Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

After 22 years of service to the Diocese of Tucson, John Shaheen has retired from the diocesan Property Department. Over his two decades, Shaheen accumulated many responsibilities and titles including Property Director, Insurance Director, Risk Manager, and Facility Manager.

Shaheen oversaw 24 major building projects totaling more than $67 million. He facilitated the design and construction of seven new churches, two new schools, four parish halls, and the renovation of 11 parishes and schools:

New churches: Corpus Christi, St. Andrew the Apostle, St. John Neumann, Most Holy Trinity, St. Mark the Evangelist, Our Lady of Grace, and St. Michael the Archangel.

New schools: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and San Miguel High School.

New halls: Santa Catalina, St. Anthony, Our Lady of Fatima, and St. Mark.

Renovations and updates: St. Augustine High School, Our Lady of the Mountain Parish, St. Odilia Parish, Marist College, St. Monica Church, St. Augustine Cathedral and Rectory, San Felipe de Jesus Church, St. Cyril of Alexandria Church, Our Mother of Sorrows Church, St. Luke Church,and San Xavier Mission School.

Shaheen also managed the $25 million building of Cathedral Square which serves as the Diocese of Tucson’s pastoral center,C athedral’s parish hall,and event venue.With his background in architecture ,contracting ,and project managing,Shaheen served as a liaison between parishes and their architects.Shaheen represented the Diocese to the City Council ,Board of Supervisors,and Rio Nuevo Board.He also served on the Diocese Building Committeeand Kino Heritage Society.

The Dioceseof Tucson welcomes Jose Gastelum as its new Property Director.Coming from Tucson Unified School District,Gastelum was previously a construction project managerand architect.He came to work for the Catholic Church because he has a “passion for helping people in our community,”he said.“I do my work with great dedicationand sincere commitment to makinga difference.Having valuesand faith has provided me strength,guidance,and motivation to achieve my goalsand to give respectand careto others.”

Also joiningthe Property Department is Risk Manager ,Daniel Miranda.In that role ,Miranda will “aid parishesand schools plan for the ‘what ifs,’to be preventativeand proactivein regardto safetyand security,”he said.Miranda comes tothe Diocese with 24 years of experience withthe Boysand Girls Clubof Tucson,and along career inthe U.S.Navy.He is happyto serve th eCatholicChurchin hisnew role “put my skill set touse to help outour growing Catholic community,”hesaid.“I'm looking forwardtovisiting allthe parishesandschools intheDioceseofTucson.I am happyto be working hereand love th efriendly environment! I strive tob e agoodand moralman everyday better todaythanthe day before.”

Join us in congratulating John Shaheen on his impactful career and retirement,and in welcoming Jose Gastelum an dDaniel Miranda tothediocesan property team.