New Pastor Assignments – Fr. Nwokocha

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Father Rowland Nwokocha

Four priests in the Diocese of Salt Lake City have received assignments as pastors or administrators at new parishes. The assignments take effect Aug. 1.

Father Rowland Nwokocha

Assigned to St. Pius X Parish

Fr. Rowland Nwokocha was ordained a priest on Aug. 2, 1997 in Nigeria, where he served in the Diocese of Okigwe in various ministries: associate pastor, pastor, principal, hospital chaplain and chaplain for the Knights of Columbus. He also was a priest in residence in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for three years. He arrived in the Diocese of Salt Lake City on June 1, 2013, and has served as parochial vicar at St. Ambrose Parish and as a hospital chaplain in the Salt Lake City area.

What would like your new parishioners to know about you?

I would like them to know that I’m so happy with this new assignment. I have heard so many things about Moab and have dreamt of visiting, and now I’m not coming to visit but I’m coming to stay. I’m coming so that we can help one another to grow in faith, hope and love so we can understand the mysteries of God’s kingdom and worship him as our creator and savior. 

What are you looking forward to most about your new assignment?

I’m looking forward to meeting God’s people in Moab. With its tourism traffic, Moab is a busy city, and as a faith community there are lots of things we could do if we become more aware and sensitive. t is not so much a question of giving things, but of giving of ourselves, of our time, our energy, gifts and our love. Thus, we will serve Christ and help to build his kingdom.

As a priest, what has been your biggest challenge?

Relating to the different cultures that have embraced the Catholic faith and adapting to the environment has been my biggest challenge.

As a priest, what has been your most satisfying experience?

Attending to the spiritual needs of my parishioners and being able to do so in a multi-ethnic community has always been a wonderful experience for me. It was this passion to serve the people of God that actually informed my decision to enter the seminary at the age of 12.