A New Adventure

Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral

Hello everyone!

I wanted to announce here that I have received a new assignment from Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix. He asked me to be the Rector of Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix. I will be moving from Saint Mary’s Basilica, where I have been parochial vicar since July, to the Cathedral on January 9, 2024.

The Cathedral was my first assignment as a priest. I was there from 2010-2013 as parochial vicar. Since then, I have been to Rome (as those know who have read earlier blogs), I have been pastor of Christ the King Parish in Mesa, Arizona, I have taken an extended break from priestly ministry (2016-2023) in which I taught and pursued a PhD in English literature from the University of Dallas. Last January (2023), I returned to priestly ministry and worked in the Diocese of Dallas while completing my last semester at the University. And now these last five months I have been working in downtown Phoenix at the beautiful Basilica.

The other day I went to a staff meeting at Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral to say hello to the staff. I knew every staff member but one! When I gave the staff my phone number, they all said that they already had my number in their phones from when I was at the Cathedral the first time. So, this new assignment is kind of like a home-coming.

Here is a video of Father Fernando Camou and me introducing me to the parish.

Well, this is going to be fun! I am going to pour myself into being pastor and continue to pour myself into my dissertation and seminary teaching. Oh, yeah, I will still be teaching one class a semester at the seminary, starting this Spring with “Great Catholic Figures.” I’m praying that the Lord will continue to fill me as I pour myself out in this way, for Him and for His people. Please pray for me too!