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Atkinson convinced San Francisco is just a stop

SALT LAKE CITY — Community activist Pamela Atkinson first liked Bishop George Niederauer for his smile, then for his cheerfulness. In a Jan. 21 interview with the Intermountain Catholic, Atkinson said she believed he would eventually end up in Rome. She thinks there is still a place for him there. >>>

Deacon shares fond memories of 'accessible' bishop

SALT LAKE CITY — "Just like old times in the Holy Land, Max," the bishop greeted me as we vested for the noon-day Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Christmas Day. His exhausting schedule was not evident in his cheerful greeting. He was his usual warm and witty self. His remark, "Just like old times," was in reference to our pilgrimage in November to the Holy Land where I had the privilege of serving the bishop as deacon of the Mass at eight of the holy sites we visited in Israel and Palestine. >>>

Bishop leaves city a better place; he enriched our lives

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City has been graced in remarkable ways with the leadership of Bishop George Niederauer. He has been a leader, a voice of reason, and an inspiration not only for the Salt Lake City Catholic Diocese, but for the entire community. >>>

With strong support of bishop, prison chaplain perseveres

AMERICAN FORK — When Bishop Niederauer asked me to become prison chaplain at the Utah State Prison in 1996, I have to admit, at first I was apprehensive. Although I had been offering Mass at the facility in Cedar City, this assignment would be very different, especially since I would be assuming a position that was newly created – that of supervising chaplain. I thought if I lasted more than one year it would be a miracle. >>>

'A priest's bishop, he made good of diocese a priority

SANDY — Prior to the announcement of his transfer to the Diocese of Sacramento, Bishop William K. Weigand appointed me a diocesan consultor. In that capacity, I and the other consultors met with Diocesan Administrator Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald on a regular basis during the interim prior to the naming of a new bishop. >>>

Prayers and good wishes of Utah Catholics go with you

OGDEN — In his book "Precious as Silver: Imagining Your Life With God," (page 104) Bishop Niederauer uses the image of two different benches to contrast different aspects of life: a bus bench – a pragmatic place where one sits poised for action – and a park bench – a place where one goes for reflection and prayer.  On either bench, Bishop Niederauer was someone I enjoyed sitting next to. Best wishes. 

Deacon Mike Bulson

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Equestrian Order bids farewell

I have an unusually beautiful frame in my office; one that I felt was more suitable for a quote than a photograph. I did not have to reflect very long before deciding upon a quote I heard Bishop Niederauer use on various occasions, "The Christian leaves behind in life a long trail of empty tombs, only the last of which is the grave." These words have been very powerful for me and I believe most significant at this time for our bishop as he begins his new life in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. >>>

Midvale City Mayor writes of unifying influence

I wish to congratulate you on your new assignment and thank you for the time you have spent with us in the Diocese of Salt Lake City.  I am comforted to know that while you will no longer be our bishop you will be our archbishop.  Your leadership will continue to influence our Diocese as you assume your new assignment.  >>>

On Making God Laugh... or Not

SALT LAKE CITY — "If you want to make God laugh, tell him what your plans are." I don’t know who the original author of this quote is, but many times in his 11 years of ministry here in Utah, I have heard Bishop Niederauer evoke this wise adage. When I heard the news of Bishop Niederauer’s appointment as Archbishop of San Francisco, the first thing I thought of, somewhat selfishly, I confess, was, "how sad for the Church in Utah." The second thing I thought of was that adage of Bishop George. The third thing I thought of was "how blessed is the Church in San Francisco." Then I remembered the second thing I though of, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him what your plans are," and thought, "I wonder if Bishop Niederauer made God laugh just before he himself got the news?" >>>