Tuesday Tapestry

Immigration Talk in Cleveland

 On Monday, Jan. 31, I gave an address to about 300 people in the diocese of Cleveland, Ohio. I was part of the all-day symposium titled “Faith Perspectives on Immigration,” which was sponsored by several ecumenical groups, including the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. >>>

St. Joseph Villa

I would like to thank Monsignor Terrence Fitzgerald for celebrating Mass at St. Joseph Villa several weeks ago to mark the end of an era for the Villa. As you know by now, the Villa has been sold to the Ensign Group. While we are sad to see that the Villa will no longer be owned by a Catholic entity, we are very heartened by the wonderful people at Ensign. >>>

Confirmations

I would like to thank the parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Kearns, Immaculate Conception in Copperton and Our Lady of Lourdes in Salt Lake City for their warm hospitality and welcome. >>>

Catholic Foundation of Utah

This past week I had the opportunity to meet with the board members of the Catholic Foundation of Utah. I am extremely impressed by the very dedicated and competent individuals who make up our CFU Board. >>>

Catholic Schools

Mr. Ed Manuell, chair of the diocesan school board finance committee, and Mr. Mark Longe, principal of St. Vincent de Paul School, gave important presentations to our pastors, principals, and other key Catholic school staff this past week. Mr. Manuell spoke about increases in our tuition structures, as well as ways of accommodating Catholic school parents and those in special financial need. As you can imagine, this is not an easy subject and I admire the dedicated men and women who spent much of the afternoon hammering out the details of our tuition schedule. >>>

Liturgical Plenary Meeting

Our diocese is ably served by the pastoral center's liturgical office, which is directed by Mr. Timothy Johnston and supported by Mrs. Ruth Dillon, his assistant. In turn, Mr. Johnston works closely with dedicated diocesan collaborators who form the various committees that strive to promote good liturgy throughout the diocese. >>>

Diaconate Formation Meeting

 This past week I had the opportunity to meet with several staff members as we discussed the beginning of a new diaconate formation program. This new program will emphasize the formation of deacons to serve the Spanish-speaking community, although they are ordained for service throughout the entire diocese. >>>

Independent Review Board

I attended a meeting of our independent Review Board this past week as well. Under the watchful and experienced eye of Mrs. Rosemary Baron, who chairs our board, we looked at our various diocesan policies that implement the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the norms developed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to help protect our children and young people from sexual and other forms of abuse. >>>

Diocesan Stewardship Council Meeting

Our Diocesan Stewardship Council is meeting regularly to prepare for the implementation of the Stewardship Program in our diocese. The Council itself is taking time to reflect on the principles of stewardship and on those scriptural passages that pertain to the teaching of Jesus in light of stewardship. >>>

The Hispanic Commission

I stopped by the Hispanic Commission meeting this past Saturday to say hello to the various representatives of our parishes throughout the diocese. >>>