How It Came to Be
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The Archdiocese of San Francisco 1853
When Catholic missionaries first brought Christianity to the American Southwest, the Catholic population for many years was so sparse that it was administered from various dioceses in Old Mexico. By the time of the Mexican American War (1846-48), administrative realignments had become necessary for two reasons. First the Catholic population had grown large enough that creation of local dioceses had become advisable. Secondly with the Mexican American War, the acquisition by the United States of the area including the modern states of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and part of Colorado, creation of local dioceses had become necessary, so that American parishes and missions would not be administered across national lines.
By 1853, the Holy See had divided the Mexican Cession, as it was called, into two regions. The newly created Archdiocese of San Francisco, extended from the 42nd parallel (the present northern border of California, Nevada, and Utah) south to the 37th parallel (slightly north of Monterey, California). South of the 37th parallel were the Dioceses of Monterey and Santa Fe. Utah Territory, created as part of the Compromise of 1850, was located within the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
In 1866, Utah Catholics were briefly placed under the jurisdiction of the newly created Diocese of Marysville, California (presently the Diocese of Sacramento). Two years later, Utah was moved into the Diocese of Denver, but in 1870 it was returned to the Archdiocese of San Francisco, where it remained a suffragan diocese until 2023.
As the Catholic population within the former Mexican Cession continued to grow, eventually nine suffragan dioceses were erected within the Province of San Francisco. Utah was one of those. On November 23, 1886, the Vicariate Apostolic of Utah was established, and on January 27, 1891 it became the Diocese of Salt Lake under its first bishop, the pioneer priest Lawrence Scanlan. A papal decree of 1951 added the word “City” to the name of the diocese, making it the Diocese of Salt Lake City.
Until 1931, when the Diocese of Reno was created, six eastern counties of Nevada were part of the diocese, making the Diocese of Salt Lake geographically the largest diocese in the United States. By comparison, the seven dioceses in the state of New York comprise a total area of 47,246 square miles, which was only about one-third the area of the Diocese of Salt Lake. Even in its reduced size after 1931, Utah is still one of the larger dioceses in the country with it’s nearly 85,000 square miles.
The Archdiocese of Las Vegas 2023
On May 23, 2023, Pope Francis elevated the Diocese of Las Vegas to the thirty-fifth metropolitan archdiocese of the United States of America. In doing so, the Pope established the new ecclesiastical province of Las Vegas, with the Diocese of Reno and Salt Lake City as suffragan dioceses. At the time of the province change, the Diocese of Salt Lake City was home to more than 325,000 Catholics which accounted for ten percent of the general population of Utah.Taking a Historical Step Back
It was in 1776 that Franciscan friars Francisco Dominguez and Silvestre de Escalante crossed this territory with the help of local Native American guides. Six months later, diminishing supplies and threatening weather forced their expedition to return to New Mexico. It would be nearly 100 years before Catholic priests would formally establish their first foundation in Utah Territory.In 1871 Fr. Patrick Walsh built the first Catholic Church in Utah, dedicating it to St. Mary Magdalene. Father (later Bishop) Lawrence Scanlan arrived in 1873 to become pastor. Soon he would be given responsibility for the pastoral care of the Catholic military men, immigrant miners and railroad workers who numbered in the hundreds. Small churches, schools, an orphanage and a hospital were built, staffed by clergy and Holy Cross Sisters, to serve the growing Catholic population.From that time to the present, this diocese has been blessed with assistance from Catholic Mission Societies such as the Catholic Church Extension Society, U.S. Bishop's Committee on Home Missions, the Black and Indian collections and the Catholic Communication Campaign.As the nineteenth century came to a close, it was clear that the Catholic community in Salt Lake City was rapidly outgrowing the small church of St. Mary Magdalene. The time had come for the Catholics to erect a landmark of faith in downtown Salt Lake City.In 1890 Fr. Scanlan purchased a lot where the present Cathedral stands for $35,000. The Vicariate of Utah became the Diocese of Salt Lake a year later, and a rectory was built on the site by Bishop Lawrence Scanlan, the first Catholic bishop of Utah.Ground was broken for the new church in 1899. Construction for the building would last nearly a decade, costing a small fortune for the estimated 3,000 Catholics in Utah at the turn of the century. In 1917, the interior was artistically enhanced and the church was renamed the Cathedral of the Madeleine.Seventy years later, in the 1990's, the inside of the Cathedral was renovated and restored over a three-year period, costing 9.7 million dollars. It stands today as a beautiful monument to the early Catholic Church in Utah, and is listed on the Utah State Register of Historic Sites as well as the National Register of Historic Places.As the Catholic population in the nineteenth century grew, the number of religious women and men increased dramatically. The Holy Cross Sisters opened schools as well as Holy Cross Hospital where they ministered for over 100 years. Benedictine Sisters arrived in Ogden from Minnesota to establish a hospital and priory. The Christus-St. Joseph Villa was opened for the care of the elderly by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word from Texas.Trappist monks arrived in 1947 to build their monastery in Huntsville. Discalced Carmelite nuns from California founded Carmel in 1952, now located in Holladay. There were Franciscans, Jesuits, Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Vincentians, Dominicans and the Blessed Sacrament Community. In addition to the Holy Cross Sisters, there were Daughters of Charity, the Mercy Sisters, the Mexican Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and communities that catechized in the Missions: Sisters of the Holy Family, Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters and Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement. So too hundreds of lay women and men dedicated their lives in service to the missionary Diocese in Utah.Today in the Diocese of Salt Lake City there are 7 religious orders. There are 183 priests, deacons, brothers and women religious serving across the state, as well as thousands of lay ministers. Varied ministries reach out to people of different ethnic backgrounds, especially Hispanic people, who make up a large percentage of the growing Catholic population. Catholic Community Services (founded in 1945) helps refugees, the homeless, the poor and other marginalized members of society. The Intermountain Catholic weekly newspaper (founded in 1899) provides a network of communication to a vibrant community of faith.Following in the footsteps of two brave Franciscan explorers, the Diocese of Salt Lake City has grown from its humble roots as a missionary diocese of miners, immigrants and railroad workers, to an important presence on the Utah landscape. The Catholic Community of Utah continues to grow and flourish into the new millennium.
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Chronological History of the Diocese of Salt Lake City
1776 September 13 – October 15: Spanish Franciscan missionaries Silvestre de Escalante and Atanazio Dominguez visit Utah1850: The Holy See establishes the Diocese of Monterey (restructured in 1853 as the Metropolitan See of San Francisco) with jurisdiction over Utah Territory1859 April – October: Father Bonaventure Keller, OMC, serves as chaplain at Camp Floyd in Utah Territory1864 September 26: Father Jean Batiste Raverdy, Diocese of Santa Fe, offers Sunday Mass at Camp Douglas, Utah1866 May to December: Father Edward Kelly celebrates Mass in Salt Lake and purchases the first Catholic Church property in Utah1868: The Holy See places Utah Territory under jurisdiction of the Vicariate of Colorado-Utah for a two- year period1871 November 26: The first Catholic church in Utah is dedicated in Salt Lake City under the patronage of Saint Mary Magdalene (Social Hall Avenue)1873 August 14: Father Lawrence Scanlan arrives in Salt Lake City1875: Saint Joseph Parish is established in Ogden In June The Holy Cross Sisters arrive in Utah The Holy Cross Sisters construct Saint Mary Academy and open Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City1879: Father Scanlan, assisted by the Holy Cross Sisters, opens Saint John Church and Hospital, and Saint Mary School, in Silver Reef, Utah1881: Father Scanlan builds Saint Mary of the Assumption Church in Park City and Saint Patrick Church in Frisco1885: In Eureka a church named for Saint Patrick is established for the miners of the Tintic District, Juab County, Utah1886: November 23: Rome creates the Vicariate of Utah and Eastern Nevada, naming Father Scanlan vicar bishop The same year the Marist Fathers open All Hallows College for men in Salt Lake City1890: Holy Rosary Parish, which will become Immaculate Conception Parish, is established in Bingham Canyon1891 January 27: Pope Leo XIII creates the Diocese of Salt Lake Bishop Scanlan moves into a new rectory beside the cathedral site, establishing Saint Ann Orphanage in his former rectory (Social Hall Avenue)1892: Saint Patrick Parish opens in Salt Lake City Bishop Scanlan remodels a Provo residence into a chapel-rectory, which will become Saint Francis of Assisi1897: Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery is opened in Salt Lake City on 19 05 acres of land donated to the diocese by Salt Lake City Corporation1899: Gound-breaking for the Cathedral; Intermountain Catholic Newspaper begun; Cornerstone for Saint Ann Orphanage laid
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1900-1925 1909: In Salt Lake City Saint Mary Magdalene Cathedral is dedicated; Judge Mercy Home and Hospital is constructed1910: Saint Marguerite Parish in Tooele established1913: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Salt Lake City, established1915 May 10: Death of Bishop Scanlan August 24: Father Joseph S Glass, C M , is named second bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake1916: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Magna established1917: Divine Savior (later Sacred Heart) and Saint Ann parishes in Salt lake City established1918: Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish established in Price1919: Daughters of Charity come to the Diocese and open “Judge Mercy ” All Hallows College for Men closes1920: Bishop Glass renovates the cathedral interior and renames the church The Cathedral of the Madeleine Judge Memorial Catholic High School formerly the Judge Mercy Home and Hospital, opens1922: Saint James the Greater Parish in Vernal, established1925: Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in Murray, and Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in Midvale are established
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1926-1950 1926 January 26: Death of Bishop Glass The College of Saint Mary of the Wasatch is opened1926 September 8: Bishop John J Mitty is appointed third Bishop of Salt Lake1928 April 15: Notre Dame School opens in Price1931 March 27: The Holy See detaches Eastern Nevada from the Diocese of Salt Lake, declaring its boundaries the same as those of the State of Utah1932: Bishop John J Mitty transferred to San Francisco as Coadjutor Archbishop Bishop James E Kearney appointed fourth Bishop of Salt Lake1935: Saint Joseph Parish in Monticello established1936: Christ the King Parish in Cedar City established November: The Cathedral of the Madeleine is consecrated1937: Bishop Kearney transferred to Rochester, New York Bishop Duane G Hunt begins a 23 year tenure during which fourteen parishes are established He brings the Trappist Monks and Carmelite Sisters to Utah, and the Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word open St Joseph Villa, a home for the aged and infirmed1939: Saint John Bosco Parish in Delta established1940: Saint Helen Parish in Roosevelt established1941: Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in Logan established1943: Saint Olaf Parish in Bountiful established1944: Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Helper and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Salt Lake City are established1945: Catholic Charities, later Catholic Community Services, opens1946: Benedictine Sisters from Minnesota open Saint Benedict Hospital; Mount Benedict Monastery later built in Ogden1947: Saint Elizabeth Parish in Richfield and Good Shepherd Parish, Dragerton (later East Carbon City) are established Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists) arrive in diocese and build Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity in Hunstville1948 May 20: Saint Ambrose Parish and University of Utah Newman Center, Salt Lake City, Saint Rose of Lima in Layton, Saint Bridget Mission in Milford, established May 20: Father Leo J Steck is consecrated first auxiliary bishop of Salt Lake1949: Immaculate Conception Parish, formerly Holy Rosary Parish in Bingham Canyon, moved to Copperton1950: Saint Henry Parish in Brigham City established Divine Savior Parish in Salt Lake City renamed Sacred Heart Parish June 19: Bishop Steck dies unexpectedly.
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1951-1975 1951: By Papal decree the name Diocese of Salt Lake is officially changed to Diocese of Salt Lake City Joseph Lennox Federal appointed Auxillary Bishop on April 11 Named Co-adjutor on May 8, 19581952 August 5: Father Robert J Dwyer, the first native priest to be ordained for the Diocese of Salt Lake City, is named Bishop of Reno and consecrated in The Cathedral of the Madeleine Discalced Carmelite Nuns (Carmelites) arrive in diocese and later build Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Monastery in Holliday1953: Saint Christopher Parish in Kanab established1954: Saint Joseph Catholic High School opens in Ogden1955: Saint Francis of Assisi School opens in Provo Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Kearns and Saint Pius X Parish in Moab established1957: Saint Mary Parish in Ogden established1958: Saint George Parish in St George established1960: Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in Logan established New Judge Memorial Catholic High School Building completed Our Lady of the Snows Center Station in Alta established March 31: Bishop Duane G. Hunt dies and Bishop Joseph Lennox Federal becomes sixth bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City1961: Sacred Heart Mission in La Sal established1962 October 11 - December 13: Bishop Federal attends the opening of the Vatican Council II in Rome He attends all sessions1964: Christ Prince of Peace HAFB Chapel at Hill Air Force Base established Saint Ambrose Parish in Salt Lake City established Saint Francis Xavier Elementary School in Kearns opens1966: Saint James the Just Parish in Ogden established the annual Diocesan Development Drive is established1967: Saint Peter Mission (parish in 2000) in American Fork and Saint Dominic Mission in Bryce Canyon are established1968: Saint Ann Church in Salt Lake City dedicated1969: Saint Joseph the Worker Parish in West Jordan established1971: Saint Jude Mission in Ephraim established Saint Francis of Assisi School closes in Provo1972: Blessed Sacrament Parish in Sandy and Saints Peter and Paul Parish in West Valley City are established1973: Saint Marguerite church dedicated1974: Holy Family Mission in Fillmore begins with Mass in parishioners’ homes Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish dedicated after old church is destroyed by a fire Weber State University Newman Center in Ogden established1975: The Restoration Program for the exterior of The Cathedral of the Madeleine is begun and completed in 1980 San Andres Mission in Payson established
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1976-2000 1976: Saint Vincent de Paul Parish moved from Murray to location on Spring Lane Saint Jude (Maronite Rite) founded as a Mission in the old Saint Vincent de Paul Church in Murray1976 September 26: Bicentennials of the Dominguez-Escalante Expedition and the United States of America are celebrated with a Mass in the Salt Lake City Salt Palace, drawing 14,000 people1976 December 26: fourteen men are ordained permanent deacons1977: San Rafael Mission Huntington established; dedicated on Easter in 19781979: Holy Family Parish in South Ogden established Our Lady of the Mountain Retreat House in Ogden established1980: Saint Jude (Maronite Rite) named a parish1980 April 22: Bishop Federal resigns and is succeeded by William K Weigand, ordained seventh diocesan bishop on November 17, at the Salt Palace1980 July 29: Saint Olaf Church, Bountiful dedicated1981: Saint Thomas More Parish, Sandy established University of Utah Newman Center renamed Saint Catherine of Siena/ Newman Center Cosgriff Memorial Chapel in the Pastoral Center dedicated1982: A Lenten convocation, “Gathered in His Name,” draws 7,000 Catholics to the University of Utah Special Events Center Saint Martin de Porres Parish in Taylorsville, Saint Michael Mission (becomes Saint Gertrude in 1989) in Panguitch, Saint Nicolas (Blanding Station), Holy Spirit Mission in Duchesne, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Mission in Ft. Duchesne are established1984: Saint Jude Center in Ephraim built Saint Michael the Archangel Mission in Green River established Saint Thomas More Parish in Sandy dedicated1985: San Isidro Mission in Elberta and San Felipe Mission (Parish in 2000) are established1986: Bishop Weigand participates in the preparation of the pastoral letter of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops regarding Catholic social teaching and the United States economy Blessed Sacrament School opens Beryl Junction (later San Pablo Mission) established1986 April 27: Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Kearns dedicated1986 August 1: Holy Family Mission in Fillmore dedicated1986 August 15: San Andres Parish is established in Payson1990 September 16: Bishop Weigand dedicates Saint Florence Mission Huntsville1991 Saint Anthony of the Desert Mission in Torrey established1991 April 14: The diocese culminates a five-year celebration of its centennial with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration at the University of Utah Special Events Center1991 April 21: Mission San Rafael in Huntington is dedicated1992 June 8: Saint Anthony of the Desert Mission in Torrey is dedicated1992 August 28: Blessing of the Saint Anne Center, Ogden, by Bishop Weigand November 17: Saint Elizabeth Parish in Central Valley is dedicated1993 February 21, 22: The Cathedral of the Madeleine is reopened and rededicated after a six-year period of interior restoration overseen by Msgr. Francis M. Mannion1993 November 21: Saint Thomas More Parish in Sandy is dedicated1993 November 30: Bishop Weigand is named Bishop of Sacramento1994 January 27: Bishop Weigand is installed in Sacramento; Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald is elected administrator of the Diocese of Salt Lake City1994 March 27: Establishment of Our Lady of the Snows Center, Alta1994 June 13: Sale of three Catholic Hospitals in Utah (Holy Cross, Salt Lake City, Holy Cross Jordan Valley and Saint Benedict, Ogden) announced Msgr. Fitzgerald dedicates thefollowing:1994 June 15: Blessing of the Social Hall, Saint Peter Mission, American Fork1994 September 4: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Vietnamese Catholic Center, Kearns Rev Thuy Dang Ha, Director1994 September 18: Saint Rose of Lima Church, Layton Rev. Victor G. Bonnell, Pastor1994 October 2: Saint Jude Mission, Ephraim Rev Clarence J Sandoval, Pastor1994 October 7: Holy Family Chapel, Catholic Community Services of Utah, SLC Rev Msgr J Terrence Fitzgerald, Executive Director1995 January 25: Msgr George H Niederauer is ordained eighth bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City in The Cathedral of the Madeleine1995 December 15: Bishop Niederauer dedicates the Saint Vincent de Paul Weigand Resource Center, SLC1995 December 18: Bishop Niederauer dedicates the Saint George Parish Center and Grotto1996: Through the generosity of Sam and Aline Skaggs, the Skaggs Catholic Center is established on a 57-acre site in Draper, Utah Design and construction of Juan Diego Catholic High School and Saint John the Baptist Elementary and Middle Schools begins Saint John the Baptist Parish is established at the site, replacing the Mission Blessing of the new wing, Saint Joseph Villa, Salt Lake City, by Bishop Niederauer Sam and Aline Skaggs establish the Skaggs Family Foundation for Roman Catholic and Community Charities1996 March 29: Blessing of Holy Cross Ministries new facilities at 404 East 5600 South, SLC, by Bishop Niederauer1996 June 9: Blessing of Eucharistic Chapel at Saint Lawrence Mission, Heber, by Bishop Niederauer1997 November 30: Sixteen men are ordained to the Permanent Diaconate1997 June 5: Blessing of windows, Cosgriff Memorial Chapel, Pastoral Center, by Bishop Niederauer1997 August 15: Dedication of the new Saint Mary of the Assumption Church, Park City, by Bishop Niederauer. Msgr. Robert J. Bussen, Pastor.1998 Sam and Aline Skaggs donate their residence in Salt Lake City to the diocese to be used as the bishop’s residence and for diocesan events.
1998 End of School Year: Daughters of Charity depart Notre Dame de Lourdes Regional School after 70 years of ministry.1999 Centennials are celebrated by The Intermountain Catholic paper, Saint Joseph Church in Ogden, Kearns-Saint Ann School, and for The Cathedral of the Madeleine groundbreaking which took place on July 4, 1899. Saint John the Baptist (using Juan Diego Catholic High School auditorium) named a parish. Juan Diego Catholic High School and Saint John the Baptist Schools open, Fall 1999.1998 April 15: Blessing of Saint Sylvester Mission, Escalante, by Bishop Niederauer. Rev. Michael J. Winterer, Pastor.1998 September 17: Bishop Niederauer blesses Chapel, Mount Benedict Monastery, Ogden.1998 September 26: Blessing of Skaggs Catholic Center, Draper, by Bishop Niederaurer. The Most Rev. William Levada, Archbishop of San Francisco., preached the homily.2000: The missions of Saint Peter American Fork, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kearns and San Felipe, Wendover are designated as parishes.2000 May 8: Blessing of Saint Francis of Assisi Multi-Purpose Center, Orem, by Bishop Niederauer. Rev. William H. Flegge, Pastor.2000 August 31: The Most Rev. Joseph Lennox Federal, sixth bishop of Salt Lake City, died.
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2001 2001: Saint John the Baptist Middle School established.2001 May 13: Rev. Monsignor Jerome C. Stoffel, Diocesan Historian, died.2002: San Pablo Mission established in Beryl Junction, Utah. Purchase of new campus for Madeleine Choir School. Former Chancery Building named Bishop Hunt Center.
2002 May 15: Rowland Hall-St. Martk's turns over its Avenues building to the Madeleine Choir School.2003: Dedication of Saint John the Baptist Church and center in Draper by Bishop Niederauer. Msgr. Terence M. Moore, Ph.D., Pastor.2003 November 8: Dedication of the new Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and center in Kearns by Bishop Niederauer. Rev. Dominic Thuy Dang Ha, Pastor.2003 November 23: Dedication of new Christ the King Church and center in Cedar City by Bishop Niederauer. Rev. Michael J. Winterer, Pastor. Blessing of Saint Joseph Catholic High School Fine Arts Center in Ogden. The diocese purchases the historic Stromquist home next to the Pastoral Center to complete ownership of the block.2004 August 11: Bishop Niederauer blesses the Sacred Heart Center (former Stromquist home) 33 C Street, Salt Lake City, home of theIntermountain Catholic Newspaper.2004 September 6: Dedication of new Saint Catherine of Siena Church/ Newman Center, Salt Lake City, by Bishop Niederauer. Rev. Denis D. Reilly, OP., Pastor.2004 December 19: Blessing of Holy Family Mission and Multi-Purpose Center, Fillmore, by Bishop Niederauer. Mr. Michael Lee, Administrator.2005
2005 March 13: Bishop Niederauer blesses the Religious Education Center and Thrift Store, Saint George Parish, Saint George, Rev. Gustavo Vidal, Pastor.2005 April 11: Blessing of Holy Cross Mausoleum, Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, SLC, by Bishop Niederauer. Mr. Curt Rosentreter, Director.2005 October 10: Bishop Niederauer blesses the Oratory of Saint Daniel, Madeleine Choir School, SLC2005 October 23: New Blessed Sacrament Church, Sandy, Msgr. Robert R. Servatius, Pastor. December 9: The Most Reverend George H. Niederauer is named Archbishop of San Francisco.2005 December 11: Blessing of San Juan Diego Mission, Gunnison, by Bishop Niederauer. Rev. Hernando Diaz, Administrator.2006 February 1: Saint Andrew Parish, Riverton established. Rev. Francisco Pires, Pastor.2006 February 15: The Most Reverend George H. Niederauer is installed in San Francisco; Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald is elected administrator of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.2006 May 18: Four priests ordained by Archbishop Niederauer in The Cathedral of the Madeleine.2006 June 9: Dedication of Saint James Church, Ogden, by Monsignor Fitzgerald. Rev. Erik Richsteig, Pastor.2006 June 24: Dedication of new Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, Hyde Park, Cache County, by Monsignor Fitzgerald. Rev. Clarence J. Sandoval, Pastor.2007 January 8: The Most Rev. John C. Wester is named bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.2007 March 1: Our Lady of the Mountains Retreat House in Ogden closed.2007 March 14: Bishop Wester is installed as ninth bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.2007 May 31: Two priests ordained in The Cathedral of the Madeleine.2007 July 10: West 2nd S. St. Mary’s Home for Men sold to Salt Lake County.2007 July 12: Blessing of new facility for Catholic Community Services of Utah, by Bishop Wester. Ms. Maggie Saint Claire, Director.2008 June 8: Bishop Wester dedicates the new Saint Mary Church in West Haven. Rev. Martin I. Rock, S.J., Pastor.2008 July 1: Legal restructuring of Diocese implemented.2008 September: The General Chapter of the Trappists establishes a Future Commission to assist Huntsville Trappists Community plan for future. Msgr J. Terrence Fitzgerald appointed a member.2008 September 13: Bishop Wester blesses the new Saint Andrew School and parish in Riverton, gift of ALSAM Foundation. Rev. Francisco Pires Pastor.2008 September 28: Blessing of newly renovated San Isidro Mission, in Elberta, by Bishop Wester. Rev. David J. Bittmenn, Administrator.2008 October 21: Dedication of new Holy Family Church, South Ogden, by Bishop Wester. Rev. Patrick H. Elliot, Pastor.2008 November 23: Dedication of Notre Dame de Lourdes Religious Education Center by Bishop Wester. Rev. Donald Hope, Pastor.2008 December 8: Water shares purchased, well dug at Mount Calvary Cemetery.2009 May 17: Dedication of Our Lady of the Light Mission, Beaver, by Bishop Wester. Msgr.Michael J. Winterer, Pastor. Dedication of Saint Paul Catholic Center, Hurricane, by the Bishop Wester. Rev. Gustavo Vidal, Pastor.2009 June 2: Abbot General appoints “Futures Commission” to assist the Huntsville Trappists plan their future. Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald named member.2009 August 22: Immaculate Heart Radio Station launched.2009 September 27: Rededication of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, Midvale (rebuilt after fire), by Bishop Wester. Rev. Martin Diaz, Pastor.2009 October 4: Dedication of Saint Rose of Lima Religious Education Center, Layton, by Bishop Wester. Msgr. Victor G. Bonnell Pastor.2009 December 3: Ground breaking for school addition, Saint Francis Xavier Regional School. Rev. Robert Moriarty, Pastor.
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2010
2010 June 29: Mass and blessing of new altar, Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Little Rock Church, Midvale, by Bishop Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, Rev. Martin Diaz, pastor.2010 August 22: Rededication of renovated Saint George Parish Church, St. George, by Bishop Wester. Rev. Gustavo Vidal, Pastor.2010 August 29: 75th Anniversary Mass, Saint Joseph Monticello, celebrated by Bishop Wester. Rev. William Wheaton, Pastor.2010 September 1: Ground breaking for Educational Center, Saint Marguerite Parish, Tooele, by Bishop Wester. Rev. Samuel Dinsdale, Pastor.2010 September 5: Mass and blessing of new Family Life Center, Saint Thomas More Parish, by Bishop Wester. Rev. David Van Massenhove, Pastor.2010 September 8: Blessing of new addition, Saint Francis Xavier Regional School, Kearns, by Bishop Wester, Rev. Robert T. Moriarty, Pastor.2010 October 3: Ground breaking for new Saint Francis of Assisi Church by Bishop Wester. Rev. David J. Bittmenn, Pastor.2010 November 20: Centennial Anniversary Mass and Blessing of statue of Saint Marguerite, Saint Marguerite Parish, Tooele, by Bishop Wester. Rev. Samuel Dinsdale, Pastor.2011 January 28: Sale of Christus Saint Joseph Villa to for profit Ensign Group.2011 May 1: Dedication of new Saint Joseph the Worker Church, West Jordan, by Bishop Wester. Reverend Patrick F. Carley, Administrator.2011 July 19: Diocese purchases new Chancery building on South Temple and B Street.2011 August 17: Saint Marguerite Catholic School and John J. Sullivan Center of Learning dedicated by Bishop Wester in Tooele.2011 October 9: Blessing of newly renovated offices, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Sandy, by Bishop Wester. Reverend Monsignor Robert R. Servatius, Pastor.2012 February 19: Dedication of new Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Orem, by Bishop Wester. Reverend David J. Bittmenn, Pastor.2012 October 30: Blessing of Phase II of the Saint Marguerite Catholic School and John J. Sullivan Center of Learning, Tooele, by BishopWester. Rev. Samuel Dinsdale, Pastor.2013 January 25: Bishop Wester dedicates new organ at Saint Ambrose parish, Salt Lake City.2013 February 1: Lyle J. Crocker replaces retired Deacon Silvio Mayo as Chancellor.2013 May 17: Blessing of the new Saint Benedict window at Holy Family Church, Ogden, by Bishop Wester.2013 May 23: Installation of Plaque dedicating Sacred Heart Center Courtyard at The Pastoral Center in honor of Deacon Silvio Mayo for his years as Chancellor by Msgr. Colin F. Bircumshaw, Vicar General. June: Benedictine Sisters return to Minnesota. Mount Saint Benedict Monastery put up for sale by the Benedictines.2013 July 1: Saint John the Baptist Parish, Draper, purchases new rectory. Msgr. Joseph M. Mayo, Pastor.2013 July 26: Trappist Abbot David Altman retires. Abbot Brendan Freeman, OCSO of New Melleray Abbey, Iowa, appointed “Superior ad nutum.”2013 August 9: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Magna purchases new rectory. Rev. Javier Virgen, Pastor.2013 December 20: Strategic Pastoral Plan Steering Committee, first meeting. Steering Committee established by Bishop John C. Wester to make recommendations about how to establish a Diocesan Pastoral Planning Committee.2014 April 4: Pastoral Planning Committee: Rev. Wayne Cavalier, OP of the Congar Institue contracted to develop a Diocesan Pastoral Plan through surveys and listening sessions throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City.2014 May 2: 50th Anniversary Mass for Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, West Jordan, by Bishop Wester. Rev. Patrick Carley, Pastor.2014 June 27: Saints Peter and Paul Parish, West Valley City, purchases new rectory. Rev. Omar Ontiveros, Pastor.2014 June 29: 100th Anniversary Mass for Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Salt Lake City, by Bishop Wester, Rev. John J. Schwall, Pastor.2014 August 9: Commissioning Mass for 85 Lay Ecclesial Ministers (63 Spanish, 22 English) celebrated by Bishop Wester, Maria Cruz Gray and Susan Northway, Directors of the LEM and EMAUS Programs at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.2014 August 16: Saint Joseph Parish, Ogden, groundbreaking for new Parish Education Center. Bishop John C. Wester officiates. Rev. Kenneth L. Vialpando, Pastor.2014 September 27: Initiation of a Diocesan Pastoral Plan announced by Bishop Wester.2015
2015 February 14: Stained glass window of Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini at Holy Family Family Parish, Ogden, dedicated by Bishop Wester. Rev. Patrick Elliott, Pastor.2015 March 2: Deacon George W. Reade appointed Chancellor.2015 March 27: Mount Benedict Monastery, Ogden, sold for residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.2015 March 31: After consultation Bishop John C. Wester determined Skaggs gift of Federal Heights Bishop’s Home and property should be sold.2015 April 1: Purchase of Bishop’s home at First Avenue and C Street, Salt Lake City.2015 April 27: Announcement that Bishop John C. Wester is appointed Archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico. He becomes Diocesan Administrator of Salt Lake City and Archbishop designate of Santa Fe.2015 June 4: Bishop John C. Wester is installed as Archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico.2015 June 9: Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw elected Diocesan Administrator by the College of Consultors during Sede Vacante.2015 August 1: Mark Longe appointed Superintendent of Utah Catholic Schools.2015 August 16: Celebration of 75th Anniversary of Saint Helen Church, Roosevelt, by Diocesan Administrator, Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw. Rev. Showri Kalva, Administrator.2015 September 13: 25th Anniversary Mass for Saint Florence Mission, Huntsville, celebrated by Rev. Kenneth Vialpando, Pastor. Rev. Charles T. Cummins, homilist.2015 October 3: Blessing of Saint Joseph parish Center, Ogden, by Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, Diocesan Administrator, Father Kenneth L. Vialpando, Pastor.2015 October 20: Holy Trinity Abbey, Huntsville, property and facilities, sold to Mr. William White, with 93% of the 1850 acres protected for agriculture and green space; 25 acres donated to the diocese for future use.2016
2016 January 11: Saint Joseph Parish, Monticello, holds open house for the new Church and parish hall. Rev. William Wheaton, Pastor. Dedication is postponed until Sept. 27, 2017 after Bishop Solis is installed.2016 February 27: Fifteen Spanish-speaking Diaconate candidates instituted into the ministry of Acolyte by Bishop emeritus Lorenzo Carrdenas Aregullan of the Diocese of Papantla, Mexico.2016 March 17: Chrism Mass celebrated during Sede Vacante by Archbishop emeritus George H. Niederauer of San Francisco.2016 April 3: Catholic Woman’s League celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a Tea.2016 August 20: 50th Anniversary Mass for Saint James the Just Parish, Ogden, celebrated by Diocesan Administrator Msgr. Bircumshaw. Rev. Erik Richtsteig, Pastor.2016 October 14: Saint Thomas Aquinas, Hyde Park, celebrated its 75th Anniversary. (The Anniversary Mass was April 28, with Bishop Solis presiding. Rev. Fernando Velasco, Pastor.)2016 October 28: The Diocesan Development Drive celebrated its 50th Anniversary.2017
2017 January 10: Pope Francis appoints Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis as the 10th Bishop of Salt Lake City, the first Filipino-American bishop ordained in the United States.2017 January 27: Fifteen Spanish speaking deacons ordained at the Cathedral for the Diocese of Salt Lake City by Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico.2017 March 7: Bishop Oscar A. Solis, D.D. installed as the 10th Bishop of Salt Lake City by Metropolitan Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone; attended by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu, Philippines, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and 37 other bishops.2017 March 20: Renovation of Jacquelyn M. Erbin Hall at the Madeleine Choir School celebrated by Bishop Solis.2017 March 30: Kings College Choir, Cambridge, performed at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.2017 April 14: Bishop Solis published first Pastoral Letter: “A Springtime of the New Evangelization.”2017 May 2: Archbishop George H. Niederauer (8th Bishop of Salt Lake City) died in San Francisco.2017 June 25: 100th Anniversary of Sacred Heart Parish, Salt Lake City, celebrated by Bishop Solis. Rev. Eleazar Silva, Pastor.2017 June 26: Rededication of Saint Christopher Church, Kanab, by Bishop Solis after remodeling of interior. Msgr. Robert Bussen, Administrator.2017 August 31: Our Lady of the Holy Trinity Abbey, Huntsville, closed. Monks remaining in Utah moved to Saint Joseph Villa, Salt Lake City.2017 September 2: 400th Anniversary Mass of Vincentian Charism celebrated at the Cathedral of the Madeleine by Bishop Solis honoring Daughters of Charity, the Ladies of Charity and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.2017 September 9: 100th Anniversary Mass of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Midvale, by Bishop Solis. Rev. Jose A. Barrera Hernandez, Administrator.2017 September 27: Dedication of new Saint Joseph Church, Monticello, (donated by Alan Lund) by Bishop Solis, Rev. Rowland Nwokocha, Administrator.2017 October 6: 125th Anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish celebrated by Bishop Solis. Rev. David Bittmenn, Pastor.2017 October 10: 50th Anniversary of Saint Vincent de Paul Dining Room celebrated by Bishop Solis. Mr. Bradford Drake, Executive Director of CCS.2017 December 7: Rededication of Saint Ambrose Church, Salt Lake City by Bishop Solis. Rev. Andrzej Skrzypiec, Pastor, after interior renovation.2018 2018 February 21: 25th Anniversary of Rededication of the Cathedral celebrated by Bishop Solis. Very Rev. Martin Diaz, Pastor.2018 April 7: Bishop Solis blesses the newly remodeled Saint Florence Mission, Huntsville.2018 April 17: Blessing of new CCS Northern Utah’s warehouse by Bishop Solis.2018 May 27: Mass for the 75th Anniversary of Saint Olaf Parish, Bountiful, celebrated by Bishop Solis. Rev. Reynato Rodillas, Pastor.2018 August 1: Kearns-Saint Ann School Day Care Center blessed by Bishop Solis. Rev. Omar Ontiveros, Pastor.2018 September 13: Bishop Solis releases names of all those credibly accused in a “Report to the People of God” on the history of allegations of clergy abuse in the diocese, with present and future actions.2018 September 15: New Diocesan Pastoral Plan unveiled at 2018 Pastoral Congress by Bishop Solis.2018 December 9: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Salt Lake City, welcomes an exact image of their patron saint, certified by the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Rev. Jose Fidel Barrera Cruz, Administrator.2019
2019 January 4: Blessing of new interior renovation of Saint Vincent de Paul Church, Salt Lake City, by Bishop Solis. Rev. John E. Norman, Pastor.2019 January 12: Blessing of new Social Hall at Saint Henry Parish, Brigham City, by Bishop Solis. Rev. Patrick Reuse, SJ, Pastor.2019 February 22: Blessing of renovated Nano Nagle Children’s Center, Saint Vincent de Paul School, Salt Lake City, by Bishop Solis. Rev. John Norman, Pastor.2019 May 2: Bishop Solis is keynote speaker for the Historic Interfaith Tribute in the St. George Tabernacle, commemorating the May 25, 1879 High Mass celebrated at that venue by Rev. Lawrence Scanlan, later the first Bishop of Salt Lake City.2019 May 19: The stained glass window of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, originally in the Chapel of the now closed Our Lady of the Holy Trinity Monastery, Huntsville, installed at Holy Family Parish, Ogden and blessed by Bishop Solis, Rev. William Wheaton, Pastor.2019 May 30: Blessing of newly constructed music room and garden, and renovated technology classroom and playground at J.E. Cosgriff Memorial School, Salt Lake City. Betsy Hunt, Principal.2019 June 21: Opening of Corner Stone at Saint Patrick Church, Salt Lake City by Bishop Solis and Administrator, Rev. Anastasius Iwuoha.2019 June 30: His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archdiocese of New York, delivers address at the America’s Freedom Festival Pastriotic Service, Utah Valley University, Orem.2019 July 13: Bishop Solis celebrates 100th Anniversary Mass for the current Saint Patrick church building along with a dedication of a new altar with Rev. Anastrasius Iwuoha, Administrator.2019 July 25-28: National Social Action Institute hosted by the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City.2019 August 15: Bishop Solis dedicates the new administrative offices building for Catholic Community Services with a Mass and reception, 224 North 2200 West, Salt Lake City; Mr. Bradford Drake, Executive Director.2019 August 17: Bishop Solis commissions a new group of Lay Ecclesial Ministers (English and Spanish) for the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the Cathedral of the Madeleine; Mrs. Susan Northway and Mrs. Maria Cruz-Gray, Directors of the Formation programs.2019 September 4: Annual Bishop’s Dinner for the Cathedral at Grand America, Salt Lake City, with Deacon Owen Cummings, speaker.2019 November 16: Installation of new time capsule into Saint Patrick Church cornerstone, Salt Lake City by Bishop Solis and Administrator, Rev. Anastasius Iwuoha.
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2020
2020 January 15: “Good Samaritan Program” moved from the Cathedral to the Weigand Center.2020 January 31: Five men ordained to the Permanent Diaconate.2020 February 7-15: Bishop Solis leads the Ad Limina Apostolorum Pilgrimage to Pope Francis and the Vatican with a large group of the faithful from the Diocese of Salt Lake City.2020 February 23 : Saint Jude Maronite Church, moved from its old site in Murray to a new site in Taylorsville, and celebrates first Mass. (Bishop Elias Zaidan dedicated the new building with a Mass, concelebrated by Bishop Solis and Msgr. Jibran Bou-Merhi, pastor, on August 4, 2020.)2020 March 13: All public Masses and gatherings cancelled due to COVID-19 coronavius pandemic.2020 March 18: 5.7 Earthquake struck the Salt Lake Valley centered in Magna, doing damage to church buildings in Salt Lake City and environs, including Saint Patrick, Saint Ann, and the Cathedral of the Madeleine.2020 March 20: World Health Organization declares COVID19 a pandemic and Bishop Solis implemented emergency measures in the Diocese: dispensation from obligation to attend Sunday Mass, suspension of public worship, cancelling of inperson events, encouraging remote instruction and virtual worship, effective until March 31, or further notice.2020 March 22: 4.1 aftershock earthquake occurred, again centered in Magna, along with hundreds of smaller aftershocks over a month’s period of time.2020 March 30: Pastoral Center reception desk open only from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. through April.2020 April 5–12: Holy Week and Triduum Masses celebrated with no live congregations – only virtually.2020 May 8: Public Masses and other gatherings began again with limited numbers, social distancing and liturgical modifications. Sunday obligation continued to be relaxed and livestreaming of Masses encouraged for the vulnerable.2020: End of May: High School Baccalaureate Masses cancelled due to COVID19, but held virtual graduations and driveby celebrations.2020 June 1-5: Priests’ Retreat cancelled this year due to COVID 19.2020 June 14 and 21: Diaconate Inquiry Sessions postponed due to COVID19.2020 August 1: Retirement of Rev. Patrick J. Reuse, SJ, saw the last of the Jesuits leave the Diocese of Salt Lake City since their arrival in 1952 at the invitation of Bishop Hunt.2020 August 14: Rev. Dominic Sternhagen ordained a priest at the Cathedral by Bishop Oscar A. Solis.2020 Sept. 8: Windstorm with 90 mph force winds struck the state; Mount Calvary cemetery and Carmelite Monastery suffered significant damage.2020 Sept. 19: JMCHS Centennial Mass cancelled due to Covid19.2020 Sept. 26: Mass in Cathedral to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the presence of the Daughters of Charity in the Diocese (1920-2020) with a visit of Visitatrix Sister Julie Kumbasak, D.C., cancelled.2020 Oct. 5-8: Fall Clergy Convocation Cancelled due to COVID19.2020 Oct. 6: Due to notice that a priest had tested positive for COVID19, Mass of Welcoming and Thanksgiving for newly ordained cancelled at Saint Thomas More Parish.2020 Oct. 21: CCS Humanitarian Gala (Dinner) held virtually this year. Catholic Community Services celebrated 75 years of Service (founded by Bishop Hunt in 1945); Saint Vincent de Paul Dining Room renovated and new Program training homeless with culinary skills initiated.2021
2021 January: COVID19 vaccinations become available, and a “new normal” is brought to the world – avoiding crowds, wearing masks, and social distancing.2021 January 8: Death of Father Rene Rodillas from COVID19.2021 January 22: Joan Loffredo, CFO for the Diocese for 22 years, retired. Remembrance wall for deceased priests and deacons installed at Mount Clavary Cemetery.2021 February: Diocese published "Year of St. Joseph," a booklet containing reflections on Pope Francis' apostolic letter "Patris Corde," and other prayers for the Year of Saint Joseph, Dec. 8, 2020 to Dec. 8, 2021.2021 March: Diocese began inquiry sessions for a new Diaconate Formation Program class (postponed the year before).2021 April: Saint Vincent de Paul dining Hall reopened after having been closed to in-person services. Saint Patrick Parish, Salt Lake City, reopened its doors, which had been closed since March 2020 because of earthquake damage.2021 May 26: Bishop Solis lifted most of the pandemic restrictions for liturgical gatherings and High school Baccalaureate Masses resumed with restrictions.2021 July: Former Draper State Prison relocated near the airport.2021 July 12: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony by Bishop Oscar A. Solis for new CCS Northern Utah Building (2504 F Ave., Ogden, UT).2021 August 26: Madeleine Choir School celebrates 25th Anniversary; with Anniversary Dinner on Nov. 19.2021 September:Bishop’s Dinner for the Cathedral resumes its in-person format. Pastoral Congress implemented new format with each parish/mission holding its own event featuring Video presentations by Bishop Solis and guest speakers.2021 September 13: Our Lady of Lourdes Middle School Academy Ribbon Cutting at JMCHS, Bishop Oscar A. Solis.2021 October: Catholic Community Services launched a 12-week food service training program for homeless to achieve selfsufficiency.2021 October 2: Mass for Diocesan Marian Celebration, including 100th Anniversary of the Legion of Mary, Cathedral of the Madeleine, Bishop Oscar A. Solis.2021 November: Saint George Parish began fundraising for new church and parish in area to serve growing Catholic population.2021 November 3: Launch of Synodal Process for Diocese via virtual diocesan-wide meeting from Pastoral Center.2021 December 1: Saint Education Groundbreaking for Patrick Catholic Church Center (St. Joseph Hall), replacing building destroyed by the earthquake, Bishop Oscar A. Solis officiating with Father Anastasius Iwuoha, pastor, Msgrs. Bircumshaw and Fitzgerald.2022
2022 January 8: A new diaconal formation class began with 10 aspirants.2022 February 11: Discussion of COVID19 Mask Mandate with Deans resulted in pandemic restrictions being eased by Bishop on February 15. Mass attendance and other activities return to in-person on a more regular basis.2022 March 2: Diocese began listening sessions in conjunction with the worldwide Synod for a Synodal Church.2022 April 2: Annual Diocesan Lenten Retreat held under new format of local gatherings, video messages, and discussions.2022 May 12: Pastoral Center Staff Luncheon for Msgr. J.T. Fitzgerald’s 60th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination.2022 May 30: Mt. Calvary Cemetery celebrated 125th Anniversary.2022 June 19: The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), Diocese began its three-year Eucharistic Revival Program. Blessed Sacrament Parish celebrated 50th Anniversary of its founding.2022 June 20: Centennial for Notre Dame Church (building), Price, celebrated with Mass and year-long observances; Bishop Oscar A. Solis presided at closing Mass in 2023.2022 June 24: Ordination of Rev. Tristan Dillon.2022 July: Summary of diocesan report on Synod on Synodality published on diocesan website.2022 August 14: Saints Peter and Paul Parish, West Valley City, celebrated its 50th Anniversary.2022 August 27: After two delays, Judge Memorial Catholic High School celebrated its Centennial (2020).2022 September 18: Dedication of new classrooms, San Isidro Mission, Elberta, Bishop Oscar A. Solis.2022 October 1: 70th Anniversary Mass for Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Holladay, Bishop Oscar A. Solis, with renewal of vows of the two founding nuns, Sr. Margaret Mary of the Sacred Heart and Sr. Maureen of the Trinity.2022 October 8: Good Shepherd Parish, East Carbon City, celebrated its 75th Anniversary.2022 December 21: Death of His Holiness, Pope BenedictXVI.2023
2023 January 4: Memorial Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine for Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, Bishop Oscar A. Solis.2023 January 6: Choristers of the Madeleine Choir School sang with the Sistine Choir at an Epiphany Papal Mass in St. Peter's Basilica celebrated by Pope Francis.2023 February 21: Cathedral of the Madeleine celebrated 30th Anniversary of its rededication after the interior restoration.2023 March 3: Visit to the Cathedral of the Madeleine by Bishop Vladmir Fekete, SDB, Apostolic Prefecture of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan.2023 April 29: Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Layton, celebrated its 75th Anniversary.2023 May 1: Bishop Oscar A. Solis led diocesan Spring General Assembly to discuss the mission of evangelization in this local Church.2023 May 30: Announcement of the formation of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Las Vegas, of which Salt Lake City and Reno are suffragans: Most Rev. George L. Thomas named Metropolitan Archbishop.2023 June 30: Rev. Oscar Marquina and Rev. André Sicard ordained at the Cathedral.2023 July 9: Diocesan Eucharistic Jubilee celebration held at the Mountain America Expo Center, Sandy, with over 10,000 faithful in attendance for talks, adoration, activities and Mass; parish observances continue, culminating with national Eucharistic Congress, 2024 in Indianapolis.2023 July 22: Cathedral Plaza dedicated in honor of Ms. Irene C. Sweeney, long-time benefactor of the Cathedral, prior to her death in 2011.2023 July 29: Bishop Solis and Utah delegation attend World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, through August 6.2023 August 22: Madeleine Choir School breaks ground for new multi-purpose center.2023 August 23-26: Diocese of Salt Lake City hosted the 2023 National Council of Catholic Women Annual Convention.2023 September 23: Saint James the Greater Parish, Vernal celebrates Centennial.2024
2024 January 22: The deacon Class of 2004 celebrated their 20th anniversary of ordination; the celebration included a Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine with Bishop Oscar A. Solis presiding, followed by a dinner.2024 February 12: St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School broke ground for a new addition. The space will house a full-sized gymnasium, computer and science labs, an art studio and spaces for other programs such as speech therapy.2024 March 18: St. Olaf School celebrated the dedication of its new 16,000-square-foot addition.2024 March 24: Our Lady of the Snow chapel celebrated its 30th year of having Masses in the building, which is also used as a community center for the town of Alta.2024 April 13: The Catholic Foundation of Utah celebrated its 40th anniversary with a brunch at St. Thomas More Parish in Cottonwood Heights. The CFU manages more than 400 endowments that provide funding for parishes, mission, schools and programs in the diocese.2024 April 20: More than 500 youth gathered for the Blessed Carlo Acutis Youth Rally at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. The rally was one of several held throughout the year, sponsored by the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and the Carlo Acutis Apostolate to help youth deepen their faith.2024 May 31: The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage arrived in Utah. After a Mass celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Preston, Idaho, by Bishop Peter Christensen of Boise, Fr. John Evans, representing the Diocese of Salt Lake City, accepted the monstrance that carried the Eucharist for the pilgrims traveling on the St. Junipero Serra Route of the pilgrimage. Leaving Idaho, the pilgrimage traveled to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Hyde Park, where the pilgrims and local Catholics participated in an all-night Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a morning Mass.2024 June 2: The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage was in Park City, where there were two processions, Eucharistic adoration and Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish.2024 June 3: The Cathedral of the Madeleine held an Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage; then the Eucharist was carried in procession to St. Catherine of Siena Parish, where Mass was celebrated.2024 June 5: St. James the Greater Parish in Vernal celebrated Mass for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage; the pilgrims then continued to Colorado.2024 June 23: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Kearns celebrated its 30th anniversary with a Mass at which Bishop Oscar A. Solis presided and the Most Rev. Thomas Thanh Thai Nguyen, auxiliary bishop of Orange, was the homilist.2024 July 10: The relic of St. Mary Magdalene was stolen from the Cathedral of the Madeleine. The relic has never been recovered.2024 September 4: The Bishop's Dinner for the benefit of the Cathedral of the Madeleine was a huge success. Bishop Cardinal McElroy was the keynote speaker and the event was held at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.2024 September 6: A new three-story building on The Madeleine Choir School campus was dedicated. The 16,900-square-foot facility will serve as the school’s field house and early childhood education center. The ceremony began with an student council member welcoming Father John Evans, the diocesan vicar general, who oversaw the ribbon cutting and blessing of the facility. Also present at the ceremony were retired Cathedral of the Madeleine rectors Msgr. M. Francis Mannion and Msgr. Joseph M. Mayo, and the current rector, Fr. Martin Diaz, Representatives of the ALSAM Foundation, the Emma Eccles Jones Foundation, the David Kelby Johnson Foundation, as did members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Chris and Sandy Hemmers Meier, Jim and Andrea Steenburgh, Howard and Nancy Lemcke, representatives of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, and Paul and Jane Hitzelberger, among others, including members of the project’s architectural and construction firms.2024 September 21: The Utah Catholic Conference is held for the first time and brought more than 800 people to the Skaggs Catholic Center.2024 September 26: The Skaggs Catholic Center celebrates 25 years of remarkable service in Catholic Education in Utah. Bishop Oscar A. Solis presided at the Mass for Saint John the Baptist Parish, Juan Diego Catholic High School, St. John the Baptist elementary and middle schools, and Guardian Angel Daycare.2024 October 7: The Intermountain Catholic celebrated its 125th anniversary of publication.2024 October 10-13: The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Western USA held its annual meeting in the diocese. Among the events was an Oct. 13 Mass in the Cathedral of the Madeleine at which Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles presided. The concelebrants included Roger Cardinal Mahony, Archbishop emeritus of Los Angeles and Bishop Oscar A. Solis of Salt Lake City.2024 October 20: Father José Barrera-Hernandez, pastor of San Felipe Parish, began transmitting a Sunday Mass in Spanish over the radio; he also is offering an early-morning radio show on Mondays.2024 October 26: Saint Patrick Parish, Salt Lake City, celebrated the dedication of its new religious education center; the old one was destroyed in the 2020 earthquake.2024 December 8: Immaculate Conception Parish celebrated the 75th anniversary of its church building; the parish itself was established in 1890.2024 December 29: As part of the Jubilee Year 2025 events, which begin at dioceses worldwide on Dec. 29, five Utah parishes were designated as pilgrimage sites: the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 309 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City; Saint George Catholic Church, 259 West 200 North, St. George; Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 65 East 500 North, Orem; Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 2350 Adams Ave., Ogden; and Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church, 210 N. Carbon Ave., Price. Local Catholics are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to any or all of these churches during the Jubilee Year, which will end Jan. 6, 20262025
2025 January 1-5: The Diocese of Salt Lake City hosts the National Seek25 Conference. Over 17,000 Catholics, including 600 priests, from around the Country gathered for a new evangelization from FOCUS that was founded in 1998. Keynote speakers include Fr. Mike Schmitz, Sr. Miriam James Heidland (SOLT), Curtis Martin, Fr. Josh Johnson, Sr. Bethany Madonna S.V., Dr. Edward Sri, and Dr. Jonathan Reyes. Bishop Oscar A. Solis presided at the Opening Mass.2025 January 1-5: The Diocese of Salt Lake City hosts the National Seek25 Conference. Over 17,000 Catholics, including 600 priests, from around the Country gathered for a new evangelization from FOCUS that was founded in 1998. Keynote speakers include Fr. Mike Schmitz, Sr. Miriam James Heidland (SOLT), Curtis Martin, Fr. Josh Johnson, Sr. Bethany Madonna S.V., Dr. Edward Sri, and Dr. Jonathan Reyes. Bishop Oscar A. Solis presided at the Opening Mass.2025 February 15: A relic of Blessed Michael McGivney visited Utah Feb. 15-16 as part of a tour sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.2025 March 10: Deacon George Reade, who served as the diocesan chancellor for 11 years, retired. He has been succeeded by Deacon John Kranz.2025 March 26: Saint Olaf Catholic School in Bountiful installed a stained-glass window of its patron saint in their Great Room.2025 March 29: Members of Utah’s Catholic Hispanic community gathered at the Skaggs Catholic Center in Draper to honor Maria Cruz Gray, who retired in 2024 after more than 30 years as director of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry.2025 March 29: The Utah Knights of Columbus celebrated the international fraternal organization’s 125th anniversary of their Fourth Degree with an induction ceremony at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Holladay that welcomed more than 70 men, the largest number ever for the state organization.2025 April 5: More than 200 people attended a Mass of Healing at Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church in Price, a Jubilee Year event at the church, which was one of the five throughout the diocese designated by Bishop Oscar A. Solis as a pilgrimage site for the year.2025 April 10: St. Joseph the Worker Parish in West Jordan hosted the Relics of the Passion.2025 April 22: Bishop Oscar A. Solis celebrated a Mass Upon the News of the Death of a Pope at the Cathedral of the Madeleine for Pope Francis, who died April 21.2025 April 27-29: The Diocese of Salt Lake City hosts the National Association of Church Personnel Administrators (NACPA) at the Marriott City Center in downtown Salt Lake City. Most Rev. Edward J. Weisenburger, Archbishop of Detroit, was present throughout as the Episcopal Moderator and joined by Bishop Oscar A. Solis, Bishop of Salt Lake City. The “Church HR Elevated” was the them and well received by all.2025 April 27-30: The Diocese of Salt Lake City hosts the National Association of Deacon Directors (NADD) and was held at the Raddison Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.2025 April 30: More than 1,000 Catholics walked from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City to the Cathedral of the Madeleine for a pilgrimage as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope. The cathedral is one of five churches in the diocese named by Bishop Oscar A. Solis as a pilgrimage site for the Jubilee Year.2025 May 8: Cardinal Robert Prevost, who chose the name Pope Leo XIV, was elected on May 8 as the 267th Bishop of Rome and becomes the first pope born in the United States of America.2025 May 17: Almost 400 adults from parishes and missions throughout Utah received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Oscar A. Solis at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, the largest number to be confirmed in a single day in the history of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. Another 120 were confirmed on June 14. Together they comprised the largest group of confirmandi in the history of the diocese.2025 May 19: Bishop Oscar A. Solis celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of the Madeleine for the election of Pope Leo XIV.2025 May 26: Bishop Oscar A. Solis blessed a plaque installed at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Salt Lake City that commemorates the 16 miners who died in a 1910 explosion at the Union Portland Cement Works in Devil’s Slide, Morgan County.2025 June 5: The 150th anniversary of the arrival in Utah of the first two sisters of the Congregation of the Holy Cross to minister in Utah. Among the celebrations commemorating the anniversary were Holy Cross Ministries of Utah’s Fiesta 150 dinner and a Mass and luncheon at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City, both of which occurred in October.2025 June 13: Bishop Oscar A. Solis conferred the Sacrament of Holy Orders on Deacon Kenneth Parsad during the Rite of Ordination of a Priest at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.2025 June 30: The Diocese of Salt Lake City sold the Our Lady of the Snows Chapel in Alta Canyon to the town of Alta.2025 August 7: The Diocese of Salt Lake City welcomed the 2025 National Catholic Disabilities Conference, which was held Aug. 7-9 at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center.2025 August 13: Twenty-seven diocesan priests accompanied Bishop Oscar A. Solis on a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City to consecrate the Diocese of Salt Lake City to Our Lady.2025 September 5: The 150th Anniversary of Catholic Education was held at Juan Diego Catholic High School in Draper. Recognition of the Holy Cross Sisters presence in Utah and their opening the first Catholic School in Salt Lake City in 1875. With over 1,400 Holy Cross Sisters ministering in Utah they have made a significant impact. There are currently three Holy Cross Sisters ministering in Utah.2025 September 8: Carmelite Sister Mary John of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Holy Face celebrated the 50th anniversary of her profession of solemn vows at the Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Salt Lake City.2025 September 12: Bishop Oscar A. Solis presided at a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Ann Catholic Church in Salt Lake City for the canonization of Saint Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint.2025 September 26: St. Joseph the Worker Parish in West Jordan hosted a three-day display of relics of the Mexican martyrs.2025 September 27: St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Holladay celebrated its 100th anniversary on their patron saint’s feast day with a centennial event that included Mass with Bishop Oscar A. Solis presiding, and a dinner.22025 October 1: Bishop Oscar A. Solis blessed the new addition at St. Joseph Elementary School in Ogden. The building includes a new gymnasium, a science lab and a room dedicated to arts classes.2025 October 3: St. Joseph Catholic High School in Ogden renamed the press box at its athletic field the Father Cummins Victory Tower in honor of Fr. Charles Cummins.2025 October 4: Holy Cross Hospital on South Temple Street in Salt Lake City celebrates their 150 year anniversary. The hospital for many years educated nursing students and today is partnering with the University of Utah Hospital. Their chapel that was damaged in an earthquake is undergoing a million dollar restoration and it is hoped that it will open in another year or two.2025 October 12: The Cathedral of the Madeleine kicked off its new Arts & Music series with the Eccles Organ Festival Recital by Nathaniel Gumbs.2025 October 18: St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Midvale celebrated its centennial with a dinner dance.2025 November 15: The Diocese of Salt Lake City held the Hundredfold vocations ministry workshop at St. Ann Parish in Salt Lake City to kick off a new diocesan-wide program to increase vocations.2025 November 18: Catholic Community Services hosts their Humanitarian Awards Dinner at the Little America Hotel and celebrates 80 years of service to the poor and vulnerable. The Most Reverend Bishop William Weigand, former Bishop of Salt Lake City who built the Resource Center that carries his name was honored.2025 November 21: Bishop Oscar A. Solis celebrated the Rite of Ordination of Deacons at the Cathedral of the Madeleine for seminarians Jose Luis Gomez Diaz and Jaime Zuazo Alcaraz. Both deacons are expected to be ordained priests in 2026.2025 November 28: The Intermountain Catholic published its last print edition. It is now an online-only publication that can be accessed at either dioslc.org or icatholic.org.2026
2026 January 24: Bishop Oscar A. Solis speaks on the front steps of the Utah State Capital at the March for Life Utah. Catholics from all over the diocese joined together in a bilingual rosary and procession through the streets around the State Capital.2026 February 17: Pope Leo XIV declares a special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the death of the founder of the Franciscan religious order. Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orem is named the Diocesan pilgrimage site for the Jubilee Year.2026 February 20: Saint Andrew Parish in Riverton designs $35 million basilica-style church to be built in Daybreak. This marks a new era of church building in the Diocese of Salt Lake City. An additional $9 million was donated by the Diocese for the ten-acre parcel of land.2026 April 15: Eight new classrooms, a 400-seat theater and a new plaza at the Skaggs Catholic Center in Draper were dedicated and blessed during a ceremony. The 57-acre Skaggs Catholic Center houses Juan Diego Catholic High School, Saint John the Baptist, elementary and middle schools, and Guardian Angel Daycare, as well as St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.2026 April 22: The Diocese of Salt Lake City’s Office of Vocations hosted its first St. Andrew & Miriam Dinner on April 22. Attending were young people who are discerning vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Also among the 150 at the dinner were family members of the young people, as well as several diocesan priests and women religious who minister locally. This evening grew from the Diocesan Called By Name endeavor in which 240 names were given the Vocations Office of those being called by the community to discern a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. A second dinner would soon follow at Saint George Catholic Church in St. George, Utah.2026 May 1: Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Ogden formally celebrated the renewal of its sanctuary on the Feast of Saint Joseph. Bishop Oscar A. Solis led the Holy Mass, joined by students from local Catholic schools and parishioners. The restored Blessed Sacrament door, now adorned in gold and silver, soft blue painting of the ceiling evoking transcendence with a gentle nod to the Blessed Virgin Mary, newly decorative patterns echo the English Gothic Revival were all a gift to God and to the parish that has faithfully served its community for 125 years.2026 May 15-23: Catholic Education and Students are paving the way to success year after year! This year, the 170 graduates of the Juan Diego Catholic High School Class of '26 marked a historic milestone during their commencement exercises. They earned a cumulative $17 million in renewable four-year scholarships and completed a total of 8,583 service hours. The 28 members of the Saint Joseph Catholic High School Class of ’26 have received more than $5.5 million in scholarship monies with over 65 university acceptances. The 165 members of the Judge Memorial Catholic High School Class of ’26 will attend 227 colleges and universities around the world, including three Ivy League universities. The Class of ’26 had an average GPA of 3.4 weighted and 3.71 unweighted, with 70 percent graduating with honors. They earned a cumulative $27 million in scholarships and renewable grants, and completed more than 22,000 service hours in total.
2026 June 172026 May 22: A $7 million renovation that will double the capacity of Catholic Community Services’ Bishop Weigand Resource Center in downtown Salt Lake City was blessed and dedicated by Bishop Oscar A. Solis for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable. The newly completed expansion integrates behavioral health care directly into the day shelter’s operations. Through collaborative partnerships with community institutions, including the University of Utah Medical School, the expanded center will also provide critical substance abuse counseling and professional medication management.2026 May 26: Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery was established in 1897 in Salt Lake City and recently opened the Queen of Peace columbarium. The new granite-faced structure features 375 new niches and was blessed by Bishop Oscar A. Solis following the Memorial Day Mass.
2026 June2026 June 17: The Diocese of Salt Lake City loaned parts of our history to the new Museum of Utah operated by the Utah Historical Society and located in the North Capital Building at the Utah State Capital. Representatives of the Museum visited diocesan archives to choose items that would help tell the story. A booklet written by a local priest known for his radio addresses, a doll dressed as a Sister of the Holy Cross, a letter from a tourist who attended Mass in the area in the 1950s – all can be viewed. Catholics were “part of the early history of Utah,” said Michael Courtney, archivist for the Diocese of Salt Lake City, noting that the Rivera expedition came to the area in 1765; this Spanish explorer was followed in 1776 by the better-known Dominguez-Escalante expedition.2026 July 22: Cathedral of the Madeleine celebrated the feast day of her patron in a special way this year, with Bishop Oscar A. Solis enshrining a new relic of Saint Mary Magdalene, replacing the one that was stolen two years ago.
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