Diocese of Tucson

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The Diocese of Tucson, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the United States serving southern Arizona. Erected on September 23, 1962, by Pope John XXIII, it was formed from the Diocese of Phoenix and is led by Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger since 2017. Part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santa Fe, the diocese encompasses six counties with 78 parishes and about 318,000 Catholics, notable for its multicultural communities including Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo traditions, and hosting the annual Tucson Eucharistic Congress.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Tucson

Diocese: Diocese of Tucson
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:Edward J. Weisenburger
Website:https://diocesetucson.org/
Newspaper:https://catholicsun.org/
Catholic %:12.0%
Elementary Schools:24
High Schools:6
Deaneries:6
Priests:140
Existence:1962–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of Phoenix
Catholic Hospitals:3
Rating:3.2
Chancery Address:220 S. Sixth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701-9998

Establishment

The Diocese of Tucson was canonically erected on September 23, 1962, by Pope John XXIII through the apostolic constitution Cunctis sinceris desiderantis, carved from the northern territory of the Diocese of Phoenix to better serve the rapidly growing Catholic population in southern Arizona amid post-World War II expansion and Hispanic immigration.[1][2]

History

The diocese's territory was originally part of the vast Diocese of Santa Fe established in 1850, which covered much of the American Southwest. Following Arizona's statehood in 1912 and population growth, the Diocese of Phoenix was created in 1939, but by the 1960s, further division was needed due to demographic shifts.

Key milestones include the construction of new parishes in the 1970s to accommodate migrant workers and retirees, and boundary adjustments in 1982 when parts of Pinal County were clarified. Under Bishop Manuel D. Moreno, the diocese emphasized bilingual ministry and Native American outreach in the 1980s–1990s.[3]

Geography

The Diocese of Tucson covers approximately 42,000 square miles (109,000 km²) in southeastern Arizona, comprising six counties:

  • Cochise County
  • Graham County
  • Greenlee County
  • Pima County
  • Pinal County (southern portion)
  • Santa Cruz County

It is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe within the Ecclesiastical Province of Santa Fe.[4]

Mother church

The Cathedral of Saint Augustine in Tucson serves as the mother church. Built in 1897 in Romanesque Revival style and elevated to cathedral status in 1962, it features historic stained glass and hosts major liturgies.[5]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger has served since October 3, 2017. Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Salina in 1987, he previously led the Diocese of Salina and emphasizes immigration advocacy, priestly formation, and synodality.[6][7]

Auxiliary Bishops

The diocese currently has no auxiliary bishops.[8]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Francis J. Green 1962–1969 First bishop; died in office.
Joseph A. M. Quinn 1970–1982 Appointed first bishop of Diocese of Colorado Springs in 1983.
Manuel D. Moreno 1983–2003 First Mexican-American bishop in Arizona; retired.
Gerald Kicanas 2003–2017 Former rector of St. John's Seminary; retired.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[9]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese is balanced (rating: 3.2), with Latin Mass offered weekly in a few parishes amid predominantly Novus Ordo liturgies featuring multicultural elements; equal focus on pro-life initiatives and social justice like migrant aid; and leadership prioritizing unity, evangelization, and dialogue per Bishop Weisenburger's statements.[10][11]

Statistics

As of 2023, the diocese covers 42,000 square miles (109,000 km²), serves 318,000 registered Catholics (12% of total population of 2.6 million) across 78 parishes and missions in 6 deaneries, with 140 priests, 70 deacons, and 450 religious.[12][13]

Religious Communities

Jesuits

The Jesuits support retreats at Loyola House and parish ministry in Tucson. Address: 4100 S. Warner St., Tucson, AZ 85735. Jesuits West Province[14]

Sisters of St. Joseph of Tucson

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Tucson focus on education and elder care. Address: 4800 Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713.[15]

Franciscans

The Franciscans (OFM) staff missions among Native Americans. Address: Various parishes.[16]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Diocese of Tucson
Diocese of Tucson
This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)
_pageName City MailingAddress
St. Ambrose Church (Diocese of Tucson) Tucson, AZ 300 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716

The Diocese of Tucson includes 78 parishes organized into 6 deaneries: Tucson Central, Tucson East, Tucson North, Tucson South, Sierra Vista, and Nogales, reflecting diverse Hispanic, Anglo, and Tohono O'odham communities.[17]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese oversees 24 elementary/middle schools and 6 high schools serving over 8,000 students:

School Name City Type Website
All Saints Catholic School Tucson Elementary https://allsaintscatholicschooltucson.org/
Corpus Christi School Tucson Elementary https://corpuschristischooltucson.org/
Our Mother of Sorrows School Tucson Elementary https://omschooltucson.org/
St. Augustine School Tucson Elementary https://saint-augustine-school.org/
St. Cyril School Tucson Elementary https://stcyrilschooltucson.org/
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School Tucson Elementary https://seasschooltucson.org/
St. John the Evangelist School Tucson Elementary https://saintjohnschooltucson.org/
St. Joseph Catholic School Tucson Elementary https://stjosephtucson.org/school
St. Michael School Tucson Elementary https://saintmichaelschooltucson.org/
St. Pius X School Tucson Elementary https://stpiusxschooltucson.org/
St. Rose of Lima School (part) Tucson Elementary
Salpointe Catholic High School Tucson High School https://www.salpointe.org/
San Miguel High School Tucson High School https://sanhs.org/
Seton Catholic Preparatory High School (part) Tucson High School https://www.setoncatholic.org/
Veritas Preparatory Academy (affiliated) Tucson High School https://veritasprep.org/
Immaculate Conception School (Nogales) Nogales Elementary
Saints Philip and James School (Payne) St. David Elementary

Additional schools listed in diocesan directory; see List of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Tucson.[18][19]

Community Outreach

Catholic Community Services of Tucson (CCS) provides food, shelter, immigration legal aid, and family support to over 100,000 people annually, operating 15 programs including refugee resettlement.[20]

Notable Events or Figures

  • In 1993, the diocese hosted the National Catholic Youth Conference regional event, drawing 5,000 youth.[21]
  • Bishop Manuel D. Moreno advanced Hispanic ministry, establishing the Spanish Apostolate in 1984.
  • The Tohono O'odham Nation's San Solano Missions, dating to 1690s, are key historic sites preserved by the diocese.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Tucson:


  • Did you know? Carved from the Diocese of Phoenix in 1962 by Pope St. John XXIII, Tucson became Arizona's second diocese just as the state boomed with new families and retirees seeking sunnier skies!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of Saint Augustine, built in 1897 from volcanic stone, survived a 1920s fire and now shines with stunning stained glass depicting local saints and desert themes.
  • Here's something cool: The diocese spans vast desert counties home to the Tohono O'odham people, with ancient missions like San Xavier del Bac—called the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas"—still hosting vibrant liturgies.
  • Wow moment: Bishop Manuel Moreno, the first Mexican-American bishop here (1983–2003), championed bilingual Masses that now serve over half the diocese's Spanish-speaking faithful.
  • Little-known gem: Tucson hosts a yearly Fiesta de San Augustine parade with mariachi bands and folklorico dancers, drawing thousands to celebrate the cathedral's patron in true southwestern style!
  • Fun fact: Salpointe Catholic High School, the diocese's flagship, has produced pro baseball players and even a NASA engineer, blending faith with frontier innovation.
  • Did you know? The diocese's six deaneries stretch from starry-night deserts to the Mexican border, fostering unique devotions like the Our Lady of Guadalupe novena attended by 10,000.
  • Surprise! Early missionaries rode horseback across 42,000 square miles, founding parishes that today include quirky spots like the "Flying Nun" chapel in a former airfield hangar.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of Tucson". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dtuco.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    2. ↑ "Diocese History". https://diocesetucson.org/history. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    3. ↑ "Diocese of Tucson". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dtuco.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    4. ↑ "About the Diocese". https://diocesetucson.org/about. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    5. ↑ "Cathedral of Saint Augustine". https://saintaugustinetucson.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    6. ↑ "Edward James Weisenburger". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bweisenb.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    7. ↑ "Our Bishop". https://diocesetucson.org/bishop. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    8. ↑ "Diocese of Tucson". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dtuco.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    9. ↑ "Diocese of Tucson". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dtuco.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    10. ↑ "Diocesan Priorities". https://diocesetucson.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    11. ↑ "Bishop Weisenburger Statements". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/bishop-weisenburger. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    12. ↑ "Diocese of Tucson". https://catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dtuco.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    13. ↑ "Annuario Pontificio 2023". https://www.annuariopontificio.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    14. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://diocesetucson.org/religious-orders. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    15. ↑ "Sisters of St. Joseph of Tucson". https://ssjtucson.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    16. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://diocesetucson.org/religious-orders. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    17. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://diocesetucson.org/parishes. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    18. ↑ "Schools". https://diocesetucson.org/schools. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    19. ↑ "School Directory". https://www.ncea.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    20. ↑ "Catholic Community Services". https://ccs-tucson.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    21. ↑ "Diocese History". https://diocesetucson.org/history. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 

    External Links

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