CATHOLIC TRAFFIC
APRIL 12 | Issue No. 1
Welcome to the inaugural issue of Catholic Traffic—a curated newsletter intended to make a large diocese feel just a little smaller and more connected—but not in a weird, artificial, algorithmic sort of way.
Our humble goal is to be a cheerleader for the Holy Spirit as He moves through the Diocese of Phoenix, while positioning ourselves to grow into something that will potentially move beyond the merely digital, and into the Realm of the Real. That is to say authentic, intentional, rooted, in-person events.
So pump the breaks on negativity and cynicism—and not to mention all of the gloom being reported though the big media hubs, and start going with the flow of Traffic.
In a word: Cool Incarnate
FROM THE TRENCHES
By Mrs. Cynthia Bird
Divine Mercy Sunday is such a joyous feast in the Church! Yet, have you ever noticed that the hardest place to have mercy is in the pews, shoved too close to your family members (children, spouses, siblings, parents, etc.) with someone in front of you whisper talking to their seat mate through the quiet parts of mass? I know we are also guilty of distracting others though, which is deeply humbling. This happened a few weeks ago at mass when the priest asked in his homily, “What do you want?” Clearly searching the minds and hearts of his faithful for holy, heaven centered answers. Without missing a beat, my young daughter immediately and audibly stated, “In-N-Out.” For rhetorical impact the priest repeated his question, “What do you want?” and she responded with equal passion, “In. N. Out.” My stomach was also growling, so it was easy to understand where the kid was coming from, though it wasn’t the honest kind of answer I would give out loud.
Being in a space with fellow Catholics and Catholic families we can sometimes want to give the ideal, “holy” answers when having conversations. I know in the long run we all desire Heaven (hopefully!), but it is also okay to acknowledge those In-N-Out desires in the short term… As a therapist I often see this dynamic play out within a person, they have an idea of who they “should” be as a Catholic, but there are other parts that are a bit messier. I guess St. Paul must have been talking about some real people when he said the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, and he is a saint after all. If we cannot recognize the parts of us that don’t seem as holy or polished as we may want then we may miss out on the ocean of God’s mercy just waiting for us. He can’t clean out a wound that we refuse to show him and we can’t show him if we don’t acknowledge it ourselves. I am particularly thankful to God for His Mercy this Sunday. And also the gift of a double double with extra spread after an action packed mass.
We would love to hear from you! Do you have an insightful story that you would like to share and feel fits the tone of our publication.
HOME SWEET HOME
Each week we dedicate space in our newsletter to the courageous men and women who have decided to respond to the Lord’s call to Relationship through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) process.
This week, please give Karina Guitierrez a warm Catholic Traffic welcome, as she shares some of her experience going through the OCIA at St. Gabriel in Cave Creek.
Karina Guitierrez - Class of 2026
1. When did you first encounter Jesus in a meaningful way? Describe the time/place.
My first meaningful encounter with Jesus happened during Adoration, and it is something I will never forget. I was on my knees praying, and even though part of me wanted to get up, I physically couldn’t. It felt as if something—or someone—was gently but firmly keeping me there. My knees felt locked, and in that moment, I knew I needed to stay.
I began speaking to Jesus from a place of deep pain and honesty. I told Him how much I had struggled to forgive myself for the things I had done in my life. I shared how far I had drifted from the faith I was raised in as a cradle Catholic, and how ashamed I felt because of it. I truly believed I was not worthy of His love.
In that vulnerability, I asked Him to tell me that I was forgiven… that I was still loved.
After about an hour, I began to feel a tingling sensation in my hands. It slowly traveled up my arms to my shoulders. Instead of fear, I felt peace. I even found myself smiling and softly laughing, overwhelmed by something I couldn’t fully explain but knew was real.
After about an hour and a half, I said to Him, “Please forgive me, because I have not yet forgiven myself.” In that moment, it felt like a heavy weight I had been carrying for so long was finally lifted. The shame and guilt I had been holding onto began to loosen, and I was finally able to stand.
What felt even more strange to me was that after being on my knees for so long, I had no pain, no marks, nothing to show that I had been kneeling for an hour and a half. Normally, my knees would be red or sore, but there was nothing. As I walked out of Adoration, I found myself giggling and smirking, almost in disbelief, wondering if what I had just experienced was real or if it had all been a dream.
On my way home, I called a friend because I was still in shock. I tried to put into words what I had just gone through, telling them how real it felt, but also how strange and overwhelming it was at the same time.
2. What has been the most challenging thing about coming into full communion (completing your sacraments)?
The most challenging part has been trying to carry everything at once without feeling like I’m falling short somewhere. My days start early—I leave my house at 6:00 a.m., making sure everything is prepared for my kids before they go to school. I work a full day, seeing 50–60 patients, and then I come home to continue studying and keeping up with school.
The hardest part is not being as present for my kids as I want to be. Missing moments like my child’s basketball practice on Thursdays weighs on my heart. Instead, I go to OCIA from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., drive home, and go straight to sleep so I can do it all over again.
On top of that, I’m planning a wedding on my own—coordinating vendors, managing schedules, and trying to hold everything together without a planner. There are moments when I feel overwhelmed and stretched thin, and being away from my family adds to that weight.
But even in the exhaustion, I hold onto the hope that this is all leading me somewhere meaningful. I trust that every sacrifice will be worth it, and that God is walking with me through all of it.
3. What surprised you most about deciding to live out your Catholic faith to the full?
Nothing has truly surprised me, because deep down, this is where I’ve always belonged. I was raised Catholic, and my mom has always been a strong example of faith in my life.
Even now, she continues to guide me in simple but powerful ways. When I’m overwhelmed or speak to her with frustration or attitude, she gently reminds me by asking, “What is the fourth commandment?”—to honor your father and mother. In those moments, I’m reminded not just to respect her, but to return to the values I was raised with.
More than anything, this journey feels like coming home. I’m not discovering something new—I’m returning to something that has always been part of me. I am picking up where I left off, but now with a deeper understanding and a more open heart.
4. What is prayer, to you?
Prayer, to me, is something deeply personal and sacred. It is where I can be completely honest with God—where I can bring my pain, my guilt, my gratitude, and my hopes without fear.
It’s not just words—it’s a relationship. It’s sitting with Him, talking to Him, sometimes crying, sometimes just being still. It’s thanking Him for what I have, asking for forgiveness when I fall short, and seeking His guidance when I feel lost.
Prayer is where I feel closest to Him… where I feel heard, comforted, and loved, even in my most broken moments.
SIX WAYS TO SUNDAY
John 20: 19-23
As we hear about Jesus breathing on His disciples in today’s Gospel from John, I can’t help thinking about those quite Sunday mornings before Mass when, after a few cups of morning brew, one of my little ones—usually a daughter-child—scrabbles up onto my lap looking for a snuggle when I dare to open my mouth to whisper something to her. Usually in these moments, one of two things happens. Either the little imp pinches her nose rather rudely in an ill-mannered attempt to thwart further exposure, or she leaps off my lap and flees to higher ground where the air is semingly cleaner. I might ask her why she fled, but the answer is always the same. She waives a mischievous hand in front of her nose and darts off into the rising commotion of the morning. So what gives? When I breathe on those I love they are evidently repelled, but when Jesus does the breathing, as in today’s Gospel, there is no written evidence of his disciples fleeing the scene. So there they remain, gathered around their Lord, rejoicing at the marks in his hands and side, and coming to understand the Truth of all He has shared with them. We can even imagine the sweet scent of mercy issuing from His lips as he exhales, permeating every heart, scattering all remaining trace of fear and self-doubt in those He will soon send out.
In the Bible, breath or Spirit—ruah—is a reoccurring symbol that we first encounter in the Book of Genesis as God breathes life into Adam who was fashioned out of the clay of the earth. That same Spirit shows up a little later in Ezekiel’s vision of the Valley of Dry Bones. There the said bones are reenergized with life, and refashioned with skin and sinew after God, through the prophet, sends out His Spirit to reanimate that which was previously dry and lifeless. And of course in today’s Gospel reading, Jesus breathes that same Spirit of Mercy on His own disciples, anticipating the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost fifty days later, and instituting the great Sacrament of Mercy in the process. Notice that His Shalom—the bestowal of peace—precedes, both, his breathing on them and the institution of the sacrament. The peace that Jesus offers is an interior peace rooted in our reconciliation with God. The implication here is that we are to take that peace and share it with the world. Our priests, in particular, are ordained to share His peace in a special way each and every time we venture into the sin-bin to confess our brokenness.
As the spiritual head of my own little band of disciples, I do find it somewhat amusing that my coffee breath can serve as a source of division rather than unification; but perhaps I should use those opportunities to reflect on my own imperfections as a man, as a husband, and as a father. I pray that my morning halitosis (and yours) reminds us that we are to be people of Shalom, always at the ready to bring His peace into the world.
ALTAR-ED STATE
Meet Fr. John Parks, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
1. If you could have a superpower, what would you choose and why?
The superpower of Pentecost—the Divine Rosetta Stone: to speak any language so that I could preach to anyone.
2. If you could choose any song to play when you walked into a room, which would you choose and why?
Mo Money Mo Problems—I don’t have much money and therefore few problems.
3. With which saint would you like to spend a lunch date?
It would be great to meet St. Therese because she was known to love posts. She would be such a good sister to me.
4. Which two nonessential items would you want if shipwrecked on a deserted island?
The complete works of Shakespeare…and chapstick.
GRAMMY-NONNA-BOOBOO
by Margaret McGuire
HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE DIOCESE
MONASTIC EXPERIENCE WEEKEND
April 10-12, 2026
Monastic Experience Weekends are for single, Catholic women ages 20-40 who are curious about the lives of contemplative nuns and discerning a call to religious life.
For information and online application visit us at: 2026 Monastic Experience Weekend Application (There is no fee to attend. Lodging and meals are provided.)
Sr. Bonitas Choi, OCSO
Vocation Director
[email protected] / 520-604-7972
2nd ANNUAL FORE THE SMB EAGLES GOLF OUTING
April 10, 2026 (3-8:30pm)
FORE the SMB Eagles Golf Outing is more than just a day on the green—it’s a chance to drive change and champion our playground renovation. Hosted at the beautiful Lone Tree Golf Club in Chandler, AZ, this unique charity event blends the excitement of a golf scramble with supporting our students. Participants will enjoy a day of friendly competition, complete with warm-up driving range access, golf carts, and dinner making it a true community celebration. Join us as a sponsor or golfer!
Every swing taken, and every hole conquered directly supports St. Mary Basha-Catholic School’s mission to create a safe and fun playground. This tournament offers sponsors and players alike an opportunity to give back while enjoying camaraderie and networking in a lively, relaxed environment. This is an ideal event for businesses and groups looking to make a meaningful impact for our students through a memorable experience. Join us in helping to renovate our playground at SMB! https://givebutter.com/c/SMBGOLF
WORTHY (A Blessed is She Retreat)
April 10-11, 2026
Where: St. Joan of Arc | Phoenix
Register: blessedisshe.net/worthy
Join the Worthy retreat with: Stephanie Burke, Bishop Emeritus Thomas Olmsted, and Claire Dwyer
Price: $180.00
On the Worthy Blessed is She Retreat, you’ll encounter other hearts Who have fallen in love with the Lord and experience His powerful and personal love for you in community, worship, talks, Sacraments, and silence.
CREATION SUMMIT: ADDRESSING HUMAN DIGNITY & PEACE ON EARTH
April 11, 2026
ST. PHILOMENA RETREAT
April 11 @ 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
For: Mothers and Daughters
Price: $140.00
High School aged young women and their moms are invited to the St. Philomena Waves Retreat to dive deeper into the gift of womanhood: body, mind, and spirit. Catholic theology, biblical wisdom, biology, creativity, spirituality and more! Talks, prayer time, activities and meals provided.
TORNEO FAMILIAR de VOLLYBALL 2026 IVE
April 11 @ 9:00 am - 6:30 pm - FREE EVENT
NOCHE DE FEY Y COMUNIDAD
April 11 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Price: $30.00
La comunidad de La Vida en Cristo te invita a una noche especial de fe, evangelización y convivencia fraterna para dar gracias a Dios por los frutos espirituales recibidos a lo largo de cinco años de misión. Este encuentro está abierto a familias, jóvenes y adultos que deseen crecer en su relación con Jesucristo y fortalecer la comunión dentro de la Iglesia.
Mas informacion y registro:
657- 201-9815
ORDERED BY LOVE: FROM LEO XIII to LEO XVI
April 14 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Seminars in Catholic Theology
Topic: Ordered by Love: From Leo XIII to Leo XIV
Organizer: Institute of Catholic Theology
Instructor: Will Wright, ThD
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: April 14, 21, and 28
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm.
Location: Only on Zoom
Price: $25
Zoom link for video conferencing will be available the week of the event.
KINO CATECHETICAL INSTITUTE OPEN HOUSE
April 14 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - FREE
THE PRINCIPLES OF ETHICS LECTURE SERIES
April 15 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Calling all adults! Have you ever wanted to know more about what the students are learning in their Ethics classes? This Spring, St. John Paul II Catholic High School will be offering a four part lecture series on the sophomore course, Principles of Ethics. The lectures will be led by Tony Leccese, who has been teaching at JPII since 2018 in the Ethics department. He earned a Masters Degree in Philosophy at Franciscan University. The series will take place on Wednesday’s starting April 15 and will be at 6:00 pm in Room 211. This is open to all adults. This series is eligible for recertification hours for Kino Catechetical Institute.
6:00 pm in Room 211(lecture hall)Wednesday, April 15: Voluntary Action
Wednesday, April 22: Sources of Morality
Wednesday, April 29: Conscience
Wednesday, May 6: Virtue and Vice
COME HERE, BROTHER WOLF: A VETERANS PILGRIMAGE
April 16 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - $10.00
Casa Veterans Ministry
Experience a journey of healing and hope
“Come Here, Brother Wolf” was produced by two-time Emmy®–winning journalist Dustin Luecke and former award-winning journalist and current author and educator Martha Boehm in association with ProAmo Creative. They filmed the documentary in Italy in May 2025, joining a multi-generational group of about 30 individuals with experience in various military branches and civilians who took a physical, emotional, and spiritual journey through Rome, Poggio Bustone, Assisi, La Verna, and Gubbio.The runtime of the film is about 60 minutes. Doors will open at 6 pm, and the film will start at 7 pm. A discussion with the filmmakers will follow the screening.
FEE: $10 per person. Pre-registration required.
Scholarships available. Please email [email protected]
Sign Up By Thu, Apr 16 at 7:00 pm
HEARTS ON FIRE
April 16 - May 14 - June 1 (5:00pm - 7:00pm)
Come deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Sedona! We are hosting three extraordinary evenings of Adoration, Praise & Worship, Informative Talks by Fr. Ignatius, and Small Group Discussion. We hope to see you there!
ASU KERR CULTURAL CENTER CONCERT - FUND RAISER for ANDRE HOUSE
April 17 @ 7:30 am - 9:30 pm
Price $46.60 – $89.75
Join the Dina Preston Band and Andre House for a special night of music with a mission on April 17 at Arizona’s Kerr Cultural Center!
Hailing from Arizona and having performed in 44 countries, the Dina Preston Band delivers a powerful fusion of Americana—country, rock, blues, and soul—straight to the stage. Their music has reached #47 & #98 on the iTunes Country Charts.
All net profits from ticket sales will benefit Andre House of Hospitality, a Catholic nonprofit located in Phoenix serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Andre House will be on-site to share more about their mission and impact.
Enjoy an evening of original songs, crowd-favorite covers, and stories inspired by life on the road and real human experience—all in support of music that serves.
RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND RETREAT
April 17 @ 7:00 pm - April 19 @ 5:00 pm
Retrouvaille — Hope for a Better Marriage — Every marriage deserves a chance to heal, reconnect, and grow.
Retrouvaille is a marriage renewal program rooted in Christian values and Catholic tradition, offering hope and encouragement to couples who feel distant, disconnected, or stuck.
Through a supportive weekend experience, couples are given practical tools to help heal, rebuild, and strengthen their relationship. Retrouvaille is not counseling or group therapy. It is a private, couple-centered program led by trained volunteers—couples who have walked this journey themselves.
In a safe and confidential setting, you’ll learn new ways to communicate, deepen understanding, and continue growing together long after the weekend ends.
Retrouvaille offers couples a chance to pause, reflect, and begin again—together.Retrouvaille of Arizona
Phone602-252-4360
ORGAN DEDICATION CONCERT at ASU NEWMAN CENTER
Monday, April 20:
The concert is FREE of charge. Contact Ryan Ayala @ 602-341-8380 | [email protected] with questions.
CURSO NUEVA VIDA
Mayo 23 & 24, 2026
LA ESCUELA DE EVANGELIZATION SAN ANDRES te invita al Curso Nueva Vida
Un Encuentro Personal con Jesus
Parroquia Santa Anna
440 E. Elliot Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234
For more information:
Martha (480) 628-2366, Claudia (480) 203-1978, or Alondra (602) 832-6967
GENERAL INTEREST
ST. PEREGRIN CANCER SHRINE AT CHRIST THE KING | MESA
How Can I Get Involved?
Sign up for a scheduled hour of prayer each week and spend the best hour of your week with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. You can also stop by anytime and take a prayer card for someone with cancer who is requesting prayer and pray for them any time of the day or night. This is the most flexible and convenient outreach ministry you can find, meets your schedule. For more information, please contact Dick Jacobson at [email protected].
Catholic Education Arizona
Now through April 15, 2026 claim your individual Private Education Tax Credit for Tax Year 2025.
Accepts AZ private education and Corporate Tax Credits
Accepts Traditional Donations
Awarded $161,000 scholarships since 1998
LETTERS FROM THE DEAD
"Those who sincerely say 'Jesus, I trust in You' will find comfort in all their anxieties and fears."
—Pope St. John Paul II
We’ll let you to it,
The Lord will fight for you; you have only to keep still. (Ex 14:14)