Bishop's Leadership Society thanked for contributions

Intermountain Catholic

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The Very Rev. Father Martin Diaz, rector of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, welcomes members of the Bishop's Leadership Society to the Sept. 5 event, which included a performance of sacred music by the Cathedral Choir, the Cathedral Spanish Choir and the choristers of the Madeleine Choir School. IC photo/Marie Mischel

SALT LAKE CITY — Sacred music from traditional to contemporary filled the Cathedral of the Madeleine Sept. 5 as the cathedral choirs gave a special performance for the members of the Bishop’s Leadership Society.

The society was established in 2004 by then-Bishop George Niederauer to recognize those who support diocesan ministries, programs and services through significant annual gifts to the Diocesan Development Drive. These financial donations are at least $1,000 per year. Over the past 10 years, members of the society have given $6 million to the DDD, which is the annual appeal for donations from parishioners throughout the diocese to support the bishop’s many programs, missions and services in Utah.

The society has 45 new members this year, while another 27 people were recognized as having given at the leadership level for five years, and 122 for donating at this level for all 10 years.

"These folks have been with us since 2004, every year, giving to this important ministry in our diocese," said Shannon Lee, DDD director.

The Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, thanked the members of the society for their generosity.

"In the Kingdom of God everyone is important … but what we want to do tonight is to single out your generosity and express our acknowledgement and our gratitude to you for that generosity," Bishop Wester said. "We know that it’s not easy. We know that you have many commitments. We know that you have many demands made upon you – your families and other people, other worthy causes. We truly and genuinely and sincerely appreciate your generosity to this diocese."

With the help of their contributions, the diocese is able to educate and form seminarians for the priesthood, form men for the permanent deaconate and both men and women as lay ecclesial ministers, provide catechetical programs in the parishes, operate Catholic schools, undertake social justice work, and "the list goes on and on and on," Bishop Wester said. "These are all activities that remind us of what is actually important – what really counts in our lives. We need all of you to be collaborators and colleagues in this important work. It’s not just your generosity but your prayers and your presence and your concern and your love for our Church. We can’t thank you enough."

Before the choirs began their performance on Sept. 5, the Very Rev. Martin Diaz, rector of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, welcomed everyone to "their cathedral, the mother church of the diocese." He pointed out the stained glass windows and the angels painted on the ceiling, urging those present to take the opportunity to enjoy the cathedral’s artistic attributes, and to remember those people who, generations ago, built the church for the generations to come.

After the musical program, the event shifted to Scanlan Hall in the cathedral basement. There, Bishop Wester thanked everyone for the support of the diocese.

He then acknowledged that Shannon Lee, the DDD director, and her husband Michael Lee are leaving the diocese (see related story, above.).

"I consider tonight’s event a fitting tribute to Shannon Lee, a coming together of beautiful music and the rich treasury of the Church is a fitting thank-you note – pun intended – to Shannon for the good hard work she has done," Bishop Wester said.

He also thanked her and her husband for their "tremendous work in the diocese, and for your generosity and all your wonderful gifts."

During her comments, Lee swallowed tears as she said, "It has been an honor and a privilege to get to know so many of you over the past 13 years. You have been a blessing in my life and I will carry all of you in my heart."