Local News March 2008
Mesa shrine planned as a sanctuary for those touched by cancer
(March 15, 2008) Lawn Griffiths, Tribune-A shrine where people with cancer, along with their loved ones, can visit for prayer and support will be constructed on the campus of a Mesa church.
St. Peregrine Chapel and Shrine is planned for Christ the King Catholic Church, 1551 E. Dana Ave.
The shrine will become home for the Healing Through the Body of Christ Cancer Ministry for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, the diocese announced this week. <read article>
Piper Trust Awards $8 Million for Catholic Elementary Schools; Commitment for 25 Schools to Meet Critical Health and Safety Issues
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 10 (AScribe Newswire) -- The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust today awarded $8 million to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix to make needed elementary school building improvements to address important health and safety issues. The capital grant follows a needs assessment of the 25 Catholic elementary schools in Maricopa County, conducted by an independent firm, Architectural Resource Team, Inc.
"This significant commitment was very deliberative, with research and planning identifying the most critical health and safety needs at these elementary schools," said Judy Jolley Mohraz, Ph.D., Piper Trust president and CEO. "Because Virginia Piper was deeply committed to Catholic education in her lifetime, we are pleased to honor her by continuing to make strategic investments to support Catholic schools and opportunities for strong academic and spiritual education."
Following the independent facility assessment, the Diocese created a list of priority needs for each elementary school. The Piper Board of Trustees decided to fund all priorities in the "critical" category. These items generally cover basic structural and equipment requirements at the school buildings, such as installing proper lighting, safety equipment and heating and cooling systems, and repairing leaking roofs, faulty electrical wiring and outdated plumbing.
"I am grateful for the generosity of The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust and the support it expresses for the children who attend Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Phoenix," said the Most Reverend Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix. "This grant honors the special concern she [Mrs. Piper] had for the educational needs of our children." The Trust previously initiated strategic investments for Catholic high schools and preschools in Maricopa County.
NATIONAL CANCER SHRINE TO BE BUILT IN MESA
St. Peregrine Chapel at Christ the King
MESA, AZ (March 10, 2008) Christ the King Catholic Church in Mesa has announced that it will be building a chapel devoted to supporting people affected by cancer. It will be named the St. Peregrine Chapel, who is the patron saint of cancer patients. A shrine to St. Peregrine will also be a part of the chapel.
The only one of its kind in Arizona, the chapel will feature a healing garden, perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, a bronze statue of St. Peregrine, cancer-related resource material, prayer services, and support services from volunteers from Healing Through the Body of Christ (HTBC) Cancer Ministry – an outreach program in partnership with the American Cancer Society. Volunteers from HTBC will offer one-on-one support, cancer information, educational programs, and community outreach.
“The mission of the St. Peregrine Chapel and Shrine is to share the message of St. Peregrine and bring the words of the Gospel to life through acts of charity, compassion, and faith,” said Melissa Veselovsky, Director of the Shrine. “Through this, it will offer hope and emotional and spiritual support, to all who are affected by serious illness, especially cancer. Cancer-related resources will be readily available – free of charge - to people affected by cancer in Arizona and for the many who travel from other parts of the country for treatment in the Phoenix Valley.”
A National Cancer Institute study on spirituality and cancer care found that “spiritual and religious well-being may be associated with improved quality of life in the following ways: reduced anxiety, depression, and discomfort; better adjustments to the effects of cancer and its treatment; increased ability to enjoy life during cancer treatment; feeling of personal growth as a result of living with cancer; and improved health outcomes.”
The chapel is also drawing the attention of local oncologists. “Cancer patients and their families should benefit immensely from having such a wonderful Holy place to visit where they can pray to God for help in dealing with their illness.” said Dr. Chris Kellogg, an oncologist with Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in Mesa. “This can play an important part in sustaining hope for many cancer patients and achieving inner peace.”
Christ the King will offer commemorative engraved bricks to raise money for completion of the chapel as well as to offer individuals the opportunity to honor a loved one, an anniversary of survivorship, or to just show support for people with cancer. The bricks will be permanently placed outside the chapel as a reminder of the hope, life, and reality of cancer. In addition, the Knights of Columbus are hosting the First Annual St. Peregrine Charity Golf Tournament on May 2 at the Arizona Golf Resort to raise funds for the chapel. Tickets are $125 per person and include golf and prime rib dinner.
The mission of Christ the King parish is to become a community of disciples committed to carrying on the mission of Jesus in our own time and place, cultivating the values of hospitality, spirituality, and stewardship. For more information on the fundraising activities to build the chapel and shrine, contact Christ the King Catholic Church at 480-964-1719 or go to the web site at www.cancershrine.org
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. For more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or go to the web site at www.cancer.org
The mission of Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers is to serve the community by providing quality comprehensive cancer care which respects the values and needs of each individual. For more information on Dr. Kellogg and cancer related services, contact Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers at 480-821-2838 or go to the web site at www.ironwoodcrc.com
