Priests Gathered in Flagstaff for Annual Convocation
More than 190 priests met in Flagstaff this week to participate in the Diocese of Phoenix 2026 Priest Convocation.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Catholicism
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Over 190 priests convened in Flagstaff for the annual 2026 Priest Convocation, which began on Monday. The four-day event focuses on spiritual development and pastoral planning for the Diocese of Phoenix.
Why it matters
The gathering aligns with ongoing listening sessions regarding the sacraments, serving as a critical component of a seven-year pastoral plan on evangelization. It provides clergy members with a space for prayer, fellowship, and strategic discussion.
The Diocese of Phoenix operates 29 elementary schools, seven high schools, four universities, and one seminary. The convocation spans four days of scheduled activities.
The players
Diocese of Phoenix
This is a regional administrative body of the Catholic Church that oversees 2 million Catholics across 44,000 square miles.
The details
The agenda includes Eucharistic adoration, daily Mass, and communal meals, alongside small group sessions and guest speakers. Attendees also participated in a Jubilarian Dinner to celebrate significant years of service.
Timeline
The 2026 Priest Convocation began on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026.
The Diocese of Phoenix was established on Dec. 2, 1969.
The convocation is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.
Culture Shift
The convocation follows the implementation schedule established by the Diocese of Phoenix's seven-year pastoral plan on evangelization. This event marks a focused effort to integrate sacramental listening sessions into the broader institutional growth of the local church.
The gathering may influence upcoming parish initiatives and school programming as clergy return to their respective missions. Local parishioners can expect clergy to implement themes derived from the diocesan evangelization plan.
The takeaway
The convocation highlights the administrative and spiritual coordination required to serve a growing population of 2 million Catholics. These annual meetings ensure that clergy remain aligned with the long-term strategic objectives of their diocese.
Further reading
For more information on the regional community, visit the Catholicism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Catholic Sun.
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