Pastoral Visit to Tonapah

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March 24, 2023 (Tonopah, NV) - Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas, along with Auxillary Bishop Gregory Gordon recently visited St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tonopah, Nevada. During his pastoral visit, Bishop Thomas took the opportunity to visit nearby mines and learn about the challenges facing the mining industry in the region.

Tonopah, located about 200 miles northwest of Las Vegas, has a rich mining history that dates to the early 1900s. The town's economy has long been tied to the mining industry, with gold, silver, and other minerals being extracted from the nearby mountains.

On Saturday, March 18, Bishop Thomas, and Gordon received a tour of the mines at Kinross Round Mountain Gold Mine, located north of Tonopah, NV. During the tour, Bishop Thomas posed for photos near large mining equipment, including an 12-foot-tall tire! Unfortunately, the Bishops did not find any gold at the end of the rainbow. 

On Sunday, March 19, Bishop Thomas and Bishop Gordon celebrated Mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, which has been serving the Tonopah community. Fr. Alex Thomas, CSSR welcomed both Bishops to the community. The church is a vibrant hub of the community, providing spiritual support and social services to people of all faiths.

During his visit, Bishop Thomas celebrated Mass at St. Patrick's and met with members of the parish. He was struck by the warm welcome he received and the strong sense of community that permeates the church. 

Bishop Thomas's visit to St. Patrick's and the nearby mines was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, faith, and hard work. 

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