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5 Reasons St. Theresa Catholic Church Phoenix Is A Modernist Icon And 2023 Blue Ribbon Powerhouse

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St. Theresa Catholic Church in Phoenix, Arizona, stands as a powerful testament to both spiritual devotion and architectural innovation in the heart of the Valley of the Sun. As of this current date, December 24, 2025, the parish continues to thrive, seamlessly blending a rich history of faith with a commitment to modern community engagement and educational excellence. This parish is not just a place of worship; it is a celebrated landmark, recognized nationally for its stunning design and locally for its top-tier Catholic School.

The parish community, located on East Thomas Road, is a dynamic hub for the Diocese of Phoenix, offering a wide array of ministries that serve everyone from young families to adults with developmental disabilities. The recent National Blue Ribbon School designation for its accompanying school has solidified St. Theresa’s reputation as a cornerstone of faith, education, and mid-century modern heritage in Central Phoenix.

The Unmatched Legacy: Architecture, School, and Leadership

St. Theresa Parish is unique in that its most defining features are a blend of art, education, and faith tradition. The physical church structure itself is a masterpiece, while the school’s academic achievements continually set it apart.

A William F. Cody Modernist Masterpiece

The architecture of the church is one of its most striking and unique features, setting it apart from many traditional Catholic structures in the region. The building is heralded as a Modernist Icon, designed by the celebrated architect William F. Cody and completed around 1968.

  • Custom Interior Design: Cody’s vision extended beyond the walls. He custom-designed all the interior furniture, including the pews, the Baptismal Font, the Main Altar of Sacrifice, and other religious features, ensuring a cohesive and unified aesthetic.
  • Hand-Carved Crucifix: Despite the modern design, the church retains powerful traditional elements, including a large, hand-carved central crucifix that was originally sourced from Bavaria.
  • St. Rita Veneration: The church also features a special statue of St. Rita of Cascia, a popular figure for prayer petitions, demonstrating a deep connection to Catholic devotional life within a contemporary setting.

The church’s architectural significance is so great that it is often featured during local events like Phoenix Modernism Week, drawing visitors interested in its mid-century design.

St. Theresa Catholic School: A 2023 National Blue Ribbon School

Complementing the spiritual life of the parish is the highly-regarded St. Theresa Catholic School. This institution has received national recognition for its academic excellence and commitment to Catholic identity.

In a major recent achievement, the school was named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, a prestigious honor that recognizes overall academic excellence or success in closing achievement gaps. This was not the school’s first time receiving the award, having also been recognized in 2010.

The school offers a comprehensive curriculum from Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten up through 8th grade (K-8), maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 9:1. The school is committed to forming witnesses of Christ through a curriculum rooted in Catholic values, making it a top-ranked private school option for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The school is a hive of activity, with fundraising efforts like the annual Auction 2025 scheduled for November 7, 2025, and a Golf Tournament supporting its mission.

Key Historical Figures and Current Leadership

The parish's history is marked by dedicated clergy and religious orders. The school's educational tradition began in 1956 when Father George Feeney requested the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill to conduct Catechism classes for his new parish.

The parish today is led by an active clergy team, including Fr. George Griener, S.J., and Deacons Colin F. Campbell and Mark Kriese, who oversee the spiritual and administrative life of the community.

A Comprehensive Hub of Faith and Service

St. Theresa Parish is an active community offering numerous opportunities for spiritual growth, service, and fellowship, extending far beyond the weekend Mass schedule.

Dynamic Mass Schedule and Sacraments

The parish provides a flexible schedule to accommodate the busy lives of its parishioners, including:

  • Weekend Masses: Sunday services are offered at 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM (often featuring a special Liturgy with Children), 11:00 AM, and a 5:00 PM Mass geared toward Teen and Young Adult participation. The Saturday Vigil Mass is held at 4:00 PM, preceded by an 8:00 AM Mass.
  • Weekday Services: Early morning Masses are available on weekdays, along with opportunities for the Sacrament of Confession and periods of Eucharistic Adoration, which are central to the parish’s devotional life.

The church is also a key location for sacramental preparation, including Marriage Preparations, guiding couples through the process of building a faith-centered life together.

Outreach and Ministries: Serving the Phoenix Community

Community service is a core pillar of the St. Theresa Parish mission, with a strong emphasis on outreach and specialized religious education.

Specialized Religious Education and Youth Programs

The parish operates several specialized ministries that cater to diverse needs within the community:

  • REACH Program: This unique Religious Education program is specifically designed for adults in the community who have developmental disabilities. REACH provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants to learn and grow in their faith.
  • Youth Ministry: The parish runs active youth programs, including Life Teen for high schoolers and Edge Youth Ministry for middle schoolers. These programs provide a social and spiritual foundation for young people in the Diocese of Phoenix, focusing on community, service, and Catholic teachings.
  • Adult Faith Formation: Beyond the youth, the parish is deeply committed to lifelong learning through its Adult Faith Formation programs, offering classes and groups to deepen the understanding of scripture and Church tradition.

Service and Fellowship Ministries

St. Theresa Parish is home to several service-oriented groups that address the material and spiritual needs of the wider Phoenix area:

The St. Vincent De Paul society is a highly active ministry within the parish, providing direct financial and material assistance to families and individuals facing hardship. Additionally, ministries like The Father’s Heart and Couples in Christ Ministry focus on strengthening family life and marital bonds through fellowship and shared faith experiences.

For all who wish to volunteer or participate in these essential services, the parish, in conjunction with the school, requires completion of the Safe Environment Training mandated by the Diocese of Phoenix, ensuring a secure and protective environment for all members, especially children.

St. Theresa Catholic Church in Phoenix, AZ, is a vibrant and essential part of the Central Phoenix landscape. Its combination of a historically significant William F. Cody architectural design, the academic prestige of a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School, and a powerful range of community and youth ministries makes it a truly unique and influential Catholic center. Whether seeking a spiritual home, an excellent education, or a chance to serve the community through programs like REACH and St. Vincent De Paul, St. Theresa Parish offers a welcoming and dynamic environment for all.

st theresa catholic church phoenix
st theresa catholic church phoenix

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