As the new school year is about to start, a unique journey of faith and learning is about to continue as summer gives way to fall. Seminarians, those men studying for the priesthood, are preparing to return to their respective seminaries. To mark this moment and offer blessings for the path ahead, a Sending Forth Mass is a special tradition in the Archdiocese of Las Vegas that brings together seminarians, their families, and the broader community to pray for them and send them forth to continue their studies. 

The Adrian Dominican Congregation celebrates the dedication and commitment of 38 Sisters who in 2023 mark their Jubilees, their milestone years of service and dedication to the Church and the Congregation. The 2023 Jubilee Class includes Sister Mary Suzanne (Michael Kathleen) Kennedy, OP, a native of Toledo, Ohio, is celebrating 60 years of religious life who spent time in Las Vegas at St. Jospeh School.

On June 29, 2023, Pope Francis welcomed 32 new Archbishops from 19 countries for a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, including Archbishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., Archbishop of Las Vegas. During this special Mass, the pallium was blessed by Pope Francis and presented to the new Archbishops after Mass. The special Mass, attended by bishops, clergy, and faithful from around the world, marked a significant milestone in the journey of Archbishop Thomas and the elevation of the Diocese of Las Vegas to the status of a Metropolitan Archdiocese.

Archbishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., of the newly elevated Archdiocese of Las Vegas, will be in Rome to receive a special liturgical vestment from Pope Francis called the Pallium on June 29, in Rome, on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.

On May 24, 2023 the Archdiocesan Restoration Advisory Council (Advisory Council) and its medical consultants advised us that it is now possible to offer the reception of Communion under both species in all of our parishes across the Archdiocese.

Pope Francis has created the Archdiocese of Las Vegas and named the Most Reverend George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., as the first Metropolitan Archbishop of Las Vegas.

Michael Williams, a native of Ely, Nevada, was ordained a Catholic Deacon on Thursday, May 25th, at 6 pm at Sacred Heart Parish. The Mass of Ordination was celebrated by Bishop Gregory W. Gordon, Auxiliary Bishop of Las Vegas.

Bishop Thomas is pleased to announce the following Priest appointments.  (All are effective July 1, 2023 unless indicated otherwise.) 

Father Blaise Robert Baran, age 68, passed into eternal life on April 23, 2023.

The 29th Diocesan Charismatic Renewal Encounter in Spanish was held in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 22nd and 23rd, 2023. The theme for this year's event was "I Am the Bread of Life," and it was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center - South Hall. The conference included a series of talks, a Holy Hour, and Mass, with the principal celebrant being Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D.

The annual Polish festival at Our Lady of Las Vegas was an exciting event that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Polish community. The festival, which was first held in 2019, was a celebration of Polish culture, food, music, and art.

Happy Easter! "My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we celebrate the Easter season, we are reminded of the profound love and sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross."

St. Bridget Parish in Las Vegas hosted the Live Stations of the Cross or Viacrusis Viviente on Good Friday with thousands of attendees, making it a powerful expression of faith and devotion.

The Diocese of Las Vegas celebrated Chrism Day with talks on the Eucharist by Fr. Michael Driscoll, Ph.D., STD, and concluded the day with the Chrism Mass celebrated by Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., at St. Thomas More in Henderson, NV. 

Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D. has written an official Study Guide to accompany the release of Father Stu Reborn. On December 3, 2022, Sony Films released a new version of Mark Wahlberg's film, titled "Father Stu Reborn" which is more suitable for all youth and young adult audiences.

Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., and Auxillary Bishop Gregory Gordon celebrate Mass at St. Patrick Parish in Tonopah, NV, and visit the gold mines.

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.

Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Vegas held its annual Ash Wednesday Mass, with Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., celebrating the noon Mass. 

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.