Diocese of Phoenix

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The Diocese of Phoenix, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing central and northern Arizona in the United States. Established on October 3, 1969, by Pope Paul VI, it is led by Bishop John P. Dolan since his installation in 2022. Part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santa Fe, the diocese serves approximately 1.28 million Catholics in a rapidly growing region, with a significant Hispanic population and 95 parishes.[1] It is noted for its strong pro-life advocacy, including annual diocesan marches drawing thousands of participants.[2]

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Phoenix

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Santa Fe
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Country:United States
Region:Arizona
Bishop:John P. Dolan
Website:https://dophx.org/
Newspaper:https://www.catholicsun.org/
Catholic %:15.7%
Elementary Schools:52
High Schools:12
Deaneries:12
Priests:485
Existence:1969–
Predecessor Dioceses:Archdiocese of Santa Fe; Diocese of Tucson
Catholic Hospitals:6
Rating:4.2
Chancery Address:400 E. Monroe Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85003-3109

Establishment

The Diocese of Phoenix was canonically erected on October 3, 1969, by Pope Paul VI through the apostolic constitution Sacrum in Arizona to address the growing Catholic population in central and northern Arizona, with territory taken from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and the Diocese of Tucson.[3][4] Francis J. Green was appointed as the first bishop and installed on December 4, 1969.

History

The diocese experienced rapid expansion due to population growth in the Phoenix metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Key milestones include the construction of numerous parishes and schools in the 1970s and 1980s, boundary adjustments in 1981 to include additional territory from the Diocese of Gallup, and responses to pastoral challenges such as immigration and secularization.[5]

Under Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted (2003–2021), the diocese emphasized Eucharistic devotion and pro-life initiatives, including the establishment of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. Bishop John P. Dolan, appointed in 2022, continues to focus on synodality and family ministry amid ongoing demographic shifts.[6]

Geography

The Diocese of Phoenix covers approximately 54,000 square miles (140,000 km²) across nine counties in Arizona: Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo (northern portion), Pinal, Yavapai, and Yuma (northern portion).[7] It is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe within the Ecclesiastical Province of Santa Fe.

Mother church

The Cathedral of Saints Simon and Jude in Phoenix, dedicated in 1967 and elevated to cathedral status in 1969, serves as the mother church. This modern structure features a prominent spire and accommodates large liturgies, including ordinations and diocesan celebrations.[8]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop John P. Dolan, installed on June 29, 2022, previously served as auxiliary bishop of San Diego and rector of St. Patrick’s Seminary. He emphasizes evangelization, youth ministry, and unity in a diverse diocese.[9]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Francis J. Green 1969–1973 First bishop; died in office.
John J. Russell 1973–1976 Died in office.
James S. Rausch 1977–1981 Former USCCB secretary; died in office.
Charles A. Buswell 1982–1993 First bishop to retire from the see.
Thomas J. O'Brien 1993–2003 Resigned following clergy abuse scandal.
Thomas James Olmsted 2003–2022 Promoted pro-life and Eucharistic initiatives; retired.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[10]

Theological and cultural orientation

The diocese rates as somewhat conservative (4.2), with liturgical practices including weekly Traditional Latin Masses in about 10% of parishes prior to restrictions, a strong emphasis on traditional moral teachings like pro-life advocacy (over 60% of programs), and leadership prioritizing doctrinal fidelity under Bishop Dolan.[11][12]

Statistics

As of 2023, the diocese covers 54,000 square miles (140,000 km²), serves 1,284,000 Catholics (15.7% of total population of 8.2 million), and includes 95 parishes and 12 missions.[13]

Religious Communities

Jesuits

The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) supports retreats and education at institutions like Brophy College Preparatory. Address: 4701 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012.[14] Jesuits West Province

Dominicans

The Dominican Order (Order of Preachers) runs St. Mary's High School and parish ministries. Address: 2525 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004.[15]

Franciscan Sisters

The Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity engage in education and healthcare. Address: Various locations in Phoenix area.[16]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of Phoenix
Diocese of Phoenix
This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)
_pageName City MailingAddress
St. Francis Xavier (Diocese of Phoenix) Phoenix, AZ 4715 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA

The Diocese of Phoenix includes 95 parishes organized into 12 deaneries, serving diverse communities including a large Hispanic population and offering Masses in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Notable parishes include historic sites like St. Mary's Basilica, a minor basilica.[17]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese oversees 52 elementary/middle schools and 12 high schools, educating over 20,000 students.

Main article: List of Catholic schools in Diocese of Phoenix

[18]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities Community Services provides aid to immigrants, homeless, and families, serving over 100,000 people annually through food banks, shelters, and counseling.[19]

Notable Events or Figures

  • In 2003, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted was installed, leading a major reorganization and pro-life emphasis.[20]
  • The diocese hosted the National Catholic Youth Conference preparatory events in 2018, engaging thousands of youth.[21]
  • St. Mary's Basilica, established in 1881, is the oldest parish in Arizona and a minor basilica.[22]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Phoenix:


  • Did you know? Carved out of vast desert territory in 1969 by Pope Paul VI, the Diocese of Phoenix exploded from a handful of parishes to over 95 today, mirroring Arizona's booming population!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of Saints Simon and Jude boasts a stunning mosaic of the Last Supper and hosts epic youth rallies that pack the house with energetic faith.
  • Here's something cool: Arizona's oldest Catholic church, St. Mary's Basilica in downtown Phoenix (built 1902-1903), became a minor basilica in 2010 and still buzzes with multicultural Masses.
  • Wow moment: Bishop Thomas Olmsted once excommunicated a politician for pro-abortion stance in 2004, spotlighting the diocese's fierce pro-life commitment that rallies thousands yearly.
  • Little-known gem: The diocese spans a whopping 54,000 square miles—bigger than many countries—and includes quirky spots like the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a spaceship-like shrine carved into red rocks.
  • Fun fact: Over 70% of Catholics here are Hispanic, fueling vibrant devotions like Our Lady of Guadalupe feasts that turn parishes into fiesta celebrations of faith and tamales!
  • Did you know? Brophy College Prep, run by Jesuits since 1928, has churned out NFL stars, astronauts, and saints-in-the-making, proving faith and football mix well in the desert.
  • Surprise! The annual White Mass honors healthcare heroes, a tradition started here that spread nationwide, blessing docs and nurses with a special liturgy for their healing hands.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of Phoenix". https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/phoei/2305. 
    2. ↑ "Respect Life". https://dophx.org/respect-life/. 
    3. ↑ "Diocese of Phoenix". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dphoe.html. 
    4. ↑ "Diocesan History". https://dophx.org/about/history/. 
    5. ↑ "Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Phoenix#History. 
    6. ↑ "Diocesan News". https://dophx.org/news/. 
    7. ↑ "Diocesan Territory". https://dophx.org/about/territory/. 
    8. ↑ "Cathedral of Saints Simon and Jude". https://dophx.org/cathedral/. 
    9. ↑ "Bishop John Patrick Dolan". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bdolan.html. 
    10. ↑ "Diocese of Phoenix". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dphoe.html. 
    11. ↑ "Traditional Latin Mass". https://dophx.org/worship/liturgy/mass/. 
    12. ↑ "Respect Life". https://dophx.org/respect-life/. 
    13. ↑ "Diocese of Phoenix". https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/phoei/2305. 
    14. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://dophx.org/religious-orders/. 
    15. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://dophx.org/religious-orders/. 
    16. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://dophx.org/religious-orders/. 
    17. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://dophx.org/parishes/. 
    18. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://dophx.org/schools/. 
    19. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://www.catholiccharitiesphx.org/. 
    20. ↑ "Diocesan History". https://dophx.org/about/history/. 
    21. ↑ "Youth Ministry". https://dophx.org/youth/. 
    22. ↑ "St. Mary's Basilica". https://stmarybasilica.org/. 

    External Links

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