Christmas is time to feel God’s closeness, experience peace, pope says

Celebrating the first Christmas since his election, Pope Francis preached the goodness and tenderness of God, and prayed that men and women around the world would allow God's grace to transform them into peacemakers.

Our gentle shepherd: Bishop marks decade of serving the Church of Phoenix

On a typical evening, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted will make his way to the rectory chapel and pray vespers by himself, silently before the Lord. The bishop kneels using a meditation bench and, since he’s praying shortly before supper, his tummy rumbles.

Prescott, Scottsdale seize solar energy to power parishes

Two parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix are leading the way in stewardship efforts when it comes to harnessing Arizona’s abundant natural resource: the sunshine.

Christmas season calls families to holiness

Novenas, posadas, pageants and Nativities are just some of the ways Catholics around the Diocese of Phoenix are preparing for the Christmas season.

‘The Catholic Conversation’: New radio program hosted by local couple debuts

He’s a cradle Catholic and she’s a former atheist. Together, Steve and Becky Greene hope to reach local Catholics, fallen-away Catholics, those of other denominations and non-believers alike with the message of the New Evangelization.

Pope Francis’ Game Plan; Part One: The Gospel of Joy

Since his election on March 13 of this year, he has caught the attention of the world. Even non-believers and non-practicing Catholics are paying attention. Pope Francis surprises and inspires, even as he challenges us to love the poor and in them to meet Jesus anew.

Honor Your Mother: Thousands celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe

The streets of Phoenix were alive with dance and drums, brightly feathered masks and costumes and loud shouts of “¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!”

Pope Francis is third pope to win Time’s Person of the Year honor

Pope Francis is not seeking fame or accolades, but being named Time magazine's Person of the Year will make him happy if it helps attract people to the hope of the Gospel, said the Vatican spokesman.

Pope calls on Catholics to end world hunger, join in ‘wave of prayer’

Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted has asked that parishes, schools and individuals join Pope Francis in his call to unite in prayer and action against global hunger.

Calls to hike minimum wage echo long-standing Catholic social teaching

When fast-food workers across the country walked off their jobs demanding higher wages Dec. 5, their actions should have caught the attention of the nation's Catholics, say those who stress that the call for a living wage echoes long-standing Catholic social teaching.