Annual Bishops Dinner draws people of many faiths to celebrate Cathedral

Intermountain Catholic

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Cathedral Director of Music and Liturgy Gregory Glenn accepts an award for his work with the Madeleine Choir School at the third annual Bishop's Dinner Sept. 26. As stated in the event's program, the mission of the Bishop's Dinner is ?to enhance and maintain the beauty of the cathedral and ensure its financial well being for generations to come.? IC photo by Christopher Gray

SALT LAKE CITY — Fluid conversation and a spirit of celebration moved among the nearly 450 people who attended the third annual Bishop’s Dinner at the Grand America Hotel Sept. 26. Although the Diocese of Salt Lake City still lacks a bishop, an episcopal presence in the form of retired Bishop Richard Hanifen of Colorado Springs was not to be missed.

The focus of the evening was on the complexus of the physical Cathedral of the Madeleine and all the people who have made it a part of the community. "Truly, I think the cathedral and all those who go to great lengths to put on the amazing series of liturgical and cultural events speak for themselves," said Laurel Dokos-Griffith, development director for the cathedral, in a recap of the fund raiser.

Although exact figures for the money raised are not yet available, Dokos-Griffith believes this year’s Bishop’s Dinner will be the most effective of all. "I do not feel that the absence of a Bishop was a big factor, although in the early stages I thought it would be," said Dokos-Griffith. "However, if my instinct is correct, this will be the biggest of the three years."

Even though the Bishop’s Dinner is a fund raiser specifically for the Cathedral of the Madeleine, it is also a gathering moment for people throughout the community. Before the meal, the choristers of the Madeleine Choir School were introduced by musician Craig Jessop, music director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The Episcopal Diocese of Utah was also visibly present at the dinner, and a photograph of St. Mark’s Cathedral was featured in an advertisement in the program.

In his remarks, cathedral rector Fr. Joseph Mayo asked if anyone could picture Salt Lake City without "the Magnificent Lady on South Temple, Mary Magdalene Cathedral." Although few of the stately houses which once lined South Temple still grace that broad avenue, the Cathedral of the Madeleine has remained a center of attention.

The story of the cathedral gargoyles presented in a video gave added depth to the story of the cathedral and the changing impressions of the people of Salt Lake City. A copy of that video will be available on the Intermountain Catholic website http://www.iCatholic.org attached to this story.

Before the evening was over, Fr. Mayo introduced the Intermountain Catholic’s new book, "Pilgrimage: a journey through the Holy Land with the words of Archbishop George Niederauer," which was presented as a gift to everyone who attended.

To donate to the Bishop’s Dinner, contact the Cathedral of the Madeleine at (801) 328-8941.