Msgr. Michael Winterer celebrates 50 years in the priesthood

Intermountain Catholic

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Msgr. Mike Winterer, described by parishioners as a very loving priest who makes even newcomers feel welcome, receives a hug during the celebration of his 50th year as a priest.

CEDAR CITY – A celebration was held April 18 for Msgr. Michael J. Winterer, pastor of Christ the King Parish, for his 50 years in the priesthood.

Vicar General Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald said when Msgr. Winterer was ordained in 1960, it was "challenging and exciting," because that was the time of Vatican II. He thinks Msgr. Winterer is an excellent example of one who faithfully responded to the changes from the Council, "which was never easy," and helped people who didn’t understand to respond better to the changes.

Msgr. Fitzgerald recalled Msgr. Winterer’s assignments and said "in every place he’s been he’s been a missionary," taking the Gospels to isolated communities so Catholics can continue to live their faith. "Msgr. Winterer is not only one who speaks the message of the Gospel, he for 50 years has given witness to all of us what it means to be faithful to your calling."

Msgr. Winterer was born in Milwaukee, Wisc., but moved to Utah when he was 2 years old. He attended Judge Memorial Elementary School for seven years before moving to North Dakota for three years to attend high school. Following his graduation, he moved back to Utah and entered the seminary.

"My calling to the priesthood was from other priests, whom I observed as an altar server both in Utah and North Dakota," said Msgr. Winterer. "It was being around them and seeing their living spirit and care of people that inspired me to become a priest."

He was ordained April 30, 1960 by Bishop Joseph Lennox Federal in the Cathedral of the Madeleine with two other local priests, the late Msgr. John Hedderman and the late Father William Flegge. That same year, Msgr. Victor Bonnell, pastor of Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Layton, and Father John Hart, now retired, were also ordained. "Bishop Wester said that is a record that is desired to be broken," Msgr. Winterer said.

His first assignment was at Saint Joseph’s Parish in Ogden. "I have spent most of my time in the outlying areas of the state," said Msgr. Winterer. "I also spent five years in a contemplative lifestyle with the late Father William McNamara in Nova Scotia, Canada, Sedona, Ariz., and Saint George Island in Maryland. Then when Bishop William Weigand became bishop, he called us back."

Msgr. Winterer is just finishing his 14th year at Christ the King Parish. "Down here we have a number of missions that we take care of, so we are on the move to places like Milford, Beaver, Panguitch, Kanab and Escalante. It is a lot of traveling, so your car can become like a hermitage on wheels. You have time to pray while you drive or listen to tapes or music. You also have the beauty of nature all around you, which can continue to pull your mind – not your attention, because you will go off the road, but your mind – into God, who is the artist and the sculptor."

Holy Cross Sister Yvonne Hatt, who serves with Msgr. Winterer, said, "One of his great virtues is that he has great compassion for everyone and especially for the sick and the infirm. He always, always tells me where he is in case I need to get him for some kind of crisis or emergency."

Amber Marabella, Newman Club vice president, said, "Father Mike is such an inspirational person in our parish, especially for the Catholic youth."

"I am very thankful to God for calling me to this vocation," said Msgr. Winterer. "Being a priest has allowed me to serve the people and bring them to God and God to the people."