In this issue: The Vatican announced that same sex unions can't be blessed, but the partners in the union may receive blessings and Hillbilly Thomists - the intersection of bluegrass and St. Thomas Aquinas, O.P.

Diocesan News

The Arizona border, asylum and the suffering of migrants

Learn about the prayers of migrants from central American seeking reconsideration of policies restricting asylum. Read more

Answer God's call and dreams come true

Religious and priestly life must be filled with the simple joy of caring every day for what really matters -- faithful friendship with God and one another, Pope Francis said. Read more

The Magnificent Ultra-Baroque Interior

of Mission San Xavier del Bac

Friends of Patronato Lecture

Join the Patronato San Xavier for a journey through time, setting the stage for the "How and Why of the Baroque" and then exploring the incredible beauty and significance of select pieces of the Mission's interior art. Visit the Temporary Conservation Studio located in the Choir Loft to see the Interior Art Conservators at work on two very special 18th century pieces. Learn more about the Mission Fr. Kino founded and the early cultural and art history of Arizona.

Donate Online to 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal here!

National News

Hillbilly Thomists: Bluegrass-picking priests

Fr. White lives among Rome's baroque churches and the regular cycle of papal liturgies. But when he gets out his National Reso-Phonic guitar, his heart is thousands of miles away -- in rural Appalachia. Listen to "Poor Wayfaring Stranger." Read more

House passes two immigration bills with citizenship provisions

The U.S. House of Representatives approved two immigration bills clearing an initial hurdle for two groups seeking a path toward citizenship ...Read more

World News

The Church and Ministry to Same Sex Unions

God in fact “takes us as we are, but never leaves us as we are” - Responsum

This week, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, with the Holy Father's approval, clarified that men and women in same-sex unions "who manifest the will to live in fidelity to the revealed plans of God as proposed by Church teaching" may receive a blessing as individuals, but their civil union is not recognized as a sacramental union. Some Catholics appreciated the clarity of the statement, others were disappointed. Read all the New Outlook coverage and the Responsum here.

‘Historic discovery’ of ancient Biblical fragments made in Israel

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) has unveiled an historic discovery of Biblical proportions in several desert caves. In a dig that began in 2017, archaeologists discovered around 80 new parchment fragments of Old Testament texts. Read more

‘Historic discovery’ of ancient Biblical fragments made in Israel