Diocese of Salt Lake continues to expand in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — With Christ as the vine, Utah’s Catholics continue to create branches to spread their faith from Brigham City to St. George.
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Diocesan Development Drive kicks off 2010 campaign

SALT LAKE CITY – The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City has 11 men in the seminary, celebrated the ordination of 21 permanent deacons and the certification of 20 lay ecclesial ministers in January, and anticipates the ordination of two priests in May, so it’s fitting that the theme for this year’s Diocesan Development Drive (DDD) is “Call to Serve.”
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Seminar addresses the sensitive issue of money

SALT LAKE CITY — “Money is a sensitive issue in most marriages and an area where a lot of discussions between couples take place,” said Dale Powers, a Dave Ramsey Certified Financial Counselor. Read more...

Priest is named Prison Ministry Volunteer of the Year

OGDEN — Father Jan Bednarz, pastor of Saint Martin de Porres Parish, Taylorsville, was surprised to be selected as this year’s Volunteer of the Year at the Father Thomas J. Kaiser Award Banquet for ministers who visit incarcerated youth and adults. The banquet was held at Javier’s Restaurant in Ogden Jan. 30. Read more...

Province of San Francisco plans educational, spiritual meeting

SALT LAKE CITY — The National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) Province of San Francisco’s annual meeting “promises to be relaxing, educational and energizing as well as feed women emotionally and spiritually,” said Mary Adams, Province of San Francisco director, and member of Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Layton.
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New technology at St. Joseph, Our Lady of Lourdes

OGDEN/SALT LAKE CITY — Math and science may come a little easier for students at Saint Joseph and Our Lady of Lourdes elementary schools, thanks to a grant from the E.L. Wiegand Foundation.
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Sister Patricia Riley called to a new ministry

SALT LAKE CITY — Holy Cross Sister Patricia Riley will start a new mission in Ventura, Calif., in April. “I am happy to go where I am needed,” said Sr. Patricia. “I know I will be working with sisters who are in retirement and I will be there for them.
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy continues

WEST VALLEY CITY – Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy of social justice was emphasized to Catholic students as well as adults in the Diocese of Salt Lake City during the annual Black Catholics of Utah event.
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21 men ordained as permanent deacons

SALT LAKE CITY — The Most Rev. John C. Wester ordained 21 men into the order of the permanent diaconate on Jan. 23 Read more...

Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord

On Feb. 2, the Church celebrates the richly symbolic feast of the Presentation of the Lord, commonly known in the Western Church as Candlemas, whereas in the Eastern Church it has long been known as Hypapante, meaning “Encounter.” Read more...

Liturgical practices restored

SALT LAKE CITY — The communal cup, handshake of peace and holy water in fonts has been restored in the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City. Read more...

Catholics continuing to respond to help Haiti

SALT LAKE CITY — Two weeks after the terrible earthquake that shook Haiti, help is needed more than ever. Read more...

Entering the Heart of the Paschal Mystery

When I taught high school, my students passionately offered complaints and criticisms about the Sunday Mass they were “forced to attend.” “Mr. Johnston, it’s so boring.” “But Mr. Johnston, the music is not good.” “Mr. Johnston, our priest doesn’t engage us.” “Mr. Johnston, why don’t they try to make it fun?” Read more...

Never Let Go’ offers readers philosophy as well as fitness

SALT LAKE CITY – In the interest of truth, let me say I know very little about athletic strength training. Face it; I don’t know the difference between a bench press and a kettle bell. But I do know about passion, and Dan John, who has been called “a legend in his field,” is passionate about athletic strength training. “Coach” John shares his knowledge and experience with the athletes at Juan Diego Catholic High School in the Skaggs Catholic Center, and teaches as much about life and learning as he does about lifting. Read more...

Utah’s Catholic schools enrollment numbers buck national trends

The national news has been grim in recent years for Catholic schools, which saw 17.5 percent of schools close and a 17.4 percent decline in student enrollment between the 2000 and 2009 school years. Read more...

Faith, parent support compensate for lower pay for Catholic teachers

SALT LAKE CITY — Teachers in the Diocese of Salt Lake City appreciate their jobs despite less competitive pay because they can pray with students, the students are respectful and well behaved, parents are supportive, and there is a cohesive Catholic community. Read more...

Alma mater supports career soldier

SALT LAKE CITY — Bulldog pride has stretched all the way from Judge Memorial Catholic High School to Iraq. Read more...

School traditions connect generations

Generation after generation come to Catholic schools not only for the education, but also for the sense of family that comes from sharing faith and experience. Read more...

Catholic schools help students with learning disabilities

SALT LAKE CITY - Catholic schools in Utah, in the last 10 years, have made significant strides in identifying and intervening for those students experiencing learning difficulties. Read more...

College students share their faith through the Newman Club

ST. GEORGE — Newman Clubs connect with students in a way that ignites their passion for God and challenges their thinking with the kind of fresh, relevant, risk-taking that is good for their soul. Read more...

Utah has a Catholic college next door

LANDER, WYO. — Wyoming Catholic College (WCC) is a four-year coeducational Catholic college with the objective to offer a traditional liberal arts education in all three dimensions: mind, body and spirit. Read more...

Catholics send aid to Haiti

SALT LAKE CITY – Despite the thousands of miles between Utah and Haiti, the magnitude 7 earthquake that struck the island nation also hit the Beehive State. Catholics are among the Utahns who are pouring time and money into relief efforts. Read more...

Going forth into the harvest
Lay ecclesial ministers to be certified Jan. 30

SALT LAKE CITY – Responding to the call to be co-workers in the Lord’s vineyard, 20 men and women will receive certification as lay ecclesial ministers at a special Mass celebrated by Bishop John C. Wester on Jan. 30 Read more...

Suffering is the topic of the Newman Center’s annual Aquinas lecture

SALT LAKE CITY – Author, speaker and professor Peter Kreeft, PhD., will be the keynote speaker at the annual Aquinas lecture on Jan. 31 at the Newman Center. His topic will be “Suffering in Today’s Society.” Read more...

Local man highlights service during Boy Scout centennial

SALT LAKE CITY — Don Ellefsen has been in scouting for almost 50 years. He began his scouting career in 1962 when his oldest son wanted to become a scout at age 7. Ellefsen became the leader at Saint Ann Parish because there was not a scouting program at Saint Vincent de Paul Parish where Ellefsen and his family have been members for many years. Read more...

Parish celebrates international Mass and concert pianist

DRAPER — Parishioners dressed in traditional clothing from their various countries processed into the international Mass at Saint John the Baptist Parish Jan. 17. Endre Hegedus, an internationally known concert pianist from Budapest, Hungary, played the offertory and communion hymns, and gave a short concert following the Mass. Read more...

New program offers scholarship help for students

SALT LAKE CITY — The Sponsor-a-Student program developed last year gives an opportunity for people in the Diocese of Salt Lake City to provide a Catholic education for Utah students. Read more...

In the service of the Church: 21 to join the Holy Order of Deacon on Jan. 23 in Salt Lake

SALT LAKE CITY — Twenty-one men will follow the steps of Saint Stephen when they are ordained as permanent deacons by the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake next week. Read more...

Mass to celebrate King’s legacy

SALT LAKE CITY — In 1955, the Brooklyn Dodgers finally won the World Series by defeating the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the playoffs, color television was a rarity, and racism was rampant in the United States. Read more...

Call to action

The Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake, prepares to sign postcards that will be sent to Utah legislators, asking them to support immigration legislation reform. Read more...

Why should we study the liturgy?

It’s official: the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has approved the new translation of the Roman Missal. Some of you may have heard rumors that we would never see it and some of you may be wondering what I am talking about. Read more...

Judge Memorial girls varsity claim Nike Tournament title

SALT LAKE CITY — The Judge Memorial girls’ varsity basketball team claimed the Nike Tournament of Champions in their division. The tournament was played Dec. 27-31 in Phoenix, Ariz. The Lady Bulldogs won each game they played by an average of 25 points. Read more...

Pro-life prayer service scheduled on anniversary of abortion ruling

SALT LAKE CITY - As of Dec. 9, 2009, 87 Masses have been scheduled From Jan. 13 through Jan. 21 throughout the United States to be offered as part of the effort known as “10,000 Masses for the unborn babies.” Read more...

70-year-old biker sets 6,000-mile New Year’s resolution

SALT LAKE CITY — Bill War-field, 70, started riding his bike in 2002 because of a back injury. As of December 2009, he logged an accumulated total of 24,265 miles. A former pilot, Warfield is used to keeping statistics and that keeps him motivated. Read more...

Coach is surprised with ‘Coach of the Year’ Award

SALT LAKE CITY —“When they called me to tell me I had received the 2009 PARA Coach of the Year Award, I thought they were joking,” said Marty Schwarz, a retired FBI special agent and a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Salt Lake City. Read more...

Deepen your prayer life with Teresa and John

Four hundred years ago, two Carmelites who would become saints wrote about prayer. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross now are known as doctors of the Church on the subject, “but there’s a way to read those mystics,” said Msgr. Michael J. Winterer, who will be giving a talk on the matter. Read more...

Catholic Foundation of Utah celebrates silver anniversary

The Catholic Foundation of Utah began in November of 1984 with $510,000 from the diocese, including $10,000 from an anonymous donor. Read more...

Bishops launch postcard campaign for immigration legislation reform

SALT LAKE CITY — With immigration legislation reform a tumultuous topic both locally and nationally, the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake, is urging Utah’s Catholics to let members of Congress hear their voices in support of the issue. Read more...

Canon law and RCIA issues

SALT LAKE CITY — The following series on RCIA issues, divided into four parts, intends to outline the possible scenarios in which candidates and catechumens may be involved and the canonical solutions offer to them through the observance of the norms of the Code of Canon Law.

In Part I we outlined the canonical and liturgical principles used in the RCIA program.

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Ladies of Charity provide food, gifts for the poor

BOUNTIFUL — “The Ladies of Charity (LOC) bought hats, socks, gloves and an age appropriate toy for 230 children this year, and gave gift cards to 85 families,” said Sue Mathiesen, LOC secretary, who helped head the Christmas program. The Ladies of Charity was established in 2003 by Daughter of Charity Sister Charlotte Marie Clark, who is now in Los Altos, Calif. Read more...

Bountiful Marine returns home for Christmas

BOUNTIFUL — Sergeant Daniel Winfield and his family came home for the holidays. Daniel has been in the United States Marine Corps for the past six years. The Winfields also came home to have their son, Brandon, 5 months old, baptized. Read more...

Saint John the Baptist learn the gift of giving

DRAPER — Together the students of Saint John the Baptist Middle School decided that this Christmas they would help the children in the Christmas Box Houses. Read more...

To help build their school, they wrapped and wrapped

TOOELE— A group of parents and administrators from Saint Marguerite Catholic School got together in order to collect donations for the school. Read more...

Madeleine Choir School presents ‘The Nativity’

SALT LAKE CITY — The Madeleine Choir School’s fourth grade class presented “The Nativity,” Dec. 17, in the school auditorium. Read more...

Saint Olaf students travel around the world for Christmas

BOUNTIFUL — A standing-room only audience of parents, grandparents and friends traveled around the world with Saint Olaf School students Dec. 18. Read more...

Students enjoy collecting money for a family in need

SALT LAKE CITY - Selecting a family in need to help in this season sounds like a very noble cause, and that’s exactly what the eighth-grade students in Our Lady of Lourdes School did. Read more...

Saint Francis Xavier students help the homeless for the holidays

KEARNS — Saint Francis Xavier Regional School has raised funds and collected clothing and toys for the homeless at the Road Home. The money will go to the Candy Cane Corner store, where parents staying in Road Home shelters can go to select Christmas presents for their families. Read more...

Advent Week 4

The following Advent Wreath prayer is intended to help busy households make Advent a prayerful time during the rush of Christmas preparations. The language is fairly simple to be used by groups of adults or adults with children, and options are noted to allow for participation by a variety of members of the household. Read more...

Feast of the Epiphany draws us near to the light of Christ

SALT LAKE CITY — The Solemnity of the Epiphany is the celebration of the manifestation of our Lord, the baby Jesus, to the three Wise Men, or Magi. The Magi came from the East following the star of the newborn king, seeking the baby Jesus. This star was a luminous, heavenly phenomenon which the Magi saw as a sign of the birth of the new king. They followed that star with great anticipation, great excitement, with great joy. Read more...

The feast of Guadalupe nourishes the soul

SALT LAKE CITY — Hundreds gathered in the Cathedral of the Madeleine to celebrate the anniversary of the Virgin of Guadalupe’s appearance to a Mexican peasant boy in 1531, asking that a church be built there in Tepeyac in her honor. Read more...

Christmas message from Bishop John C. Wester

Years ago, my brother, two sisters and I would love to watch the Walt Disney show on our television in the playroom. We were fascinated by this imaginative program. I was particularly drawn to Jiminy Cricket, who would always end the show with his signature song, “When You Wish upon a Star.” It made me feel like anything was possible and that all was well with the world. Of course, thanks to God and wonderful parents, things really were well with our world. Nonetheless, it was important to have that sense of hope; that sense of being cared for by a loving and divine providence. Read more...

Book Review

DVD celebrates history of the Cathedral of the Madeleine

SALT LAKE CITY – Whether you were able to participate in any aspects of the August celebration of the centennial of the Cathedral of the Madeleine or not, the perfect memory highlight for anyone in the Diocese of Salt Lake City is “Sacred Stones, Living Stones,” a DVD produced by KSL Television and narrated by Carole Mikida. Read more...

Saint Vincent de Paul School brings Christmas cheer

SALT LAKE CITY — From playing the part of Santa’s elves to caroling at senior centers, students at Saint Vincent de Paul School are bringing Christmas cheer to their community. Read more...

Saint Joseph Catholic schools strike right notes for the holiday

OGDEN — Students from Saint Joseph Catholic High School and Elementary School, including band members, joined for an inaugural appearance in Ogden’s Holiday Electric Light Parade, walking away with the award for “Best Musical Entry.” Read more...

Judge Memorial shares the spirit of Christmas

SALT LAKE CITY — “This is a good time of year to think of people other than yourself,” said Mary Chris Ledbetter, director of Counseling Services at Judge Memorial Catholic High School, where students, faculty and staff are donating items to Catholic Community Services’ (CCS) Gift of the Drummer program. “We have an opportunity to know to where our gifts are going, and that makes it more meaningful than just giving money.” Read more...

Homeless shop for Christmas at Candy Cane Corner

SALT LAKE CITY — Candy Cane Corner has been in existence for nine years to help those in need at the Road Home have presents for Christmas. Without Candy Cane Corner, and with the influx of families, those in need would not have a holiday this December. Read more...

Blessed Sacrament collects supplies for Candy Cane Corner

SANDY — Blessed Sacrament School students helped those in need at the Road Home this year by collecting items for Candy Cane Corner. Read more...

J. E. Cosgriff Memorial students help those in need

SALT LAKE CITY - Christmas season is a time for celebrations, joy, union and the spirit of helping others. When the need arises, Catholic schools around Utah are quick to lend a hand. Read more...

Local congregation designated apostolate of Saint Nicholas Eparchy

MURRAY — A winter’s storm provided no deterrent to a small group of people hungry to have the Word celebrated in the tradition of their homeland. Read more...

Let’s do Advent

Advent Week 3

The following Advent Wreath prayer is intended to help busy households make Advent a prayerful time during the rush of Christmas preparations. The language is fairly simple to be used by groups of adults or adults with children, and options are noted to allow for participation by a variety of members of the household. Read more...

Judge graduate responds to gospel call with CRS work

SALT LAKE CITY — When Mikaele Sansone visits Rwanda, she sees not only a country still struggling to cope with a genocide that killed an estimated 1 million people 15 years ago, she also sees stunning examples of faith. Read more...

Donations light Saint Benedict’s Nativity scene

OGDEN – For 25 years, lights from the Christmas Grove have brightened the lives of women and children through the work of Saint Benedict’s Foundation. Read more...

St. Rose of Lima parishioner given highest honor for Catholic woman

LAYTON – Bobbie Hunt, who has been active for many years in the Council of Catholic Women at the deanery, diocesan and national level, has been named a Dame of the order of Saint Gregory the Great by Pope Benedict XVI. Read more...

Catholic family pushing Good Samaritan legislation after teen’s untimely death

SALT LAKE CITY — Michael Starks died Nov. 22, 2008 from alcohol poisoning. The 18-year-old Utah State University (USU) student, a Judge Memorial Catholic High School graduate who had been an altar boy at the Cathedral of the Madeleine and a volunteer at the Good Samaritan program, was participating in a fraternity hazing ritual. Read more...

School’s Christmas includes service and play

SALT LAKE CITY — The traditional Christmas program at Kearns-Saint Ann School will be replaced this year with a production of the play “Simon Shepherd,” which is a retelling of the Nativity story. Read more...

Holy Cross Ministries seeks food for children’s programs

SALT LAKE CITY — In Salt Lake City there’s a ministry with a very special feature, to help the needy. Read more...

Saint Teresa’s legacy continues

SALT LAKE CITY — “Teresa (of Ávila) had countless heirs who, though they did not know her in life, nevertheless felt a strong kinship with her through reading her books.” Thus wrote Alison Weber of the University of Virginia in her paper for the 2004 symposium, “The Heirs of St. Teresa,” at Georgetown University. The essay appears with others in “The Heirs of St. Teresa of Ávila: Defenders and Dissseminators of the Founding Mother’s Legacy.” Read more...

Diabetes can be difficult during the holidays

BOUNTIFUL — With the Christmas holidays upon us and Christmas cakes, cookies, pastries and candies in abundance, watching one’s glucose for those with diabetes requires a lot of self-restraint. Parents must monitor minor children who have Type 1 diabetes. Read more...

Faculty members to attend convention in Berlin

SALT LAKE CITY — Each Christmas break the student travel company, Passports, hosts an International Teacher Convention at various locations around the world. Past Yuletide celebrations have been held in France, Italy, Spain, Costa Rica and England. Read more...

Gifted student awarded for her charismatic art work

DRAPER — A student from the Juan Diego Catholic High School was awarded not just once for her gifted artwork, she twice has been recognized in less than one month. Read more...

Stockings are stuffed for the less fortunate

BOUNTIFUL — Santa Claus came early to Saint Olaf Parish to participate in the annual parish Stocking Stuffer Dec. 4, hosted by the Saint Olaf Council of Catholic Women. Read more...

Let’s do Advent

The following Advent Wreath prayer is intended to help busy households make Advent a prayerful time during the rush of Christmas preparations. The language is fairly simple to be used by groups of adults or adults with children, and options are noted to allow for participation by a variety of members of the household. Read more...

Saint Francis Xavier breaks ground for expansion

KEARNS – On Dec. 3, the feast day of its patron saint, Saint Francis Xavier Regional School held a groundbreaking ceremony for an expansion that will add 12,000 square feet to the facility. Read more...

Season of Advent: Prepare ye the way of the Lord

This time of year, we can hardly go anywhere without seeing signs of festivity. It seems to be one long holiday season: We see the first Halloween candy and costumes as soon as the Back-to-School things are taken down, only to have them give way to the Thanksgiving decorations, the turkeys and the pilgrims. And pumpkin pie replaces the jack-o’-lanterns on Nov. 1. Before we know it, Christmas is upon us. Read more...

Together we celebrate San Juan Diego and the Virgin of Guadalupe

SALT LAKE - It has been 478 years since Saint Juan Diego, an indigenous Mexican, reported the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the hill of Tepeyac near Mexico City. Read more...

New book takes a luxurious look at angels

“If you seek an angel with an open heart… You shall always find one.” Anonymous

SALT LAKE CITY – Where do angels live? To read and enjoy Edward Lucie-Smith’s wonderful “The Glory of Angels” is to learn there are angels all around us all the time. Read more...

The cross and crucifix motivate Catholic convert to carve his faith

SALT LAKE CITY — During the Holy Days countless Catholics around the world will venerate the cross – and again will be reminded of the powerful place this instrument of death holds not only in Catholic culture but over their imagination. Read more...

Bishop Wester continues immigration reform efforts

SALT LAKE CITY — A speech in Rome last month and a proposed postcard campaign next month are two of the most recent efforts that the Most Rev. John C. Wester, bishop of Salt Lake City, has undertaken in his immigration reform efforts. Read more...

Advent events around the Salt Lake diocese

The following is a partial listing of special Advent services that will be throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City during Advent. Read more...

Blessed Sacrament youth join 21,000 at NCYC

SANDY — “You are great,” Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, told 21,000 youth at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) 2009, Nov. 19-21, at Kansas City’s Sprint Center. Read more...

Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy explores possibility of a parish in Salt Lake

SALT LAKE CITY — A small group of Ukrainians in Utah are seeking to retain their religious traditions by establishing a parish of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the Salt Lake area. Read more...

Pilgrims from the diocese visit Sicily and Italy

SICILY-ITALY — Our heritage, religion, and history came alive as we traveled Nov. 9-21 through Sicily and Italy on a pilgrimage with Msgr. Terrence Moore, pastor of Saint John the Baptist Parish. All 28 pilgrims traveled to connect with their Italian roots, increase their Catholic faith, or experience an audience with Pope Benedict XVI. Read more...

Pilgrim traces family roots on trip to Sicily

BURGIO, Siciliy — “When I found out Msgr. Terence Moore, pastor of Saint John the Baptist, was going on a pilgrimage to Sicily and Italy, I was so excited,” said Tom Gudden, a parishioner of Saint John the Baptist. “For the past year and a half I have been doing my family’s genealogy.

“All four of my grandparents were born in Sicily, and I wanted to be on the streets where they were grew up,” he said. “Our tour escort, Laura Pagano, arranged a driver for me so I could visit Burgio, Sicily. When I arrived, it was amazing.

Read more...

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is Holy Day of Obligation

SALT LAKE CITY — The feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary celebrates Mary as a person blessed by God from the first moment of her creation by her mother and father. The solemn declaration of this truth 150 years ago (1854 AD) attests to the Church, over time, understanding the fullness of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Read more...

Let’s do Advent

The following Advent Wreath prayer is intended to help busy households make Advent a prayerful time during the rush of Christmas preparations. Read more...

Refugee family gives thanks for their new life in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — The Bashire family arrived in Utah two years ago from Burundi, Africa after 11 years in a refugee camp in Tanzania. Since then their life has never been the same. Read more...

CCS honors those who serve the vulnerable

SALT LAKE CITY — The VIPs of Utah’s humanitarian community gathered at the Little America Hotel Nov. 17 to pay tribute to organizations and individuals singled out at the annual Catholic Community Services (CCS) awards dinner. Read more...

CCHD funds used to empower the poor

SALT LAKE CITY – Earlier this year, when the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) proposed a 250 percent increase for paratransit users, members of the Disabled Rights Action Coalition (DRAC) rolled into action. Read more...

Changes to SCAP start Sunday

SALT LAKE CITY – The history of the Catholic Church is scattered with periods during which congregations lacked priests. In those times, the people prayed the Liturgy of the Hours or gathered for the liturgy of the Word but they didn’t necessarily share communion. Read more...

CBN supports businesses in Catholic community

The Catholic Business Network (CBN) has recently reinvented itself to provide more networking and business opportunities for members of the Catholic community. Read more...

Saint Olaf kindergartners show their generosity

BOUNTIFUL — Since the beginning of the school year, the Saint Olaf School kindergarten class has been energetically involved in helping others, learning that serving those who are in need is a wonderful way to show that they are acting in a Christ-like manner. Read more...

Children’s Poet Laureate visits Our Lady of Lourdes

xSALT LAKE CITY — Poetry and science may seem an unusual mix, but a new anthology explores the pairing, and students at Our Lady of Lourdes School learned firsthand how the two combine. Read more...

Man thanks paramedics, hospital staff for his life

BOUNTIFUL — “I will turn 50 on Thanksgiving, so this is going to be the best Thanksgiving ever,” said Bob Winfield, a member of Saint Olaf Parish. Read more...

Woman is thankful, lucky to be alive this holiday

SALT LAKE CITY — “Your life can change in an instant,” said Merrilee Wahl, a member of Saint Vincent de Paul Parish. Read more...

Invisible Children inspires thankfulness in Judge student

Last year, Emily Burchett prayed that she would be able to travel to Uganda. Read more...

Photo Montage:

Soaring Eagle: Back to back 3A state champions

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Let’s do Advent

This Advent, let’s not just put an Advent Wreath out as a decoration.

Let’s really do Advent.

Read more...

Foundation secures financial future for parishes and schools

SALT LAKE CITY — From programs promoting adults’ spiritual growth to scholarships for children in parochial schools, the needs of Utah’s parishes, missions, schools and Religious are deep and diverse. For the past 25 years, the Catholic Foundation of Utah has been working to secure permanent funding for these needs in parishes and schools statewide through endowments established by local Catholics. Read more...

Thanksgiving message from Bishop Wester

As we gather this year around our Thanksgiving tables, our nation will give thanks for all the blessings we enjoy in our country. This act of thanksgiving implies a two way street: a gift received and thanks given. Thus, our attention is focused on the “who” and the “what”: the giver and the gift. To give thanks, then, implies a relationship. And since God is the giver of every good gift, our gratitude is ultimately directed to Christ, through whom and in whom and for whom all things exist and all gifts are given. Read more...

Program drums up warm clothes for children in need

SALT LAKE CITY — Each year, hundreds of children’s names are placed on ornaments on trees in churches throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City as part of the Gift of the Drummer program. These children aren’t looking for the finest gifts, only clothes. In these tough economic times, their needs continue to grow. Read more...

Teacher’s essay on motherhood earns national recognition

SALT LAKE CITY — Judge Memorial Catholic High School English teacher Linda Simpson’s essay recently was published in the memoir category in a gallery of the National Council of Teachers of English (NTCTE). Read more...

Priest sends daily positive messages through mass media

SALT LAKE CITY — In Utah there’s a unique radio show… “Bendiciendo tu día” (“Blessing Your Day”), which has as its mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in a very modern and enthusiastic way. Read more...

BOOK REVIEW:
Pope Benedict XVI’s 2005 book worth re-reading

SALT LAKE CITY – There is something warm and wonderful about reading a book again and again; finding new insights, remembering the wisdom of the first reading, and being touched again by the words that dwelt in your heart the first time around. Read more...

Solemnity of Christ the King: To restore all things in Christ

SALT LAKE CITY — This Sunday, the Church will celebrate the close if its liturgical year with the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King. In the small rural parish in which I grew up, this feast was a special day celebrated with great festivity. This great solemnity was the day that the Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King, a secular institute of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, recommitted themselves to the cross of Christ. In silent, but solemn ritual, each member of the community stood before the altar and promised to faithfully serve Christ by ministering to the poor and marginalized. Read more...

Baptism calls all Catholics to live a priesthood in Christ

SALT LAKE CITY — “What does it mean to be ‘priest?’

With this provocative question, Friar Paul J. Philibert, O.P. began a discussion at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on The Priesthood of the Faithful. Fr. Philibert explained how each of us can ”live, no longer I, but Christ who lives in me....” (Gal 2:20) Read more...

Cathedral choir’s opening concert appeals to all cultures

SALT LAKE CITY —Anglos, Latinos, Blacks, and Asians -- the audience’s origin didn’t matter. All gathered to enjoy the celebration of St. Cecilia’s Day at The Cathedral of the Madeleine, delighted by the angelic voices of The Choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Read more...

Judge Memorial Catholic High School Book Awards announced

SALT LAKE CITY — Every year Judge Memorial Catholic High School honors six seniors with a distinguished book award from the local alumni clubs of six prestigious colleges and universities. The selection process is similar to the process a highly selective college might use in admissions. Read more...

Saint Joseph Catholic High School inducts National Honor Society students

OGDEN — The Saint Joseph Catholic High School National Honor Society students are committed to scholarship, service, leadership and character. The first service project students completed this year raised $840 for the community and animal shelters. Read more...

Parishes and schools prepare for Thanksgiving

SALT LAKE CITY — As families prepare to gather around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving, parishes throughout Utah are getting ready to serve the needy. Read more...

CCS needs increase 40 percent

SALT LAKE CITY ­— Fulfilling a mission to help the poor and needy, regardless of faith, Catholic Community Services (CCS) supports a gamut of programs that range from a food pantry for low-income families to refugee resettlement. This year, those programs have been strained by demand: CCS saw an across-the-board increase of 40 percent in the numbers of people seeking help. Read more...

Cathedral of the Madeleine choir celebrates 20th season

SALT LAKE CITY — Noteworthy anniversaries for both the Cathedral of the Madeleine and its choir have led to a selection of treasured sacred music for the annual concert season. Read more...

Diocese to offer a meditation on art and Advent

SALT LAKE CITY — Advent is meant to be a time of spiritual preparation, but the demands of the holiday season often sidetrack religious contemplation. Therefore, the Diocese of Salt Lake City is providing a day of prayer and reflection for Catholics to meditate on the mystery of Christ. Read more...

Panel discusses reconciling religious values with professionalism

SALT LAKE CITY —The blending of spiritual beliefs with professionalism, civility and professional responsibility was the focus of the first Religion and Law panel discussion presented by the St. Thomas More Society of Utah. Read more...

American Red Cross trains volunteers for disaster relief

SALT LAKE CITY — “We’re in the middle of a disaster,” were the first words Susan Thomas, American Red Cross communications director, said in an interview with the Intermountain Catholic, the day the earthquake and tsunami affecting American Samoa Sept. 30. Read more...

Cathedral’s story told in words and pictures

SALT LAKE CITY – The centennial celebration of the dedication of the Cathedral of the Madeleine this year gave us all the opportunity to look back again at the history of this magnificent building. Diocesan Archivist Gary Topping gives an in-depth look at the Cathedral of the Madeleine from before it was a twinkle in the eye of the first Catholic pioneers to enter the valley, through the first plans and work by the diocese’s first bishop Lawrence Scanlan, to today’s use of the house of worship not only as the mother church of the diocese but as a center for the community’s arts and humanities. Read more...

Catholic business contributes to Kids Fest success

DRAPER — Abused and neglected children in Utah have an advocate in the Christmas Box International. The three houses – one each in Salt Lake City, Ogden and Moab – provide shelter and other services. But like many charitable organizations, the Christmas Box Houses have seen a decline in donations during the past year. Read more...

Juan Diego Catholic High School fall sports wrap up

Soaring Eagle soccer brings home first state championship

Soaring Eagle runners find their pace in Class 3A

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Saint Joseph Catholic High School fall sports wrap up

Girls cross country team on its way to a dynasty

Jayhawks lose state title to Ravens

Sophomore takes singles tennis crown

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Judge Memorial Catholic High School fall sports wrap up

Bulldog tennis: Undefeated season

Golf team named Region XI champs

Bulldog soccer succumbs in semi-finals

Cheer squad earns ‘Top Banana’ award

Cross country: Girls take Region XI championship, boys place second

Read more...

Over the wall: Judge’s field may be ready to play next year

SALT LAKE CITY - The wall has been completed at Judge Memorial Catholic High School. If all goes well, at the beginning of the 2010 sports season, the Bulldogs will play games on their home field for the first time since 2008.

“It has been a long haul,” said Judge Principal Richard Bartman of the two-year saga. Read more...

Diaconate candidates prepare for ordination

SALT LAKE CITY - Every other Saturday for the past four years, 21 men from throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City have gathered to study their faith and learn to serve. In January, those men will prostrate themselves at the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being ordained as deacons. Read more...

Human rights, current issues topics of film festival

Teenagers illegally crossing into the United States, life in war-torn Iraq, children who struggle for an education in developing countries and life in a Nazi concentration camp are all topics of films that will be shown during the film festival presented by the Juan Diego Human Rights International Club (HRI). Read more...

Couple attributes 50 years of marriage to their faith

Fifty years ago, Ruben Jimenez was a miner’s son with a military scholarship to the University of Utah. He didn’t know anyone in the Salt Lake area, but “I connected with the Catholic community at the Newman Center, and that’s where I met Mary Ann.” Read more...

24 heed call to be ‘Co-workers in the Vineyard’

SALT LAKE CITY - “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.” — Matthew 9:37. With baptism, Catholics are called to answer Jesus’ command to pick up their cross and follow him. In the Diocese of Salt Lake City, 24 people from all walks of life responded by completing a four-year lay ecclesial ministry formation program that will culminate with a public blessing by Bishop John C. Wester during a Mass on Jan. 30 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Read more...

Woman serves as parish lay minister for 27 years

BOUNTIFUL — The variety of work and a sense of family in the workplace kept Betty Byrne at St. Olaf Parish for 27 years. She served as the parish secretary under three priests from Jan. 1, 1982 until April 30, 2009. Read more...

Deacon candidate nourished by the Word of God

LAYTON – For 15 years, Honorio Moreno felt his life was lacking. He worked two jobs, supported his family, and regularly attended Mass, but “I still felt an emptiness,” he said. “I didn’t know what it was because I had my family, but I still felt empty. I felt like I was missing something in my life.” Read more...

Saint John the Baptist celebrates Red Ribbon Week
Activities stress drug-free message

DRAPER — Students at Saint John the Baptist celebrated Red Ribbon Week in October. The event’s ultimate goal is the creation of drug free America. Read more...

Four Judge student-athletes earn Academic All-State honors

SALT LAKE CITY — Four Judge Memorial Catholic High School student-athletes have been named to Utah High School Activities Association fall sports Academic All-State teams. Jessica Gaffney, Maximilian Lamb and Parker Mildenhall were named to the cross country team while Michael Hanover was named to the golf team. Read more...

Junior high schools hold science competition

SANDY — A science challenge was held between Blessed Sacrament School, Saint Francis Xavier Regional School and Saint John the Baptist Middle School on Oct. 17, at Saint John the Baptist Elementary School. Read more...

Msgr. Robert Servatius is honored in the Year of the Priest

SANDY — In honor of the Year of the Priest, Blessed Sacrament School held a surprise luncheon on Oct. 14, to honor Msgr. Robert Servatius, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish. The hall was decorated with a banner declaring ‘Happy Msgr. Bob Day.’ Read more...

Sister knocks three times before the door is open

BOUNTIFUL — Daughter of Charity Sister Maria Nguyen’s vocation did not come easy for her. She knocked twice to see if she had a calling, tried to escape from Vietnam three times, and finally was sponsored to come to the United States before the door was open. Read more...

Mother Maureen speaks of a change in vocations

HOLLADAY — “I entered the Order of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in 1950, and the way my vocation happened would probably not happen again in our society,” said Mother Maureen Goodwin, prioress of the Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Monastery in Holladay. Read more...

All Saints, All Souls: Honoring the faithful dead

SALT LAKE CITY­ ­— “Trick or treat!” That phrase coming from the mouths of tiny costumed ghosts and witches on Saturday echoes centuries of Church tradition. Read more...

St. Joseph the Worker parish bids goodbye to Sister Fabian

WEST JORDAN — A torrent of tributes – and more than a few tears – flowed on Oct. 25 during the Mass and reception in honor of Franciscan Society for the Atonement Sister Fabian Uriot, who has served St. Joseph the Worker parish for 27 years. Ill health is forcing her to return to her order’s mother house in New York. She will leave in November. Read more...

Artwork now brightens the hallway at CHRISTUS St. Joseph Villa

SALT LAKE CITY — It will no longer be a long or scary walk for residents who traverse the tunnel between the apartments to the main building at CHRISTUS St. Joseph Villa. Artwork now lines the hallway, which has been named the Peace Tunnel. Read more...

Saint Joseph Catholic High School observes Breast Cancer Awareness month

October was Breast Cancer Awareness month and at Saint Joseph Catholic High School, students presented the names of their loved ones who have been touched by cancer, and posted them on pink ribbons for display at the school. Read more...

Babies, mothers benefit from Saint John students

The sanctity of life is a core belief of the Catholic faith, a lesson that was reinforced for students at Saint John the Baptist Middle School during the recent Respect Life Baby Project. Read more...

Surprises and redemption are found in Anne Rice’s spiritual memoir

SALT LAKE CITY – How does a successful writer of vampire fiction with more than 20 books to her name make a radical change to “writing only of God and for God?” Read more...

Melody weaves through new music director’s life

OGDEN - Brett Patterson grew up singing in the Diocese of Salt Lake City, left to attend college, but now has returned as Holy Family Catholic Church’s new music director. Read more...

Skits and songs entertain on Grandparents’ Day

SALT LAKE CITY - From an opening thank-you prayer by second-grade students to the closing performance by the choir, students at The Madeleine Choir School expressed their thanks from the stage during the annual Grandparents’ Day Brunch. Read more...

St. Vincent de Paul School’s prayer garden provides peaceful retreat

Saint Vincent de Paul School has recently completed its Prayer Garden, which is located on the southeast side of the school near the 8th grade classroom. Read more...

Catholic Woman’s League hosts annual benefit

The Catholic Woman’s League held its annual benefit luncheon, called “Fall Tapestry,” at Little America Hotel Oct. 24. Read more...

Saint Vincent de Paul parishioner among inaugural Influential Women of Scouting group

SALT LAKE CITY — A Brownie in the first grade, Pam Grant continued with the Girl Scout program until she was 14, when she became a Candy Striper at Holy Cross Hospital. Those early influences carried across the years as she volunteered to be a den mother for her oldest son’s Boy Scout troop. Read more...

Annual Daffodil Day honors victims of gun violence

SALT LAKE CITY - In the 10 years since Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 15 students and a teacher at Colorado’s Columbine High School before killing themselves, shootings with multiple victims have become almost commonplace. The violence has struck throughout the United States; the most recent occurrence in Utah was in 2007 at Trolley Square in which six people, including the shooter, were killed. Read more...

Spiritual enrichment seminar open to all

Catholics are called to be a member of the body of Christ, but that charge can be confusing and challenging. To help Utah Catholics develop their faith, the Diocese of Salt Lake Office of Religious Education offers two seminars each year to the laity. This year, the second of these seminars will be presented by Fr. Paul J. Philibert, a friar of the Southern Dominican Province. Read more...

Utah Teacher of the Year is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes

SALT LAKE CITY — Mary Jane Morris has a master’s degree, and ESL endorsement, and 33 years as a teacher. At Salt Lake’s Northwest Middle School, she teaches reading and a program that encourages students to prepare for college, but those qualifications are only part of the reason she was selected as the Utah Teacher of the Year by the State Office of Education. Read more...

Red Mass is celebrated for lawyers, judges, police

SALT LAKE CITY — “The Red Mass is a wonderful opportunity for us to gather with our lawyers, judges, police officers and those in the legal arena to come together and to pray for one another and this important service to our society,” said the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. Read more...

H1N1 concerns prompt liturgical changes

SALT LAKE CITY – Holy water fonts will be dry, the handshake representing the sign of peace won’t be given and only the Host will be distributed at Holy Communion for the time being in the diocese. Read more...

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2009 DDD successful despite fewer donors

SALT LAKE CITY — From support of the missions in rural Utah to the religious education in home parishes, the Diocesan Development Drive’s (DDD) funding touches almost every Catholic in Utah. Read more...

Animator brings art to life for Cosgriff students

SALT LAKE CITY —The film world came to J.E. Cosgriff Memorial School on Oct. 19 when Pete Oswald, an animator who recently worked on the film “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs,” showed students how to draw several characters from movies he’s worked on. Read more...

Italian-American Civic League celebrates 75th anniversary

SALT LAKE CITY — Italian music played as guests arrived for the Italian American Civic League’s 75th anniversary at St. Vincent de Paul Parish Oct. 17. Read more...

Diocese to host its first CACE annual meeting

SALT LAKE CITY — About 275 Catholic educators will be in Utah for four days next week for the annual Chief Administrators of Catholic Education meeting. This is the first time the Diocese of Salt Lake City has hosted the event. Read more...

St. Jude feast day, devotion planned

MURRAY — Catholics pray to St. Jude when they’re in dire straits, but the parish that bears his name is planning a regular devotion to the saint of impossible causes. Read more...

Cursillo movement calls us to stay close to God

SALT LAKE CITY — “Jesus is the vine and we are the branches,” said Ceferino Aguillon, Cursillo Movement National English coordinator. “We have to be ready to go where God calls us.” Read more...

Freshmen become leaders on wilderness journey

SALT LAKE CITY ­— Wyoming Catholic College (WCC) spends almost a month over the course of the freshman year teaching students how to safely participate in the beauty of the wilderness around them. It is challenging to those familiar with the back country, although all the students need to succeed in the wilderness is basic physical fitness and a desire to learn. Read more...

Student works in Nicaragua on humanitarian service project

SALT LAKE CITY — “Going to Nicaragua was such a great opportunity I could not pass it up,” said Luke Mirabelli. Mirabelli a senior at Highland High School, spent the summer in Nicaragua on a humanitarian project. Read more...

Msgr. Moore to be honored with humanitarian award

SALT LAKE CITY — A priest from Ireland who has spent forty years ministering in Utah will be among those recognized at the 2009 Catholic Community Services’ (CCS) Awards Dinner. Read more...

St. Joseph the Worker prepares for demolition

WEST JORDAN — For 45 years the barn-shaped mission church on Redwood Road was the place for West Jordan residents to celebrate baptisms and first communions, joyous weddings and sorrowful funerals, daily Mass and holy feast days. That service came to an end on Oct. 17, when the Rev. Patrick F. Carley held a Decommissioning Mass at St. Joseph the Worker. Read more...

Inspirational messages given at Pastoral Congress

DRAPER ­— Tony Melendez has had plenty of reasons to turn from God. He was born without arms because his mother was prescribed Thalidomide while she was pregnant with him. When he was growing up, other children teased him. His father was an alcoholic. Girls wouldn’t dance with him in high school; when he did marry, he found that he couldn’t have children. Read more...

Priests are unified at Clergy Convocation

PARK CITY ­— Priests from throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City met at the Lodge at Mountain Village in Park City for the Fall Clergy Convocation Oct. 5-8. They were led by Father Ronald Knott of the Archdiocese of Louisville. Read more...

Diocesan priests talk about spiritual growth, unity

PARK CITY — Father Ronald Knott of the Archdiocese of Louisville and founding director of the Institute for Priests and Presbyterates at Saint Meinrad Seminary School of Theology in Indiana, led the Clergy Convocation in Park City Oct. 5-8. He spoke to the priests about spiritual leadership, spiritual growth and building unity. Read more...

USCCB delegation to Zimbabwe and South Africa

SALT LAKE CITY — Human trafficking is the result of poverty and vulnerability.

The Most Rev. John C. Wester, bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City and The Most Rev. John H. Ricard of the Diocese of Pensacola were on a delegation sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to Zimbabwe and South Africa from Aug. 26 to Sept. 6. Read more...

J.E. Cosgriff Memorial student wins state essay contest

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — Jackie Morgan, a J.E. Cosgriff Memorial School seventh-grade student, was honored at the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) fall conference at the Sheraton Hotel Friday, Sept. 11, for her first place essay in the 2009 “Why I Like My Community.” Read more...

St. Vincent visits Saint Vincent de Paul School

SALT LAKE CITY — St. Vincent de Paul came to life at Saint Vincent de Paul School in September, teaching the students about his journey in becoming a priest and saint. Read more...

Juan Diego Catholic High School

DRAPER — Juan Diego Catholic High School, which opened in 1999, will celebrate its first decade by giving education to others in Africa. The school community will do this in gratitude for the gift of its facility made possible by L. Sam Skaggs and his wife, and in appreciation of Patrick Byrne, CEO of Overstock.com, and others whose donations have made tuition assistance available. Read more...

Girl Scout Troop 292 earns the Bronze Award

SALT LAKE CITY — “You all received the highest award in Junior Girl Scouting, which is the Bronze Award,” said Holly Porter, Girl Scout leader. Her co-leader is Chris Martinez. Read more...

We set our hope on God, His Word is for everyone

DRAPER ­— “The theme of this Pastoral Congress is hope,” said Sister Madonna Figura, who presented a workshop at the Annual Diocesan Pastoral Congress at the Skaggs Catholic Center Oct. 10. Read more...

Solidarity will end global poverty and injustice

DRAPER — Father Juan Molina, OSST, was doing an internship for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Zimbabwe while pursuing a doctoral degree in economics at Fordham University in New York City when he started to doubt he was missionary material. Read more...

Inspirational feet: Armless musician encourages teens to pursue their dreams

DRAPER – Learning to walk means falling a lot for any child. For Tony Melendez, who was born without arms, it meant falling flat on his face time after time, until he learned to tumble and get back on his feet. Read more...

One hundred years of ceremony and service

DRAPER —With their plumbed hats, swords and colorful capes, the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree stand out in any crowd. They also stand out in Utah’s history, not because of their dress, but because of their actions. Read more...

Pro-lifers give a voice to the unborn, pray for an end to abortion

SANDY — There had been a strong storm the night before and the day was cloudy, rainy, and windy, not to mention cold. Still, the State Street and 10600 South intersection in Sandy was busy with traffic and nearly 100 demonstrators Oct. 4. They were joining thousands of other pro-lifers forming a life chain on what is known as Respect Life Sunday. Read more...

St. Rose of Lima Parish
Religious Education Center is dedicated

LAYTON ­— “Welcome all of you and welcome Bishop John Wester, Mayor J. Stephen Curtis, Council Member Michael J. Bouwhuis, Architect Ralph Stanislaw, Msgr. Victor Bonnell, pastor of Saint Rose of Lima, religious sisters, and all the clergy,” said Rick Hartle of the building committee. Read more...

A pastoral visit brings a realization of migrant issues

WENDOVER — The Most Rev. John R. Manz, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers, and Episcopal Liaison to the Migrant Farmworker Apostolate, made his pastoral visit with migrant farmworker communities in the Diocese of Salt Lake City from Sept. 20-22. Read more...

Code of Canon Law and the ecumenical movement

SALT LAKE CITY — One of the most significant tasks of the Second Vatican Council was to establish clear guidelines in order to foster ecumenical relations among all the Christian Churches. In this particular reference, the decree on ecumenism, Unitatis Redintegratio, of Nov. 21, 1964, settled the tone for any ecumenical action.

Jesuit priest says his life is a journey to peace

SALT LAKE CITY — “For me life is a journey to peace,” said Jesuit Father John Dear, who spoke on peace and justice at Saint Ambrose Parish Sept. 20. “It is spiritual to be a human being, living and breathing in peace, and making peace with ourselves, with our spouse, our neighbor, our children, our community, our state, and the world.” Read more...

Juan Diego Catholic High School
Students will learn basics of gardening, nutrition

DRAPER ­— Healthy Draper awarded Juan Diego Catholic High School with a grant to buy local and eat healthy. Read more...

St. Francis of Assisi feast celebrates blessing of pets

MIDVALE — The St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish cry room turned into a bark, meow, and chirp room on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi Oct. 4. Read more...

Diamond Lil’s premier steak house, generous owner

SALT LAKE CITY — In November 1969, Jim Pietramali and Garth Campbell opened Diamond Lil’s doors for business at 1528 West North Temple. The original building was a modest home, which was remodeled using old barn lumber and logs from pioneer cabins, some of which are 100 to 150 years old. Read more...

Students make flu awareness, prevention contagious

DRAPER — “It’s OK to miss school,” said Lynelle Williams, Student Government advisor of Juan Diego Catholic High School.

Students might be surprised to read these words, but all would agree if students have flu symptoms they should stay home. Read more...

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