Bishop's winter Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting defines concerns for far-flung diocese and its people

Intermountain Catholic

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Bishop John C. Wester, Diocesan Vicar General Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald, and Diocesan Director of Operations Michael Lee tell members of the DPC about land that has been purchased for future use in the growing Diocese of Salt Lake City. IC photos by Barbara S. Lee

SANDY — The Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) is just one organization Bishop John C. Wester is using as a sounding board for concerns about the Diocese of Salt Lake City and it people.

The DPC, formed more than 20 years ago to gather representatives from the diocese’s various deaneries who then act as an advisory group for the bishop, met Jan. 12 at Blessed Sacrament parish, Sandy.

The meeting began with information about the future of the diocese. Diocesan Vicar General Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald and Diocesan Director of Operations Michael Lee, using a large map, told DPC members about parcels of land that have been purchased in areas of the state where growth is anticipated for stations, missions, and churches of the future. They credited the work of Richard Salvitti, who recently resigned from the diocese, for seeking out and purchasing land on behalf of the diocese.

The future of the diocse, its growth and its 850,000 square miles to be covered by a limited number of priests, deacons, and other ministers were just some of the subjects of small group conversation within deanery groups.

Problems and strengths were identified by each deanery, and concerns that will continue to challenge the diocese in the future. In small groups members talked of educational needs, ministry to new members, including those who don’t speak English, growth, which contributes to many of the language challenges. They also spoke of the great distances between parishes in the rural areas, prompting feelings of isolation and loneliness, the need for more priests, deacons, and well trained lay ministers, and parishes and missions that are challenged financially.