece, Anna Mampara, called from New Jersey to let us know about her uncle's death. Mathew was quite close to Anna's father, his brother George. George went to India a while back in order to be with his brother.

Mathew's funeral and burial will be in India, although the arrangements have yet to be made. Letters and cards of condolence may be sent to Mathew's brother George in New Jersey.

Mr. George Mampara
17 Sandburg Court
Teaneck, New Jersey 07666

Let us keep Mathew in our prayers - in thanksgiving for his life and service as a priest and that he may now enjoy the eternal rest provided for him by the Father.

In the peace of Christ,

Tom Zurcher, CSC

Msgr. Ryle Fund Presents "Genius" Lecture Series

Robert Greenstein

(Nov 29)-The Msgr. Ryle Fund of the Catholic Community Foundation is sponsoring a lecture series at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. The series features three recipients of the MacArthur Foundation "Genius Awards" speaking on issues central to Catholic Social Teaching: power, budgets and class. The first of three lectures will be December 8. The lecture will be presented by Robert Greenstein, the Washington based director of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. He is an expert on federal and state fiscal policy, and will discuss the impact of the recent hurricanes and the war in Iraq on the federal budget and the consequences for low and middle income persons. <download registration form>

Father Mitchell Receives Presidential Citation

Father Bill Mitchell

(Nov 28) Our own Father William Mitchell is having one of those days that he will never forget! This afternoon, President Bush will present Father Bill a special award right after Air Force One lands at Sky Harbor airport. Look for all the TV newscasts and local papers to have the highlights of this wonderful honor. Father Bill is being recognized for his work with Project Challenge, a program sponsored by the Arizona National Guard which helps high school dropouts who have a desire to succeed. As founding pastor of Holy Cross Parish, Father BiIl may be retired, but obviously he hasn't stopped working!! CONGRATULATIONS TO FATHER BILL MITCHELL!!!

St Louis the King Collects Socks for Homeless

Principal Daigle deluged with donated socks

(Nov 23) As the weather started to cool, finally, and thoughts turned toward the warm fires and warm hearts of the holiday season, St. Louis the King Catholic School in Glendale turned its attention to those less fortunate who find themselves having to brave the colder temperatures with little to keep them warm. In honor of Principal’s Day, students at St. Louis the King held their annual sock drive, expanding the drive this year to include collecting socks outside of the Wal-Mart Superstore at 35th Avenue and Bethany Home Road on November 12 and 13. After Morning Prayer on Principal’s Day, November 17, the school’s 250 students proudly presented Jane Daigle, the school’s Principal, with 1,750 pairs of socks. One week later, Ms. Daigle presented the socks to Judi Messer from Healthcare for the Homeless, an organization that provides an integrated system of health care services throughout Maricopa County for homeless individuals and families. Ms. Messer expressed her appreciation and explained to the children that people use the socks not only to keep their feet warm, but as mittens and bandages as well. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the students also donated 10 boxes of food to St. Vincent De Paul.

Excellence Award to St Maria Gorreti Teacher

Pam Bardet

(Nov 23) Pam Bardet, a Kindergarten teacher at St Maria Goretti recently received the Excellence in Education award from KEZ radio and Rio Salado College. Ms. Bardet was selected as the Excellence in Education award recipient for the month of November after being nominated by students and parents.
The award goes to teachers who are excellent at their profession and have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in their community. Her letters of nomination describe her as a person who loves her job and who truly loves each of her students in her classroom for who they are as individuals. Ms Bardet has been teaching kindergarten for five years at St Maria Goretti.
If you would like to nominate your teacher, nominations for the monthly award are being accepted until May 4, 2006. <click here> to take you to the KEZ nomination web page.

Catholic school scholarship funds down
Arizona Republic -Phoenix, AZ Nov 23

OFFICIAL STATEMENT RE. MSGR. DALE FUSHEK

(Nov 21)—Bishop Thomas Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix learned today that the Maricopa county Attorney's office has filed misdemeanor charges against Msgr. Dale Fushek. The Bishop is saddened by the pain that is involved in these accusations and prays for healing. The Diocese will continue to cooperate with the County Attorney's office in this matter. Msgr. Fushek remains on paid administrative leave.

Bishop Olmsted continues to pray for Msgr. Fushek and his family, for those who bring these charges against him, and for the people of St. Timothy Parish. In a special way he prays that our legal system, which presumes a person is innocent until proven guilty, will lead to a just conclusion in this case.

Our Faith calls us to seek out the truth and to act with mercy and justice. These principles serve as a guide for the Bishop and the Diocese in a compassionate care for everyone involved.

A Thanksgiving Tradition

THE BLUE MASS

Gives Thanks for our Law Enforcement, Fire and

Emergency Medical Crews

(Nov 21)—The Annual Blue Mass takes place this year at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave. on Tuesday, November 22, at 10:00 a.m. and will be celebrated by Bishop Thomas Olmsted.

This longtime tradition started by the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix gives the community a chance to say thank you and honor those brave men and women who protect us everyday.

The Phoenix Police Department Honor Chorus will provide the music, and honor guards and speakers will unite together in faith and service.

Bishop Olmsted noted that besides this being a time of recognition, prayer and support, the uniformed presence of staff is a good public reminder of the sacrifices made and the risks taken to serve others.

The Patron Angel of law enforcement is St. Michael the Archangel, who is known as the protector of the Church from the time of the Apostles. The BLUE MASS will allow all of us to show gratitude and offer prayers for those on earth who allow us to feel protected in our daily lives. This is why we honor them with the liturgy of the Eucharist.

For more information: Please contact Teri Denman
(602) 354-2112 or tdenman@diocesephoenix.org

Fr. Paul LeBrun Convicted of 6 Counts of Sexual Abuse Against Minors

(Nov 17)-The Diocese of Phoenix has learned today of the conviction of Fr. Paul LeBrun on six counts in the sexual abuse of minors. The legal process has been a long and arduous journey for all that have been involved in this case. We hope and pray that the conclusion of this trial will help bring closure, healing and reconciliation to all that were involved.
The Diocese of Phoenix reaffirms its policy of support and assistance to civil authorities in the investigation and prosecution of cases of this kind. We continue to encourage any person who has been the victim of abuse to bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate authorities.
Bishop Olmsted encourages everyone to keep all that were involved in this matter in their prayers.

Read related story on azcentral.com

Second Collection This Weekend to Help End Poverty Through the CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Zahra Ismael and the Somali Association of Arizona Women's Support Group were awarded CCFHD grants to work towards opening CAFE SOMALIA on Mill Ave

(November 15) There will be a second collection this weekend for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.Our local Catholic Social Service's Office of Peace and Justice receives contributions from the Catholic Campaign For Human Development to fund low income self-help projects within our Diocese. Just one example is the Cafe Somalia Project.
                          Zahra Ismael, was a registered nurse in Somalia and her husband was a doctor. But, because of fierce fighting in their country, they ended up living in a refugee camp with their four children for ten years. In 2000, they were able to flee to Phoenix.
                        Many difficulties face Somali refugees and even though Zahra and her husband were highly educated, their degrees and licensing were not recognized in the U.S. So, many educated Somali’s have to take jobs which are well below their capabilities. Zahra works in an assisted living facility in the west valley and her husband is a social worker. Zahra also volunteers with the Women's Support Group for Somali women helping support with her time and talents. Their dream is to support themselves by cooperatively owning and operating a for-profit restaurant they want to call Cafe Somalia. They would like to locate the proposed restaurant on Mill Ave. in Tempe because of the internationally diverse student population in the university area. Currently, there is no other Somali restaurant in the Valley.
                        Thanks to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, their project received a $10,000 grant for a feasibility study in 2003/2004 and a $6,490 grant the following year to develop a business plan. They have completed both of these projects and are now applying for two more grants in hopes of finally opening making their dream a reality. This is just one of many stories of how our local Office of Peace and Justice is using funds from your Catholic Campaign for Human Development Second Collections to directly address the root causes of poverty in our country and help fund self-help projects like Cafe Somalia

Whether it's starting Café Somalia or helping chicken farmers and poultry workers in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia fight for better working conditions, supporting a Chicago neighborhood-development program to rebuild schools and combat gang activity, or helping airport workers earn a living wage in Los Angeles, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is helping residents of America's forgotten state break free from poverty.
Since 1970 when it was established by the U.S. Catholic bishops, CCHD has assisted people to rise out of poverty through empowerment programs that foster self-sufficiency. Through private donations and annual parish collections, CCHD has offered more than $270 million in support to nearly 4,000 self-help projects developed by grassroots groups of poor people in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each year CCHD distributes national grants to more than 300 community-based projects that improve neighborhoods, educate children, create jobs and more. In addition, hundreds of smaller projects are funded through the 25% share of the annual CCHD collection retained by dioceses. These projects have helped low-income people to change their lives by creating opportunity where none existed before and providing the means for poor people to find solutions to their community's problems. Please give as much as you feel you can in this weekends’ second collection.

Two Loreto Sisters Celebrate Milestone Jubilees

Bishop Olmsted with Sr. Anna Bailey, IBVM and Sr. Anne Fitzsimons, IBVM

(November 15) Phoenix, Ariz. – On November sixth, Bishop Olmsted celebrated a special Mass at Ss. Simon & Jude Parish to honor Sr. Anna Bailey, IBVM, on the occasion of her 70th Jubilee and Sr. Anne Fitzsimons, IBVM, for her 50th, where they renewed their vows and received a special blessing. Both women have been actively involved in teaching and other ministries here in Arizona for decades. Monsignor Michael O’Grady, Sr. Anne’s cousin, gave a moving homily in which he praised Sr. Anna, Sr. Anne and all the Loreto Sisters for the hospitality, dedication and love they shared with their students, their parishioners and the religious men and women of the Diocese of Phoenix for the past 50 years. “When they first came to Phoenix, there wasn’t a Diocesan event where at least two of the Loreto Sisters didn’t show up with a guitar to provide the music and entertainment. They always brought a special spirit of joy and enthusiasm to wherever they ministered, and they were greatly appreciated and loved by the people,” reminisced Msgr. O’Grady.
Both Sr. Anna and Sr. Anne plan to remain actively involved in their ministry work here in the Diocese of Phoenix for as long as the Lord allows.

Via Assisi online to Complement St Mary’s Basilica Gift Shop

Items available for purchase in the gift shop

(November 7) St Mary’s Basilica has announced the launch of their online gift shop, Via Assisi, at www.via-assisi.org. The on-line gift shop will complement the bricks and mortar gift shop located at the Basilica. Currently the online store has about 250 of the thousands of items that are available at the gift shop and new items are being added to the web site weekly.
The stores specialize in Catholic items like statues, rosaries and medallions. The store also has many specialty souvenir items such as t-shirts, hats and key chains that tourists love to buy when they visit the Basilica. “We want to capitalize on the uniqueness of the Basilica,” said parish manager Jeff Campbell, “People who visit the store want to take home a memento to remember their visit.”
What is the favorite item right now? "The fresh biscotti, it is a big hit this time of the year," Mr. Campbell said enthusiastically.
St Mary’s also wanted to recreate the feel of a small store from Assisi, Italy. “We wanted to make it look and feel like you are in Italy,” Mr. Campbell said.
The gift shop and on line store are an important financial element of the Basilica. Currently, the weekly plate collections only cover half of the parish expenses. The gift shop is one way that they help bridge the gap.
The Basilica is a city of Phoenix point of pride and listed in the National Historic Register.
The gift shop is open Tuesday-Thursday 11:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday 11:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, noon- 6:30 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You can shop online 24 hours a day.

8th Annual Cultural Diversity Mass

(November 7) On Saturday November 12, 2005, beginning at 6:15 p.m., the Diocese of Phoenix will celebrate the 8th Annual Multicultural Mass at St. Joan of Arc, 3801 E. 8th St., Phoenix. Fr. Peter Liuzzi, O’.Carm., Pastor of St. Agnes parish, will be celebrating the Mass.

The Annual Cultural Diversity Mass in the Diocese of Phoenix is a successful model of unity in diversity. Together we demonstrate our understanding and communion with each other.

The Office of Ethnic Ministries and the Cultural Diversity Team, represented by various ethnic communities, sponsor this celebration. Among those planning to participate in the Mass are Black Catholics, Filipinos, Hispanics, Italians, Koreans, Lithuanians, Mayans, Native Americans, Polish, Tongans, and Vietnamese. This 8th Annual Multicultural Mass demonstrates the spiritual expression of all the cultures.

Every year this celebration reinforces the U.S. Bishops’ pastoral letter on migration, “Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity.” Every year the Catholic Church witnesses the collaboration between ethnic groups within the Diocese.

Everyone is welcome to participate in this wonderful event. Violins of Korea, drums of the Congo, guitars of Guatemala, choruses of Vietnam, guitars of Mexico and voices of many nations will fill the church with joy. The colorful traditional garments of ethnic regions will fill the room with folklore and family.

Preludes begin at 6:15 p.m. with Mass at 7:00 p.m.
For more information contact the Office of Ethnic Ministries: 602-354-2044

Bourgade, Seton and St Mary's Drama Departments Presenting Plays

A senior, Michela Ricci, the head makeup artist, is applying makeup to freshman Molly O'Sullivan, who plays the caretaker's wife in the performance.

Michela Ricci, A St Mary's senior and the head makeup artist, is applying makeup to freshman Molly O'Sullivan, who plays the caretaker's wife in tonights performance.

(November 2) The next few days are going to be packed with drama as three of our Catholic high schools will be presenting a few plays.
St Mary’s will be performing “Absolutely Murder” a whodunit murder/mystery set in the late 1940’s in an old abandoned mill.
Seton Catholic is presenting two one-act plays. “Strength of Our Spirit: the vision of Anne Frank” by Cynthia Mercati that tells the story of several youth persecuted during WWII. “Twain by the Tale” by Dennis Snee is a collection of writings by Mark Twain.
Bourgade Catholic High School Theatre Department Presents an evening of drama featuring two one-act plays
“The Waking Moment”
a play in which Julie and Rhonda have the perfect friendship. Rhonda has the perfect life and Julie would love to live it. One morning, that wish comes true for Julie, but is Rhonda’s life all it appears to be?
“The Bright Blue Mailbox Suicide Note” featuring Jake, your typical high school guy; great friends, great girlfriend, great family, until he gets the note. Jake sends himself on a mission to find the author of this note,
but he discovers more about himself and his friends than the identity of this lost soul. Subject matter may not be appropriate for children under 12.

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