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Bishop George Leo Thomas’ Statement on the
Killing of George Floyd

I join the growing chorus of U.S. Catholic Bishops speaking in one voice as we express our deep sadness over the heartbreaking death of Mr. George Floyd. We urgently pray for the cessation of the violence and destruction which has so sullied the memory of a man who lost his life under tragic and unnecessary circumstances.

We are broken-hearted, sickened, and outraged to watch another video of an African American man being killed before our eyes. The senseless taking of life defies the fundamental principles of justice and respect for human life. We must recognize the fact that all lives are sacred. As Catholics, it is not enough to relegate our concern to only thoughts and prayers. Our Church, at every level, must speak out unequivocally and work against the sin of racism.

As the U.S. Bishops stated in their recent pastoral letter against racism, “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love,” people of good will must never turn a blind eye when citizens are being deprived of their human dignity and even their lives. Indifference is not an option. The Bishops of the United States consistently hold that, “It is not a secret that… attacks on human life have severely affected people of color, who are disproportionally affected by poverty, targeted for abortion, have less access to healthcare, have the greatest numbers on death row, and are most likely to feel pressure to end their lives when facing serious illness. As Bishops, we unequivocally state that racism is a life issue” (p. 30).

We plead for an end to the violence in the wake of this tragedy. We support peaceful, non-violent protests and stand in support of those understandably outraged. We pray for comfort for all grieving families and friends. We applaud the majority of law enforcement officers who follow lawful protocols and demonstrate appropriate restraint, often in the face of threats, and we express our profound sorrow to the families of law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

As we approach the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, we plead for the strength and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. “With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this wellspring of strength and courage must move us to act. Consequently, we all need to take responsibility for correcting the injustices of racism and healing the harms it has caused” (“Open Wide our Hearts,” p. 23). We challenge everyone, especially those from different cultural backgrounds, to come together peacefully to work toward a society where justice, peace, and charity may be shared by children of the same Creator.

Asking God’s abundant blessings upon our Diocese, City, State, and Nation, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Bishop George Leo Thomas
Bishop of Las Vegas

Bishop Thomas: Pentecost
The Sweeping Power of Pentecost

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 22, 2020

DIOCESE OF LAS VEGAS TO FOLLOW GUIDANCE OF RESTORATION COUNCIL FOR REOPENING

Las Vegas, NV—Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., the Bishop of the Diocese of Las Vegas, said today that while he is pleased that houses of worship have been deemed essential services by the federal government, the reopening of the parishes of the Diocese of Las Vegas will be led by its Diocesan Restoration Council.

“I established the Council to ensure the safe and systematic reopening of our parishes in a manner that follows and respects the guidelines and limitations provided by health officials and the State of Nevada. It is essential that we are mindful of necessary precautions and safety recommendations for the health and well-being of all of our people,” Bishop Thomas said.

The Diocese of Las Vegas is currently under a discontinuance order until May 31, 2020.

The Diocesan Restoration Council is chaired by Mr. John Kilduff, President of Bishop Gorman High School and is comprised of representatives from a wide array of disciplines including medical, gaming, education, civic, law enforcement, engineering, logistics and pastoral ministry.

The Council has met several times and is working on an established set of protocols based on guidance and recommendations that have been made available to date. They will be taking this new development and guidance under advisement and will be working to finalize plans for the reopening of parishes.

Further announcements will be made once the plans have been finalized to include timing.

Pope: Pandemic is an opportunity for mission, service to others
By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- While isolation, social distancing and economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic prove to be a challenge, Christians are called by God to take part in the church's mission in the world, Pope Francis wrote in a message for World Mission Sunday 2020.

"The impossibility of gathering as a church to celebrate the Eucharist has led us to share the experience of the many Christian communities that cannot celebrate Mass every Sunday," the pope wrote in his message, which was released by the Vatican May 31.

Read more

Deacon Al Paduano leaves a legacy of kindness and joy
Deacon Alphonse “Al” Peter Paduano, entered eternal rest on April 25, with his beloved wife Tracey, at his side, after a short battle with cancer, he was 63. Read more.

April 24, 2020

Dear Fathers and Parish Administrators,

During the past six weeks, my office has carefully monitored the medical metrics related to the COVID- 19 pandemic and its effects related to the population of Southern Nevada. As of today, the Southern Nevada Health District reported another 96 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 13 deaths overnight in Clark County. This latest report brings our State tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,208, with 3,314 residing in Clark County.

In light of this information, I have decided that our Discontinuance Order will be extended until May 31, 2020, and revisited at that time. Read more

Pope Francis Prays for Las Vegas
Click HERE

Bishop Thomas visits Catholic Charities Encountering the Gospel 
By Deacon Tim O'Callaghan

Today Bishop Thomas, in the imagery of the Gospel of Matthew, fed the hungry, welcomed the stranger, cared for the brokenhearted, and visited those held captive in the poverty of loneliness.

Visiting Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, Bishop Thomas distributed meals, held a prayer service for the staff, and greeted the poor and hungry lined up for a block and a half.  Reflecting on the day, he said, “I was deeply moved by the courage, compassion, and creativity of our amazing Catholic Charities staff, who have remained on the front lines from the beginning of the pandemic.” With a sense of humility, he continued, “On behalf of the entire community, I thank them.” Catholic Charities reopened today at half capacity and with no volunteers, after closing a week ago, when a man in the overnight shelter tested positive for COVID-19. Read more.