Diocesan role created to support priests' wellbeing

The Diocese of Phoenix has created a vicar for priestly life and ministry to support priests' human, spiritual, physical and emotional wellbeing; Fr. Greg Schlarb will begin the role on July 1 and will work alongside Bishop Peter Dai Bui and Bishop John Dolan.

The Diocese of Phoenix has established a new position to focus on the wellbeing of its priests. The role is named vicar for priestly life and ministry and is intended to address human, spiritual, physical and emotional needs. Fr. Greg Schlarb, after more than 13 years as pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Scottsdale, will assume the position on July 1. He will work in tandem with Bishop Peter Dai Bui and under the direction of Bishop John Dolan. Key details: - The new vicar role is meant to take a proactive and personal approach to support rather than handling routine administrative or personnel tasks. - Bishop John Dolan described the vicar’s work as walking with priests, listening to them and asking about challenges they may face. - Bishop Peter Dai Bui will continue as vicar for clergy, focusing on assignments and day-to-day personnel management. - Fr. Greg Schlarb will emphasize accompaniment, conversation and listening, drawing on nearly 30 years of parish experience. - Fr. Schlarb will celebrate his final Mass as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on June 28 before beginning the new role. Summary: The new position is intended to encourage priests and foster deeper fraternity between priests and the diocesan leadership. Fr. Greg Schlarb will begin in the role on July 1 and will focus on regular visits and personal accompaniment of clergy; further details about how the role will operate over time are undetermined at this time.