More than 600 people brushed aside a request from the Phoenix Catholic Diocese to avoid services led by former Monsignor Dale Fushek, packing three rooms at the Mesa Convention Center on Sunday.The Praise and Worship Center, launched on Thanksgiving by Fushek and former priest Mark Dippre, mixes Catholic and evangelical worship styles and largely draws an over-40 crowd loyal to Fushek despite his legal problems.
Fushek is accused of misdemeanor charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and indecent exposure stemming from his relationships with five teenage boys from 1984 to 1993. The Arizona Supreme Court heard an appeal in the case in December but has not issued an opinion.
Dippre said the Praise and Worship Center is not a church, but he acknowledged that some people will eventually call it their church home. He said the goal is to create a parachurch organization that includes Bible studies, counseling and other support systems.
Sunday was the third meeting of the group, which plans to meet again next Sunday.
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