A Bilingual Catholic Home on Hayden Road
St. Daniel the Prophet Roman Catholic Church sits on North Hayden Road in Scottsdale, Arizona, and serves as one of the most visibly bilingual parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix. The parish worships in both English and Spanish at nearly every Mass of the week, prepares adults for full initiation through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, offers faith formation for children and adults, and supports more than a dozen ministries that range from the Knights of Columbus and the Guadalupanos to a charismatic prayer group, a youth group, and the parish chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
The parish mission, in its own words, is to be a welcoming Catholic community called by God to live the message of Christ in love and service to all people, and to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to the local community in word, deed and truth. Visitors are welcomed into a place where the rhythms of Catholic life are taken seriously: daily Mass, Saturday and Sunday liturgies, Eucharistic adoration, the rosary, the sacrament of reconciliation, and a steady stream of formation for those preparing to become Catholic, returning to the faith, or raising children in the Church.
Mass in English and Spanish, Every Day
The parish schedule is built around a bicultural rhythm. On Saturday, the Vigil Mass is celebrated at 4:00 pm in English and at 6:00 pm in Spanish. On Sunday, four Masses are offered: 7:00 am and 10:30 am in English, and 8:30 am and 12:30 pm in Spanish. The full weekly schedule is:
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 am (English)
- Tuesday, 6:00 pm (English)
- Thursday, 6:00 pm (Spanish)
On Holy Days of Obligation, Mass is offered at 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. The Mass schedule is intentionally arranged so that English-speaking and Spanish-speaking families can attend the same parish together, often within hours of one another, and the parish takes pride in this side by side arrangement. The 6:00 pm Thursday Mass in Spanish, in particular, gives Spanish-speaking parishioners a weekday evening option for the Eucharist in their own language.
The parish livestreams its liturgies, and the YouTube channel under the name St. Daniel the Prophet Roman Catholic Church makes Mass available for those at home or traveling. A link to the livestream is published alongside the regular schedule.
Confession, Adoration and the Rosary
The sacrament of reconciliation is offered three times a week, always before a scheduled Mass. Confessions are heard on Saturday from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, on Tuesday from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, and on Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Those who cannot attend during posted times are encouraged to contact the parish office to arrange another time.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a regular Tuesday fixture at the parish. The chapel is open for adoration following the 8:00 am Mass and remains available through 6:00 pm, when Benediction is given. The rosary is prayed in community three times a week. On Tuesday, the rosary follows the 8:00 am Mass. On Saturday, the rosary is prayed at 3:30 pm before the 4:00 pm Vigil Mass. On Sunday, the rosary begins at 6:25 am before the 7:00 am Mass. For those newer to the practice, the parish keeps a copy of the traditional Catholic prayers, including the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory to the Father, the Act of Contrition and the Hail, Holy Queen, on hand in its formation materials.
The Seven Sacraments at the Center of Parish Life
The parish teaches and celebrates all seven sacraments instituted by Christ, the same seven that the Catechism of the Catholic Church describes as the ritual means by which God's grace is poured into human life. The sacramental life of St. Daniel the Prophet shapes the parish's calendar and its ministry structure.
Baptism
Infant baptism is celebrated for families registered in the parish. The preparation process is thorough. Parents are asked to download the baptism packet (available in English and Spanish), complete the Godparent Form, and gather the necessary certificates before a date is scheduled. At least one godparent must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, at least 16 years of age, and if married, married in the Church. A second godparent, if chosen, must be of the opposite sex. A non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian Witness rather than a godparent, provided that he or she can present a valid baptismal certificate to the Baptismal Coordinator at least two weeks before the ceremony.
Eucharist, Confirmation, and Penance
First Eucharist, Confirmation and Penance (the sacrament of reconciliation) are part of the ongoing formation of children and of adults preparing for full initiation. The parish teaches that the Eucharist is not a symbol but the real presence of the Risen Christ, body, blood, soul and divinity, under the appearances of bread and wine, and that Catholics who have received First Communion are welcome to receive at every Mass unless they are conscious of mortal sin. Confirmation is described as a deepening of baptismal grace through the anointing of chrism oil and the laying on of hands by the bishop, conferring the gifts of the Holy Spirit and binding the confirmed more closely to the mission of the Church. Penance follows the four steps familiar to every Catholic: contrition, confession to a priest, absolution, and a renewed commitment to live a Christian life.
Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders
The Anointing of the Sick is offered to anyone struggling with illness, not only those at the point of death, and is described by the parish as a sacrament of healing, support and the reminder of God's presence in human suffering. Marriage is presented as a covenantal union in the image of the relationship between Christ and the Church, a bond that the Church teaches cannot be broken. Couples prepare with the help of the parish before the wedding liturgy. Holy Orders, the sacrament through which the mission of the apostles continues in bishops, priests and deacons, is taught in the parish's formation materials as one of the three degrees of ordained ministry without which the Church, in the words of the Catechism, cannot be said to exist.
Becoming Catholic Through OCIA
Adults who are unbaptized, or who were baptized in another Christian tradition and seek full communion with the Catholic Church, are welcomed into the parish's Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. The parish's OCIA process is described as a return to the formation of the earliest members of the Church in the first and second centuries, a communal journey of study, faith sharing, and liturgical rites that culminates in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
The process moves through several marked stages. The Pre-Catechumenate, also called the Period of Inquiry, is a time of seeking and reflection when inquirers acknowledge that Christ is calling them. The Rite of Initiation formally accepts new members into the worshipping community. The Catechumenate, the longest stage, is a period of learning about Catholic teaching, scripture, tradition and customs. The Rite of Election occurs when catechumens and candidates are chosen by the bishop to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter. Finally, the period of Mystagogy, the time after reception, is described as a season of reflection and celebration, a time to explore the deep mystery of the faith and to go forth as new members of the Church.
Catechumens are those seeking full initiation through Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Candidates are Christians already baptized who seek full communion through Eucharist and Confirmation. A team of sponsors supports the journey, sharing their faith, walking with inquirers, and helping them discern membership in the Catholic community.
Those who were once Catholic and have stepped away from regular practice are explicitly invited back. The parish states plainly that the Church misses those who have left, that the door is always open, and that anyone considering a return is welcome to begin a conversation with the parish office.
Faith Formation for Children and Adults
Religious education for children is organized through the parish's faith formation program, under the direction of Sr. Manuela Vazquez Sanchez, the Faith Formation Coordinator. Children gather regularly to grow in their understanding of God, with the parish describing the program in its own words as a place to discover God together. The parish uses the phrase, It's never too late to learn more about God's love, to introduce its adult faith formation opportunities, which run alongside the children's program and include preparation for the sacraments, ongoing catechesis, and study of the Catholic essentials.
Adults who wish to deepen their understanding of the faith can draw on a remarkable body of formation that the parish has assembled. The Catholic Essentials section covers the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Theological and Cardinal Virtues, the Ten Commandments, the Two Greatest Commandments, the Eight Beatitudes, the Fourteen Stations of the Cross, the Seven Last Words of Christ, the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, the Four Marks of the Church (one, holy, catholic, apostolic), and the Precepts of the Church. The parish also offers a guided tour of the sacraments, the Mass, the liturgical calendar, prayer, the papacy, and the history of salvation from the Acts of the Apostles through the present day.
A Parish Network of Ministries
St. Daniel the Prophet carries on the Catholic understanding that ministry belongs to the whole Body of Christ, and the parish has a working network of more than a dozen groups that reflect its bilingual and culturally rooted identity. Information about each ministry is available in both English and Spanish.
Guadalupanos
The Guadalupanos is a Spanish-speaking women's ministry dedicated to the love and veneration of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The group studies the teachings of the Church, prays the Holy Rosary, serves the needs of the parish, participates in parish festivities, and organizes women's retreats. Coordinated by Ramona Arce, the Guadalupanos meets twice a month, on the first and last Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. The ministry is open to women 18 years and older.
San Juan Diego Ministry
Following the example of St. Juan Diego, this Spanish-speaking ministry strengthens the faith of its members through prayer, the sacraments and the Word of God. Members participate in parish festivities, organize men's retreats, lead family rosaries, and take part in processions to honor Our Lady in the Diocese of Phoenix. The San Juan Diego Ministry meets twice a month on Tuesdays.
Knights of Columbus
The Saint Daniel the Prophet council of the Knights of Columbus is a council of Catholic men who lead, serve, protect and defend. The council participates in Coats for Kids, lends a hand in disaster relief, supports local pregnancy centers with donations such as ultrasound machines, and offers top-quality financial products to members. Council members evaluate the needs of the community and implement programs and activities that are most needed in the area, following the Knights of Columbus Faith in Action model. The council meets on the second Thursday of each month, beginning with a rosary.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The parish chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is one of the principal works of mercy at St. Daniel the Prophet. The society exists to provide help to those in need, generally within parish boundaries, regardless of creed, race or political belief, and to exercise the virtue of charity in the local community. The chapter is in particular need of men, women and young people willing to commit some of their time to the society's work. The Vincentian hotline is 480-289-4455.
Our Lady's Sodality
Our Lady's Sodality is a community of women parishioners, ages twelve and up, dedicated to growing in the virtues of Our Lady through fellowship, spirituality and parish service. The sodality gathers for First Saturday Mass, prays the rosary together, holds regular sodality meetings, and assists the pastor and other ministries in organizing and running parish events.
Lion of Judah Charismatic Prayer Group
The Lion of Judah Charismatic Prayer Group meets every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the chapel. Coordinated by Joanne, the group gathers to pray the rosary for the United States, to praise and worship through song and prayer, to share what the Lord is doing in the lives of its members, to pray for individual and community needs, and to listen to God through the reading of scripture. The group describes itself as a place where two or more gather in Christ's name, and where newcomers are warmly invited to come and see what the Lord can do.
Youth Group
A youth group for Spanish-speaking young people meets on Thursdays at 6:00 pm in the parish hall. The group is described as a place to grow in faith, to share life with peers, and to live the Christian message together.
Liturgical Ministries
Under the direction of Sr. Viviana Lopez, the Coordinator of Liturgical Ministries, the parish draws on a wide circle of liturgical volunteers. Boys from third grade and above serve at the altar as altar servers. Men assist at Mass and funeral Masses as senior altar servers. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion serve the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass and bring the Eucharist to the sick and homebound. Lectors proclaim the Scriptures at Mass and at other services. The Liturgical Linen Service prepares and cares for the altar linens, including purificators, corporals, and altar cloths. Sacristans prepare the altar before Mass and clean it afterward. Ushers help worshippers to their seats and take up the collection. Each of these ministries is rooted in the parish's regular liturgical life and is coordinated through the parish office.
Music Ministry
The Music Ministry brings together singers under the direction of a choir director. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm in the Choir Loft, and choir members sing at the 11:30 am Sunday Mass, though the parish bulletin lists that Mass at 10:30 am in the published schedule. (The parish's published English-language schedule shows 10:30 am as the second Sunday English Mass; the music ministry section refers to singing at 11:30 am Sunday Mass as the schedule allows.) The choir is open to anyone willing to commit to rehearsals and to the Mass at which the choir sings.
Safe Environment and the Protection of Minors
The Diocese of Phoenix requires that all priests, deacons, employees and volunteers serving at the parish complete Safe Environment Training and a background check before participating in any ministry. The training is offered online through CMG Connect, with an initial foundation course and annual renewal. The Safe Environment year runs from July 1 to June 30. The parish's own policies, together with the diocesan Policy and Procedures for the Protection of Minors, are available to all volunteers and form part of the standard expectations for anyone working with minors or vulnerable adults in the parish.
Catholic Beliefs Taught in the Parish's Own Voice
The parish teaches, in summary, that human beings were created by God in love, that all of creation reflects God's goodness, and that the world, renewed by the Incarnation, speaks of God's love in sacramental signs. Catholics at St. Daniel the Prophet believe in stewardship as a way of life, sharing time, talent and treasure with those around them. They believe in the Holy Trinity, God revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a communion of knowledge and love into which human beings are invited. They believe that God so loved the world that he became human in the person of Jesus, that Jesus was crucified, died and rose again, and that those who follow him hope to share in his resurrection.
The parish identifies the Catholic Church as one, holy, catholic and apostolic, and professes the Nicene Creed at every Sunday Mass. The Pope, as Bishop of Rome and successor of Peter, is described as the chief pastor and shepherd of the whole Church, and the bishop of the diocese as the local successor of the apostles. The parish has shared Bishop John Dolan's first pastoral letter, TILMA, with parishioners; the letter outlines a seven-year pastoral plan for evangelization in the Diocese of Phoenix, running through December 9, 2031, the 500th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Tepeyac Hill, and points to the graces of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.
Prayer as the Backbone of Parish Life
The parish teaches that prayer is communion with God, public or personal, spoken or silent, and that the psalms have been part of the Church's communal prayer since the earliest days. The Gospels record seventeen times that Jesus withdrew to pray, and the parish holds up that pattern as a model. The Mass is presented as the central communal form of prayer, supported by devotional prayer in many forms: silent meditation, Lectio Divina (a slow, repeated reading of a Scripture passage followed by silent reflection), and the keeping of a prayer journal. The traditional prayers of the Catholic tradition, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory to the Father, the Act of Contrition, the Hail, Holy Queen, and the Grace before Meals, are part of the formation of every parishioner, child and adult alike.
Reaching Out Beyond the Parish
The parish is a designated Safe Haven provider, with a 24-hour, seven-day crisis hotline at 1-866-707-2229 for anyone in need of support. The parish also maintains a working relationship with the Diocese of Phoenix, links to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for daily readings, and participates in the wider Catholic life of the diocese through programs such as the Catholics Come Home initiative, an outreach to inactive Catholics and to those who are searching for a faith home.
Parishioners in financial difficulty, or those wishing to remember the parish in their estate planning, are invited to consider planned giving through FreeWill, an online tool that guides users through the creation of a will or trust, the designation of the parish as a beneficiary of a non-probate asset such as an IRA, 401(k) or life insurance policy, or the giving of a tax-smart gift through stocks, cryptocurrency, an IRA distribution, or a Donor-Advised Fund grant. Online giving through OSV Hub allows parishioners to set up recurring and one-time gifts, and the parish office is glad to help with any questions about the process.
The Parish Staff
The parish is served by a small, bilingual team. The pastor is Rev. Carlos Gomez. The associate pastor is Rev. Simon John Ortiz. Sr. Manuela Vazquez Sanchez serves as Faith Formation Coordinator for religious education and adult formation. Sr. Viviana Lopez serves as Coordinator of Liturgical Ministries. Ivan Guerrero directs maintenance and facilities. Erika Inclan and Betty Rostran serve as receptionists, with Betty Rostran additionally serving as Priest Assistant. The parish office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:45 am to 5:00 pm and is closed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, though staff can be reached by phone at 480-945-8437 and by email at receptionist@sdtp.net during posted hours.
Joining the Parish
Anyone wishing to make St. Daniel the Prophet their parish home is invited to register, either online or in person, and to participate in the life of the parish. The parish describes active, registered membership as a participation in the prayer, stewardship and ministry of the community, a commitment that makes one eligible to serve as a godparent, to request a financial commitment for Catholic education, to be married in the parish, and to prepare one's children for the sacraments. Adults and older children who are unbaptized, baptized in another Christian tradition, or simply curious about the Catholic faith are invited to contact the parish office and to begin the conversation that may lead to full membership through the OCIA process and the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.
To attend a first Mass at St. Daniel the Prophet, simply come to the church at 1030 N Hayden Road in Scottsdale. Parking is available on site. The Saturday Vigil and Sunday schedule make it easy to slip in at almost any hour of the weekend, and a Spanish Mass is available at almost every scheduled time, including the 6:00 pm Saturday Vigil, the 8:30 am and 12:30 pm Sunday Masses, and the 6:00 pm Thursday daily Mass. The parish is ready to welcome new faces, new families, and new members of the Catholic faithful from every background and every walk of life.