New pastor assignments/Fr. Omar Ontiveros

Intermountain Catholic

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Father Omar Ontiveros

Several parishes and missions in the Diocese of Salt Lake City will receive new pastors or administrators on Aug. 1. Here is a brief introduction to those who will take the assignments.

Father Omar Ontiveros

Father Omar Ontiveros was born in Obregón, Sonora, Mexico, where he attended elementary and high school. He went on to attend the Sonora Institute of Technology in Obregón prior to entering the seminary in that city, where he studied for philosophy. In 2003 he entered Mt. Angel Seminary in Oregon and earned a Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Salt Lake City on May 18, 2006 by the Most Rev. George H. Niederauer. He has served in various parishes in the diocese, including as parochial vicar of the Cathedral of the Madeleine and as pastor of the parishes of Sts. Peter and Paul in Salt Lake City and St. Joseph in Ogden. In addition, he has been the chaplain for the diocesan young Hispanic group. On Aug. 1 he will assume his duties as pastor of St. Ann Parish in Salt Lake City.

What would you like your new parishioners to know about you?

I am originally from Mexico. I come from a family of four – I have two brothers and one sister. I love Italian and Chinese food and of course, Mexican! Besides being a pastor of a parish, I produce Catholic programs for radio and television every week for local radio stations and for a Catholic television channel in Los Angeles.

What are you looking forward to most about your new assignment?

I am looking forward to getting to know the people of St. Ann Parish and to be there to serve them all.

As a priest, what has been your biggest challenge?

Waking up early in the morning! (Just kidding). I cannot identify one biggest challenge but I can talk about some. More and more our Church in Utah is becoming more multicultural, with people who come from different countries, and although it is a challenge, it is also an opportunity to grow in our catholicity, because the Church is universal, for all. It is a challenge but at the same time an opportunity to learn from each other and a blessing, if we are open to being truly Catholic.

As a priest, what has been your most satisfying experience?

Experiencing the love and kindness of so many people I have known throughout the years of being here in the diocese. Also, seeing how faith in God can make a big difference in a person’s life.