The Archdiocese of San Francisco 1853

When Catholic missionaries first brought Christianity to the American Southwest, the Catholic population for many years was so sparse that it was administered from various dioceses in Old Mexico. By the time of the Mexican American War (1846-48), administrative realignments had become necessary for two reasons. First the Catholic population had grown large enough that creation of local dioceses had become advisable. Secondly with the Mexican American War, the acquisition by the United States of the area including the modern states of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and part of Colorado, creation of local dioceses had become necessary, so that American parishes and missions would not be administered across national lines.

By 1853, the Holy See had divided the Mexican Cession, as it was called, into two regions. The newly created Archdiocese of San Francisco, extended from the 42nd parallel (the present northern border of California, Nevada, and Utah) south to the 37th parallel (slightly north of Monterey, California). South of the 37th parallel were the Dioceses of Monterey and Santa Fe. Utah Territory, created as part of the Compromise of 1850, was located within the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

In 1866, Utah Catholics were briefly placed under the jurisdiction of the newly created Diocese of Marysville, California (presently the Diocese of Sacramento). Two years later, Utah was moved into the Diocese of Denver, but in 1870 it was returned to the Archdiocese of San Francisco, where it remained a suffragan diocese until 2023.

As the Catholic population within the former Mexican Cession continued to grow, eventually nine suffragan dioceses were erected within the Province of San Francisco. Utah was one of those. On November 23, 1886, the Vicariate Apostolic of Utah was established, and on January 27, 1891 it became the Diocese of Salt Lake under its first bishop, the pioneer priest Lawrence Scanlan. A papal decree of 1951 added the word “City” to the name of the diocese, making it the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Until 1931, when the Diocese of Reno was created, six eastern counties of Nevada were part of the diocese, making the Diocese of Salt Lake geographically the largest diocese in the United States. By comparison, the seven dioceses in the state of New York comprise a total area of 47,246 square miles, which was only about one-third the area of the Diocese of Salt Lake. Even in its reduced size after 1931, Utah is still one of the larger dioceses in the country with it’s nearly 85,000 square miles.

The Archdiocese of Las Vegas 2023

On May 23, 2023, Pope Francis elevated the Diocese of Las Vegas to the thirty-fifth metropolitan archdiocese of the United States of America.  In doing so, the Pope established the new ecclesiatical province of Las Vegas, with the Diocese of Reno and Salt Lake City as suffragan dioceses.  At the time of the province change, the Diocese of Salt Lake City was home to more than 325,000 Catholics which accounted for ten percent of the general population of Utah.

1776 September 13 – October 15: Spanish Franciscan missionaries Silvestre de Escalante and Atanazio Dominguez visit Utah 

1850: The Holy See establishes the Diocese of Monterey (restructured in 1853 as the Metropolitan See of San Francisco) with jurisdiction over Utah Territory 

1859 April – October: Father Bonaventure Keller, OMC, serves as chaplain at Camp Floyd in Utah Territory 

1864 September 26: Father Jean Batiste Raverdy, Diocese of Santa Fe, offers Sunday Mass at Camp Douglas, Utah 

1866 May to December: Father Edward Kelly celebrates Mass in Salt Lake and purchases the first Catholic Church property in Utah 

1868: The Holy See places Utah Territory under jurisdiction of the Vicariate of Colorado-Utah for a two- year period 

1871 November  26:  The  first Catholic church in Utah is dedicated in Salt Lake City under the patronage of Saint Mary Magdalene (Social Hall Avenue) 

1873 August 14: Father Lawrence Scanlan arrives in Salt Lake City 

1875: Saint Joseph Parish is established in Ogden In June The Holy Cross Sisters arrive in Utah The Holy Cross Sisters construct Saint Mary Academy and open Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City 

1879: Father Scanlan, assisted by the Holy Cross Sisters, opens Saint John Church and Hospital, and Saint Mary School, in Silver Reef, Utah 

1881: Father Scanlan builds Saint Mary of the Assumption Church in Park City and Saint Patrick Church in Frisco 

1885: In Eureka a church named for Saint Patrick is established for the miners of the Tintic District, Juab County, Utah 

1886: November 23: Rome creates the Vicariate of Utah and Eastern Nevada, naming Father Scanlan vicar bishop The same year the Marist Fathers open All Hallows College for men in Salt Lake City 

1890: Holy Rosary Parish, which will become Immaculate Conception Parish, is established in Bingham Canyon 

1891 January 27: Pope Leo XIII creates the Diocese of Salt Lake Bishop Scanlan moves into a new rectory beside the cathedral site, establishing Saint Ann Orphanage in his former rectory (Social Hall Avenue) 

1892: Saint Patrick Parish opens in Salt Lake City Bishop Scanlan remodels a Provo residence into a chapel-rectory, which will become Saint Francis of Assisi 

1897: Mount  Calvary  Catholic Cemetery is opened in Salt Lake City on 19 05 acres of land donated to the diocese by Salt Lake City Corporation

1899: Goundbreaking   for   the Cathedral;  Intermountain  Catholic Newspaper begun; Cornerstone for Saint Ann Orphange laid 

1909: In Salt Lake City Saint Mary Magdalene Cathedral is dedicated; Judge Mercy Home and Hospital is constructed 

1910: Saint Marguerite Parish in Tooele established 

1913: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Salt Lake City, established 

1915 May 10: Death of Bishop Scanlan August 24: Father Joseph S Glass, C M , is named second bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake 

1916: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Magna established 

1917: Divine  Savior  (later  Sacred Heart) and Saint Ann parishes in Salt lake City established 

1918: Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish established in Price 

1919: Daughters of Charity come to the Diocese and open “Judge Mercy ” All Hallows College for Men closes 

1920: Bishop Glass renovates the cathedral interior and renames the church The Cathedral of the Madeleine Judge Memorial Catholic High School formerly the Judge Mercy Home and Hospital, opens 

1922: Saint James the Greater Parish in Vernal, established 

1925: Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in Murray, and Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in Midvale are established 

1926 January 26: Death of Bishop Glass The College of Saint Mary of the Wasatch is opened

1926 September 8: Bishop John J Mitty is appointed third Bishop of Salt Lake 

1928 April 15: Notre Dame School opens in Price 

1931 March 27:  The  Holy  See detaches Eastern Nevada from the Diocese of Salt Lake, declaring its boundaries the same as those of the State of Utah 

1932: Bishop John J Mitty transferred to  San  Francisco  as  Coadjutor Archbishop Bishop James E Kearney appointed fourth Bishop of Salt Lake 

1935: Saint Joseph Parish in Monticello established 

1936: Christ  the  King  Parish  in Cedar City established  November: The Cathedral of the Madeleine is consecrated 

1937: Bishop Kearney transferred to Rochester, New York Bishop Duane G Hunt begins a 23 year tenure during which fourteen parishes are established He brings the Trappist Monks and Carmelite Sisters to Utah, and the Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word open St Joseph Villa, a home for the aged and infirmed 

1939: Saint John Bosco Parish in Delta established 

1940: Saint Helen Parish in Roosevelt established 

1941: Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in Logan established 

1943: Saint Olaf Parish in Bountiful established 

1944: Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Helper and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Salt Lake City are established 

1945: Catholic   Charities,   later Catholic Community Services, opens 

1946: Benedictine   Sisters   from Minnesota  open  Saint  Benedict Hospital; Mount Benedict Monastery later built in Ogden 

1947: Saint  Elizabeth  Parish  in Richfield and Good Shepherd Parish, Dragerton (later East Carbon City) are established Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists) arrive in diocese and build Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity in Hunstville 

1948 May 20: Saint  Ambrose  Parish  and University of Utah Newman Center, Salt Lake City, Saint Rose of Lima in Layton, Saint Bridget Mission in  Milford,  established  May 20: Father Leo J Steck is consecrated first auxiliary bishop of Salt Lake 

1949: Immaculate    Conception Parish, formerly Holy Rosary Parish in  Bingham  Canyon,  moved  to Copperton 

1950: Saint Henry Parish in Brigham City established Divine Savior Parish in Salt Lake City renamed Sacred Heart Parish June 19: Bishop Steck dies unexpectedly 

1951: By Papal decree the name Diocese of Salt Lake is officially changed to Diocese of Salt Lake City Joseph Lennox Federal appointed Auxillary Bishop on April 11 Named Co-adjutor on May 8, 1958

1952 August 5: Father Robert J Dwyer, the first native priest to be ordained for the Diocese of Salt Lake City, is named Bishop of Reno and consecrated in The Cathedral of the Madeleine Discalced Carmelite Nuns (Carmelites) arrive in diocese and later build Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of  Mary Monastery in Holliday 

1953: Saint Christopher Parish in Kanab established 

1954: Saint Joseph Catholic High School opens in Ogden

1955: Saint Francis of Assisi School opens in Provo Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Kearns and Saint Pius X Parish in Moab established

1957: Saint Mary Parish in Ogden established

1958: Saint George Parish in St George established 

1960: Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in Logan established  New Judge Memorial  Catholic  High  School Building completed  Our Lady of the Snows Center Station in Alta established March 31: Bishop Duane G  Hunt dies and Bishop Joseph Lennox Federal becomes sixth bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City 

1961: Sacred Heart Mission in La Sal established

1962 October 11 - December 13: Bishop Federal attends the opening of the Vatican Council II in Rome He attends all sessions 

1964: Christ Prince of Peace HAFB Chapel  at  Hill  Air  Force  Base established  Saint  Ambrose  Parish in Salt Lake City established Saint Francis Xavier Elementary School in Kearns opens

1966: Saint James the Just Parish in Ogden established  The annual Diocesan Development Drive is established 

1967: Saint Peter Mission (parish in 2000) in American Fork and Saint Dominic Mission in Bryce Canyon are established

1968: Saint Ann Church in Salt Lake City dedicated

1969: Saint Joseph the Worker Parish in West Jordan established

1971: Saint Jude Mission in Ephraim established Saint Francis of Assisi School closes in Provo 

1972: Blessed Sacrament Parish in Sandy and Saints Peter and Paul Parish in West Valley City are established 

1973: Saint  Marguerite  church dedicated

1974: Holy Family Mission in Fillmore begins with Mass in parishioners’ homes Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish dedicated after old church is destroyed by a fire Weber State University Newman Center in Ogden established

1975: The Restoration Program for the exterior of The Cathedral of the Madeleine is begun and completed in 1980 San Andres Mission in Payson established

1976: Saint Vincent de Paul Parish moved from Murray to location on Spring Lane Saint Jude (Maronite Rite) founded as a Mission in the old Saint Vincent de Paul Church in Murray

1976 September 26: Bicentennials of the Dominguez-Escalante   Expedition and the United States of America are celebrated with a Mass in the Salt Lake City Salt Palace, drawing 14,000 people

1976 December 26: fourteen men are ordained permanent deacons

1977: San Rafael Mission Huntington established; dedicated on Easter in 1978 

1979: Holy Family Parish in South Ogden established Our Lady of the Mountain Retreat House in Ogden established 

1980: Saint  Jude  (Maronite  Rite) named a parish

1980 April 22: Bishop Federal resigns and is succeeded by William K Weigand, ordained seventh diocesan bishop on November 17, at the Salt Palace

1980 July 29: Saint Olaf Church, Bountiful dedicated 

1981: Saint  Thomas  More  Parish, Sandy  established  University  of Utah Newman Center renamed Saint Catherine of Siena/ Newman Center Cosgriff Memorial Chapel in the Pastoral Center dedicated 

1982: A Lenten convocation, “Gathered in His Name,” draws 7,000 Catholics to the University of Utah Special Events Center Saint Martin de Porres Parish in Taylorsville, Saint Michael Mission (becomes Saint Gertrude in 1989) in Panguitch, Saint Nicolas (Blanding Station),  Holy  Spirit  Mission  in Duchesne, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Mission  in  Ft  Duchesne are established 

1984: Saint Jude Center in Ephraim built  Saint Michael the Archangel Mission in Green River established Saint Thomas More Parish in Sandy dedicated 

1985: San Isidro Mission in Elberta and San Felipe Mission (Parish in 2000) are established 

1986: Bishop  Weigand  participates in the preparation of the pastoral letter of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops regarding Catholic social teaching and the United States economy Blessed Sacrament School opens  Beryl  Junction  (later  San Pablo Mission) established

1986 April 27: Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Kearns dedicated

1986 August 1: Holy Family Mission in Fillmore dedicated

1986 August 15: San Andres Parish is established in Payson 

1990 September 16: Bishop Weigand dedicates Saint Florence Mission Huntsville 

1991 Saint Anthony of the Desert Mission in Torrey established

1991 April 14: The diocese culminates a five-year celebration of its centennial with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration at the University of Utah Special Events Center

1991 April 21: Mission San Rafael in Huntington is dedicated

1992 June 8: Saint Anthony of the Desert Mission in Torrey is dedicated

1992 August 28: Blessing of the Saint Anne Center, Ogden, by Bishop Weigand November 17: Saint Elizabeth Parish in Central Valley is dedicated 

1993 February 21, 22: The Cathedral of the Madeleine is reopened and rededicated after a six-year period of interior restoration overseen by Msgr Francis  M  Mannion

1993 November 21: Saint Thomas More Parish in Sandy is dedicated

1993 November 30: Bishop Weigand is named Bishop of Sacramento 

1994 January 27: Bishop Weigand is  installed  in  Sacramento;  Msgr J  Terrence  Fitzgerald  is elected administrator of the Diocese of Salt Lake City

1994 March 27: Establishment of Our Lady of the Snows Center, Alta

1994 June 13: Sale of three Catholic Hospitals  in  Utah  (Holy  Cross, Salt Lake City, Holy Cross Jordan Valley and Saint Benedict, Ogden) announced Msgr Fitzgerald dedicates the 
following:

1994 June 15: Blessing of the Social Hall, Saint Peter Mission, American Fork

1994 September 4: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Vietnamese Catholic Center, Kearns Rev Thuy Dang Ha, Director

1994 September 18: Saint Rose of Lima Church, Layton Rev  Victor  G  Bonnell,  Pastor

1994 October  2:  Saint  Jude Mission, Ephraim Rev Clarence J Sandoval, Pastor

1994 October  7:  Holy  Family Chapel, Catholic Community Services of Utah, SLC Rev Msgr J Terrence Fitzgerald, Executive Director 

1995 January 25: Msgr George H Niederauer is ordained eighth bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City in The Cathedral of the Madeleine

1995 December 15: Bishop Niederauer dedicates the Saint Vincent de Paul Weigand Resource Center, SLC

1995 December 18: Bishop Niederauer dedicates the Saint George Parish Center and Grotto

1996: Through the generosity of Sam and Aline Skaggs, the Skaggs Catholic Center is established on a 57-acre site in Draper, Utah  Design and construction of Juan Diego Catholic High School and Saint John the Baptist Elementary  and  Middle  Schools begins Saint John the Baptist Parish is established at the site, replacing the Mission  Blessing of the new wing, Saint Joseph Villa, Salt Lake City, by Bishop Niederauer  Sam and Aline Skaggs establish the Skaggs Family Foundation for Roman Catholic and Community  Charities

1996 March 29: Blessing of Holy Cross Ministries new facilities at 404 East 5600 South, SLC, by Bishop Niederauer

1996 June 9: Blessing of Eucharistic Chapel at Saint  Lawrence Mission, Heber, by Bishop Niederauer 

1997 November 30: Sixteen men are ordained to the Permanent Diaconate

1997 June 5: Blessing of windows, Cosgriff Memorial  Chapel,  Pastoral  Center, by Bishop Niederauer

1997 August 15: Dedication of the new Saint Mary of the Assumption Church, Park City, by Bishop Niederauer. Msgr. Robert J. Bussen, Pastor.

1998 Sam and Aline Skaggs donate their residence in Salt Lake City to the diocese to be used as the bishop’s residence and for diocesan events.

1999 Centennials are celebrated by The Intermountain Catholic paper, Saint Joseph Church in Ogden, Kearns-Saint Ann School, and for The Cathedral of the Madeleine groundbreaking which took place on July 4, 1899. Saint John the Baptist (using Juan Diego Catholic High School auditorium) named a parish.  Juan Diego Catholic High School and Saint John the Baptist Schools open, Fall 1999.

1998 April 15: Blessing of Saint Sylvester Mission, Escalante, by Bishop Niederauer. Rev. Michael J. Winterer, Pastor.

1998 September 17: Bishop Niederauer blesses Chapel, Mount Benedict Monastery, Ogden.

1998 September 26: Blessing of Skaggs Catholic Center, Draper, by Bishop Niederaurer. The Most Rev. William Levada, Archbishop of San Francisco., preached the homily.

2000: The missions of Saint Peter American Fork, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kearns and San Felipe, Wendover are designated as parishes.

2000 May 8: Blessing of Saint Francis of Assisi Multi-Purpose Center, Orem, by Bishop Niederauer. Rev. William H. Flegge, Pastor.

2000 August 31: The Most Rev. Joseph Lennox Federal, sixth bishop of Salt Lake City, died.

2001: Sait John the Baptist Middle School established.

2001 May 13: Rev. Monsignor Jerome C. Stoffel, Diocesan Historian, died.

2002: San Pablo Mission established in Beryl Junction, Utah. Purchase of new campus for Madeleine Choir School. Former Chancery Building named Bishop Hunt Center.

2003: Dedication of Saint John the Baptist Church and center in Draper by Bishop Niederauer. Msgr. Terence M. Moore, Ph.D., Pastor.

2003 November 8: Dedication of the new Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and center in Kearns by Bishop Niederauer. Rev. Dominic Thuy Dang Ha, Pastor.

2003 November 23: Dedication of new Christ the King Church and center in Cedar City by Bishop Niederauer. Rev. Michael J. Winterer, Pastor. Blessing of Saint Joseph Catholic High School Fine Arts Center in Ogden.  The diocese purchases the historic Stromquist home next to the Pastoral Center to complete ownership of the block.

2004 August 11: Bishop Niederauer blesses the Sacred Heart Center (former Stromquist home) 33 C Street, Salt Lake City, home of theIntermountain Catholic Newspaper.

2004 September 6: Dedication of new Saint Catherine of Siena Church/ Newman Center, Salt Lake City, by Bishop Niederauer. Rev. Denis D. Reilly, OP., Pastor.

2004 December 19: Blessing of Holy Family Mission and Multi-Purpose Center, Fillmore, by Bishop Niederauer. Mr. Michael Lee, Administrator.

2005 March 13: Bishop Niederauer blesses the Religious Education Center and Thrift Store, Saint George Parish, Saint George, Rev. Gustavo Vidal, Pastor.

2005 April 11: Blessing of Holy Cross Mausoleum, Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, SLC, by Bishop Niederauer.  Mr. Curt Rosentreter, Director.

2005 October 10: Bishop Niederauer blesses the Oratory of Saint Daniel, Madeleine Choir School, SLC

2005 October 23: New Blessed Sacrament Church, Sandy, Msgr. Robert R. Servatius, Pastor. December 9: The Most Reverend George H. Niederauer is named Archbishop of San Francisco.

2005 December 11: Blessing of San Juan Diego Mission, Gunnison, by Bishop Niederauer. Rev. Hernando Diaz, Administrator.

2006 February 1: Saint Andrew Parish, Riverton established. Rev. Francisco Pires, Pastor.

2006 February 15: The Most Reverend George H. Niederauer is installed in San Francisco; Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald is elected administrator of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

2006 May 18: Four priests ordained by Archbishop Niederauer in The Cathedral of the Madeleine.

2006 June 9: Dedication of Saint James Church, Ogden, by Monsignor Fitzgerald. Rev. Erik Richsteig, Pastor.

2006 June 24: Dedication of new Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, Hyde Park, Cache County, by Monsignor Fitzgerald. Rev. Clarence J. Sandoval, Pastor.

2007 January 8: The Most Rev. John C. Wester is named bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

2007 March 1: Our Lady of the Mountains Retreat House in Ogden closed.

2007 March 14: Bishop Wester is installed as ninth bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

2007 May 31: Two priests ordained in The Cathedral of the Madeleine.

2007 July 10: West 2nd S. St. Mary’s Home for Men sold to Salt Lake County.

2007 July 12: Blessing of new facility for Catholic Community Services of Utah, by Bishop Wester. Ms. Maggie Saint Claire, Director.

2008 June 8: Bishop Wester dedicates the new Saint Mary Church in West Haven. Rev. Martin I. Rock, S.J., Pastor.

2008 July 1: Legal restructuring of Diocese implemented.

2008 September: The General Chapter of the Trappists establishes a Future Commission to assist Huntsville Trappists Community plan for future. Msgr J. Terrence Fitzgerald appointed a member.

2008 September 13: Bishop Wester blesses the new Saint Andrew School and parish in Riverton, gift of ALSAM Foundation. Rev. Francisco Pires Pastor.

2008 September 28: Blessing of newly renovated San Isidro Mission, in Elberta, by Bishop Wester. Rev. David J. Bittmenn, Administrator.

2008 October 21: Dedication of new Holy Family Church, South Ogden, by Bishop Wester. Rev. Patrick H. Elliot, Pastor.

2008 November 23: Dedication of Notre Dame de Lourdes Religious Education Center by Bishop Wester. Rev. Donald Hope, Pastor.

2008 December 8: Water shares purchased, well dug at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

2009 May 17: Dedication of Our Lady of the Light Mission, Beaver, by Bishop Wester. Msgr. Michael J. Winterer, Pastor. Dedication of Saint Paul Catholic Center, Hurricane, by the Bishop Wester. Rev. Gustavo Vidal, Pastor.

2009 June 2: Abbot General appoints “Futures Commission” to assist the Huntsville Trappists plan their future. Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald named member.

2009 August 22: Immaculate Heart Radio Station launched.

2009 September 27: Rededication of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, Midvale (rebuilt after fire), by Bishop Wester. Rev. Martin Diaz, Pastor.

2009 October 4: Dedication of Saint Rose of Lima Religious Education Center, Layton, by Bishop Wester. Msgr. Victor G. Bonnell Pastor.

2009 December 3: Ground breaking for school addition, Saint Francis Xavier Regional School. Rev. Robert Moriarty, Pastor.

2010 June 29: Mass and blessing of new altar, Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Little Rock Church, Midvale, by Bishop Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, Rev. Martin Diaz, pastor.

2010 August 22: Rededication of renovated Saint George Parish Church, St. George, by Bishop Wester. Rev. Gustavo Vidal, Pastor.

2010 August 29: 75th Anniversary Mass, Saint Joseph Monticello, celebrated by Bishop Wester. Rev. William Wheaton, Pastor.

2010 September 1: Ground breaking for Educational Center, Saint Marguerite Parish, Tooele, by Bishop Wester. Rev. Samuel Dinsdale, Pastor.

2010 September 5: Mass and blessing of new Family Life Center, Saint Thomas More Parish, by Bishop Wester. Rev. David Van Massenhove, Pastor.

2010 September 8: Blessing of new addition, Saint Francis Xavier Regional School, Kearns, by Bishop Wester, Rev. Robert T. Moriarty, Pastor.

2010 October 3: Ground breaking for new Saint Francis of Assisi Church by Bishop Wester. Rev. David J. Bittmenn, Pastor.

2010 November 20: Centennial Anniversary Mass and Blessing of statue of Saint Marguerite, Saint Marguerite Parish, Tooele, by Bishop Wester. Rev. Samuel Dinsdale, Pastor.

2011 January 28: Sale of Christus Saint Joseph Villa to for profit Ensign Group.

2011 May 1: Dedication of new Saint Joseph the Worker Church, West Jordan, by Bishop Wester. Reverend Patrick F. Carley, Administrator.

2011 July 19: Diocese purchases new Chancery building on South Temple and B Street.

2011 August 17: Saint Marguerite Catholic School and John J. Sullivan Center of Learning dedicated by Bishop Wester in Tooele.

2011 October 9: Blessing of newly renovated offices, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Sandy, by Bishop Wester. Reverend Monsignor Robert R. Servatius, Pastor.

2012 February 19: Dedication of new Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Orem, by Bishop Wester. Reverend David J. Bittmenn, Pastor.

2012 October 30: Blessing of Phase II of the Saint Marguerite Catholic School and John J. Sullivan Center of Learning, Tooele, by Bishop
Wester. Rev. Samuel Dinsdale, Pastor.

2013 January 25: Bishop Wester dedicates new organ at Saint Ambrose parish, Salt Lake City.

2013 February 1: Lyle J. Crocker replaces retired Deacon Silvio Mayo as Chancellor.

2013 May 17: Blessing of the new Saint Benedict window at Holy Family Church, Ogden, by Bishop Wester.

2013 May 23: Installation of Plaque dedicating Sacred Heart Center Courtyard at The Pastoral Center in honor of Deacon Silvio Mayo for his years as Chancellor by Msgr. Colin F. Bircumshaw, Vicar General. June: Benedictine Sisters return to Minnesota. Mount Saint Benedict Monastery put up for sale by the Benedictines.

2013 July 1: Saint John the Baptist Parish, Draper, purchases new rectory. Msgr. Joseph M. Mayo, Pastor.

2013 July 26: Trappist Abbot David Altman retires. Abbot Brendan Freeman, OCSO of New Melleray Abbey, Iowa, appointed “Superior ad nutum.”

2013 August 9: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Magna purchases new rectory. Rev. Javier Virgen, Pastor.

2013 December 20: Strategic Pastoral Plan Steering Committee, first meeting. Steering Committee established by Bishop John C. Wester to make recommendations about how to establish a Diocesan Pastoral Planning Committee.

2014 April 4: Pastoral Planning Committee: Rev. Wayne Cavalier, OP of the Congar Institue contracted to develop a Diocesan Pastoral Plan through surveys and listening sessions throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

2014 May 2: 50th Anniversary Mass for Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, West Jordan, by Bishop Wester. Rev. Patrick Carley, Pastor.

2014 June 27: Saints Peter and Paul Parish, West Valley City, purchases new rectory. Rev. Omar Ontiveros, Pastor.

2014 June 29: 100th Anniversary Mass for Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Salt Lake City, by Bishop Wester, Rev. John J. Schwall, Pastor.

2014 August 9: Commissioning Mass for 85 Lay Ecclesial Ministers (63 Spanish, 22 English) celebrated by Bishop Wester, Maria Cruz Gray and Susan Northway, Directors of the LEM and EMAUS Programs at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

2014 August 16: Saint Joseph Parish, Ogden, groundbreaking for new Parish Education Center. Bishop John C. Wester officiates. Rev. Kenneth L. Vialpando, Pastor.

2014 September 27: Initiation of a Diocesan Pastoral Plan announced by Bishop Wester.

2015 February 14: Stained glass window of Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini at Holy Family Family Parish, Ogden, dedicated by Bishop Wester. Rev. Patrick Elliott, Pastor.

2015 March 2: Deacon George W. Reade appointed Chancellor.

2015 March 27: Mount Benedict Monastery, Ogden, sold for residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.

2015 March 31: After consultation Bishop John C. Wester determined Skaggs gift of Federal Heights Bishop’s Home and property should be sold.

2015 April 1: Purchase of Bishop’s home at First Avenue and C Street, Salt Lake City.

2015 April 27: Announcement that Bishop John C. Wester is appointed Archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico. He becomes Diocesan Administrator of Salt Lake City and Archbishop designate of Santa Fe.

2015 June 4: Bishop John C. Wester is installed as Archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

2015 June 9: Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw elected Diocesan Administrator by the College of Consultors during Sede Vacante.

2015 August 1: Mark Longe appointed Superintendent of Utah Catholic Schools.

2015 August 16: Celebration of 75th Anniversary of Saint Helen Church, Roosevelt, by Diocesan Administrator, Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw. Rev. Showri Kalva, Administrator.

2015 September 13: 25th Anniversary Mass for Saint Florence Mission, Huntsville, celebrated by Rev. Kenneth Vialpando, Pastor. Rev. Charles T. Cummins, homilist.

2015 October 3: Blessing of Saint Joseph parish Center, Ogden, by Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, Diocesan Administrator, Father Kenneth L. Vialpando, Pastor.

2015 October 20: Holy Trinity Abbey, Huntsville, property and facilities, sold to Mr. William White, with 93% of the 1850 acres protected for agriculture and green space; 25 acres donated to the diocese for future use.

2016 January 11: Saint Joseph Parish, Monticello, holds open house for the new Church and parish hall. Rev. William Wheaton, Pastor. Dedication is postponed until Sept. 27, 2017 after Bishop Solis is installed.

2016 February 27: Fifteen Spanish-speaking Diaconate candidates instituted into the ministry of Acolyte by Bishop emeritus Lorenzo Carrdenas Aregullan of the Diocese of Papantla, Mexico.

2016 March 17: Chrism Mass celebrated during Sede Vacante by Archbishop emeritus George H. Niederauer of San Francisco.

2016 April 3: Catholic Woman’s League celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a Tea.

2016 August 20: 50th Anniversary Mass for Saint James the Just Parish, Ogden, celebrated by Diocesan Administrator Msgr. Bircumshaw. Rev. Erik Richtsteig, Pastor.

2016 October 14: Saint Thomas Aquinas, Hyde Park, celebrated its 75th Anniversary. (The Anniversary Mass was April 28, with Bishop Solis presiding. Rev. Fernando Velasco, Pastor.)

2016 October 28: The Diocesan Development Drive celebrated its 50th Anniversary.

2017 January 10: Pope Francis appoints Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis as the 10th Bishop of Salt Lake City, the first Filipino-American bishop ordained in the United States.

2017 January 27: Fifteen Spanish speaking deacons ordained at the Cathedral for the Diocese of Salt Lake City by Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

2017 March 7: Bishop Oscar A. Solis, D.D. installed as the 10th Bishop of Salt Lake City by Metropolitan Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone; attended by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu, Philippines, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and 37 other bishops.

2017 March 20: Renovation of Jacquelyn M. Erbin Hall at the Madeleine Choir School celebrated by Bishop Solis.

2017 March 30: Kings College Choir, Cambridge, performed at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

2017 April 14: Bishop Solis published first Pastoral Letter: “A Springtime of the New Evangelization.”

2017 May 2: Archbishop George H. Niederauer (8th Bishop of Salt Lake City) died in San Francisco.

2017 June 25: 100th Anniversary of Sacred Heart Parish, Salt Lake City, celebrated by Bishop Solis. Rev. Eleazar Silva, Pastor.

2017 June 26: Rededication of Saint Christopher Church, Kanab, by Bishop Solis after remodeling of interior. Msgr. Robert Bussen, Administrator.

2017 August 31: Our Lady of the Holy Trinity Abbey, Huntsville, closed. Monks remaining in Utah moved to Saint Joseph Villa, Salt Lake City.

2017 September 2: 400th Anniversary Mass of Vincentian Charism celebrated at the Cathedral of the Madeleine by Bishop Solis honoring Daughters of Charity, the Ladies of Charity and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.

2017 September 9: 100th Anniversary Mass of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Midvale, by Bishop Solis. Rev. Jose A. Barrera Hernandez, Administrator.

2017 September 27: Dedication of new Saint Joseph Church, Monticello, (donated by Alan Lund) by Bishop Solis, Rev. Rowland Nwokocha, Administrator.

2017 October 6: 125th Anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish celebrated by Bishop Solis. Rev. David Bittmenn, Pastor.

2017 October 10: 50th Anniversary of Saint Vincent de Paul Dining Room celebrated by Bishop Solis. Mr. Bradford Drake, Executive Director of CCS.

2017 December 7: Rededication of Saint Ambrose Church, Salt Lake City by Bishop Solis. Rev. Andrzej Skrzypiec, Pastor, after interior renovation.

2018 February 21: 25th Anniversary of Rededication of the Cathedral celebrated by Bishop Solis. Very Rev. Martin Diaz, Pastor.

2018 April 7: Bishop Solis blesses the newly remodeled Saint Florence Mission, Huntsville.

2018 April 17: Blessing of new CCS Northern Utah’s warehouse by Bishop Solis.

2018 May 27: Mass for the 75th Anniversary of Saint Olaf Parish, Bountiful, celebrated by Bishop Solis. Rev. Reynato Rodillas, Pastor.

2018 August 1: Kearns-Saint Ann School Day Care Center blessed by Bishop Solis. Rev. Omar Ontiveros, Pastor.

2018 September 13: Bishop Solis releases names of all those credibly accused in a “Report to the People of God” on the history of allegations of clergy abuse in the diocese, with present and future actions.

2018 September 15: New Diocesan Pastoral Plan unveiled at 2018 Pastoral Congress by Bishop Solis.

2018 December 9: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Salt Lake City, welcomes an exact image of their patron saint, certified by the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Rev. Jose Fidel Barrera Cruz, Administrator.

2019 January 4: Blessing of new interior renovation of Saint Vincent de Paul Church, Salt Lake City, by Bishop Solis. Rev. John E. Norman, Pastor.

2019 January 12: Blessing of new Social Hall at Saint Henry Parish, Brigham City, by Bishop Solis. Rev. Patrick Reuse, SJ, Pastor.

2019 February 22: Blessing of renovated Nano Nagle Children’s Center, Saint Vincent de Paul School, Salt Lake City, by Bishop Solis. Rev. John Norman, Pastor.

2019 May 2: Bishop Solis is keynote speaker for the Historic Interfaith Tribute in the St. George Tabernacle, commemorating the May 25, 1879 High Mass celebrated at that venue by Rev. Lawrence Scanlan, later the first Bishop of Salt Lake City.

2019 May 19: The stained glass window of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, originally in the Chapel of the now closed Our Lady of the Holy Trinity Monastery, Huntsville, installed at Holy Family Parish, Ogden and blessed by Bishop Solis, Rev. William Wheaton, Pastor.

2019 May 30: Blessing of newly constructed music room and garden, and renovated technology classroom and playground at J.E. Cosgriff Memorial School, Salt Lake City. Betsy Hunt, Principal.

2019 June 21: Opening of Corner Stone at Saint Patrick Church, Salt Lake City by Bishop Solis and Administrator, Rev. Anastasius Iwuoha.

2019 June 30: His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archdiocese of New York, delivers address at the America’s Freedom Festival Pastriotic Service, Utah Valley University, Orem.

2019 July 13: Bishop Solis celebrates 100th Anniversary Mass for the current Saint Patrick church building along with a dedication of a new altar with Rev. Anastrasius Iwuoha, Administrator.

2019 July 25-28: National Social Action Institute hosted by the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City.

2019 August 15: Bishop Solis dedicates the new administrative offices building for Catholic Community Services with a Mass and reception, 224 North 2200 West, Salt Lake City; Mr. Bradford Drake, Executive Director.

2019 August 17: Bishop Solis commissions a new group of Lay Ecclesial Ministers (English and Spanish) for the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the Cathedral of the Madeleine; Mrs. Susan Northway and Mrs. Maria Cruz-Gray, Directors of the Formation programs.

2019 September 4: Annual Bishop’s Dinner for the Cathedral at Grand America, Salt Lake City, with Deacon Owen Cummings, speaker.

2019 November 16: Installation of new time capsule into Saint Patrick Church cornerstone, Salt Lake City by Bishop Solis and Administrator, Rev. Anastasius Iwuoha.

2020 January 15: “Good Samaritan Program” moved from the Cathedral to the Weigand Center.

2020 January 31: Five men ordained to the Permanent Diaconate.

2020 February 7-15: Bishop Solis leads the Ad Limina Apostolorum Pilgrimage to Pope Francis and the Vatican with a large group of the faithful from the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

2020 February 23 : Saint Jude Maronite Church, moved from its old site in Murray to a new site in Taylorsville, and celebrates first Mass. (Bishop Elias Zaidan dedicated the new building with a Mass, concelebrated by Bishop Solis and Msgr. Joubran Bou-Merhi, pastor, on August 4, 2020.)

2020 March 13: All public Masses and gatherings cancelled due to COVID-19 coronavius pandemic.

2020 March 18: 5.7 Earthquake struck the Salt Lake Valley centered in Magna, doing damage to church buildings in Salt Lake City and environs, including Saint Patrick, Saint Ann, and the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

2020 March 20: World Health Organization declares COVID19 a pandemic and Bishop Solis implemented emergency measures in the Diocese: dispensation from obligation to attend Sunday Mass, suspension of public worship, cancelling of inperson events, encouraging remote instruction and virtual worship, effective until March 31, or further notice.

2020 March 22: 4.1 aftershock earthquake occurred, again centered in Magna, along with hundreds of smaller aftershocks over a month’s period of time.

2020 March 30: Pastoral Center reception desk open only from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. through April.

2020 April 5–12: Holy Week and Triduum Masses celebrated with no live congregations – only virtually.

2020 May 8: Public Masses and other gatherings began again with limited numbers, social distancing and liturgical modifications. Sunday obligation continued to be relaxed and livestreaming of Masses encouraged for the vulnerable.

2020:  End of May: High School Baccalaureate Masses cancelled due to COVID19, but held virtual graduations and driveby celebrations.

2020 June 1-5: Priests’ Retreat cancelled this year due to COVID 19.

2020 June 14 and 21: Diaconate Inquiry Sessions postponed due to COVID19.

2020 August 1: Retirement of Rev. Patrick J. Reuse, SJ, saw the last of the Jesuits leave the Diocese of Salt Lake City since their arrival in 1952 at the invitation of Bishop Hunt.

2020 August 14: Rev. Dominic Sternhagen ordained a priest at the Cathedral by Bishop Oscar A. Solis.

2020 Sept. 8: Windstorm with 90 mph force winds struck the state; Mount Calvary cemetery and Carmelite Monastery suffered significant damage.

2020 Sept. 19: JMCHS Centennial Mass cancelled due to Covid19.

2020 Sept. 26: Mass in Cathedral to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the presence of the Daughters of Charity in the Diocese (1920-2020) with a visit of Visitatrix Sister Julie Kumbasak, D.C., cancelled.

2020 Oct. 5-8: Fall Clergy Convocation Cancelled due to COVID19.

2020 Oct. 6: Due to notice that a priest had tested positive for COVID19, Mass of Welcoming and Thanksgiving for newly ordained cancelled at Saint Thomas More Parish.

2020 Oct. 21: CCS Humanitarian Gala (Dinner) held virtually this year. Catholic Community Services celebrated 75 years of Service (founded by Bishop Hunt in 1945); Saint Vincent de Paul Dining Room renovated and new Program training homeless with culinary skills initiated.

2021 January: COVID19 vaccinations become available, and a “new normal” is brought to the world – avoiding crowds, wearing masks, and social distancing.

2021 January 8: Death of Father Rene Rodillas from COVID19.

2021 January 22: Joan Loffredo, CFO for the Diocese for 22 years, retired. Remembrance wall for deceased priests and deacons installed at Mount Clavary Cemetery.

2021 February: Diocese published "Year of St. Joseph," a booklet containing reflections on Pope Francis' apostolic letter "Patris Corde," and other prayers for the Year of Saint Joseph, Dec. 8, 2020 to Dec. 8, 2021.

2021 March: Diocese began inquiry sessions for a new Diaconate Formation Program class (postponed the year before).

2021 April: Saint Vincent de Paul dining Hall reopened after having been closed to in-person services. Saint Patrick Parish, Salt Lake City, reopened its doors, which had been closed since March 2020 because of earthquake damage.

2021 May 26: Bishop Solis lifted most of the pandemic restrictions for liturgical gatherings and High school Baccalaureate Masses resumed with restrictions.

2021 July: Former Draper State Prison relocated near the airport.

2021 July 12: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony by Bishop Oscar A. Solis for new CCS Northern Utah Building (2504 F Ave., Ogden, UT).

2021 August 26: Madeleine Choir School celebrates 25th Anniversary; with Anniversary Dinner on Nov. 19.

2021 September:Bishop’s Dinner for the Cathedral resumes its in-person format. Pastoral Congress implemented new format with each parish/mission holding its own event featuring Video presentations by Bishop Solis and guest speakers.

2021 September 13: Our Lady of Lourdes Middle School Academy Ribbon Cutting at JMCHS, Bishop Oscar A. Solis.

2021 October: Catholic Community Services launched a 12-week food service training program for homeless to achieve selfsufficiency.

2021 October 2: Mass for Diocesan Marian Celebration, including 100th Anniversary of the Legion of Mary, Cathedral of the Madeleine, Bishop Oscar A. Solis.

2021 November: Saint George Parish began fundraising for new church and parish in area to serve growing Catholic population.

2021 November 3: Launch of Synodal Process for Diocese via virtual diocesan-wide meeting from Pastoral Center.

2021 December 1: Saint Education Groundbreaking for Patrick Catholic Church Center (St. Joseph Hall), replacing building destroyed by the earthquake, Bishop Oscar A. Solis officiating with Father Anastasius Iwuoha, pastor, Msgrs. Bircumshaw and Fitzgerald.

2022 January 8: A new diaconal formation class began with 10 aspirants.

2022 February 11: Discussion of COVID19 Mask Mandate with Deans resulted in pandemic restrictions being eased by Bishop on February 15. Mass attendance and other activities return to in-person on a more regular basis.

2022 March 2: Diocese began listening sessions in conjunction with the worldwide Synod for a Synodal Church.

2022 April 2: Annual Diocesan Lenten Retreat held under new format of local gatherings, video messages, and discussions.

2022 May 12: Pastoral Center Staff Luncheon for Msgr. J.T. Fitzgerald’s 60th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination.

2022 May 30: Mt. Calvary Cemetery celebrated 125th Anniversary.

2022 June 19: The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), Diocese began its three-year Eucharistic Revival Program. Blessed Sacrament Parish celebrated 50th Anniversary of its founding.

2022 June 20: Centennial for Notre Dame Church (building), Price, celebrated with Mass and year-long observances; Bishop Oscar A. Solis presided at closing Mass in 2023.

2022 June 24: Ordination of Rev. Tristan Dillon.

2022 July: Summary of diocesan report on Synod on Synodality published on diocesan website.

2022 August 14: Saints Peter and Paul Parish, West Valley City, celebrated its 50th Anniversary.

2022 August 27: After two delays, Judge Memorial Catholic High School celebrated its Centennial (2020).

2022 September 18: Dedication of new classrooms, San Isidro Mission, Elberta, Bishop Oscar A. Solis.

2022 October 1: 70th Anniversary Mass for Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Holladay, Bishop Oscar A. Solis, with renewal of vows of the two founding nuns, Sr. Margaret Mary of the Sacred Heart and Sr. Maureen of the Trinity.

2022 October 8: Good Shepherd Parish, East Carbon City, celebrated its 75th Anniversary.

2022 December 21: Death of His Holiness, Pope BenedictXVI.

2023 January 4: Memorial Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine for Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, Bishop Oscar A. Solis.

2023 January 6: Choristers of the Madeleine Choir School sang with the Sistine Choir at an Epiphany Papal Mass in St. Peter's Basilica celebrated by Pope Francis.

2023 February 21: Cathedral of the Madeleine celebrated 30th Anniversary of its rededication after the interior restoration.

2023 March 3: Visit to the Cathedral of the Madeleine by Bishop Vladmir Fekete, SDB, Apostolic Prefecture of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan.

2023 April 29: Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Layton, celebrated its 75th Anniversary.

2023 May 1: Bishop Oscar A. Solis led diocesan Spring General Assembly to discuss the mission of evangelization in this local Church.

2023 May 30: Announcement of the formation of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Las Vegas, of which Salt Lake City and Reno are suffragans: Most Rev. George L. Thomas named Metropolitan Archbishop.

2023 June 30: Rev. Oscar Marquina and Rev. André Sicard ordained at the Cathedral.

2023 July 9: Diocesan Eucharistic Jubilee celebration held at the Mountain America Expo Center, Sandy, with over 10,000 faithful in attendance for talks, adoration, activities and Mass; parish observances continue, culminating with national Eucharistic Congress, 2024 in Indianapolis.

2023 July 22: Cathedral Plaza dedicated in honor of Ms. Irene C. Sweeney, long-time benefactor of the Cathedral, prior to her death in 2011.

2023 July 29: Bishop Solis and Utah delegation attend World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, through August 6.

2023 August 22: Madeleine Choir School breaks ground for new multi-purpose center.

2023 August 23-26: Diocese of Salt Lake City hosted the 2023 National Council of Catholic Women Annual Convention.

2023 September 23: Saint James the Greater Parish, Vernal celebrates Centennial.

2024 January 22: The deacon Class of 2004 celebrated their 20th anniversary of ordination; the celebration included a Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine with Bishop Oscar A. Solis presiding, followed by a dinner.

2024 February 12: St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School broke ground for a new addition. The space will house a full-sized gymnasium, computer and science labs, an art studio and spaces for other programs such as speech therapy.

2024 October 7: The Intermountain Catholic celebrated its 125th anniversary of publication.

2024 October 10-13: The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Western USA held its annual meeting in the diocese.  Among the events was an Oct. 13 Mass in the Cathedral of the Madeleine at which Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles presided. The concelebrants included Roger Cardinal Mahony, Archbishop emeritus of Los Angeles and Bishop Oscar A. Solis of Salt Lake City.

2024 October 20: Father José Barrera-Hernandez, pastor of San Felipe Parish, began transmitting a Sunday Mass in Spanish over the radio; he also is offering an early-morning radio show on Mondays.

2024 October 26: Saint Patrick Parish, Salt Lake City, celebrated the dedication of its new religious education center; the old one was destroyed in the 2020 earthquake.

2024 December 8: Immaculate Conception Parish celebrated the 75th anniversary of its church building; the parish itself was established in 1890.

2024 December 29: As part of the Jubilee Year 2025 events, which begin at dioceses worldwide on Dec. 29, five Utah parishes were designated as pilgrimage sites: the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 309 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City; Saint George Catholic Church, 259 West 200 North, St. George; Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 65 East 500 North, Orem; Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 2350 Adams Ave., Ogden; and Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church, 210 N. Carbon Ave., Price. Local Catholics are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to any or all of these churches during the Jubilee Year, which will end Jan. 6, 2026

2025 January 1-5: The Diocese of Salt Lake City hosts the National Seek25 Conference.  Over 17,000 Catholics, including 600 priests, from around the Country gathered for a new evangelization from FOCUS that was founded in 1998.  SEEK is a 5-day conference led by FOCUS, a Catholic outreach organization that shares the hope and joy of Jesus Christ with the world. At SEEK, attendees learn about the Catholic faith, experience genuine fellowship, and unite as members of the Body of Christ. Joined by chaplains, religious, Catholic speakers, students, parishioners, and parish priests, SEEK becomes a visible, living witness to the Catholic faith. Each day of SEEK includes Mass, Adoration, powerful talks, and inspiring entertainment. Previous keynote speakers include Fr. Mike Schmitz, Sr. Miriam James Heidland (SOLT), Curtis Martin, Fr. Josh Johnson, Sr. Bethany Madonna S.V., Dr. Edward Sri, and Dr. Jonathan Reyes. When students, parishioners, and all SEEK attendees experience the love of Christ through a FOCUS conference, their minds are opened, their hearts are lifted — and their lives are forever changed.  Bishop Oscar A. Solis presided at the Opening Mass.