Monsignor Fitzgerald to oversee S.L. diocese

The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City has selected Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald to oversee administration of the church until a new bishop is named by the Vatican.

The announcement came in a press release issued Thursday, a day following the installation of now-Archbishop George Niederauer in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, following his formal goodbye and farewell Mass earlier this month at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Monsignor Fitzgerald, who is vicar general of the diocese, said of the announcement, "Now that we have said farewell to Archbishop Niederauer with numerous celebrations, it is time for us to settle down and begin the work of preparing for a new bishop in this diocese. We do this with prayer to the Holy Spirit to send us the bishop that we will need to guide us into the future."

The 70-year old Monsignor Fitzgerald served as diocesan administrator 11 years ago when Bishop William Wiegand was moved to the Diocese of Sacramento. It was nearly a year before Bishop Niederauer was named the new leader of the local diocese.

Until another bishop is designated, Monsignor Fitzgerald will oversee the everyday operations of the diocese, ensuring that the ordinary work of the Catholic Church in Utah continues to run smoothly. He will continue in his duties as vicar general.

Diocesan spokeswoman Monica Howa-Johnson said Monsignor Fitzgerald was born and reared in Salt Lake City and ordained a priest in 1962. He earned a master's degree in social work at the University of Utah and was executive director of Catholic Charities.

He pastored three local churches — St. Patrick's, St. Marguerite's and St. Mary of the Assumption. He also served at the U.'s Newman Center.

In the 1970s, he was director of religious eduction and superintendent of Catholic schools. He served as principal of Judge Memorial High School from 1991-93, and as an administrator at the school from 1994-95. For the past 11 years, he has served as vicar general.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Monsignor Fitzgerald led the diocese in a worship service at the Cathedral of the Madeleine to memorialize victims of the terrorist attacks that morning in the absence of Bishop Niederauer, who was out of town.

"We are shocked, saddened and grieved at the attack on this nation and its citizens," Monsignor Fitzgerald said. "It's time that we join with people of faith in prayer. We pray for national calm, for a compassionate response, and for the proper support and wisdom for the victims and their families. We ask God's guidance on the nation and our leaders as they respond."

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E-mail: carrie@desnews.com