Pastor Assignments: Father Noel Ancheta

Friday, Jul. 28, 2023

Father Noel Ancheta was born and raised in the Philippines. He entered the St. Pius X Seminary in Roxas City, Capiz, the Philippines, and earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary in Manila and did post-graduate work at East Asian Pastoral Institute at Ateneo de Manila University . He was ordained a priest on Sept. 2, 1988 by Bishop Vicente Salgado for the Diocese of Romblon, Philippines, where he served as pastor of three parishes and also as rector of the college seminary in Romblon.

He came to Utah in 2020 and was in residence at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (Salt Lake City) for two years, serving as a hospital chaplain. In 2022 he began serving as parochial vicar at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Park City and St. Lawrence Mission in Heber. On Aug. 2 he will begin his new assignment as administrator of Saint Pius X Parish in Moab and St. Joseph Parish in Monticello.

I want the people to know me as a simple priest with a heart ready to serve the people. I am ready to learn from the people their faith experience, which could enrich my ministry as a priest. I’m not a superhero who can solve the problems of the parish; I’m ready to listen and respond to the needs of the parishioners.

A harmonious relationship between the priest and the parishioners, journeying together towards the achievement of the parish vision and mission. My ministry is summed up in one word: relationship, first with God through prayers and others’ spiritual exercises. If I have a very good harmonious relationship with God, it will flow to the people. Good relationships with the people means I’m approachable, easy to deal with, not bossy and domineering.

To bring the Church closer to the people is my mission.

To be honest, in my 34 years as a priest I have not encountered a greatest challenge in the ministry. I can say that my weaknesses, shortcomings and limitations are the struggles that I try to overcome with God’s grace.

My most satisfying experience is seeing the growth of the parish in terms of spiritual upliftment especially the participation of the parishioners in the Eucharist, Confession, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and social and charitable activities. I’m personally satisfied if I have convinced the unchurched people to go to Mass and receive other sacraments, and help them realize their vocations as Christians. I’m satisfied by drawing people back to God.