Diocesan News

For the last three weeks, you’ve heard about the work that’s happening across our diocese to share the love of Christ with those struggling through incarceration. You’ve read about the ways that the Sunshine Club has brought joy and dignity through the sample act of writing cards. You have heard how Camp Genesis helps kids experience a safe and nurturing environment at Chapel Rock every summer. And you’ve seen how Angel Tree brings hope and cheer to families at Christmas. And perhaps more than that, you’ve heard the people of our diocese testify that these ministries have changed their own hearts and minds.

Did you know that Arizona is home to over 200,000 children who have an incarcerated parent? That’s 10% of the total for the entire US! We need to reach more of these kids who are affected by incarceration.

Project Angel Tree, a program of Prison Fellowship Ministries, has been providing children Christmas gifts on behalf of their mothers and fathers in prison for over 30 years. Parishes like yours volunteer to collect and distribute gifts to these lonely and hurting children, with thoughtful and programmatic support from Project Angel Tree.

September is the month that our Diocese has set aside to help raise awareness about the effects of incarceration on those who are currently incarcerated, their families, and those who work at the correctional facilities as well as the impact that incarceration has on our communities. 

We’re kicking off Prison Awareness Month with the “Straight from the Heart” art show hosted