Click here for Businesses

Introduction and History

St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, located in Phoenix, Arizona, has become a vibrant center for the traditional Latin Mass, serving a growing community of faithful Catholics. This journey began in June 2004, when the Diocese of Phoenix, under the guidance of Bishop Thomas Olmsted, reintroduced the traditional Latin Mass after a 40-year hiatus. This decision was made in accordance with the guidance of Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, who recognized the importance of providing pastoral care to Catholics desiring the older form of the Mass and Sacraments.

The Role of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP)

In 2005, Bishop Olmsted invited the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) to administer to these Catholics, marking a significant milestone in the parish's history. The FSSP is a clerical Society of Apostolic Life of Pontifical Right, focused on the sanctification of priests through the traditional Mass and Sacraments (Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite). The Fraternity, founded by Pope St. John Paul II in 1988, has a mission centered around the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, aiming to orient and direct the life of priests toward this essential aspect of their vocation.

Leadership and Growth

Fr. Kenneth Fryar became the first FSSP chaplain, initially serving the community at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. As the community grew, Fr. Joseph Terra, the subsequent pastor, secured the current property on West Monroe Street in Phoenix to accommodate the expanding Mater Misericordiae community. The parishioners expressed deep gratitude to Bishop Olmsted and the FSSP for their dedicated pastoral care.

Under the leadership of Fr. Passo, FSSP, the Mater Misericordiae Parish has continued to flourish. Recognizing the needs of the growing community, the parish acquired and reopened St. Edward the Confessor in Phoenix in 2021. This expansion has allowed the parish to better serve its members and continue its mission of fostering a deep reverence for the traditional liturgy.

Formation and Vocations

The FSSP places a strong emphasis on the formation of priests, training them at two international seminaries: Priesterseminar Sankt Petrus in Wigratzbad, Germany, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska. These seminaries prepare priests to serve at the altar and in the parish, using the ancient liturgy as their foundation. The parish has been blessed with at least five priestly vocations in recent years, with four already ordained as FSSP priests and others to follow. The community is encouraged to keep these vocations in their prayers.

Why the Extraordinary Form

The Traditional Latin Mass, also known as the Usus Antiquior or the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, is central to the FSSP's charism. This form of the liturgy, which predates the New Order of Mass introduced in 1969, includes the Mass, Sacraments, and various rites of blessing. On July 7, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI issued an apostolic letter called *Summorum Pontificum*, declaring that the older form of the Roman rite was never abrogated and must be given due honor for its venerable and ancient usage. This form has been a cornerstone of Western culture for centuries, influencing countless generations and nourishing the spiritual lives of many saints.

The FSSP holds the Traditional Latin Mass in high regard, believing it uniquely expresses the sacrificial nature of the priesthood and provides a timeless and beautiful mode of prayer and contemplation. It serves as a powerful tool for calling sinners to conversion and forming saints, lifting hearts and souls to God for His greater glory and the salvation of souls.

St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the dedication of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. With a rich history, committed leadership, and a thriving community, the parish continues to grow and serve as a beacon of faith in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, support, or participation in the parish's activities, please visit their website or contact them directly.

Confessions start 30 minutes before all Masses