In accord with the immemorial practice of the Church, the Code of Canon Law, and the directives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, all Catholics who have completed their fourteenth year are required to abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent. This rule can be dispensed in cases of certain medical conditions, or in very unusual situations. Nonetheless, the season of Lent calls us to practice penance in various forms, to pray, and to be particularly mindful of the needs of the poor.
On February 19, 2023, Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D. presided over the Rite of Election at the Cathedral of the Guardian Angels in Las Vegas. The liturgy was attended by over 500 people, including catechumens (those who have never been baptized).
Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., and the Diocese of Las Vegas express their condolences to the family of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell, Archbishop José H. Gomez, and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on his passing. Bishop O’Connell was a devoted member of the Church who dedicated his life to serving the poor and the immigrant. His love and humility touched the lives of many, and his loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him.
On Saturday, February 11th, a middle school youth rally was held at Cristo Rey St Viator High School in Las Vegas for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. The event had a theme of “WANTED” and was aimed at inspiring and encouraging young students to live their faith with confidence and joy.
Catholic Schools Week is a time to reflect on the impact of Catholic education and celebrate the achievements of our students, teachers, and staff. This year, Catholic Schools Week will be held from January 29th to February 4th.
Sister Lydia M. Wendl, FSPA (Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration), 101, died Friday, January 27, 2023, at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. She was in the eighty-first year of her religious profession.
On January 5, a Mass was held in Las Vegas at Guardian Angel Cathedral to remember and pray for Pope Benedict XVI. The Mass was led by Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., the bishop of Las Vegas, and was attended by over 300 people.
Christmas is one of the most important holidays for Catholics. Every year, Catholics around the world come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God.
This morning, Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., celebrated Mass for Simbang Gabi. Simbang Gabi is a devotional, nine-day series of Masses attended by Filipino Catholics in anticipation of Christmas. Following the Mass was a brunch with Filipino food.
Parishes within the Diocese of Las Vegas celebrated the Feast with large celebrations. St. John Neumann in North Las Vegas hosted Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D. as the main celebrant during the Monday evening Mass.
Our Lady of La Vang Catholic Parish celebrated their annual feast from Oct. 21 to Oct. 23. Auxillary Bishop Gordon celebrated the opening Mass for the weekend, and Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D. celebrated the closing Mass for the weekend.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Henderson celebrated their parish festival the weekend of October 8, 2022. The parish festival was comprised of a number of booths representing various ethnic groups, an area for children with bounce houses, a craft sale, a raffle and a live band that performed over the weekend festival.
Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., Bishop of Las Vegas issued the following statement remembering those impacted by the Las Vegas shooting five years ago from Oct. 1, 2022.
WASHINGTON - In response to the July 4th shooting in Highland Park, IL, which killed 7 and injured dozens more, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth issued the following statement:
In God’s eyes, all human life is sacred. God has a plan for every person – every mother, and every pre-born child. The Church believes in the sacredness of human life, beginning at conception until natural death. Every child born and unborn has the right to life.