Gallup Diocese Partnership & Missions

In September 2023, Bishop James Wall invited St. Isaac Jogues to partner with the Gallop diocese, the poorest diocese in the United States.  At that time Fr. Burke committed to a long-term relationship, beginning with a mission trip in July 2024.
 

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Gallup is a multicultural, expansive diocese, comprising 55,000 square miles in Northeastern Arizona and Northwestern New Mexico. The landscape, people, and faith expression within this area are extraordinary and unlike any other diocese in the United States and, perhaps, the world. There are 53 parishes, 13 schools, and five social centers within the diocesan boundaries—all serving approximately 58,000 Catholics among a total population of 490,000. It is a Catholic community working for the salvation of souls, to ease the suffering of the human condition, to witness the truth, to help foster the overall fulfillment of life, and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. https://dioceseofgallup.org/about/
 

Bishop James S. Wall was born in Ganado, Arizona.  After college at Arizona State Tempe, he entered St. John Seminary in Camarillo, California, and was ordained a priest on June 6, 1998 for service in the Diocese of Phoenix. He served as Parochial Vicar, Pastor and Vicar for Priests until his episcopal consecration.  During his time in Phoenix, Bishop Wall was a member of the Presbyteral Council and College of Consultors.  He served on the Natural Family Planning Board, as the Chaplain for the Phoenix Legatus Chapter, and as a spiritual adviser for Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats. He was a member of the National Advisory Council of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and an advisory Board member of the Institute for Priests and Presbyterate in St. Meinrad, Indiana.  He is a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Equestrian Order of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher.  On February 5, 2009, Bishop Wall was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Gallup and was consecrated and installed officially on April 23, 2009.

Bishop Wall’s episcopal motto is “Be Doers of the Word,” from the Epistle of St. James: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves (James 1:22).”  This passage is to remind us that we must not only listen to the words of Christ, but put them into daily action, following the teachings of Our Lord.
 

St. Kateri Tekakwitha was a member of the Algonquin-Mohawk tribes in 17th century New York State. During her lifetime, she was known for her intense devotion to Christ and her Catholic faith, as well as perseverance in the face of suffering. In 2012, she was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI, becoming the first female Native American Saint. The people of the Diocese of Gallup have a special devotion to St. Kateri. There are numerous Native American tribes and peoples spread throughout the Diocese, and all look up to St. Kateri in a special way as a model and a patron.

The partnership between St. Isaac Jogues and the Gallup Diocese is growing!  It is guided by our call to be missionaries; to go into the world to share our faith and provide much needed services to the poorest of the poor. 

In September, Bishop James Wall, from the Diocese of Gallup, invited us to serve the poor and needy in his diocese which encompasses areas of New Mexico and Arizona.  The needs are immense: food, running water, clothing, shelter and fellowship.  

·      July 2024
This first mission trip aims to serve, share fellowship and determine how best to grow our relationship. And it is, in a sense, a fact-finding mission: we will learn more about the needs of the people and how we can best help them. 

·      Sacred Heart Retreat Center
Mission team members will stay at the Sacred Heart Retreat Center.  Besides lodging and meals, the group will be able to share in spiritual growth with daily mass, witness talks, sharing of graces, adoration and praying the rosary.  Sacred Heart Retreat Center is a facility and ministry of the Diocese of Gallup.  It exists to serve the spiritual needs of all who come. Rooted in the Gospel teachings of Jesus Christ and of the Roman Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Retreat Center is a place of hospitality, quiet prayerfulness and desert beauty for those desiring to deepen their relationship with God and nourish their spiritual life through prayer, retreat, and spiritual and educational programs.  https://dioceseofgallup.org/parishes/retreat-centers/

Service Sites
o   Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation is a Native American reservation of Navajo people with a land base of 27,000 square miles, extending into Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah with an array of national monuments, tribal parks, historical sites, and Lake Powell. This area has a long history dating to pre-historic times and the subsequent arrival of Spanish and European settlers. Navajo Nation is larger than 10 of the 50 American states. The seat of government is located in Window Rock, AZ. Today, the Navajo Nation is striving to sustain a viable economy for an ever-increasing population that now surpasses 250,000.  https://www.navajo-nsn.gov/History and https://discovernavajo.com

o   Zuni Pueblo and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church
The Zuni Indian Reservation, also known as Pueblo of Zuni, is the homeland of the Zuni tribe of Native Americans.  In Zuni language its people are referred to as A:shiwi, and the Zuni homeland is referred to as Halona Idiwan’a meaning Middle Place. Approximately 84 percent of the Tribe speaks the Zuni language.  Archaeological evidence shows the Zuni people have lived in their present location for about 1,300 years. Spanish explorers first encountered Zuni Pueblo in 1540 during their search for the legendary Seven Golden Cities of Cíbola. Instead of gold, however, there was an abundance of precious turquoise and silver to be found in the Pueblo.  A Tribal count places Zuni's population at more than 10,000 making it one of New Mexico’s most populated Pueblos.  The Zuni Pueblo is an artist colony, producing inlay silverwork, stone fetish carving, pottery, and other artwork.  
St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and School is built upon the philosophy that the Catholic faith and a receiving a good education is key for Native American youth to help break the cycle of unemployment and poverty.  Founded in 1629, the “Old Mission” was dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe and inside, life-size murals of kachinas are painted on the walls of the church.
https://naair.arizona.edu/pueblo-zuni and https://www.newmexico.org/native-culture/native-communities/zuni-pueblo/

o   Missionaries of Charity St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry
The Soup kitchen provides meals to anyone in need and its homeless shelter provides night shelter for anyone 18 years and older.

o   Little Sisters of the Poor Villa Guadalupe
Little Sisters of the Poor are an international congregation of Roman Catholic women religious founded in 1839 by Saint Jeanne Jugan. Together with a diverse network of collaborators, it serves the elderly poor in more than 30 countries around the world. Its mission is to offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to himself.  https://www.littlesistersofthepoorgallup.org