Rev. Msgr. John P. Lyons

Rev. Msgr. John Lyons was born February 23, 1947 in Tucson and attended Saints Peter + Paul School through middle school. He then received his diploma from Salpoint Catholic High Schoo in 1965.

Forever a Wildcat, John attended the University of Arizona and received a B.A. in Education in 1969, an M.A. in Art in 1971 and a J.D. in 1975.

John was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona and practiced law as a commercial litigator.

He had given up on the idea of the priesthood until he read a 1983 Diocesan newspaper article about an older priest's ordination. After exploring his options, including discussions with Bishops Green and Moreno and his law partners, he entered the Sacret Heart School of Theology in January, 1985.

In May, 1988, John received his Master's degree in Divinity and was ordained at Saint Augustine Cathedral on August 15, 1988. In February, 1996, he received his Licentiate in Canon Law from Catholic University of America.

Father John's first assignment was Transitory Deacon at Immaculate Heart Parish (Yuma) followed by Parochial Vicar until January, 1994. He was then appointed Chancellor or the Diocese of Tucson, a position he held until January, 1999.  

In February, 1999 he became Pastor at Saints Peter + Paul Parish until his assignment as Pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle in July, 2010. He retired March 1, 2021.