Since being installed as Bishop in 2003, I have been blessed to watch the Diocese of Phoenix grow. We have 117 parishes and missions which serve over 1.1 million Catholics. Cities in our diocese are among some of the fastest growing in the nation.
Along with population growth, the number of priests in our diocese is also growing. I am grateful for each of our priests who make Christ manifest through the celebration of the sacraments and their faithful proclamation of the Gospel.
There are many young men who also hear the call of Jesus Christ to “come and follow me.” This year, I ordained three men to the priesthood. By this fall, we will have over 40 men in seminary studying for priesthood.
The number of men whom God calls to serve the Church through the priesthood is a great blessing, which bring with it a great challenge. We must provide for these men as they pray, study and prepare for ordination. Through the “Together Let Us Go Forth ~ Juntos Sigamos Adelante” campaign, we rise to meet this challenge. The campaign provides necessary funding for the formation and education of these future priests.
I am so grateful for your generosity and support of the campaign which makes their priestly formation possible. I invite you to join me in praying for the campaign’s continued success and for the Lord’s blessing upon all men who are called to the priesthood.
