Parish Name: Our Mother of Sorrows
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Founded: 1958
Diocese: Tucson
Pastor: Msgr. Thomas P. Cahalane
Number of Parishioners: 8,410
Parish website: www.omosparish.org
What makes your parish different from other parishes?
Despite traditional church boundaries, people come from dozens of zip codes to attend our church. We have a dynamic pastor who has been pastor here for more than 32 years. Our school was founded in 1959. Many founding families continue to attend with their grown children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
What’s the most distinguishing characteristic of your church building?
Our architectural cross. It is featured as a part of our logo and it embodies a unity that really represents our parish.
Who is your most interesting parishioner, and what makes them so interesting?
Our most interesting parishioner is Msgr. Tom Cahalane himself. He originally hails from Ireland and has been pastor here for more than 32 years of his 50 years as a priest. His longevity at the parish is not the only reason he is interesting. He is bright, witty, ever-approachable, loved by so many…we could go on and on.
What’s the most popular event, ministry, or holiday tradition at your parish?
One of our most popular events is our parish Fiesta. Celebrated during the second weekend in October, it is now in its 35th year. It brings together the entire community providing family fun to those who are within our parish community and those who do not attend our church. It is attended by more than 4,000 people and is a big hit with everyone at every age.
If we asked parishioners what they love most about the parish, what would they say?
They would say, hands down, that it is our pastor, outreach ministries, and our parish staff that they love the best. Msgr. Tom, our pastor, is very much a good shepherd, a fantastic leader, and an integral part of the glue that holds our parish together. This is his Golden Jubilee anniversary year. The community is blessed with more than 70 ministries, each of which embody a servant leadership style. We reach out to those most in need, not only in our community, but beyond the borders and walls of the parish. Our parish staff is the best, providing the fertile soil that allows much fruit to bloom within our parish community.
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