The Catholic Sun

Incense filled St. John the Baptist Mission Church in Laveen like prayers lifting to Heaven. The congregation had just received Jesus in the Eucharist and belted out songs of praise to the Lord, but also songs of longing to be healed, putting their trust in the Divine Physician. Everyone made their way to the front of the church where three Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit laid their hands on people’s heads, sending prayers of healing to Heaven. Those who’d already been prayed over raised their hands in praise while others wiped away stray tears. It was a moment of vulnerability, of individuals sharing with the Lord deep desires on their hearts for healing.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing into eternal life of our beloved Br. Scott Slattum, OFM, who served at St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix since 2017 and recently was named Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Phoenix, in addition to his work at the Basilica. Sadly, Br. Scott had a fatal heart attack Sunday evening.

Each year Arizona Interfaith Movement honors individuals, businesses, organizations, and youth who exemplify the Golden Rule – treating others as you would like to be treated – in their lives and in our community. Catholic Charities President and CEO, Paul Mulligan, accepted the Darl Andersen Honoree award at the November 9th Golden Rule Banquet award ceremony held at the Mesa Convention Center.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A Catholic pilgrimage, especially a pilgrimage to Marian shrines, should help people grow in their commitment to be missionary disciples, Pope Francis said. Meeting pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Ozamiz, Philippines, Nov. 17, the pope said their visits to shrines in Europe dedicated to Mary should remind them that "being followers of Jesus always involves listening to his word, meditating on it in our hearts and then bringing that word to others," Mary did when she visited her cousin Elizabeth.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Long moments of silence and listening to God's Word are some of the many lessons contemplative women can give other Catholics, Pope Francis said. "In this world that is always full -- of things, words, news, a whole industry of external communication -- interior communication, in silence, is so necessary," he said during an audience at the Vatican Nov. 16. He spoke to people taking part in an international conference sponsored by the Pontifical International Marian Academy on the Venerable María de Jesús de Ágreda.

Jazz “Christmas Merry & Bright” concert debuts live performances from newly released bestselling music album, already topping Billboard, Amazon & Barnes & Noble Charts Los...

The 18th Annual Bill Folz Memorial Golf for Vocations Tournament, held Thursday morning at Legacy Golf Club in Phoenix, set a record for dollars raised to support vocations to the priesthood in the Diocese of Phoenix.

Catholics from around the Diocese of Phoenix packed into the downtown Diocesan Pastoral Center Friday, Nov. 10, for Movie Night with Christ in Our Neighborhood. Bishop Dolan, who designed the weekly Scripture study program for small groups, was on hand to encourage the faithful to further communion around the Word of God. Sebastian Gomes, America Media documentarian, showed a 20-minute clip about Catholic parish life that featured St. Mary and St. Juan Diego Parish in Chandler. From live music to folkloric dancing, group discussion and a demonstration of how to use the Christ in Our Neighborhood website, the bilingual event was well-received and helped participants gear up for the Dec. 2 Honor Your Mother Mass and procession.

PHOENIX --- In the darkness of their lives, Mary Magdalene and Ss. Peter and Matthew received the light of Christ: Mary Magdalene delivered from demons, Peter restored to his leadership after denying Christ, and Matthew called from his life as a hated Jewish tax collector for Rome.

No seat was left empty as nearly 200 students came to hear international chastity speaker, Jason Evert at the Newman Center at Grand Canyon University (GCU) on Nov. 9. Evert discussed Catholic dating in college and shared the importance of chastity in the single life as well as continuing into marriage.