January 26, 2019

Most Reverend Thomas J. Olmsted

Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

400 E. Monroe St.

Phoenix, AZ 85004

Re: St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church

Your Excellency Bishop Olmsted,

We, the faithful Catholic men and women of the Northwest Valley, write to you in supplication and prayerful consideration for a strong virtuous leader and orthodox shepherd at St. Thomas More Church in Glendale, Arizona. The need is great as many have strayed from not only that parish to find another more faithful parish, but have also sought other non-Catholic denominations. Many of us have sat in the pews, served in ministries, and have sought sound spiritual direction only to have been left with yearning for more solid Catholic teaching, faith formation, and fidelity to the you and the Magisterium.

We believe there is a great opportunity to be had with Fr. Jim Turner’s recent announcement that he will be leaving the parish. As previously stated, many of us faithful Catholics have sought other Catholic churches in the area to help fulfill our greater desire for sound catechesis, reverence, and spiritual direction/formation. The longing in our hearts for orthodoxy, has unfortunately led to the somewhat difficult decision to leave St. Thomas More after having been married there, having children baptized there, having funerals there, having served on ministries there, having built community with fellow parishioners, etc; not out of disobedience, but because we are wanting more from the Mass, from the parish life, and from the pastor.

We understand the potential for this parish to be great in terms of financial support, but more importantly, in spiritual support. Through your sound and steadfast leadership and prudence, we, all the Catholic lay men and women of Phoenix, have reaped the benefits of your charisms and are extremely grateful to Our Lord for blessing us with a faithful shepherd such as you. Again, we humbly implore you to provide former, current, and future parishioners of St. Thomas More Church in Glendale with a strong, virtuous, and orthodox spiritual father who will safeguard the souls of his flock and to assist us in completing your joy.

Yours in Christ,

Catholic Men and Women of the Northwest Valley