Welcome to Our New Website!
NEW: Make Sunday feel like Sunday again
NEW: Make Sunday feel like Sunday again
In this new video, Bishop Olmsted reflects on how, for some, Sunday has become just another day among others, the second part of the weekend. Most especially during this pandemic, reverence for the Lord’s Day has diminished or been given less prominence.
Does this sound like you? If so, make sure to watch, like and share this video for some suggestions about how to make Sunday feel like Sunday again.
Bishop Olmsted names Eugene Sweeney principal of Notre Dame Prep
Bishop Olmsted Names Eugene Sweeney Principal of Notre Dame Prep
Eugene Sweeney, Ph.D. was named principal of Notre Dame Preparatory in Scottsdale on April 27, 2021.
SCOTTSDALE — The Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, announced today that Eugene (Gene) Sweeney, Ph.D. will become the new principal at Notre Dame Preparatory in Scottsdale.
“I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve as principal at Notre Dame Preparatory,” Sweeney said. “This is an extraordinary community and an extraordinary group of educators and students and I look forward to serving it and them to the best of my ability.”
An experienced school administrator, Sweeney has worked in a variety of educational leadership roles, including assistant superintendent and superintendent in large and diverse school systems in the Midwest. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame.
Most recently, he has served as Assistant Principal at Seton Catholic Preparatory in Chandler. “It has been a privilege to work with the outstanding staff, students, and community at Seton. Seton Catholic Preparatory is a great school and they are on an exceptional path under the leadership of Victor Serna, the principal there,” he said. “I learned a great deal during my time at Seton and will continue to support their efforts to be an even better school than they already are. Seton has a special place in my heart. I will only be 20 minutes away and will always be available to help and support them.”
In 1995, while working as Principal at Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana, Sweeney received special recognition from the United States Department of Education for providing staff development in the effective implementation of technology applications in the classroom. Penn High School was awarded Blue Ribbon School status twice by the United States Department of Education during Sweeney’s tenure there. For the past 16 years, in addition to his administrative work, he has served as a consultant in schools and school districts throughout the United States and Canada.
“I’m excited to work collaboratively with Dr. Sweeney. His expertise, knowledge, and experience will help move the school forward,” said current president/principal Jill Platt, who will continue as the school’s president when Sweeney begins his official duties at NDP on July 1.
“His devotion to Catholic education is palpable and his presence on campus will be a welcome addition to our family-oriented community,” Platt added.
Sweeney is originally from Fox Lake, Illinois, and attended Saint Bede’s Grade School in Ingleside and Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein. What brought him to Arizona was his oldest son who attended Arizona State University for his undergraduate work and then went to law school here and is now an attorney in Phoenix.
Sweeney graduated from Benedictine University in Lisle with a bachelor’s degree in literature and communications. He went on to earn a master’s degree in educational administration and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies, both from Loyola University, Chicago.
“My hope is that the real impact that I will have on Notre Dame Preparatory will be focusing the school on learning, collaboration, and results while providing a stable influence on the further development of the tradition of excellence for which the school is known,” Sweeney said.
He is a staunch advocate of Catholic education having spent his entire life attending Catholic schools. He believes that Catholic education is a one-of-a-kind learning experience, “Because it focuses on more than just academics,” he said. “Catholic Schools educate to develop the whole child and the whole faculty and staff member. I believe that nurturing the entire person in mind, body, and spirit is necessary for a happy, healthy, and balanced life.”
His philosophy on Catholic education is simply that, “Catholic Schools provide young people and older people with the invaluable opportunity to expand their knowledge, explore their passions, create community, strengthen their sense of self and come to know God all in one place,” he explained.
Sweeney lives in Gilbert with his wife Maggie. They have four grown children. He enjoys hiking, biking, reading and writing.
Arizona Catholic Conference Bishops’ Statement on Important Pro-life Bill Being Signed into Law
Arizona Catholic Conference Bishops’ Statement on Important Pro-life Bill Being Signed into Law
April 27, 2021 | PDF
The Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference (ACC) are grateful that an important pro-life bill (SB 1457) was signed into law today by Governor Doug Ducey.
SB 1457 continues Arizona’s legacy as the most pro-life state in the country and establishes that Arizona’s laws will be interpreted in the context of valuing all human life. This legislation looks forward to the day that Roe v. Wade is overturned and shows concern for both unborn children and their mothers.
Arizona already has a statute on the books protecting human life from the moment of conception, and SB 1457 leaves this excellent statute in place while also not making the mother a criminal.
More immediately, SB 1457 prohibits public educational institutions from performing abortions, calls for the cremation or burial of aborted babies, forbids abortions on the basis of genetic abnormalities like Down Syndrome, and clarifies that abortion-inducing drugs may not be sent through the mail.
For all of the reasons above, we believe that SB 1457 will help mothers and their unborn babies, while saving lives. Accordingly, we are also appreciative of Senator Nancy Barto for sponsoring this bill and all of the legislators who voted in support.
Most Rev. Edward J. Weisenburger
Bishop of Tucson
Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted
Bishop of Phoenix
Most Rev. James S. Wall
Bishop of Gallup
Most Rev. Eduardo A. Nevares
Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix
Most Rev. John S. Pazak
Bishop of Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix
Obispos de la Conferencia Católica de Arizona Declaración sobre un importante proyecto de ley pro-vida que se está convirtiendo en ley
27 de abril de 2021 | PDF
Los obispos de la Conferencia Católica de Arizona (ACC) agradecen que un importante proyecto de ley provida (SB1457) fué promulgado hoy como ley por el gobernador Doug Ducey.
SB 1457 continúa el legado de Arizona como el estado más pro-vida del país y establece que las leyes de Arizona se interpretarán en el contexto del valor de toda vida humana. Esta legislación nos da la esperanza en el futuro de ver el día en que la ley del aborto Roe v. Wade sea anulada y es una muestra del interés que tenemos tanto por los niños por nacer como por sus madres.
Arizona ya tiene un estatuto en los libros que protege la vida humana desde el momento de la concepción, y SB 1457 deja este excelente estatuto en su lugar sin convertir a la madre en una criminal.
De manera inmediata, SB 1457 prohíbe a las instituciones educativas públicas realizar abortos, pide la cremación o entierro de los bebés abortados, prohíbe el aborto en base a discriminación por anomalías genéticas como Síndrome de Down y declara que los medicamentos que inducen el aborto no pueden enviarse por correo.
Por todas las razones anteriores, creemos que SB 1457 ayudará a las madres y a sus bebés por nacer, y salvará muchas vidas. En consecuencia, también agradecemos a la senadora Nancy Barto por patrocinar este proyecto de ley y a todos de los legisladores que votaron a favor.
Reverendísimo Edward J. Weisenburger
Obispo de Tucson
Reverendísimo Thomas J. Olmsted
Obispo de Phoenix
Reverendísimo James S. Wall
Obispo de Gallup
Reverendísimo Eduardo A. Nevares
Obispo Auxiliar de Phoenix
Reverendísimo John S. Pazak
Santa Protección de Maria Eparquía Bizantina Católica de Phoenix
Bishop Olmsted on Catholic Faith Network
Bishop Olmsted on Catholic Faith Network
Bishop Thomas Olmsted talks with Monsignor Jim Vlaun of CFN Live on April 22, 2021, about “Veneremur Cernui – Down in Adoration Falling,” his new Apostolic Exhortation on the Eucharist.
Statement of Bishop Olmsted on Derek Chauvin Trial
Statement of Bishop Olmsted on Derek Chauvin Trial
April 21, 2021
The following statement is from the Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix:
“With the trial of Derek Chauvin concluding with yesterday’s verdict in the murder of George Floyd, many throughout our country are overcome with deep emotion. Sadly, the evil of racism still exists in our country and throughout the world and as Catholics we must strive for ongoing conversion of the heart in order that our actions uphold the dignity of every person. I join with others of good will in praying for an end to the sin of racism, and I share and support yesterday’s statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, and Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.”
The bishops’ statement follows:
“Today, a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd. As we receive this result, we recall that God is the source of all justice, love, and mercy. The death of George Floyd highlighted and amplified the deep need to see the sacredness in all people, but especially those who have been historically oppressed. Whatever the stage of human life, it not only matters, it is sacred.
“The events following George Floyd’s death also highlighted the urgent need for racial healing and reconciliation. As we have seen so plainly this past year, social injustices still exist in our country, and the nation remains deeply divided on how to right those wrongs. We join our voices and prayers in support of Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and the entire Minnesota Catholic Conference which said today:
‘As a diverse community, the Catholic Church is committed to changing hearts and minds and to moving the conversation about race in this country beyond accusations and recriminations toward practical, nonviolent solutions to the everyday problems that are encountered in these communities.’
“Let us pray that through the revelation of so much pain and sadness, that God strengthens us to cleanse our land of the evil of racism which also manifests in ways that are hardly ever spoken, ways that never reach the headlines. Let us then join in the hard work of peacefully rebuilding what hatred and frustration have torn down. This is the true call of a disciple and the real work of restorative justice. Let us not lose the opportunity to pray that the Holy Spirit falls like a flood on our land again, as at Pentecost, providing us with spiritual, emotional, and physical healing, as well as new ways to teach, preach, and model the Gospel message in how we treat each other.”
Statement on Proposed Rule for Title X Program
Statement on Proposed Rule for Title X Program
April 21, 2021
Today the Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix, issued a statement on the Biden Administration’s proposed rule on the Title X program:
“It grieves and exasperates believing Catholics that our President, while identifying himself as a devout Catholic, prioritizes the expansion of the killing of innocents at every turn. Last week’s announcement of a new ‘proposed rule’ in the Health and Human Services department that would reverse the prohibition of abortion funding with Title X funds further calls into question President Biden’s claims to defend the defenseless.
Abortion is not family planning; on the contrary, abortion is the killing of the innocent in the womb, and only invites destruction and misery into the human family. Therefore, I strongly agree with Archbishop Joseph Naumann’s clear statement that this proposed rule be abandoned:
‘This proposed rule is terrible policy; it would reintegrate abortion into what is supposed to be a pre-pregnancy family planning program. I strongly urge the Biden Administration to suspend this proposed rule and leave the Title X program as it was intended and authorized to be – a program entirely separate from abortion.’
I call on anyone with a heart and decision-making influence in the Biden Administration to lead a ‘cease and desist’ effort on the expansion of the killing of pre-born boys and girls, now.”
Read the full statement from Archbishop Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.
Loving Father and Wise Teacher
Loving Father and Wise Teacher
April 18, 2021
Following is the prepared text from Bishop Olmsted’s homily for the Third Sunday of Easter:
It is an honor and joy to install the new rector of the Cathedral of Saints Simon and Jude. A Cathedral rector, like every good priest, is called to be a loving father, gentle shepherd and wise teacher. How blessed is the parish with such a servant of Jesus who desires not to be served but to serve.
Es un honor, y me da mucho gusto instalar el nuevo rector de la Catedral. Un buen rector es llamado a ser un padre amoroso, un pastor gentil, y un maestro sabio. Que bendición es un sacerdote que desea non sea servido sino a servir.
Today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles illustrates what tragedies happen due to ignorance, when people have not been taught wisdom, and do not know what is true and good. Ignorance of the truth can lead to terrible consequences. St. Peter told the residents of Jerusalem, “The author of life you put to death, but …I know, brothers, that you acted out of ignorance” (Acts 3:15ff). Acting out of ignorance is dangerous. Not to know that Jesus suffered death to save you, not to know that He died on a Cross so that you can die to sin and be freed of its burden – such ignorance leaves an emptiness in the soul and troubling questions in the heart. What you do not know can hurt you and others. A good priest is a wise teacher for those he serves in Jesus’ Name. He spends Himself in handing on the Truth of the Gospel so that his people do not repeat the mistake of the crowd that called for Jesus’ execution. Do you remember, during the Passion of Christ, how the crowd was invited by Pontius Pilate to choose which prisoner to release? Either Jesus or Barabbas, either the Prince of Peace or a violent revolutionary. And they chose Barabbas – because of ignorance. If they had known who Jesus is, never would they have begged for the release of Barabbas.
Terrible tragedies arise from not knowing Christ. Even as Jesus was dying on the Cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing” (Lk 23:34).
In the Gospel today, we find the disciples of Jesus engaged in a great struggle to recognize the Risen Lord. When He came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you,” “they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost.” To help them overcome their ignorance and recognize and believe in Him, He told them: “Look at my hands and my feet, …it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have… He took a piece of baked fish and ate it in front of them… Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures…” (Lk 24:35-48). Even with all these concrete efforts on Jesus’ part, it was not easy for them to overcome their lack of faith. And it can also be difficult for us living in AD 2021.
For faith to endure in times of hardship, it must go beyond passive believing to dynamic reliance on the Lord. That is what St. John is aiming at in our second reading today when he says, “The way we may be sure that we know Him is to keep His commandments. Those who say, ‘I know Him,’ but do not keep His commandments are liars, and the truth is not in them” (1 Jn 2:1-5).
Faith is vital for a relationship with God. When times get tough, our trust in Him can stumble. In times of comfort and ease, our faith can grow weak. At all times, a faithful priest can offer the clear teaching needed to remain steadfast in faith. Jesus tells us, “If you remain in my words, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free?” (Jn 8:32).
Teaching the truth of the Gospel in all its integrity and calling people to the obedience of faith is a great blessing for a parish community, especially those truths which are not popular but true, not convenient but necessary to free people from the lies and ambiguities sown in our times by the father of lies.
A faithful priest is a Loving Father, who helps those he serves to discover the merciful Fatherhood of God and thus their own identity as His beloved sons and daughters. In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiasticus, Ben Sirach told his son, as he was leaving home, “My son, if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal. Be sincere of heart, be steadfast, and do not be alarmed when disaster comes. Cling to Him and do not leave Him, …since gold is tested in the fire, and chosen ones in the furnace of humiliation.”
A loving father prepares his children for an ordeal. He readies them for the inevitable struggle with temptation and the sorrows that break our hearts. God created us for happiness with Him for all eternity in heaven, not for temporary success on earth. Children don’t need their father to be popular; they need him to remain steadfast when disaster comes, to cling to Christ during hardships and humiliation. They need to see his fidelity to Christ, and his daily reliance on the sacraments of the Church, especially Confession and the Eucharist.
Father Camou, in a few minutes, as part of the rite of installation, you will renew your oath of fidelity and lead your new flock in the Profession of the Catholic faith. This will bear witness to your desire to serve them as a loving father, wise teacher, and faithful shepherd. As you carry out this mission in Jesus’ Name, be assured of my gratitude to God for you and of my prayers and fatherly love for all whom you serve.