Phoenix, Ariz., Jan 8, 2008 / 23:12 pm
Hundreds disregarded a request from the Diocese of Phoenix to ignore services by former Monsignor Dale Fushek. According to the Arizona Republic, more than 600 people packed three rooms at the Mesa Convention Center last weekend.
Though the diocese has opposed the suspended priest’s non-denominational services since his inaugural service on Thanksgiving, Fushek has filled the center three times with a loyal congregation despite facing misdemeanor sex charges.
The former pastor of St. Timothy's Catholic Church in Mesa and founder of the youth ministry, Life Teen, drew 700 people to his service on December 23 and nearly 500 on Thanksgiving. Jim Dwyer, the spokesman for the Diocese of Phoenix told the Arizona Republic that “We're actually encouraging Catholics to refrain from attending. We would hope that they don't…”
However, Brad Kuluris, a Catholic and spokesman for Fushek’s ‘Praise and Worship Center’, said “I think people are looking for a style of preaching that's new and invigorating,” Kuluris said. “You’ve seen these mega churches. People are looking for preaching that brings new life to ancient ideas.”