Monsignor Matthew O. Wixted

Intermountain Catholic

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Msgr. Matthew O. Wixted

Monsignor Matthew O. Wixted died at Saint Joseph Villa Dec. 26, 2014 of age-related causes. He was 78.  

Matthew Oliver Wixted was born Oct. 25, 1936 in Drombane, Ireland, the son of John Wixted and Mary E. Ryan.  He attended St. Patrick’s College Seminary, Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland.  He was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood for the Diocese of Salt Lake City on June 10, 1962 at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Thurles, Ireland, and arrived in the Diocese of Salt Lake City in September of the same year.  

During his long life of ministry here, he served in his early years as assistant pastor at St. Joseph Parish, Ogden; St. Pius X Parish, Moab; St. Joseph Parish, Monticello; Immaculate Conception Parish, Copperton; Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish, Price; and the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City. He then served as pastor of St. Pius X Parish, Moab (’69-’70), and administrator at St. Elizabeth, Richfield (’70-’73). One of the assignments he enjoyed the most was as chaplain at Holy Cross Hospital, Salt Lake City (now Salt Lake Regional Medical Center) for 16 years between 1973 until 1989. His last two assignments were as pastor of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Midvale from 1989 to 1996 and finally as pastor of  St. Marguerite Parish, Tooele from 1996 until 2008. He retired from active ministry on Aug. 1, 2008 and was named a Prelate of Honor with the title Monsignor on Nov. 5, 2008.

Monsignor Wixted was known for his Irish sense of humor and his generous and compassionate pastoral care. As a hospital chaplain and as a pastor he gave people what mattered most, his presence and care. He had a true pastor’s heart.

Monsignor Wixted was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister, Sister Mary Declan, PBVM (Ireland), sisters-in-law Maire Wixted (Ireland) and Anne Wixted (England). He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, all of whom were very fond of their Uncle Mattie, and his other extended family members. His family is especially grateful to the Villa staff and all his Utah friends who provided care for him in his retirement years.

Viewing will be on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, with the vigil celebrated at 8 p.m.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Funeral arrangements handled through Neil O’Donnell & Sons Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Priests Mutual Benefit Society, 27 C St., Salt Lake City, UT 84103.