New Pastor Assignments – Fr. William Wheaton

+ Enlarge

Father William Wheaton

Four priests in the Diocese of Salt Lake City have received assignments as pastors or administrators at new parishes. The assignments take effect Aug. 1. Here, Fr. Bill Wheaton answers a few questions about himself.

Father William Wheaton

Assigned to Holy Family Parish

Fr. William (Bill) Wheaton was ordained a priest on June 27, 1992 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church by Bishop William K. Weigand. He has served in numerous parishes in the diocese: St. Vincent de Paul, Blessed Sacrament, St. Peter, St. Patrick, Notre Dame de Lourdes, St. Francis Xavier, St. Ambrose and, most recently, St. Pius X and its associated missions. He also has served as the diocesan Director of Religious Education and Director of Vocations, an advocate for the Tribunal, and dean of the Southeastern and Eastern deaneries.

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

I think the most important thing about my new assignment for me is that I’m coming home. I was born in Ogden, and I went to St. Joseph grade school and high school. I went away to seminary for four years, but then returned to Ogden and taught 5th grade and 8th grade at St. Joseph Elementary for six years, and was always active in the parish. I know that every parish is different, so I come with experience but also with an openness to learn what works up there. I will be open to them to minister to them and meet them where they are at. I don’t come saying, “This is what we’re going to do;” I come with an openness to learn about what they need and to use my experience to help meet those needs.

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

I’m looking forward to reconnecting with friends and people whom I know. I love Ogden, and I love the area. I have my roots there. My parents are buried there. I’m looking forward to going home again. I see this as probably the last assignment before I retire, so in a way I’ve come full circle.

As a priest, what has been your biggest challenge?

For me, especially for these last eight years living down here in Moab and serving in Monticello and Green River, the isolation of so many of our Catholics is difficult. We forget how hard it is in these rural areas when the closest priest is two hours away. The isolation of rural ministry is difficult. It’s a very challenging situation to work in rural missions, especially where there’s the isolation.

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

I think the personal interactions – being part of people’s lives at the high and low points, being part of their everyday life, being embraced by the community and accepted, being able to provide sacramental ministry to people not only on Sundays but throughout their lives, and getting to know families. Down here in Moab for the past eight years, I’ve watched families grow and change, and children grow up and people die, and that’s been probably the most satisfying, and also one of the hardest to leave, because after that long of a time and in a small community you’re part of their family.