Our Parish History

Before the small desert town of New River, Arizona, had any neighboring communities, area Catholics gathered in a public school gymnasium for their first Liturgy; it was held on April 9, 1983. Two years later, Father Val Boyle, O. Carm. was appointed Administrator of the pastoral and liturgical lives of the Catholics in this forming faith community. The community started a building fund in 1985; its fundraising efforts were greatly enhanced two years later, when Mary Aguire donated five acres of land for a future church and related buildings. Almost exactly five years after the first mass, in 1988, the community was officially, canonically recognized as a Mission. Originally, the community was a mission of Saint Luke's Parish. By 1991, the community was able to complete a multi-use church building. Good Shepherd Church was dedicated and blessed in May 1993 and additions were made in 1997.

By the time Father Boyle retired in 2003, the area had begun to experience rapid population growth. On New River's border, the planned community of Anthem was outgrowing all expectations. Desert Hills was experiencing a population boom, as well, and the construction of the village of Tramonto had begun. The little desert town of New River now had large, close neighbors and was starting to gain many new citizens itself.

In addition to the Liturgies celebrated in New River, Liturgies were also being celebrated in Anthem, in its Community Center. Catholics also gathered in Anthem for many social events, prayer, and religious education. Deacon Jim Fogle provided support and administration as the Mission Life Administrator until September 2004, when the Diocese of Phoenix formed the new parish of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne. The Good Shepherd Church in New River, now known as The Mission of the Good Shepherd, became a mission of the new parish. Father John Coleman was appointed the founding pastor.

Even before the Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish was created, the Diocese of Phoenix studied population growth projections and the area's available real estate. It was anticipated that the parish's boundaries would be from the Carefree Highway north to the County line, and from 18th Street as far west as the eye could see. Projections indicated that this large geographic area would be heavily populated, so the Diocese decided to buy 24 acres of commercial property in Anthem, and a master plan was created. The plan called for a church, offices, a multi-purpose building and a school.

During his first 18 months as Pastor, Father Coleman showed the Catholic Community of Saint Rose how to transform a school's multi-purpose room into sacred space for Liturgies. The community joined together and created liturgical, formational, and pastoral ministries. Religious education and sacramental preparation programs were developed. Newly formed Stewardship and Pastoral Councils joined with Father Coleman in developing a Strategic Plan. The geographical and political differences of this large, diverse Parish were recognized and addressed.

In order to accomplish its mission statement of seeking excellence in expressing thanksgiving to God through activities that encourage spirituality, stewardship, and hospitality, the Catholic Community of St. Rose needed to raise money to build facilities on its property. In 2006, the parish community embarked on a capital campaign with the goal of building facilities on the parish land in Anthem. Today, the church offices and Spirituality Center are constructed and its new Pastor, Father Mark Harrington, leads the Catholic Community of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and the Mission of the Good Shepherd.

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