Thriving Parishes Project Program Director Priest Andrew Smith visited SS. Peter & Paul Church in Phoenix, AZ and St. John the Evangelist Mission in Tempe, AZ January 18 and 19 to conduct a joint Church Health Team training and present the wider scope of the Project to both parishes.
Both Church Health Teams met at SS. Peter & Paul Church at midday on Saturday, January 18. Fr. Andrew was able to train both teams simultaneously and, to his pleasant surprise, efficiently. Both groups were enthusiastic and quickly grasped the rationale and method behind the survey and planning a response to it. Many thanks to Archpriest Mikel Bock for hosting and providing lunch.
Fr. Andrew stayed at SS. Peter & Paul for Great Vespers, which was served by Fr. Mikel, who was assisted by Deacon Rodion Pfeiffer. Also present in the altar were Archpriest David Balmer and Deacon John Weiss. Fr. Andrew addressed the faithful in the church after the service.
SS. Peter & Paul Church has long been part of the Diocese of the West, beginning in 1951. After graduating seminary and being hired as Administrative Assistant of the Diocese and Executive Assistant to His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin, Fr. Andrew first accompanied Vladyka on an archpastoral visit to this parish in February of 2012! The Diocese looks forward to hosting the 21st All-American Council (AAC) in Phoenix in July of this year. In fact, Fr. Mikel commented how his parishioners are already prioritizing providing hospitality and supporting the AAC by making it a focus of their volunteer efforts over the coming months. May the Lord grant them good strength in this effort!
On Sunday, January 19, Priest Andre Paez served the Divine Liturgy at St. John the Evangelist Mission. Concelebrating with Fr. Andre was Archpriest Basil Aden (retired, Diocese of the Midwest). Fr. Andrew was invited to give the homily.
After Liturgy and Coffee Hour, Fr. Andrew addressed the faithful. He was encouraged by the news that the mission, founded in 2006, is making progress on its goal to purchase a church building of its own. May God grant that this come to fruition!
The Thriving Parishes Project looks forward to visiting St. Patrick Mission in Newport, OR and St. Anne Church in Corvallis, OR next.
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