Saint Andrew Parish

Intermountain Catholic

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SALT LAKE CITY — Saint Andrew Parish in Riverton has received a $1,000 Parish Grant from Oregon Catholic Press (OCP), for decades a publisher of Catholic missals, liturgical music, and Catholic hymnals.

"The grant will be used to purchase liturgical music books, music stands, cables, and a new microphone," said Pastor Father Francisco Pires.

Begun in 2001, OCP’s Parish Grant Program has provided direct financial assistance to enhance the worship experience of Roman Catholic parishes in the U.S. As of March 2007, OCP had awarded nearly $700,000 to more than 350 different parishes.

Writing on behalf of the Most Reverend John Vlazny, Archbishop of Portland, Ore., and the OCP Board of Directors, John J. Limb, OCP publisher, said, "It is our sincere hope that this grant will help St. Andrew Catholic Church meet the needs they so clearly presented (in their grant request), and support their efforts to enhance their community’s liturgy and music.

"St. Andrew Catholic Church was chosen for this award out of more than 400 applications from parishes large and small across the United States..."

In a thank you letter to OCP, the Most Reverend John C. Wester, bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, wrote: "I know that this grant will be a great assistance to this beginning parish and that the funds will be put to very good use. Father Francisco Pires and Holy Cross Sister Karla McKinnie are working very hard in laying a firm foundation for this new parish. I know that the liturgy is at the center of their lives and that the very generous help of OCP will go a long way."

An annual program, parishes throughout the U.S. are encouraged to apply and re-apply for Parish Grants.