Tuesday Tapestry

Regional Immigration Consultation

From June 2 - 4, 2010, bishops of the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Cuba and Rome gathered in Washington, D.C., for what has become an annual meeting to discuss immigration matters. >>>

Southwest Liturgical Conference

Our diocese recently hosted the Southwest Liturgical Conference at the Salt Palace for what turned out to be a most successful gathering. We had more than 1,500 registered participants who enjoyed our diocesan hospitality, marvelous presentations and workshops, beautiful liturgies and fairly decent winter weather. >>>

Seminary Visit at Mt. Angel

This past week, Father Javier Virgen and I visited our five seminarians at Mount Angel seminary in Oregon. It was a wonderful visitation during which our five seminarians received their annual evaluations from the faculty. All five are doing well as they continue to open themselves to the call of Jesus Christ in their lives. >>>

Zen/Ch'an Catholic Dialogue

Several weeks ago I participated in a Buddhist/Catholic dialogue at the city of 10,000 Buddhas in Ukiah, Calif. This marked the ninth year that our group has gathered to discuss areas of mutual interest. >>>

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. >>>