News from the Diocese of Tucson

Even with many recent hopeful signs on vaccinations and the reduction in the number of COVID-19 cases, there is no date certain at which the coronavirus pandemic will be declared over.

U.S. dioceses are crying foul over an investigative report on coronavirus relief funding they say grossly mischaracterized the Catholic Church's finances and unrestricted cash flows, leaving the crass impression the church used the 2020 CARES Act to hoard cash.

Do you have questions about preparing for your future? Preparation for the Journey addresses the issues and concerns we all have when it comes to planning for the future.

During the celebration of Catholic Schools Week, we, at CTSO and the Catholic School Office extend our gratitude to our individual and corporate tax credit donors. 

The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson launches the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal, Persevering in Hope, inspired by Romans 12:12, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."

The Most Rev. Edward Weisenburger, Bishop of the Diocese of Tucson, is the new Episcopal Moderator for the National Association of Church Personnel Administrators (NACPA).

CCS with the help of state and local  government partners has provided an estimated $1,629,940 worth of assistance to families who have come for help.

After his heroic labors and success at the Kino Border Institute, Fr. Sean Carroll, recently retired as KBI director, is rewarded with more work.

“I join Archbishop Jose Gomez, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and citizens across our great Nation in denouncing the violence that occurred in Washington, D.C." - Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger

Donal gives his time, treasure and talents to the Catholic Foundation and the Diocese of Tucson as well as to so many other organizations in town such as the Salvation Army, Tucson Heart Association and Tucson Medical Centers.

In Tucson, during the pandemic, the local March for Life will be a Road Rally for Life.

Blessings in the New Year

Churches will ring bells at noon Dec. 30, during the octave of Christmas, to remember and honor the more than 336,000 people who have died in the United States from COVID-19.

Every day for 40 years, Pope Francis has challenged St Joseph. After saying Morning Prayer, Pope Francis writes in Patris corde, he recites a nineteenth century prayer from a French prayerbook.

"I invite everyone to take part in the initiatives that will be promoted during the year and that will be coordinated by the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life," he added. "Let us entrust this journey, with families all over the world, to the Holy Family of Nazareth, in particular to St. Joseph, the devoted spouse and father.

Russ Ronnebaum, concert pianist and composer, wrote a Christmas Cantata "Hurry to Bethlehem." The Choir of St. Mark Parish, Oro Valley, Arizona offers this Christmas gift to the entire Diocese and all people of good will.

Join Most Rev. Edward Weisenburger, Bishop of Tucson, as he discusses COVID-19 vaccinations with Dr. David Los, DO, and Rev. Msgr. Jeremiah McCarthy, Ph.D.

Who would have imagined that our world would have changed so dramatically in one year? The coronavirus and resulting pandemic have altered our lives in ways we never thought possible. May we all watch over one another in helping to curb its spread and to care for each other. We join our hearts and prayers to yours and ask that this holy season bring us all closer to a vaccine and a new normal.

Expressing concern for the doctrinal soundness of some of the lyrics of Catholic hymns now available for use in Catholic liturgies, the U.S. bishops' doctrine committee in a forthcoming report suggests guidelines for bishops in evaluating hymn lyrics and for selecting hymnals being considered for use in churches.

Solidarity, our communion with one another, requires that we shoulder responsibility to assure that another key principle of Catholic social teaching, the common good of the human family, is achieved.