Summary: Today we’re joined by Ron Johnson, executive director of the Arizona Catholic Conference, the legislative arm of Arizona’s three Catholic dioceses. He provides an overview of the federal government’s new mandate that all religious organizations provide “health services” contrary to its religious beliefs. Fr. Tim Davern, a historical expert on the Church in Arizona, talks about the role Catholics played in helping build up the state. Arizona celebrates its 100th anniversary on Feb. 14. Two sisters from the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration are in studio to issue a challenge to listeners as they promote their third annual “Nun Run” fundraiser event. And in his weekly message, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted directs our thoughts to mercy especially when our rights are being challenged. The Bishop’s Hour is a program produced by and for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, presenting Church news and theological reflections, discussing contemporary issues facing today’s Catholics in Arizona, and featuring a weekly message from Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted. It airs each Monday at 10 a.m. on 1310 AM Immaculate Heart Radio in Phoenix. Encore presentations can be heard each Monday at 9 p.m. The Bishop’s Hour is brought to you in part by our good friends at the non-profit Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries of the Diocese of Phoenix and the Catholic Community Foundation. Music for The Bishop’s Hour courtesy of Carrick Ministries. We’d love to hear from you. Send us your feedback at radio@diocesephoenix.org
