Diocesan Pastoral Council

Intermountain Catholic

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The Diocesan Pastoral Council celebrated Father Martin Diaz's 60th birthday during their meeting. Fr. Martin is shown with DPC President Julie Boerio-Goates.

Many thanks to Father Martín Diaz for hosting us at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Midvale for our Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting last Saturday. We had a beautiful morning prayer in the little rock church, as well as a tour of the relatively new church that was built after the fire. The ladies of the parish put on a most delicious breakfast and lunch, living out the theme of hospitality that absorbed much of our discussion that day.

I am particularly grateful to the members of our diocesan pastoral counsel who represent all corners of our diocese. As I mentioned, the majority of our day was taken up with a discussion of hospitality, with an eye toward intercultural affairs. The council is looking at how our diocese welcomes people, particularly the stranger in our midst.  This is a very important yet complicated question as we deal with the rapid growth taking place in our diocese and the many new cultures that are represented, particularly those from Spanish-speaking cultures. The Council's work is complemented by the work of a special ad hoc committee that is now meeting regularly to look at these same issues. It is important for our diocese to respond to the needs of all its members, as well as reflect its wonderful diversity in all of its communications, liturgies and events. I am looking forward to the ongoing work of both the Council and the committee as we respond to St. Paul's challenge of being all things to all people.