The Diocese of Phoenix Invents a New Bureaucracy to Mask the Spiritual Collapse of Its Clergy
EWTN News reports that the Diocese of Phoenix has created a novel administrative position — a “vicar for priestly life and ministry” — tasked with ensuring the spiritual, physical, and mental well-being of its priests. Auxiliary Bishop Peter Dai Bui and Father Greg Schlarb presented this initiative as a response to the loneliness and burnout allegedly afflicting the diocesan clergy. Bishop John Dolan, whose personal history with suicide has made him an outspoken advocate for mental health, is credited with deepening the diocese’s commitment to treating priestly well-being as “a distinct and primary pastoral priority.” The diocese spans 44,000 square miles and serves more than 2 million Catholics across 94 parishes. Schlarb, who assumes the role on July 1, described his mission as being “a sounding board, a listening ear, and a compassionate brother” to his fellow priests, ensuring that “no priest has to walk alone.”






