Goodyear priest to depart for role in national vocations ministry  

Rev. Andrew Fritz will leave Goodyear’s St. John Vianney Catholic Church and School this summer to begin a new assignment as associate director of vocations for the U.S. Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross.  

The Congregation of Holy Cross, which provides priests and brothers to serve at St. John Vianney, periodically reassigns clergy members to various roles.

In his new position, Fritz will assist with retreats, pilgrimages and vocational events. He will also help people interested in dedicating themselves to Catholisism by connecting them with the church and guiding them through their educational and pastoral development.  

Fritz arrived at St. John Vianney as a seminarian in 2021 and was ordained as a priest in August 2022. In a statement released in the church’s bulletin on Sunday, March 2, Fritz thanked the parish community for its support.  

“Since I showed up here in Goodyear as a seminarian… I have been keenly aware of exactly how all of you have been given to me as a gift from God. Now that awareness is even more profound." Fritz stated. "Please pray for me during these months of transition into this role and know that your names are in mine every day."

Fritz, a Maryland native, began his formation with the Congregation of Holy Cross in 2012 while studying anthropology and philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. He later earned a Master of Divinity from Notre Dame in 2021. His ministry has included roles in education, service to people experiencing homelessness, and pastoral care in the United States and abroad.  

St. John Vianney community members will have an opportunity to recognize Fritz’s contributions before his departure in July. 

Visit sjvaz.net for more information.