St. Olaf Parish to celebrate 75th anniversary
SALT LAKE CITY — “For nearly 100 years after the area was first settled by the Mormon pioneers, there were no Catholic churches between Salt Lake City and Ogden. The few Catholics in south Davis County attended Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City,” reads the history of St. Olaf Catholic Parish, which this year is commemorating its 75-year anniversary.
The parish was established on May 26, 1943 as a Paulist mission.
Because many of the people living in the area were from Scandinavian countries, the name of St. Olaf, Viking king and patron saint of Norway, was chosen by Bishop Duane G. Hunt, fifth Bishop of Salt Lake.
The parish’s first pastor was Father John Mitchell, C.S.P., the Paulist superior; he was assisted by Fathers Stephen McFarland and Francis C. Jelinek (Keyes).
In 1949, Fr. James T. Kenny became the first diocesan priest assigned as pastor of the parish, according to Salt of the Earth: The History of the Catholic Church in Utah, 1776-2007.
“In 1956 there were 160 families in the parish. Father Robert C. Pollock ... obtained permission from the bishop to begin a search for religious women to staff a parochial school. Ground was broken for the new school and church building March 14, 1959,” reads the parish history.
St. Olaf School opened with three classrooms in 1960; it now has classes for students in grades pre-K through eighth.
As the parish continued growing through the years, a new building eventually became necessary.
The new church was dedicated July 29, 1980, on the 950th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Olaf. By 1983, the parish hall and the McNamara Center were also completed.
Nowadays the parish has more than 500 families, including the Misan Filipino. Masses are celebrated in English and Filipino/Tagalog.
”To be a part of a community of believers is marvelous,” said Fr. Rene Rodillas, the current pastor.
About the parish’s diversity, he said, “What unifies us is our Lord Jesus Christ, especially in the celebration of the Eucharist.”
Fr. Rodillas came to St. Olaf in 2011 as the parish’s 12th pastor. For him, the parish means diversity and unity.
Having a Filipino celebration of the Holy Eucharist “is a great support for me as a Filipino,” he said. “It’s kind of a more spiritual support as a spiritual leader,” he said, adding that he feels strengthened by the great support of all the community.
“We are a vibrant parish,” said Fr. Rodillas, who five years ago had the opportunity to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the parish. “This celebration came so fast! I remember five years ago celebrating the 70th anniversary ... and now we are at the 75th one.”
The parish’s 75th anniversary celebration includes a fundraiser for a new welcoming space, a concert and a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist on May 27 at which the main celebrant will be the Most Rev. Oscar A. Solis, Bishop of Salt Lake City.
“We are happy because as a community we have been able to hit this big milestone through God’s grace,” Fr. Rodillas said.
The fundraiser for the new welcoming space is already at full speed. People can contribute by attending the May 12 event, which will offer entertainment and authentic Filipino cuisine. The Mass with Bishop Solis will be on May 27. That evening will be a concert, which will feature a new hymn written specifically for the parish.
All are invited to the celebrations.
WHAT: 75th anniversary celebration
WHEN: Sunday, May 27; 11:30 a.m. Mass; 6 p.m. concert
WHERE: St. Olaf Catholic Church, 1800 S. Orchard Drive, Bountiful
WHAT: St. Olaf Parish’s pastoral appeal
WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Saint Olaf Parish’s McNamara Center, 1800 S. Orchard Drive, Bountiful
COST: $50 for couple; $30 for single
Proceeds will benefit the Welcoming Space project.
Tickets are available at the parish office; or call or text 801-389-1068.
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