Deacon John Kranz named chancellor

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SALT LAKE CITY — Deacon John Kranz, who was ordained on Jan. 24, 2004 and has ministered as deacon in several parishes in the local Church, has been named as the new chancellor for the Diocese of Salt Lake City. His predecessor, Deacon George Reade, retired effective March 10. (See story p. 3.)

“Assuming the role of chancellor for the Diocese of Salt Lake City is both a profound honor and a humbling responsibility,” Deacon Kranz said, adding that it also means “to follow a lot in the footsteps of my predecessors, Deacon Silvio Mayo and Deacon George Reade.”

Deacon Mayo served as chancellor for 28 years, from 1985 until 2013. He died August 3, 2018.

Deacon Kranz said he intends to continue “their incredible contribution with that same sense of integrity, patience and pastoral sensitivity.”

In the years since his ordination, Deacon Kranz has served at several parishes: Saint Vincent de Paul in Holladay, Saint Thomas More in Cottonwood Heights and most recently at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City.

Deacon Kranz also serves with Salt Lake City Police Department as a volunteer chaplain on an on-call basis.

“My experience as a deacon in multiple parishes and now at the Cathedral of the Madeleine has given me a deep understanding of our diocese’s diverse communities,” he said. Each parish has “its own character, challenges and strengths, and serving in these settings has shown me the importance of clear communication, collaboration and pastoral leadership.”

All these experiences have deepened his understanding of the community needs, and they have also “strengthened my commitment to fostering unity and spiritual growth across the diocese,” he said.

Deacon Kranz and his wife, Teresa, have two adult children, Sarah Rose and Katherina Marie.  

“Beyond my clerical duties, I find joy in family life, philosophy, gardening and the outdoors,” he said. These interests have kept him grounded and “shape my approach to both my diaconate ministry and my role as chancellor,” he added. “Just as in ministry, my role requires patience, care and a commitment to growth – both in faith and in service to the diocese.”

“We’re so very excited to have Deacon John Kranz become the new chancellor for the diocese,” said Father John Evans, vicar general. “Everyone has long known and appreciated him as a deacon at the Cathedral of the Madeleine and his other assignments. He is always so optimistic and good natured. I think people will enjoy him in his new expanded role. His background in business and executive leadership is an excellent match to his upcoming duties. There will be plenty for him to learn in the coming months, but we have confidence in his abilities, and in him as a man of faith and love of the people of God.”