Dear Friends; Today, as we begin the New Year, our hearts are filled with gratitude, as our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI has named The Most Reverend John C. Wester as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. Bishop Wester, like our first bishop, Lawrence Scanlan, comes to us from the Archdiocese of San Francisco, where he has served in numerous pastoral positions. At present, he is the Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General in the archdiocese. Bishop Wester will be installed during a Mass in the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. The bishop was born Nov. 5, 1950, in San Francisco, Calif., and ordained a priest for the archdiocese May 15, 1976. He was ordained bishop Sept. 18, 1998. Bishop Wester has vast experience in both the pastoral and administrative ministries of the Church. He has served in Catholic education, has been a pastor, vicar general, and vicar for clergy, as well as the administrator of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. I am sure that Bishop Wester will be a good shepherd for us, following in the footsteps of the great bishops who have gone before him. I wish to express my gratitude to the diocesan consultors, the Pastoral Center staff, the clergy, religious, and laity of the diocese, who are so very kind, faithful, and supportive, especially during this time of transition. Bishop Wester, we welcome you with the warm embrace of traditional Utah hospitality and pledge to you our loyal support. Your new diocese is expansive in territory and vibrant in the faith of its people. The growing Catholic population, especially our Hispanics, bring hope and challenge for the future. @ Reverend Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald Diocesan Administrator
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