Local News February 2009
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP IN SCOTTSDALE
TO BREAK GROUND FOR PARISH LIFE CENTER
PHOENIX (February 25, 2009) The Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix, will join Msgr. Thomas Hever, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Scottsdale, at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 1, for a Mass and groundbreaking ceremony for the new Parish Life Center at 7655 E. Main St., Scottsdale.
The groundbreaking will formally initiate construction of a 36,942-square-foot, multi-purpose facility that is expected to become the heart of the parish and school community. The Parish Life Center will house administration and ministerial staff and provide flexible meeting space for various parish ministries, clubs and community organizations. At the center of the building will be an indoor gymnasium that will provide facilities for physical education activities and competitive athletics for students at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School. It will also serve as the social hall for large parish and community functions.
Through the generosity of many parishioners, pledges of $3 million have been raised to construct the “shell” of the building. Fundraising is still in process to complete the Center.
More information on the groundbreaking and other programs and services of the parish can be accessed through the parish website at www.olphaz.com. A link to the Parish Life Center can be found at www.olphaz.com/school.
DIOCESE OF PHOENIX TO CELEBRATE THE BEGINNING OF LENT
WITH ASH WEDNESDAY LITURGIES
PHOENIX (February 23, 2009) The Diocese of Phoenix will begin the holy season of Lent with Ash Wednesday liturgies at parishes throughout the diocese on Wednesday, February 25.
At Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix, ashes will be distributed during the Masses, which will be held at 6:15 a.m., 8:30 a.m., noon, 6:30 p.m. and an 8:30 p.m. Spanish Mass. Ashes will also be distributed at prayer services that will be held at the half hour from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral. In addition, there will be special Spanish prayer services at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Smith Hall at Ss. Simon and Jude during which ashes will be distributed.
St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd St., part of the downtown pastoral center complex of the Diocese of Phoenix, will be distributing ashes during its noon and 5:15 p.m. Masses.
Priests at all parishes of the Diocese will bless ashes and participate in applying the ashes to the foreheads of Roman Catholics with the Sign of the Cross and the reminder, “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.” The ashes remind the faithful of the need to do penance for sin and to seek spiritual renewal by means of prayer, fasting and good works.
More information on the Ash Wednesday liturgies taking place at Diocesan parishes and other Lenten events can be accessed through the Diocesan web site at www.diocesephoenix.org.
THREE MONSIGNORS NAMED BY POPE BENEDICT XVI
(February 17) Phoenix- In an announcment from Bishop Thomas J. Olmsteds' office on Tuesday February 17th, Pope Benedict XVI has conferred the title of Chaplain to His Holiness – Monsignor, upon Reverend Anthony Sotelo, Reverend George Edward Highberger and Reverend Thomas Francis Hever.
Monsignor Sotelo, 76, has faithfully served the Church for close to 50 years. He began his priestly ministry as a Franciscan friar and incardinated into the Diocese of Phoenix in 1982. He is known for his special care for the poor, immigrant, sick and imprisoned. As a former pastor and leader in the Diocese of Phoenix he is an advocate for rights of the Hispanic people.
Msgr. Sotelo is a quiet and gentle man who is well respected by the local presbyterate. He continues to serve selflessly in the jails and prisons, assuring that the Sacramental life of the Church is part of the lives of those who are imprisoned. Monsignor Sotelo is Pastor Emeritus of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Phoenix where he served as pastor for over 13 years.
Monsignor Highberger, 76, has served the Church for 47 years. He began his priestly ministry as a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross and incardinated into the Diocese of Phoenix in 1985. He is known for his humble service in parochial work. A lay member of the faithful recently wrote, “His warmth, steadfastness, faithfulness as a witness to the Gospel and above all else, his humility have reminded me time and time again of the true meaning of priesthood.”
He is a respected member of the presbyterate known for his faithful dedication to the Church. His ministry with Spanish speaking Catholics in various parishes has fostered growth in these communities. Monsignor Highberger currently is serving has pastor of St. Anthony of Padau, in Wickenburg.
Monsignor Hever, 72, a native of Ireland, has served the Church in Arizona for 46 years. He is known for his genuine dedication to parish ministry. He is steadfast and compassionate in his care for the sick and the dying. In particular, Msgr. Hever is appreciated by his brother priests for the way in which he fosters priestly fraternity.
His ministry as a parish priest has been diverse, including assignments from Casa Grande, to south Phoenix, to Tempe and to Scottsdale, where he is currently pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish.
These three priests have all been ordained for over forty-six years and have been dedicated and faithful servants of the Church. As the Diocese of Phoenix celebrates it’s Fortieth Anniversary it is a special grace to the presbyterate and the people to see these generous priests honored by our Holy Father. Together we rejoice and give thanks to God for the priestly witness of these three dedicated servants of God.
There will be Solemn Vespers with Investiture on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 7 pm at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, located at 6351 North 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85017.
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ST. TIM'S VIGIL TO PRAY FOR PRESIDENT
February 17 (Mesa)-A peaceful prayer vigil will begin with Mass at 8:30am Wednesday, Feb. 18, at St. Timothy Catholic Community, across the street from Dobson High School where President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak at 10am.
“We might not be able to impact the dire state of the economy or other national woes our president plans to address, but we do know we can lift our voices in prayer for our leaders—not only for wisdom, but also for a change of heart when it comes to life issues,” said Fr. Jack Spaulding, pastor of St. Timothy’s.
“As Catholics, this is a tremendous opportunity for each one of us to put our faith into action through a peaceful and prayerful acknowledgement that everyone—including our president—must respect the sanctity of all human life, especially the unborn.”
During the past month, St. Timothy’s and the rest of the Diocese of Phoenix have joined with Catholics across the nation in an effort to let their representatives and senators know that Catholics stand in opposition to a Freedom of Choice Act and in support of a culture of life.
St. Timothy’s and Life Teen International are sponsoring Wednesday’s prayer vigil during the time President Obama is scheduled to speak. Those planning to attend are encouraged to arrive between 6 an 6:30am due to expected road closures. Doughnuts and coffee will be served in the Social Hall before 8:30am Mass and prayer will begin outside in the parish Amphitheater following Mass.
“Life Teen International and St. Tim’s welcome anyone who would like to be a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity for conversion,” Fr. Jack concluded. The church is located at 1730 W. Guadalupe Rd. in Mesa.
XAVIER COLLEGE PREPARATORY STUDENT JESSICA TONN NAMED GATORADE ARIZONA GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER OF THE YEAR
February 6, 2009 (PHOENIX) — Xavier College Preparatory is pleased to announce that junior Jessica Tonn has been named by The Gatorade Company, in partnership with ESPN RISE Magazine, as its 2008-09 Gatorade Arizona Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year. The award distinguishes Jessica as Arizona’s best high school girls cross country runner.
“Xavier is so proud of Jessica,” said Sister Lynn Winsor, BVM, CMAA, Xavier’s Vice Principal for Activities and Athletics. “She is a fantastically talented athlete, but also dedicated to academics and serving her community. This award recognizes her leadership on and off the court.”
In addition to her cross country achievements, Jessica has maintained a 4.0 GPA, volunteered with the Salvation Army, participated in fundraising for Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and has worked with special needs children.
Jessica was unbeaten against all Arizona competition and raced to the Class 5A Division 1 state championship this past season in 17:50.9, leading the Xavier Gators to the team title. She captured first place at the Doug Conley and George Young invitational meets and was outstanding on the national stage. She finished fourth at the Foot Locker West Regional and second at the Nike Cross Nationals Southwest Regional, then capped her season with a tenth place showing at the national Foot Locker Cross Country Championships.
“Jessica just keeps getting better,” said Xavier Head Coach Dave Van Sickle. “She has the desire and a good plan – but it takes more than that to make a champion. She’s also a fierce competitor who takes care of her body and doesn’t flinch at doing a great deal of work.”
The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field. RISE partners with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.
Xavier College Preparatory is twice recognized as a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, and recognized nationally for academic excellence by the Catholic High School Honor Roll in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Xavier was awarded the 2007-08 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement, honoring high schools with high student success rates in AP math, science and technology courses. The Arizona Interscholastic Association awarded Xavier its prestigious Blue Cup Award (2006) for excellence in scholastics, athletics and activities. All Xavier graduates attend post-secondary institutions; members of the Class of 2008 were accepted at 163 colleges and universities, garnering over $13 million in college scholarships.
Statement of the Diocese of Phoenix
Re: the appointment of Reverend James S. Wall as Bishop of the Diocese of Gallup
February 5, 2009 - The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Reverend James S. Wall, 44, Vicar for Priests for the Diocese of Phoenix, as Bishop of the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico.
The appointment was announced in Washington, February 5, 2009, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Bishop-elect Wall succeeds Bishop Donald E. Pelotte, the third Bishop of Gallup, who retired in April of 2008. Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix, has been Apostolic Administrator of Gallup since January 2008 and will remain so until Bishop-elect Wall is consecrated and installed.
James S. Wall, son of James A. and Joan L.Wall, was born October 11, 1964, in Ganado, Arizona on the Navajo reservation. He graduated from Chandler High School, Chandler, Arizona and the Arizona State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He then earned a Master of Divinity degree from St. John Seminary, Camarillo, California.
He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Phoenix on June 6, 1998.
Bishop-elect Wall served in several parish assignments in the Diocese of Phoenix including St. Theresa Parish, Phoenix and St. Timothy Parish, Mesa as Parochial Vicar, and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Phoenix, as Pastor. He also served as Administrator Pro Tem at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Glendale. He currently is Vicar of Priests and Director of Mount Claret Retreat Center, Phoenix.
The Diocese of Gallup is comprised of the Apache, Navajo and those parts of the Navajo and Hopi Reservations in Coconino Counties in the State of Arizona; San Juan, McKinley, Catron, Cibola and parts of Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Bernalillo and Valencia Counties in the State of New Mexico for a total of 55,468 square miles. The total population of the Diocese is 491,400 people, with 58,292 of them Catholic.
Bishop-elect Wall will continue to serve in the Diocese of Phoenix until his Episcopal consecration at a date yet to be determined.
MEN URGED TO SIGN UP FOR PRE-LENTEN CONFERENCE
By Andrew Junker | February 2, 2009 | The Catholic Sun
When the Catholic Men’s Conference and the diocesan Office of Marriage and Respect Life Issues hosted their first pre-Lenten conference last year, they weren’t exactly sure what to expect.
For one thing, the all-day event was scheduled the day before the Super Bowl. Conference organizers also understood that many men in general are reticent about attending spiritual retreats.
But, surprisingly, “guys came out in droves,” said Mike Phelan, director of Marriage and Respect Life Issues.
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